Sunil A. Nirmal

Use of apigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment of colitis.

Cordia dichotoma f. (Boraginaceae) is a small deciduous tree from India. The bark of was used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) and colic pain traditionally hence present work was undertaken to identify the phytoconstituent responsible for this activity. Apigenin is isolated by column chromatography from methanol fraction of crude methanol extract of C. dichotoma bark. Structure of apigenin is established by various spectroscopic studies. Apigenin (5mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant healing and reduction in inflammatory enzymes when screened for UC. It can be concluded that apigenin from C. dichotoma bark may be responsible for the treatment of UC.

Antihistaminic and antiallergic actions of extracts of Solanum nigrum berries: Possible role in the treatment of asthma

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Berries of the plant Solanum nigrum Linn (Solanaceae) are used for the treatment of asthma in folk medicine and ancient books. AIM OF STUDY To evaluate potential of the plant berries in the treatment of asthma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of S. nigrum berries (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, i.p.) were screened for the treatment of asthma by the various methods viz. effect on clonidine and haloperidol induced catalepsy, milk-induced leucocytosis and eosinophilia, mast cell stabilizing activity in mice and studies on smooth muscle preparation of guinea pig ileum (in vitro). Active petroleum ether extract was standardized by HPTLC. RESULTS The petroleum ether extract of S. nigrum berries inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy significantly but not haloperidol-induced catalepsy. Petroleum ether extract significantly inhibited increased leukocyte and eosinophil count due to milk allergen and showed maximum protection against mast cell degranulation by clonidine. Petroleum ether extract resisted contraction induced by histamine better than other extracts. All the results are dose dependant. Active petroleum ether extract showed presence of antiasthmatic compound, β-sitosterol. CONCLUSION The petroleum ether extract of S. nigrum berries can inhibits parameters linked to the asthma disease.

Potential of Vitex negundo roots in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice

Context: Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) is an indigenous tree species in India. This tree species has been of interest to researchers because traditionally its roots are reported in the treatment of ulcer and colic pain. Objective: The present work was undertaken to validate its folk use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by using the method of acetic acid-induced colitis in mice. Materials and methods: Ethanol and aqueous extracts of roots of V. negundo (100 mg/kg) were screened for use in the treatment of UC by the method of acetic acid-induced UC in mice. Macroscopical study of the colon, level of myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA) in colon tissue and blood and histopathology of the colon tissue were studied for the assessment. Results: Ethanol extract (100 mg/kg) reduced the level of MPO in blood from 355 ± 0.39 to 240 ± 0.36 U/mL and from 385 ± 0.35 to 257 ± 0.36 U/mg in tissue. Similarly, it reduced the level of MDA in blood from 9.40 ± 0.42 to 6.10 ± 0.36 nmol/mL and from 9.38 ± 0.56 to 5.89 ± 0.56 U/mg in tissue. Both the results are comparable with the standard drug, prednisolone (5 mg/kg). This preventive effect was observed by morphological and histopathological study. Discussion and conclusion: Results showed that ethanol extract of V. negundo root is effective in the treatment of UC and results are comparable with the standard drug, prednisolone, and thus possessing a great potential in the treatment of UC.

Amaranthus roxburghianus root extract in combination with piperine as a potential treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice

OBJECTIVE The present work was undertaken to determine the effects of Amaranthus roxburghianus Nevski. (Amaranthaceae) root alone and in combination with piperine in treating ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. METHODS Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Standard group received prednisolone (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Treatment groups received hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. roxburghianus (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) and a combination of hydroalcoholic extract of roots of A. roxburghianus (50 and 100 mg/kg, per oral) and piperine (5 mg/kg, per oral). Ulcer index, colitis severity, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde and glutathione were estimated from blood and tissue. Column chromatography of the extract was done and purified fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). RESULTS Treatment with the combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus and piperine showed minimal ulceration, hemorrhage, necrosis and leucocyte infiltration by histopathological observation. Acetic acid increased MPO levels in blood and colon tissue to 355 U/mL and 385 U/mg, respectively. The combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus (100 mg/kg) and piperine (5 mg/kg) significantly decreased MPO in blood and tissue to 182 U/mL and 193 U/mg, respectively (P < 0.05). Similarly, this combination significantly reduced malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione levels in blood and tissue. Various phytoconstituents were detected by GC-MS. CONCLUSION The combination of hydroalcoholic extract of A. roxburghianus and piperine is effective in the treatment of UC and the effects are comparable with the standard drug prednisolone. 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl, eugenol and benzene, and 1-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-4-methyl are reported having analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties; they may play a role in the biological activity of A. roxburghianus root.

Use of Cordia dichotoma bark in the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Context: The plant Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. (Boraginaceae) is commonly known as “Bhokar” in Marathi. This tree species has been of interest to researchers because traditionally its bark is reported in the treatment of ulcer and colic pain. Objective: The present work was undertaken to validate its folk use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) by using scientific methods. Materials and methods: Dried bark powder was extracted with methanol and this crude methanol extract was fractionated using various solvents. These fractions were tested for effectiveness against UC. Macroscopical study and histopathology of the colon, level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in colon and blood were studied for the assessment of the activity. Antioxidant activity of these fractions was screened by using various methods. Results: Animals treated with the methanol fraction of the crude methanol extract showed lower pathological scores and good healing. This fraction reduced MPO and MDA levels significantly in blood and tissue. It showed antioxidant potential [in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) assay IC50 value is 26.25; trolox equivalent (TE) antioxidant capacity µg/ml TE/g of plant material on dry basis in ABTS (2,2′-azinobis[3-ethylbenzthiazoline]-6-sulfonic acid) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential) assay is 2.03 and 2.45, respectively]. The fraction contains a high level of phenolics. Discussion and conclusion: The methanol fraction of crude methanol extract of C. dichotoma bark is effective in the treatment of UC.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF HPTLC METHOD TO DETECT CURCUMIN AND GALLIC ACID IN POLYHERBAL FORMULATION

Curcumin and Gallic acid are one of the phytoconstituents present in Curcuma longa and Emblica officinalis, respectively. Both these plants are used traditionally in the treatment of cancer and for the treatment of leukemia. In the present study, an attempt has been made to develop a HPTLC method for quantitative estimation of curcumin and gallic acid in different anticancer polyherbal formulations. The method employed TLC aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of chloroform:ethyl acetate:formic acid (7.5 mL + 6 mL + 0.5 mL). This system was found to give compact spots for curcumin (Rf value of 0.55 ± 0.02) and for gallic acid (Rf value of 0.26 ± 0.03). Densitometric analysis of curcumin and gallic acid were carried out in the absorbance mode at 254 nm. This HPTLC method was found to be reproducible, accurate, and can detect curcumin and gallic acid at a nanogram level. The developed HPTLC method would be an important tool in the quality control method for polyherbal formulations.

Potential of Moringa oleifera root and Citrus sinensis fruit rind extracts in the treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice

Context: The plant Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), commonly known as the drumstick tree, is an indigenous species in India. This species has been of interest to researchers because traditionally its roots are reported in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Traditionally it is reported that Citrus sinensis Linn (Rutaceae) fruit rind when combined with M. oleifera will increase the efficacy of the plant in the treatment of UC. Objective: The present work was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of M. oleifera root alone and in combination with C. sinensis fruit rind in the treatment of UC. Materials and methods: Ethanol and aqueous extracts of M. oleifera roots (100 and 200 mg/kg, body weight) were screened alone and in equal combination with ethanol extract of C. sinensis fruit rind, i.e., 50 mg/kg each of C. sinensis and M. oleifera for their activity on acetic acid-induced UC in mice. Results: Treatment with combination of extracts of M. oleifera root and C. sinensis fruit rind (50 mg/kg, each) showed less ulceration and hyperemia than individual extract (200 mg/kg) in histopathological observation. Acetic acid increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) level in blood and colon tissue to 342 U/mL and 384 U/mg, respectively. Combination of ethanol extract of M. oleifera root with C. sinensis fruit rind extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased MPO in blood and tissue to 278 U/mL and 291 U/mg, respectively. MPO in blood and tissue in control group was 85 ± 1.2 U/mL and 96 ± 1.3 U/mg, respectively. Similarly this combination significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level in blood and tissue to 7.11 nmol/mL and 8.19 nmol/mg, from 11.20 nmol/mL and 13.20 nmol/mg, respectively. MDA in blood and tissue in control group was 2.76 ± 1.2 nmol/mL and 3.76 ± 1.2 nmol/mg, respectively. Discussion and conclusion: Results show that a combination of M. oleifera root extracts with C. sinensis fruit rind extract is effective in the treatment of UC and results are comparable with the standard drug prednisolone.

Potential of the plant Thespesia populnea in the treatment of ulcerative colitis

Abstract Context: Thespesia populnea Sol. ex Correa (Malvaceae), an indigenous tree species in India, is of interest to researchers because traditionally its heartwood is used in the treatment of ulcer and colic pain. Objective: To validate its folk use in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC). Materials and methods: Mice were administered intrarectal DNBS and then treated with different plant extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg), 30 min before and 24 and 48 h after DNBS infusion. Colonic mucosal injury was assessed by macroscopic and histological examination. Furthermore, malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), protease, and hemoglobin (Hb) contents were measured in tissue and blood samples. Results: Administration of various extracts ameliorated macroscopic and microscopic scores which were altered due to DNBS treatment in mice. Hb concentration in blood was restored significantly by the aqueous extract to 17.20 ± 0.5, which was reduced to 13.80 ± 0.5 after treatment with DNBS. MDA level was increased to 10.82 nm/mg and 10.25 nm/ml in tissue and blood, respectively, due to DNBS treatment which was reduced to 2.69 nm/mg and 3.59 nm/ml in tissue and blood, respectively, by aqueous extract treatment. Similarly, MPO level was increased to 412 U/mg and 404 U/ml in tissue and blood, respectively, which was significantly reduced to 205 U/mg and 219 U/ml in tissue and blood, respectively, by aqueous extract treatment. Aqueous extract significantly reduced protease activity which was markedly increased in DNBS-treated animals. Discussion and conclusion: Aqueous extract of heartwood of T. populnea is effective in the treatment of UC.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF HPTLC METHOD TO DETECT CURCUMIN, PIPERINE, AND BOSWELLIC ACID IN POLYHERBAL TRANSDERMAL PATCH

Curcumin, piperine, and boswellic acid are important phytoconstituent present in Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum and Boswellia serrate, respectively. These plants are used traditionally in the treatment of arthritis. In the present study an attempt has been made to develop a HPTLC method for quantitative estimation of curcumin, piperine, and boswellic acid from polyherbal transdermal formulations (patch) prepared for the treatment of arthritis. The method employed TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F254 as the stationary phase. The solvent system consisted of chloroform: ethyl acetate: formic acid (7.5 mL + 6 ml + 0.2 mL). This system was found to give compact spots for curcumin (Rf value of 0.48 ± 0.02), piperine (Rf value of 0.52 ± 0.03), and boswellic acid (Rf value of 0.61 ± 0.03). Densitometric analysis of curcumin, piperine, and boswellic acid was carried out in the absorbance mode at 540 nm after derivatization. The % of curcumin, piperine, and boswellic acid from transdermal patch was found to be 95.41, 98.09, and 98.54, which was well within the limits. This HPTLC method was found to be reproducible, accurate, and can detect curcumin, piperine, and boswellic acid at nanogram level. The developed HPTLC method would be an important tool in the quality control method for polyherbal formulations.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Nyctanthes arbortristis bark

Abstract Objective To study detailed Pharmacognosy of the bark of Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn (Oleaceae), an important plant in Indian system of medicine. Methods the macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical testing of powder of the plant bark and other WHO recommended methods for the standardization was done. Results Trunk bark consists of two distinct regions i.e. outer bark and inner bark. Outer bark consists of broad periderm of a wide phellem and inner phelloderm regions. Inner bark is broader than the outer part and it includes all the secondary phloem tissues. It can be distinguished into 2 zones viz. collapsed secondary phloem and non-collapsed secondary phloem regions. Collapsed secondary phloem region consist of thick blocks of phloem sclereids and radially oblique dark streaks of crushed sieve tubes and dilated axial parenchyma cells. Non-collapsed secondary phloem region is the conducting part of the phloem where the sieve elements are intact. It consists of intact sieve tube members, companion cells, axial parenchyma cells and narrow undilated ray. Calcium oxalate crystals are abundant in collapsed phloem region. Conclusions it can be concluded that the pharmacognostic profile of N. arbortristis bark is helpful in developing standards for quality, purity and sample identification.