Raghavendra Naik

Comparative nutritional evaluation of four botanical source plants of jīvantī: A classical Ayurvedic drug

CONTEXT: Jīvantī is one among the best vegetable drugs to be consumed according to classical texts of āyurveda. As a single drug it is used as jīvanīya (longevity promoter), snehopaga (oleating), śvāsahara (anti-asthmatic), vayasthāpana (anti-aging), rasāyana (rejuvenator) and cakṣuṣya (eye tonic). It is also included as an ingredient of many polyherbal formulations. AIMS: The present study was carried out to evaluate the comparative nutritional values of aerial parts of Leptadenia reticulata (Retz.), Holostemma ada-kodien Schult., Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf., and Dendrobium macraei Lindl., four claimed botanical source plants of jīvanti. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different nutritional parameters like carbohydrate, fat, protein energy value, calcium, iron, zinc, manganese, phosphorus, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C were evaluated following the standard guidelines. RESULTS: Among the four plants, L. reticulata is found more nutritious by having the highest content of protein, fat, energy value phosphorus, and Vitamin A, compared to other three source drugs of jīvanti. Micronutrients such as zinc, manganese and calcium are more in W. volubilis. Holostemma ada-kodien Schult. Is having more amount of carbohydrate and Vitamin C while iron content is high in D. macraei Lindl. CONCLUSIONS: Among the four different source plants used in the name of classical drug jīvantī, L. reticulata is found more nutritious with the highest content of protein, fat, energy value phosphorus, and Vitamin A. Micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, and calcium are more in Wattakaka volubilis.

Micrometric Study and Random Amplified Polymorphic Deoxyribonucleic Acid Analysis of Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf. Leaves

The leaves of Jīvantī are considered to be the best among the vegetables in the classical texts of Ayurveda. In some parts of India, Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf. is used in the name of Jīvantī for treatment of pyoderma, fever, cough, cold, rheumatic pain, diabetes, eye diseases, snake bite etc. The present study deals with the micrometric evaluation and molecular characterization of Wattakaka volubilis (Linn. f.) Stapf. leaves by random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (RAPD) markers by following standard parameters. Morphological study showed that leaves are 6.5–14 × 4.5–11 cm, in size, broadly ovate or suborbicular with reticulate venation. Transverse section of petiole measures about 2.7 μm, showing single-layered epidermis with multicellular, warty trichomes. Cortex contains chloroplast and several prismatic and rosette crystals. Section through midrib measures about 3.4 × 3.2 μm, having centrally located bicollateral vascular bundle supported by ground tissue. Powder microscopy showed the presence of multicellular and glandular trichomes, paracytic stomata, rosette crystals of calcium oxalate, oil globules and chlorophyll pigments. In RAPD analysis, all the 10 primers showed good amplification. The unique bright and light bands obtained in polymerase chain reaction amplification along with quantitative pharmacognostical characters can be considered as a measure for authentication and standardization of the plant.

Evaluation of acute toxicity and intestinal transit time of Olax scandens Roxb. leaves

Introduction: Olax scandens Roxb. is a shrub or small tree found throughout tropical India. Fruits and leaves of this plant are used for medicinal and food purpose. Traditionally, leaves of O. scandens are used as vegetable in constipation. Aim: To evaluate the acute toxicity and intestinal transit time of O. scandens leaves on experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Acute oral toxicity study for sample was carried out following OECD guidelines. Evaluation of intestinal transit time was carried out in the dose of 1300 mg/kg by adopting Kaolin expulsion test and latency of the onset of kaolin expulsion in fecal matter in mice. Results: The results show that the test drug is not likely to produce any toxicity in higher dose. In kaolin expulsion test, the drug produced mild increase in intestinal motility in mice proved by fast clearance of kaolin pellet in comparison to control group. Conclusion: The leaves of O. scandens are safe at higher dose and showed mild laxative activity in the dose of 1300 mg/kg body weight of mice.

Evaluation of phytochemical content, nutritional value and antioxidant activity of Phanji - Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) Choisy leaf

Background: Rivea hypocrateriformis (Desr.) Choisy is known to be the source plant of Phanji, a classically delineated leafy vegetable which is till date used by some hill dwelling Kandha tribes of Odisha. Though it is in use since a long time, it is not yet evaluated for its nutritive value. Aim: The leaves of R. hypocrateriformis were evaluated for its nutritive value and antioxidant potential. Materials and Methods: The in vitro antioxidant properties of the leaf of R. hypocrateriformis were screened through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity. Phytochemicals, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate, energy value, and mineral content of the leaves of the plant were evaluated with standard procedures. Results: In phytochemical analysis, tannin, alkaloids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates were present in leaf powder of R. hypocrateriformis. Energy content was found to be highest (331.54 kcals/100 g). Carbohydrate, fat, protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc were present in 57.63%, 2.66%, 19.27%, 0.99%, 0.34%, 0.32%, and 0.011%, respectively. The IC50 values of the extract and ascorbic acid were found to be 254 ± 5.29 μg/ml and 11.67 ± 0.58 μg/ml, respectively. Percentage scavenging of DPPH radical was found to rise with increasing concentration of the crude extract. Total antioxidant capacity of the extract was found to be 111.30 ± 0.003 mcg. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the leaves of R. hypocrateriformis contain secondary metabolites such as tannin and possess mild antioxidant properties. Nutritional analysis indicates the presence of energy in highest amount, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, and magnesium.