Saikat Sen

Total phenolic, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacity of the leaves of Meyna spinosa Roxb., an Indian medicinal plant.

AIM The objective of the present study was to determine the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, and to evaluate the antioxidant potential of different leaf extracts of Meyna spinosa Roxb. ex Link, a traditional medicinal plant of India. METHODS Free radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of the methanol, ethyl acetate, and petroleum ether extracts of Meyna spinosa leaves were investigated using several in vitro and ex vivo assays, including the 2, 2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging, superoxide anion scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, metal chelating assay, and reducing power ability method. Total antioxidant activity of the extracts was estimated by the ferric thiocyanate method. Inhibition assay of lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis were also performed to confirm the protective effect of the extracts. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extracts were estimated using standard chemical assay procedures. RESULTS Methanol extracts showed the highest polyphenolic content and possessed the better antioxidant activity than the other two extracts. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in the methanol extract were (90.08 ± 0.44) mg gallic acid equivalents/g and (58.50 ± 0.09) mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. The IC50 of the methanol extract in the DPPH(·), superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide radical, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and metal chelating assays were (16.4 ± 0.41), (35.9 ± 0.19), (24.1 ± 0.33), (23.7 ± 0.09), (126.8 ± 2.92), and (117.2 ± 1.01) μg·mL(-1), respectively. The methanol extract showed potent reducing power ability, total antioxidant activity, and significantly inhibit lipid peroxidation and oxidative hemolysis which was similar to that of standards. CONCLUSION The results indicated a direct correlation between the antioxidant activity and the polyphenolic content of the extracts, which may the foremost contributors to the antioxidant activity of the plant. The present study confirmed that the methanol extract of Meyna spinosa leaves is a potential source of natural antioxidants.

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by ethnic people in West and South district of Tripura, India

An ethno-medicinal investigation was conducted to highlights the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants being used by the tribe in West and South district of Tripura. This paper provides information about the different uses of plants used in their primary health care system. Tripura is a small north-eastern state of India and also a part of both Himalayan and Indo-Burma biodiversity region. It is a goldmine of medicinal plants and use of different plants in tribal traditional heath care systems has long history. Nineteen different tribes in Tripura, depend on natural resources at a great extent. This paper documented 113 medicinal plant species from 56 families along with their botanical name, local name, family name, habit, medicinal parts used, and traditional usage of application. The dominant families are Euphorbiaceae (7 species), Apocynaceae (6 species), Fabaceae and Rubiaceae (5 species each), Caesalpiniaceae, Asteraceae, Liliaceae and Verbenaceae (4 species each), Combretaceae, Labiatae, Malvaceae, Rutaceae and Zingiberaceae (3 species each). Tribes of Tripura have rich traditional knowledge on plant based medicine. Different parts of the plants in crude form/plant extracts/ decoctions/infusion or pastes are employed in diverse veterinary and human diseases by the tribe’s of Tripura in daily life.

Antiulcerogenic effect of gallic acid in rats and its effect on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in stomach tissue

In the present study, we investigate the antiulcerogenic effect of gallic acid against aspirin plus pyrolus ligation-induced gastric ulcer in rats. Rats were treated with gallic acid (100 and 200 mg/kg) and famotidine (20 mg/kg) for 1 week, followed by induction of gastric ulcer using the aspirin plus pyrolus ligation model. At the end of 4 h after ligation, the rats were sacrificed and ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH and other biochemical parameter of gastric juice were evaluated. Stomachs of rats were evaluated biochemically to determine oxidant and antioxidant parameters. Pretreatment with gallic acid significantly decreased ulcer index, gastric juice volume, free and total acidity, total protein, DNA content and increased pH and carbohydrates concentration. Gallic acid at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg exerted 69.7 and 78.9% ulcer inhibition, respectively. The levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidise, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase were increased while reduction in myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxidation were observed in the stomach tissues of the drug treated rats. The histopathological studies further confirmed the antiulcer activity of gallic acid. We conclude that the gallic acid possesses antiulcer effect and that these occur by a mechanism that involves attenuation of offensive factors, improvement of mucosal defensive with activation of antioxidant parameters and inhibition of some toxic oxidant parameters.

Antiinflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant activities of Phyllanthus acidus L. extracts

Abstract Objective To evaluate analgesic, anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant potential and determine total phenolic, total flavonoid content of leaves extracts of Phyllanthus acidus, a folk medicinal plant of India. Methods Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw oedema, cotton pellet induced granuloma, membrane stabilizing activity method. Analgesic activity of the extracts was estimated against acetic acid induced writhing, tail immersion method, formalin test. Free radical scavenging and antioxidant potential of the extracts of Phyllanthus acidus leaves was performed using several in vitro and ex vivo assay models. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined using standard chemical methods. Results The extracts exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at dose dependent manner. Methanol extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg showed superior activity which was comparable with the standard drugs. Ethyl acetate extract showed moderate activity while petroleum ether extract showed least activity. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in methanol extract were 73.08±0.682 mg GAE/g and 61.28±0.062 mg QE/g respectively. The extracts possess significant antioxidant activity, methanol extract showed highest IC50 value. The contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds could be correlated with the antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities observed for Phyllanthus acidus leaves. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Phyllanthus acidus contains potential antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds which could be tested as drug candidates against oxidative stress, pain and inflammation related pathological diseases.

Revival, modernization and integration of Indian traditional herbal medicine in clinical practice: Importance, challenges and future

In spite of incredible advances in modern science, technology and allopathic medicine a large we are unable to provide quality healthcare to all. Traditional medicine particularly herbal medicine considered as a major healthcare provider around the globe particularly in rural and remote areas. A large section of people depends on such medicine for their primary healthcare mainly in underdeveloped or developing countries. Indian traditional medicinal system like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani has a very rich history of their effectiveness; modern research also acknowledged the importance of such medicine. Indian traditional medicine or medicinal plants are also considered as a vital source of new drug. Mainstreaming of such medicine is important for the people. Several steps have been taken in India to promote such medicine and to integrate them into clinical practice. Evidence based incorporation of Indian traditional medicine in clinical practice will help to provide quality healthcare to all.

Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

DM is connected with long-standing damage, dysfunction, and malfunction of different organs like the eyes, kidneys, skin, heart, nerves, blood vessels, etc. DM has swiftly turned into a global health problem because of its complications with quickly rising in population, aging, urbanization, and increase in the incidence of physical inactivity and obesity.

Synergistic effect of the combination of gallic acid and famotidine in protection of rat gastric mucosa

BACKGROUND Antioxidant supplements with existing drugs may confer better therapeutic efficacy in oxidative stress related diseases. The purpose of the present work was to characterize the interaction and investigate the protective effect of H2 blocker famotidine and gallic acid in combination against experimentally induced peptic ulcer. METHODS Preventive effect of gallic acid and famotidine in different combinations was investigated against aspirin plus pyloric ligation induced ulcer in rat. Ulcer index, gastric juice volume, pH, other biochemical parameters of gastric juice and antioxidant activity using stomach tissue were estimated. RESULTS Pretreatment with gallic acid and famotidine in combinations for 7 days, protected the gastric mucosa significantly (p<0.05, 0.01), which was evidenced by decrease in ulcer index, gastric juice volume, free and total acidity, total protein, pepsin and DNA content, and increase in pH, carbohydrates concentration in gastric juice. Combination treatment increases levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and decreases lipid peroxidation, myloperoxidase in stomach tissue. Along with higher dose combination, lower dose combinations like gallic acid (50mg/kg) plus famotidine (10mg/kg) also offered better antiulcer activity than their individual effect. Histopathological studies confirmed their antiulcer activity. CONCLUSION Combination treatments confer synergistic protective effect against peptic ulcer in rats, which was related to the gastroprotective, antisecratory and antioxidant activity of combination treatment. Results proved that use of gallic acid with existing antiulcer drug will be more useful in the prevention/management of peptic ulcer.

Acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Protective role of Cardiospermum halicacabum

Context: Nephrotoxicity induced by several synthetic drugs is a major problem of modern age. Medicinal plants and phytomedicine are the prime choice of research as they possess better activity and lesser side effects. Objective: To investigate the protective effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. (Sapindaceae), methanol and petroleum ether extracts against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Nephrotoxicity was induced by the administration of acetaminophen suspension (750 mg/kg, p.o.) after the pretreatment with methanol extract (MECF) and petroleum ether extract (PEECF) of Cardiospermum halicacabum for 7 days. Forty-eight h after the acetaminophen administration estimations of serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, total proteins, cholesterol, albumin level and histological analysis of kidney injuries were determined. Results: In nephrotoxic animals, a significant (P < 0.01) elevation of serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol and depletion of total proteins and albumin were observed. Pretreatment with MECF and PEECF (400 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) decreased serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol level and causes elevation of total protein and albumin level, though MECF produces better effect than PEECF in rats. Histopathological studies also confirm the protective effect of extracts. The protective effect of Cardiospermum halicacabum was associated with restoration of serum alkaline phosphate, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, total protein and albumin level. Discussion and conclusions: Methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Cardiospermum halicacabum had a significant nephroprotective activity against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata: folk medicinal use to scientific approach.

Context: Pisonia aculeata leaves (Nyctagenaceae), a Folk medicinal plant used in the treatment of several inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress associated diseases. Objective: To evaluate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract of P. aculeata leaves (MEPA). Materials and methods: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of MEPA (250 and 500 mg/kg) were evaluated using writhing, formalin, hot plate, tail flick, carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and membrane stabilizing activity. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of MEPA were also determined using standard methods. Results: Oral administration of MEPA showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of paw edema, pronounced at 4 h and 5 h after carrageenan injection, and at 200 µg/mL exerts 77.67 and 38.51% protective effect against hypotonic solution and heat induced hemolysis, respectively. MEPA (250 and 500 mg/kg) produced 35.21 and 79.14% inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing. Furthermore, MEPA (500 mg/kg) inhibited 49.19% early and 73.14% late phase of formalin-induced hypernociception. In contrast, a lower dose of MEPA did not prevent hot plate induced nociception, while in the tail immersion method, pronounced analgesic activity was observed between 1 and 4 h postdosing. The extract possesses significant in vitro antioxidant activity and a lipid peroxidation inhibition effect. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in MEPA were 87.99 ± 0.87 mg GAE/g and 58.98 ± 0.01 mg QE/g, respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Our findings confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata leaves. Contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in extract could be correlated with its observed biological activities.

Tribal life in the environment and biodiversity of Tripura, India

ABSTRACT: Tripura is a landlocked small hilly state of north-eastern India and part of richest reservoir of biodiversity. Aggressive civilization, rapid growth of industrialization and pollution results loss of different species from the earth causes danger to biodiversity. Different tribes of Tripura still lives on and near forest and depend on local flora and fauna for the food, shelter, medication and ritual ceremonies. Environmental hazards and destruction of forest resulted permanent loss of different flora and fauna for the earth. This also causes great changes in the lives of tribal people of the state. Now this is appropriate time of demand to ensure the biodiversity and conserve it to protect the traditional life of tribal people and the world environment. KEYWORDS: Biodiversity,Environment,Conservation,Tribal people,Tripura.Download this article as: Copy the following to cite this article: Biplab De, Debbarma T, Sen S, Chakraborty R. Tribal life in the environment and biodiversity of Tripura, India. Curr World Environ 2010;5(1):59-66.