Rl Khosa

Anti-inflammatory activity of an alkaloid from Solanum trilobatum on acute and chronic inflammation models

The solasodine isolated from Solanum trilobatum has been examined for possible anti-inflammatory activity in acute and chronic inflammatory animal models. Solasodine (5, 30 and 75 mg kg−1) exerted statistically significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, which was similar to that of indomethacin (10 mg kg−1), a known anti-inflammatory agent. At the dose of 75 mg kg−1, solasodine inhibited the arachidonic acid-elicited rat paw oedema 1 h after arachidonic acid challenge. Topical application of solasodine significantly inhibited the ear inflammation induced by multiple applications of tetradecanoyl-phorbol 13-acetate. It also suppressed the volume of exudates, total leucocytes and amount of neutrophil migration into the rat pleural cavity. Administration of solasodine at a dose of 75 mg kg−1 significantly inhibited the adjuvant-induced rat paw oedema. These results suggest that solasodine exerts anti-inflammatory activity, at least partly through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase pathways.

Antiinflammatory, Analgesic and Antipyretic Activities of Aerial Parts of Costus speciosus Koen

In the present study, methanol extracts of Costus speciosus Koen. aerial parts were assessed for antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities in experimental animals. The antiinflammatory activity of methanol extract of Costus speciosus (400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema test. Analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and Eddy’s hot-plate models and antipyretic activity was assessed by Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The methanol extract of aerial parts of Costus speciosus in a dose of 400 and 800 mg/kg showed significant antiinflammatory activity (19.36 and 40.05% reduction) at 5 h postmedication. In analgesic models extract treated animals at (400 and 800 mg/kg) inhibited writhing’s caused by acetic acid by 14.24 and 31.90%, respectively, and it also increased the latency period at both high and low doses which showed the mean reaction time at 16.60±0.355 s and 14.12±0.355 s, respectively, when compared to control in hot-plate test. It also reduces the rectal temperature of the animals at low and high doses significantly 37.03±0.108° and 36.63±0.098°, respectively, in Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia. The obtained results of the present investigation revealed that methanol extract of Costus speciosus has significant antiinflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities.

Antinociceptive activity of steroid alkaloids isolated from Solanum trilobatum Linn.

Solasodine (1) was isolated for the first time from the roots of Solanum trilobatum Linn., a member of the Solanaceae, and assessed for its presumed antinociceptive activity using several experimental murine models, viz. the writhing, formalin, and hot plate tests. When used at doses of 2, 4, and 8 mg/kg, this steroidal alkaloid caused a significant and dose-dependent decrease in the nociception induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid (p < 0.001). It also led to a significant reduction of the painful sensation caused by formalin in both phases of the formalin test (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the alkaloid produced a significant increase in the reaction time in the hot plate test (p < 0.001). These results suggest that solasodine elicited antinociceptive activity through both central and peripheral mechanisms.

Wedelia chinenis (Asteraceae) – An overview

Article history: Objective: The plant Wedelia chinensis (W. chinensis) belonging to family Asteraceae (sunflower family) has great importance in Ayurvedic, Sidhha and Unani systems of traditional medicine. Thorough screening of literature available on W. chinensis depicted the fact that it is a popular remedy among the various ethnic groups, Ayurvedic and traditional practitioners for treatment of various ailments. Extensive studies show presence of flavonoids, diterpenes, triterpene saponins and phytosteroids. W. chinensis is reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, CNS depressant, anti-osteoporic, anticonvulsant, wound healing, sedative, antistress, antiulcerogenic and anticancer activity. This work gives an overview of the phytochemical and pharmacological evidence of W. chinensis. Although more studies are necessary to explore the therapeutic potential of this plant as, it has more therapeutic properties which are not known.

Development of standardization parameters of Costus speciosus rhizomes with special reference to its pharmacognostical and HPTLC studies

Abstract Objective To study sailent diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of the rhizomes of Costus speciosus along with their phytochemical analysis, physicochemical parameters fluorescence characteristics and HPTLC studies. Methods Fresh rhizome and dried powder sample of the rhizomes were studied macro- morphologically and microscopically. Preliminary phytochemical investigation of plant material and WHO recommended parameters for the standardization were also performed. HPTLC method for the quantification of diosgenin in the ethanolic extract of Costus speciosus rhizomes was also established. Results The rhizome shows a special type of periderm called “Storied Cork”. It consists of several, normally oblong, tangentially stretched, thin walled phellom cells. There are numerous vascular bundles scattered throughout the cortical zone. Each bundle has a cluster of four or five narrow angular xylem elements and a smallest of phloem elements. Stelar portion has less distinct endodermis and pericyclic layers and central scattered vascular bundles. Calcium oxalate crystals of rhomboidal, cuboidal and cylindrical in shape are common in the ground parenchyma cells. The prismatic crystals are 10 μm wide and the druses are 20-30 μm wide. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the rhizomes shows the presence of steroids, saponin glycosides and sugars. In HPTLC studies the Rf value of diosgenin was found to be 0.61. Linearity was found to be in the concentration range of 600 to 1800ng/spot and the correlation coefficient value is 0.9934. The results of analysis were validated in terms of accuracy and precision. The LOD and LOQ were found to be 5.69 ng and 17.25 ng/spot respectively. Conclusions The pharmacognostical and HPTLC profile of the rhizomes of Costus speciosus will assist in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification.

Evaluation of anti-arthritic potential of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Costus speciosus

Objective: Costus speciosus Koen. (Keu, Crape ginger), an ornamental plant, widely distributed in India is traditionally used as astringent, aphrodisiac, purgative, anthelmintic, depurative, febrifuge and expectorant. The plant is also used in rheumatism, dropsy, urinary diseases and jaundice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of Costus speciosus (CS) in experimental animal models. Materials and Methods: The powdered drug was subjected to successive solvent extraction, with solvents in increasing order of polarity to obtain the methanolic extract of the aerial parts of the plant. CS was evaluated for anti-arthritic action by Freunds adjuvant induced arthritis test in adult Albino rats (150-200 gm). Rats were injected 0.1 ml of complete Freunds adjuvant into the planter region of the left hind paw. Statistical analysis was performed using One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Bonferonni test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The methanolic extract of CS in doses of 400 and 800 mg/kg showed 75.50% and 68.33% protection against increase in paw edema, respectively. CS showed dose-dependent action in all the experimental models. Conclusion: The present study indicates that CS has significant anti-arthritic properties.

Hepatoprotective potential of ethanolic extract of Pandanus odoratissimus root against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Background: Pandanus odoratissimus (Pandanaceae) is popular in the indigenous system of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy. In the traditional system of medicine various plant parts such as leaves, root, flowers, and oils are used as anthelmintic, tonic, stomachic, digestive and in the treatment of jaundice and various liver disorders. Objective: The aim was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of the root of P. odoratissimus against paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rat by PCM (2 g/kg b.w. p.o. for 7 days). The ethanolic extract of P. odoratissimus root was administered at the dose level of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg b.w. orally for 7 days and silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) as standard drug was administered once daily for a week. The hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic extract was evaluated by assessment of biochemical parameters such as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, total and direct bilirubin and triglycerides. Histopathological study of rat liver was also done. Results: Experimental findings revealed that the extract at dose level of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of b.w. showed dose dependant hepatoprotective effect against PCM induced hepatotoxicity by significantly restoring the levels of serum enzymes to normal that was comparable to that of silymarin, but the extract at dose level of 400 mg/kg was found to be more potent when compared to that of 200 mg/kg. Besides, the results obtained from histopathological study also support the study. Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that ethanolic extract of the root of P. odoratissimus afforded significant protection against PCM induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Anti-diabetic activity of methanolic extract of Alpinia galanga Linn. aerial parts in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Introduction: Alpinia galanga Linn. belongs to the family Zingiberaceae has been used as a traditional medicine in China for relieving stomach ache, treating cold, invigorating the circulatory systems, diabetes, and reducing swelling. Aim: To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of A. galanga aerial parts on streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ at a dose of 60 mg/kg bodyweight. Test drug methanolic extract of A. galanga (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg b.w.) as standard drug was administered orally for 21 consecutive days in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Fasting blood glucose level, serum lipid profiles, as well as initial and final changes in body weight were assessed along with histopathology. All the parameters were statistically analyzed by using one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni t-test. Results: Experimental findings showed significant dose dependent antidiabetic potential of methanolic extract in terms of reduction of fasting blood glucose level and various biochemical parameters in diabetic rats when compared with that of the diabetic control group, which might be due to the stimulatory effect of methanolic extracts on the regenerating β-cells and also on the surviving β-cells. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of aerial parts of A. galanga was effective in controlling blood glucose level and improve lipid profile in euglycemic as well as diabetic rats.

Pharmacognostical study and establishment of quality parameters of aerial parts of Costus speciosus-a well known tropical folklore medicine

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic pharmacognostical characters of Costus speciosus (aerial parts) along with their physico-chemical parameters and fluorosence analysis. METHOD The pharmacognostical characters were determined in terms of macroscopy, microscopy, powder microscopy, leaf constant, fluorescence analysis and preliminary phytochemical investigation. RESULTS The findings of macroscopy revealed that leaves elliptic to oblong or oblong-lancoelate, thick, spirally arranged, with stem clasping sheaths up to 4 cm, flowers large, white, cone-like terminal spikes, with bright red bracts. Transverse section of leaflet showed the presence of cuticularised epidermis with polygonal cells on adaxial surface and bluntly angled cells on abaxial surface of lamina, mesophyll cells differentiated in to single layered palisade cells on each surface and 2-3 layered spongy parenchyma, unicellular and uniseriate multicellular covering trichomes, paracytic stomata and vascular bundles surrounded by sclerenchymatous multicellular sheath. Preliminary phytochemical screening exhibited the presence of various phytochemical groups like alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, phenolic constituents. Further, the leaf constants, powder microscopy and fluorescence characteristics indicated outstanding results from this investigation. CONCLUSIONS Various pharmacognostical and physico-chemical parameters have pivotal roles in identification, authentication and establishment of quality parameters of the species.

Antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.

Objective: In the present investigation, ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus (EECR) rhizomes was evaluated for antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic swiss mice. Materials and Methods: After administration of EECR extract for 3 weeks, the body weight, blood glucose, biomarker enzymes (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase [SGPT] and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT]), and plasma lipid levels were measured in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Results: The ethanolic extract at dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight revealed significant antidiabetic activity, improvement in body weight, and reduction in elevated biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: These experimental findings seemed to indicate the use of this plant in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of diabetes.