Siva Hemalatha

Gastroprotective activity of ethanolic root extract of Potentilla fulgens Wall. ex Hook

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnPotentilla fulgens (Wall.) ex Hook. (Rosaceae) is a potent medicinal plant of the Western Himalayas, known under the name Himalayan Cinquefoil or Bajradanti, and has been used traditionally to treat ailments including peptic ulcers, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, diabetes and cancer.nnnOBJECTIVEnThe aim of the present study was to scientifically evaluate the gastric-ulcer protective effect of P. fulgens ethanolic root extract (EPF) on experimental rats.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnThe gastroprotective activity of EPF was evaluated on four gastric-ulcer models such as pyloric ligation (PL), ethanol (EtOH), cold restrain stress (CRS) and aspirin (ASP)-induced gastric ulcers. The gastric acid obtained from 4h PL-induced gastric ulcer rats was determined for total volume content, pH and total acid-pepsin output. Total carbohydrates and protein ratio, expressed as index of mucin activity, and DNA content were estimated in the gastric juice and gastric mucosal tissue. The microvascular permeability, H(+)K(+)-ATPase activity, gastric mucus and histamine content were also determined. The levels of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione) and malondialdehyde in the stomach tissue (mucosal scrapings) were quantified. A histopathological study of the stomach was evaluated using eosin-haematoxylin stain.nnnRESULTSnEPF (200-400mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant protection against acute gastric-ulcer induced by EtOH, PL and CRS (400mg/kg, p.o.), but was found to be ineffective against ASP-induced ulcerogens. The effect of EPF on gastric juice studies in 4h PL rats significantly produced an increased level in gastric pH, whereas the effect on gastric volume and acid-pepsin output was observed to decrease significantly. However, EPF was found to have no significant effect on the defensive factors, thus revealing its antisecretory property by inhibiting the aggressive factors. EPF, significantly decreased the histamine level, inhibited the H(+)K(+)-ATPase activity and prevented the microvascular injury caused by ethanol in the rat stomach. Moreover, it was also observed to have antioxidant effects by producing a significant increase in the levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH and decreased the LPO activity. Histopathological studies showed that EPF significantly prevented gastric lesions caused by ethanol.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe present study showed that EPF has potent gastroprotective and antisecretory effects, thus justifying the traditional usage of this herb to treat gastric ulcers.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of standardized root extract of Jasminum sambac.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnThe plant Jasminum sambac L. (Oleaceae) is cultivated throughout India. The leaves and roots of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of inflammation, fever and pain. The leaves of the plant have been reported to posses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.nnnOBJECTIVEnTo scientifically validate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of roots from Jasminum sambac.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnEthanol root extract of Jasminum sambac (EJS) was standardized using HPTLC and was subjected to acute oral toxicity study. Further, analgesic activity of EJS at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated using writhing test on Swiss albino mice and tail-flick test on Charles Foster albino rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of EJS was assessed by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund׳s adjuvant-induced arthritis models, while antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer׳s yeast induced pyrexia. In addition, biochemical parameters such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in blood serum and edematous tissue of rats exposed to acute (carrageenan) and granulomatous tissue in sub-chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) inflammation models were also evaluated.nnnRESULTSnPhytochemical analysis of EJS revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates in major quantities, while the quantity of hesperidin in EJS (using HPTLC) was found to be 4.25%w/w. EJS at 400mg/kg, p.o. reduced writhing count up to 49.21%, whereas in tail-flick test, EJS in a dose dependent manner increased latency in flicking tail. EJS at 400mg/kg, p.o. showed significant anti-inflammatory activity after 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6thh of treatment in carrageenan-induced edema, while a 33.58% inhibition in cotton pellet induced granuloma formation was observed at same dose level. EJS significantly (p<0.001) inhibited adjuvant-induced arthritis and also showed significant antipyretic activity. Further, a significant reversal in alterations of all the biochemical parameters (except ALP) in tissues was also observed.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe study confirms the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of EJS which may be attributed to the presence of various phytoconstituents quantified especially hesperidin which have already been reported for its significant role in the treatment of inflammation and associated problems.

A current update on the phytopharmacological aspects of Houttuynia cordata Thunb

The present review is an attempt to put an insight into a medicinal plant Houttuynia cordata Thunb, which is indigenous to North-East India and China. It is an aromatic medicinal herb belonging to family Saururaceae and is restricted to specialized moist habitats. The review provides detailed information regarding the morphology, distribution, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacological uses and also describes various pharmacological activities reported on the plant H. cordata. The review describes therapeutic efficacy of the whole plant and its extracts, fractions and isolated compounds in different diseased condition. Among the important pharmacological activities reported includes, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, adjuvanticity, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, anti-leukemic, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps activities. Thus, the present review will act as a source of referential information to researchers to perform clinical studies on isolated compounds that may serve the society and will help in improving human health care system.

Wound-healing potential of the root extract of Albizzia lebbeck.

The present investigation is an attempt to scientifically validate the traditional use of the roots of the plant Albizzia lebbeck in Ayurvedic system of medicine for curing wounds. The study included phytochemical standardization of the ethanol root extract of A.xa0lebbeck, which was further subjected to oral acute toxicity study. Wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract was evaluated using incision and excision wound models. Biochemical parameters such as hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and free radical parameters including lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were evaluated on the 10th post-wounding day following dead space method. For confirmation of activity, histopathology of the wounds and granulation tissues from excision and dead space wound model were performed. The study also included assessment of antibacterial activity of ethanol root extract against strains implicated in wound infection. The ethanol root extract was found to be highly rich in flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins, while the amount of rutin was found to be 4.66 % w/w. It significantly increased the wound breaking strength showing a ceiling effect at 500 mg/kg p. o. The ethanol root extract at 500 mg/kg p. o. depicted an optimum wound contraction on the 18th day, while complete wound contraction was observed at the 22nd post wound day. It also demonstrated a significant increase in dry tissue weight, total protein, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione levels, whereas a decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide was also observed with a potential antibacterial activity. Histopathological studies revealed a normal epithelization and fibrosis which was evidenced through an increase in collagen density. Thus, the study scientifically validated the wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract along with a potential antibacterial property which may be attributed to the enhanced collagen synthesis and a potential antioxidant activity.

Phytochemical standardization, antioxidant, and antibacterial evaluations of Leea macrophylla :A wild edible plant

In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, dermatopathies, wounds, inflammation, and in symptoms of diabetes. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extract and its different fractions of Leea macrophylla root tubers using phytochemical profiling which is still unexplored. Quantitative estimations of different phytoconstituents along with characterization of ethanol extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed using chlorogenic acid as a marker compound for the first time. The extract and its successive fractions were also evaluated for inxa0vitro antioxidant activity using different models. The extract was further tested against a few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for its antibacterial activity. Phytochemical screening and quantitative estimations revealed the extract to be rich in alkaloid, flavonoid, phenols, and tannins, whereas chlorogenic acid quantified by HPLC in ethanol extract was 9.01% w/w. The results also indicated potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which was more prominent in the extract followed by its butanol fraction.

Systematic investigation of ethanolic extract from Leea macrophylla: Implications in wound healing.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCEnLeea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) commonly known as Hastikarnapalasa is mainly distributed throughout the tropical parts of India. Traditionally, the plant is found to be effective against guinea worm, ringworm and is applied to sores and wounds.nnnAIM OF THE STUDYnThe present study aims to validate traditional wound healing claim of Leea macrophylla scientifically.nnnMATERIAL AND METHODSnBox-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction process. The optimized root tuber extract of Leea macrophylla was standardized with chlorogenic acid by HPLC for the first time. Both oral and topical routes were selected as administrative means for the wound healing study using excision and incision wound model. For topical treatment bioadhesive gel was formulated and characterized for mechanical and physical characteristics by texture profile analysis (TPA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect on wound healing was also assessed by evaluating antioxidant enzymes viz. glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), free radicals lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase (MPO), collagen markers hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid along with the histopathological examination. Furthermore, the effect on the level of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin -6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined. The expression of cell proliferation nuclear marker Ki-67 was also analyzed by Western blot analysis.nnnRESULTSnWith mesh openings Sieve no. 20, semi polar nature of solvent (92.5:7.5 ethanol-water blend) and extraction time of 18h, substantially greater extraction efficiency (29%) and phenolic yield (181.54mg/g) were obtained. The content of chlorogenic acid in ethanol extracts of Leea macrophylla was obtained as 9.01% w/w. In incision model, oral treatment with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract increased wound breaking strength by 23.41% while bioadhesive gel (5% w/v) showed a higher increase of 44.68%. Topical application produced complete wound contraction in 20 days against 22 days taken by oral treatment. Topical treatment also produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in antioxidants glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase whereas the level of enzymes lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and inflammatory markers myeloperoxidase were reduced. Further advantageous effects were reflected by significantly (p<0.05) increased levels of hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid. Favorable effects on the level of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor - α and growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor were also observed. The wound healing potential of Leea macrophylla was further supported by its ability to promote cell proliferation during wound healing as demonstrated by Western blot analysis of proliferation marker Ki-67.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe study justified traditional use of Leea macrophylla in wound healing and demonstrated that the bioadhesive gel of ethanolic extract produced faster and more significant healing as compared to oral treatment.

Antidiarrhoeal evaluation of root extract, its bioactive fraction, and lupinifolin isolated from Eriosema chinense.

The roots of the plant Eriosema chinense are traditionally used by the tribal people of North East India for treatment of diarrhoea. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to scientifically validate the traditional claim that these roots have an antidiarrhoeal effect. Ethanol extract along with three fractions, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane, as well as isolated lupinifolin from the chloroform fraction, were screened for the normal faecal excretion rate and castor oil-induced diarrhoea model. The results demonstrated a significant (pu2009<u20090.05) reduction in normal faecal output at ethanol extract 400, chloroform fraction 100, chloroform fraction 200, and lupinifolin 10u2009mg/kg p.u200ao. after the 3rd, 5th, and 7th hours of treatment. Also, the same dose level of ethanol extract, chloroform fraction, and lupinifolin depicted maximum protection from diarrhoea in the castor oil-induced diarrhoea model showing a ceiling effect at chloroform fraction 100u2009mg/kg p.u200ao. Ethanol extract at 400, its bioactive fraction chloroform fraction at 100, and lupinifolin at 10u2009mg/kg p.u200ao. significantly inhibited peristaltic index, intestinal fluid volume, and PGE₂-induced enteropooling. They also restored alterations in biochemical parameters such as nitric oxide, total carbohydrates, protein, DNA, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipid peroxidation. The ethanol extract, chloroform fraction, and lupinifolin demonstrated a significant recovery from Na+ and K+ loss and a pronounced antibacterial activity against bacterial strains mainly implicated in diarrhoea. Phytochemical analysis revealed the ethanol extract and chloroform fraction to be highly rich in flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and tannin contents, whereas lupinifolin (a prenylated flavanone), isolated and quantified by HPTLC for the first time, was found to comprise 6.480u200a% and 6.718u200a% (w/w) of the ethanol extract and chloroform fraction, respectively. The antidiarrhoeal activity of the chloroform fraction was found to be the highest, followed by those of the ethanol extract and lupinifolin, which may be due to the presence of lupinifolin along with other phytoconstituents. Thus, the study scientifically validated the antidiarrhoeal potential of the roots from E. chinense, which may be attributed to antimotility- and antisecretory-type effects with a potential antibacterial activity.

Gastroprotective activity of polyphenolic-rich extract of Potentilla mooniana

Abstract Context: Potentilla mooniana Wight. (Rosaceae) is a plant found in the Himalayan region where the root is traditionally used to treat stomach problems including gastric-ulcer. Objective: To scientifically validate the gastro-protective effect and derive the possible mechanistic activity of the ethanol root extract from P. mooniana (EPM). Materials and methods: The gastroprotective effect of EPM (100–400u2009mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated on both the physical (Pyloric ligation, PL; Cold restrain stress, CRS) and chemical (absolute ethanol, EtOH; aspirin, ASP) ulcerogens induced ulceration in rats. The mechanistic activity of EPM was tested on various gastric-ulcer parameters, namely gastric pH, volume, acid–pepsin output, DNA content, histamine level, H+K+–ATPase activity, mucus content, microvascular permeability, antioxidant markers, and gastric-histopathological study. Results: EPM significantly reduces the ulcer score against all the four tested gastric-ulcer models. In the PL model, EPM showed significant reduction (pu2009<u20090.05) in acid–pepsin output and cell shedding; however, no significant effect was observed on gastric volume, cell proliferation, stomach glandular weight, and histamine levels. EPM (400u2009mg/kg, p.o.) when compared with ulcer control showed significant increase in gastric pH by 41.6% and decrease in H+K+–ATPase activity by 47.73%. In addition, EPM showed significant increase in mucus content by 58.60% and a decrease in the microvascular permeability of Evans Blue by 85.00%, justifying its protective effects. Furthermore, EPM also showed significant antioxidant activity and histopathologically possessed excellent cytoprotective effect. Conclusion: The gastro-protective effect of EPM is attributed mainly to the defensive mechanism owing to the presence of a good quantity of polyphenolic components.

Aldose reductase inhibitory potential of different fractions of Houttuynia cordata Thunb

Abstract Objective To evaluate the aldose reductase (AR) inhibitory activity of different fractions from Houttuynia cordata ( H. cordata ) which used as a medicinal salad for lowering of blood sugar level. Methods AR inhibitory activity along with protein content was evaluated in vitro in rat lens. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were also determined in all the fractions. Results All the four fractions were found to inhibit lens AR activity, but to different extent. From dose response curve (DRC), aqueous fraction (AQ) was found to be the most effective AR inhibitor followed by ethyl acetate (EA), chloroform (CL) and hexane fraction (HEX). The IC 50 values of AQ, EA, CL and HEX were calculated to be (64.62±3.90), (90.69±7.50), (134.59±4.90) and (151.58±3.30) μ g/mL respectively. Quercetin was taken as positive control which exhibited AR inhibition with an IC 50 value of (3.21±0.60) μ g/mL in a non-competitive manner. Conclusion These findings indicated that, AQ fraction of H. cordata exhibited significant inhibitory effect on AR in a non-competitive manner, which may be attributed to the presence of high phenolic and flavonoid contents. Thus, the plant H. cordata may act as a promising source in the treatment of secondary complications like cataract associated with diabetes.

HPTLC FINGERPRINTING AND IN VITRO ANTIOXIDANT STUDIES OF ARGYREIA SPECIOSA SWEET LEAVES AND MESUA FERREA LINN. FLOWERS

Natural antioxidants present in plants have attracted interest because of their safety and potential nutritional and therapeu tic effects. The plant kingdom offers a wide range of natural antioxidants. The HPTLC fingerprinting was done for methanolic extracts of Argyreia speciosa leaves and Mesua ferrea flowers . The solvent system developed were Chlol oroform: Methanol:Ethyl acetate :: 9:1.1:0.5 and C hloloroform: Methanol :: 9:1 for Argyreia speciosa and Mesua ferrea respectively . For Argyreia speciosa the prominent Rf and area % obtained were 0.79 and 42.51 at 200 nm; 0.87 and 25.63 at 250 nm; 0.88 and 16.33 at 300 nm; 0.85 and 11.53 at 350 nm; 0.12 and 11.93 at 400 nm; 0.12 and 12.62 at 450 nm and for Mesua ferrea the prominent Rf an d area % obtained were 0.89 and 20.73 at 200 nm; 0.89 and 15.70 at 240 nm; 0.78 and 15.98, 0.90 and 12.58 at 280 nm; 0.15 and 10.68, 0.30 and 22.37 at 320 nm; 0.29 and 20.49 at 400 nm. The Tota l antioxidant capacity of Argyreia speciosa was found to be 108 .33 ± 1. 59 and of Mesua ferrea was 91.67 ± 2.16. The percentage Inhibition (IC 50 ) of Argyreia speciosa was 168.46 ± 1.03 µg /ml and of Mesua ferrea was 300.01 ± 1.59 µg / ml in DPPH free radical scavenging activity. In scavenging of superoxide radical by a lkaline DMSO method IC 50 of Argyreia speciosa was 148.63 µg / ml and of Mesua ferrea was 273.56 µg / ml . In scavenging of hydrogen peroxide method IC 50 of Argyreia speciosa and Mesua ferrea w ere 30.47 µg / ml and 21.70 µg / ml respectively .