Mamta B. Shah

Leucas aspera: A review.

Leucas aspera commonly known as ‘Thumbai’ is distributed throughout India from the Himalayas down to Ceylon. The plant is used traditionally as an antipyretic and insecticide. Medicinally, it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive and cytotoxic activity. Further, studies reveal the presence of various phytochemical constituents mainly triterpenoids, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and b-sitosterol, nicotine, sterols, glucoside, diterpenes, phenolic compounds (4-(24-hydroxy-1-oxo-5-n-propyltetracosanyl)-phenol). These studies reveal that L. aspera is a source of medicinally active compounds and have various pharmacological effects; hence, this drug encourage finding its new therapeutic uses.

Antiulcer activity of the root bark of Oroxylum indicum against experimental gastric ulcers

Abstract The current study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the root bark of Oroxylum indicum. Vent. (Bignoniaceae) against experimental gastric ulcers. The 50% alcohol extract of root bark of Oroxylum indicum. and its different fractions, viz., petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n.-butanol, were studied (p.o.) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The alcohol extract (300 mg/kg) and its different fractions (100 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in gastric ulceration. Out of all these fractions, the petroleum ether (96%) and n.-butanol (99%) fractions showed maximum inhibition of gastric lesions against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The results were comparable with omeprazole (reference standard). In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, treatment with both the active fractions and omeprazole showed significant antioxidant activity as evident from the reduction in the extent of lipid peroxidation that was measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), along with significant rise in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione levels (GSH), when compared with the control group. In 6-h pylorus-ligated animals, active fractions of drug at 100 mg/kg showed significant reduction in the ulcer index. Furthermore, in the pylorus-ligation model, significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed in total acidity, total acid output, pepsin activity, and pepsin output, along with a significant rise in the total carbohydrate to protein ratio (reflecting mucin activity) when compared with the control group. TLC studies revealed the presence of baicalein in the petroleum ether and hydrosylate in n.-butanol fraction. Fingerprinting of both the active fractions was developed by performing HPLC analysis. Baicalein was found to be a major flavonoid present both in petroleum ether and n.-butanol hydrosylate. The mechanism of its antiulcer activity could be attributed to a decrease in gastric acid secretory and antioxidant activities leading to gastric cytoprotection. This activity could be linked to the presence of baicalein in the root bark of the plant.

Investigation into Hepatoprotective Activity of Citrus limon.

Abstract The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Citrus limon. (L.) Burm. (Rutaceae) fruits, commonly known as lemon, in experimental liver damage. The ethanol extract of Citrus limon. fruits was evaluated for its effects on experimental liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride, and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the extract was evaluated on HepG2 cell line. The ethanol extract normalized the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total and direct bilirubin, which were altered due to carbon tetrachloride intoxication in rats. In the liver tissue, treatment significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hence the lipid peroxidation, and raised the levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. It improved the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in treated rats in comparison with CCl4-intoxicated rats. In the histopathologic studies, treated animals exhibited restoration of the liver architecture toward normal. Three doses of ethanol extract (i.e., 150, 300, and 500 mg/kg) were evaluated. The effect seen was dose dependent, and the effect of the highest dose was almost equal to the standard silymarin. In the investigation carried out on human liver–derived HepG2 cell line, significant reduction in cell viability was observed in cells exposed to CCl4. A dose-dependent increase in the cell viability was observed when CCl4-exposed HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the ethanol extract. The highest percentage viability of HepG2 cells was observed at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The extract merits further investigation to identify the active principles responsible for the hepatoprotective effect. The results from the current investigation also indicate good correlation between the in vivo. and in vitro. studies.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Premna integrifolia root.

Roots of Premna integrifolia Linn. Mant. (Verbanacea) are important rasayana (Adaptogenic) drugs and are considered to be useful in the treatment of variety of ailments. The present study was aimed at evaluating the for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Pretreatment with a single dose of methanolic extract of P. integrifolia (PIM) (300 mg/kg b.w.) produced significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, histamine induced wheal formation, and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation. In a 7-day study, daily administration of PIM suppressed formalin induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation. The extract also showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-I) activity on rat uterus and plasma membrane stabilization. Apart from this, the antioxidant activity (in vitro) of the extracts was evaluated using the anti radical, superoxide scavenging, erythrocyte membrane stability, anti lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power (ferric thiocynate method and β-carotene bleaching test) assays. PIM showed significant anti-oxidant activity. In addition, PIM (300mg/kg b.w.) produced no observable sub acute toxicity in mice with in 15 days. The results scientifically demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of P. integrifolia roots in various experimental models probably through their antihistaminic, antikinin, COX-inhibitory and antioxidant action. This therefore justifies the folkloric use of the plant.

Involvement of the PI3K/AKT pathway in the hypoglycemic effects of saponins from Helicteres isora.

AIM OF THE STUDY Saponins from Helicteres isora have previously been shown to exert antidiabetic effects. The present study explored the underlying mechanisms in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS C2C12 cells were incubated with saponins and sapogenin followed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Western blotting revealed that incubation with saponins (100 microg/ml) and sapogenin (100 microg/ml) induced the phosphorylation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) as well as of the downstream targets protein kinase B/Akt (at Ser473) and glycogen synthase kinase GSK-3 alpha/beta (at Ser21/9) in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, no phosphorylation of the AMP-sensitive kinase AMPK (at Thr172) was observed. Within 48 h saponins/sapogenin treatment further increased the protein abundance of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter Glut4. Confocal microscopy confirmed that saponins/sapogenin treatment stimulated Akt phosphorylation and revealed that the treatment was followed by translocation of Glut4 into the cell membrane of C2C12 muscle cells. CONCLUSIONS Saponins and sapogenin activate the PI3K/Akt pathway thus leading to phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3 alpha/beta with subsequent stimulation of glycogen synthesis as well as increase of Glut4-dependent glucose transport across the cell membrane.

Use of HPTLC to establish a distinct chemical profile for Shankhpushpi and for quantification of scopoletin in Convolvulus pluricaulis choisy and in commercial formulations of Shankhpushpi

Convolvulus pluricaulis is a highly valued rasayana drug of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is one of the four drugs (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Clitoria ternatea, and Canscora decussata) described in Ayurveda as Shankhpushpi. Because C. pluricaulis is described and used as Shankhpushpi by most practitioners, the objective of this study was to develop an HPTLC method for generation of a distinct chemical profile of Shankhpushpi and for quantification of scopoletin in C. pluricaulis and in commercial formulations containing the plant. Because scopoletin is one of the major coumarins in C. pluricaulis, it was used as a chemical marker. Chromatography on silica gel, with toluene–ether, 1 + 1, saturated with 10% glacial acetic acid, as mobile phase enabled good resolution of scopoletin without interference from other compounds present in Shankhpushpi. Scopoletin was resolved at RF 0.31 as a blue fluorescent spot when scanned at λ = 366 nm. The study was extended to the analysis of commercial samples and formulations containing Shankhpushpi. Scopoletin was found to be present in almost all the commercial samples and formulations. Three other coumarins of RF 0.47, 0.55, and 0.63 were present in some of the samples. The HPTLC results were confirmed by results from UV spectroscopic scanning of the samples at λ = 366 nm. The method was validated for linearity (400–1200 ng/spot), correlation coefficient (0.9881), accuracy (recovery = 98.3%), precision (or CV, %; intraday 1.5–3.3%, interday 3.5–5.5%), limit of detection (50 ng/spot), and limit of quantification (100 ng/spot). The method is simple, sensitive, and precise and can be used for routine quality-control testing of C. pluricaulis and its commercial formulations.

A Simple Method for Isolation of Plumbagin from Roots of Plumbago rosea

Abstract Plumbagin, the major active compound and a potential biomarker characteristically found to be present in different Plumbaginales, is isolated by an austere and efficient method involving column chromatography. A literature survey suggests that the roots of Plumbago rosea. Linn. are the richest source of plumbagin. Chemically identified as a naphthoquinone, the compound is claimed to sublime at 90°C. This disposition of the compound correlates with the implication of cold maceration employed in isolation methodology for extraction of root powder with acetone. Plumbagin, being hydrophobic and insoluble in water, was precipitated out by addition of water to the acetone extract. The filtered residue was taken in chloroform, and the concentrated chloroform extract, when subjected to column chromatography, yielded plumbagin (1.65%), elution being carried out with n-hexane:ethyl acetate (92:8). The identity of the compound was confirmed by melting point data, UV, IR, and mass spectral data reported in the literature. The purity of the compound was further analyzed by subjecting the compound to HPTLC studies.

Study of Chlorophytum arundinaceum against experimental gastric ulcer

Abstract The current study was designed to investigate the effect of a 50% alcohol extract of Chlorophytum arundinaceum. Baker (CAE) against ethanol-induced pylorus ligation and cold stress–induced experimental gastric ulcer. The CAE was given at the dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o., in all the models, and results of those were compared with that of animals treated with omeprazole 20 mg/kg, p.o. (reference standard). Ulcer index was a common evaluating parameter in all the models. In the pylorus ligation model, acid secretory parameters (total acid, pepsin activity, and total acid output) and mucoprotective parameters (total carbohydrate, total protein, and mucin activity) were studied. In addition, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity were specifically studied in cold stress–induced gastric ulcer model. Effects on vascular permeability as well as gastric emptying were also studied. CAE has shown significant protection in gastric ulceration as evident from reduction (p < 0.05) in ulcer index in all the models. In the pylorus ligation model, CAE showed significant increase in mucin activity, but no significant change was observed on acid secretory parameters. Besides, CAE has shown antioxidant activity in gastric mucosal homogenate where it reversed the increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) content and the decreased level of catalase content. Further, CAE has shown reduction in vascular permeability and gastric emptying. Hence, it is suggested that Chlorophytum arundinaceum. possesses significant antiulcer activity. The mechanism of its activity is associated with strengthening of the gastric mucosal barrier.

Hepatoprotective activity of punarnavashtak kwath, an Ayurvedic formulation, against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and on the HepG2 cell line

Objective: Punarnavashtak kwath (PNK) is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, mentioned in Ayurvedic literature Bhaishajya Ratnavali, for hepatic disorders and asthma. This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of PNK to validate the traditional use of this formulation. Materials and methods: PNK was prepared in the laboratory according to the method given in Ayurvedic literature. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the presence of phytoconstituents. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and by its effect on the HepG2 cell line. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and a bitter principle in PNK. Administration of PNK produced significant hepatoprotective effect as demonstrated by decreased levels of serum liver marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase, serum alanine transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin and an increase in protein level. Thiopentone-induced sleeping time was also decreased in the PNK-treated animals compared with the CCl4-treated group. It also showed antioxidant activity by increase in activity of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and by a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance level compared with the CCl4-treated group. Results of a histopathological study also support the hepatoprotective activity of PNK. Investigation carried out on the HepG2 cell line depicted significant increase in viability of cells exposed to PNK as compared with CCl4-treated cells. Discussion and Conclusion: It can be concluded that PNK protects hepatocytes from CCl4-induced liver damages due to its antioxidant effect on hepatocytes. An in vitro study on HepG2 cell lines also supports its protective effect.

Anti-diabetic effects of ethanol extract of Bryonia laciniosa seeds and its saponins rich fraction in neonatally streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Context: Bryonia laciniosa Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) seed is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders. Aim: This study evaluated the anti-diabetic action of the ethanol extract of B. laciniosa seeds and saponin fraction of it through its effect on hyperglycemia, dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in neonatally streptozotocin (n-STZ)-induced diabetic rats (n-STZ diabetic rats). Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg; p.o.), saponin fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) and standard drug glibenclamide (3 mg/kg; p.o.) were administered to diabetic rats when the rats were 6 weeks old and continued for 10 consecutive weeks. Effects of ethanol extract and saponin fraction on various biochemical parameters were studied in diabetic rats. Results: The treatment with ethanol extract and saponin fraction for 10 weeks decrease in the levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, serum urea, serum creatinine and diminished activities of aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase. The anti-hyperglycemic nature of B. laciniosa is probably brought about by the extra- the pancreatic mechanism as evidenced from unchanged levels of plasma insulin. B. laciniosa modulated effect of diabetes on the liver malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Administration of ethanol extract and saponin fraction to diabetic rats showed a significant reversal of disturbed antioxidant status. Significant increase in SOD, CAT, and levels of GSH was observed in treated n-STZ diabetic rats. Conclusion: The present study reveals the efficacy of B. laciniosa seed extract and its saponin fraction in the amelioration of n-STZ diabetic rats.