Phcog.Net Journals

Hypoglycemic and in Vitro Antioxidant Effects of Methanolic extract of Marsilea quadrifolia Plant

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:42

Article Metadata Author(s):  Ronok Zahan, Farhana Alam Ripa, M. Badrul Alam, M. Anamul Haque, M.A.Mosaddik, Laizuman Nahar Abstract: 

Introduction: Oxidative stress induced by alloxan has been shown to damage pancreatic beta cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. Hence the present investigation has designed to appraise antidiabetic and antioxidant principle of the methanolic extract of Marsilea quadrifolia (MEMQ). Methods: Hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in alloxan induced diabetic rat. The oral administration of plant extract at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight was given to fasting glucose loaded rat with regard to normal control during 1 hr. study period and in alloxan induced (110 mg/kg body weight i.p.) diabetic rat in comparison with reference drug Metformin Hydrochloride (100 mg/kg) during 3 days study period. The antioxidant potential of MEMQ was checked by qualitative method and quantitatively through DPPH(1,1- diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) scavenging assay at 517 nm. Total phenolic content, total antioxidant capacity and reducing power activity was also assayed. Results: Considerable drop in elevated blood glucose level was observed in the alloxan induced diabetic (p<0.05 & p<0.001) rat. At a dose of 300 mg/kg the extract showed glucose level reduction of 47.57% in alloxan induced rat while 44.38% was found for Metformin after 3 days. Antioxidant activity using DPPH was found to increase in a concentration dependent manner with an IC50 value of 96.37 ± 3.62μg/ml higher than the standard one, IC50 16.59±0.59μg/ml. Total phenolic content was found 165.75 ± 0.961 mg/g in GAE and the total antioxidant capacity was equivalents of ascorbic acid (224.90 ± 1.42 mg/g). Conclusions: In all ways the extract showed significant antidiabetic and antioxidative potency. The present investigation suggests that MEMQ may be a potential source of natural antioxidant with good hypoglycemic activity.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.14 Keywords:  Marsilea quadrifolia, Alloxan, Metformin Hydrocloride, Antioxidant activity.

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Phyto-Pharmacognostical Studies of two endangered species of Malaxis (Jeevak and Rishibhak)

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:39

Article Metadata Author(s):  Rath Chinmay, Suman Kumari, Dhar Bishnupriya, Mohanty RC, Dixit Renu, Padhi MM, Babu Ramesh Abstract: 

Jeevak (Malaxis muscifera (Lindl.) Kuntze) and Rishibhak (Malaxis acuminata D.Don) belongs to family Orchidaceae, are critically endangered medicinal plants and two of the eight components of the vitality strengthening polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation “Astavarga”. The botanical identity of both plants suffers a lot of confusion and doubts in Ayurvedic literature. In lack of proper production, supply system and the increasing demands of herbal drugs are the major factors promoting the practices of adulteration and substitution. Therefore the standardisation of herbal drugs are essential for assuring the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. The present study is to carry out and verify the botanical / pharmacognostical identity of genuine sample and their phytochemical differences of market samples used in the name of Jeevak and Rishibhak.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.13 Keywords:  Macroscopy, Microscopy, Thin Layer Chromatography, physico chemical evaluation.

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Pharmacognostic and Phytochemical Evaluation of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle PEEL

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:37

Article Metadata Author(s):  Vinita Apraj, NirmlaDevi Thakur, Ashok Bhagwat, Rashmi Mallya, Laxman Sawant, Nancy Pandita Abstract: 

Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle belongs to Family Rutaceae, is commonly known as Kagzi Nimbu or Acid lime. The peel is a leathery exocarp, or skin of the fruit containing numerous oil glands. Lime peel tea was traditionally used as an appetite stimulant, for cold and cough, for sore throat and as a digestive stimulant. It can also be use as an astringent for skin. Lime peel essential oil is use as an aroma and flavour enhancer. The present study deals with the pharmacognostic and preliminary phytochemical evaluation of Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle peel extract including macroscopic, microscopic characters, physiochemical evaluation and preliminary phytochemical study. Thin layer chromatography has also been performed. Microbial load of dried powder material was determined to avoid the contamination and for safety of crude drug. The present work will provide referential information for the correct identification and standardisation of the crude drug and will ensure the use of only genuine and uniform material in preparation of herbal formulation.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.12 Keywords:  Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle, pharmacognosy studies, physicochemical analysis, TLC finger printing.

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Phytochemical Investigation of Methanolic Extract of Cassia fistula Leaves

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:34

Article Metadata Author(s):  Manisha A. Nagpal, Navneet Nagpal, Sandeep Rahar, Gagan Shah, Gaurav Swami, Reni Kapoor Abstract: 

Introduction: Recently there has been a shift in universal trend from synthetic to herbal medicine, which we can say’ Return to Nature’. Cassia fistula or golden shower plant has plenty of medicinal values. This paper represent the isolation of two new chemical entities, present the leaves of cassia fistula and their medicinal aspects. Methods: Leaves of Cassia fistula was used as a plant material. Extraction was done with methanol followed by isolation procedure was done using HPTLC. Confirmation of compounds was done using UV, FTIR, NMR and MASS spectroscopy. In vitro antibacterial screening was carried out by disc diffusion method. Results: Air dried powdered leaves of Cassia fistula were extracted using methanol. From this extract two compounds were isolated in their pure form using Column chromatography and HPTLC. Identification of these two isolated compounds was confirmed by physico-chemical data, spectral interpretation and elemental analysis. Conclusions: This is the first report of the isolation of the 2 new compounds from cassia fistula leaves extracted in methanol extract. These compounds are seen to exhibit moderate antimicrobial property.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.11 Keywords:  Antimicrobial activity, HPTLC, MASS, NMR

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Phytochemical Screening and in vitro Antioxidant Activity of Jawarish Amla- A Poly Herbal Formulation

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:28

Article Metadata Author(s):  Mohd Amir, Ahsanullah Khan, Mohd Mujeeb, Mohd Aftab Ahmad, Nadeem Ahmad Siddiqui Abstract: 

The present research work was carried out to study the antioxidant potential of methanolic extract of Jawarish amla using various in vitro tests including Reducing power assay, Superoxide anion scavenging activity assay, Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity assay, Nitric oxide scavenging activity assay, DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and hydrogen peroxide method. These various antioxidant activities were compared to standard ascorbic acid. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed that the extract of jawarish amla possesses flavonoids, steroids and phenolic compounds. In this study, quantitative determinations of flavonoids and phenols were conducted by colorimetric methods, using aluminum chloride method and Folin Ciocalteu reagent respectively. The results indicated that methanolic extract of Jawarish amla possess antioxidant property.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.10 Keywords:  Antioxidant activity, Ascorbic acid, DPPH, Jawarish Amla

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Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Cordia macleodii Hook. Stem Bark

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:25

Article Metadata Author(s):  Bhargav Bhide, R.N. Acharya, Pankaj Naria, APG Pillai, V.J.Shukla Abstract: 

Cordia macleodii Hook. (Boraginaceae), known as Sikari/Phanki by the tribals of Orissa, is a plant of ethnomedicinal importance and is available in Gandhamardana hills ranges of Orissa. Stem bark of this plant is used for healing wounds and for treating jaundice. In this study, an attempt has been made to study pharmacognostical characters of the stem bark which includes its macroscopic and microscopic characters and preliminary phytochemistry including TLC and HPTLC. Bark shows microscopic characters like cork, cortex, medullary rays, sclerenchyma fibres, phloem, cambium and crystals. The phytochemical tests show presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins and HPTLC profile shows presence of 9 spots and 8 spots at 254 and 366 nm respectively.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.9 Keywords:  Cordia macleodii, ethnomedicine, pharmacognosy, jaundice, wound healing, Gandhamardan hill.

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Development of Fingerprinting Methods of Balacaturbhadrika Churna: An Ayurvedic Formulation

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:21

Article Metadata Author(s):  Ajazuddin, Shailendra Saraf Abstract: 

Balacaturbhadrika churna is an Ayurvedic formulation widely used in diarrhoea, fever, cough and asthma. The present article is an attempt to establish the scientific basis of one of the reputed Ayurvedic formulation. Investigations were carried out to study the physicochemical, phytochemical and spectrophotometric analysis of formulation. The values of percent loss on drying, angle of repose, Hausner ratio, Carr’s index of the lab formulation were calculated as 6.84 ± 0.224, 27.36, 1.25 and 20 respectively, which indicates the moisture contents of formulation is within the range and depict good flow characteristics. Total ash, acid insoluble ash and water soluble ash were found 8.148 ± 0.337, 3.281 ± 0.286, and 45.602 ± 0.414 respectively; the value of total ash indicates the inorganic contents of formulation are below the standard limits, above stated results were also compared with marketed formulation. Alcoholic and aqueous extracts of formulations and ingredients were prepared and evaluated for phytochemical analysis and the results of extractive values shows higher alcoholic extractive value (39.294±2.226) of formulation depict that alcohol is a better solvent for extraction. Three laboratory batches of formulation and Piper longum powder were estimated for their piperine content against standard piperine solution on double beam UV-Visible spectrophotometer at λ max 342.5 nm.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.8 Keywords:  Balacaturbhadrika churna, physicochemical properties, phytochemical properties, spectrophotometric analysis.

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Determination of Phyllanthin and Gallic Acid In Herbal Hepatoprotective Formulation By TLC-Densitometry Analysis

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:18

Article Metadata Author(s):  Tatiya AU, Patil RP, Sutar MP, Shirkhedkar AA, Surana SJ Abstract: 

Introduction: Phyllanthus niruri, Andrographis paniculata and Embilica officinalis are most important and high value medicinal plant known for its hepatoprotective activity. Several analytical methods including HPTLC and HPLC are reported for respective phytoconstituents. However, there is no simultaneous estimation of phyllanthin and gallic acid reported. The Objective of present work is to develop and validate HPTLC method for simultaneous determination of phyllanthin and gallic acid in polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation. Method: The method is employed TLC alumina plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as a stationary phase and toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (5:3.5:0.5 v/v/v) as a mobile phase. The standard markers namely phyllanthin and galic acid were identified in polyherbal formulation containing P.niruri and E.officinalis by Rf value. Densitometric analysis of phyllanthin and gallic acid was carried out at 254nm. Results: The precision of method was confirmed by relative standard deviation (RSD) which was lower than the 2%. This method was found to give proper separation of phyllanthin and gallic acid. The linear regression data for calibration plot shown good relationship with r2=0.998 (phyllanthin) and 0.9991(Gallic acid) in the concentration range 5-9 μg/band. The method was validated for precision, accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Conclusion: statistical analysis proves that method is accurate and reproducible. The method is economical and can be employed for routine analysis of marketed polyherbal hepatoprotective formulation containing P.niruri and E.officinalis.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.7 Keywords:  Gallic acid, Hepatoprotective, TLC, Phyllanthin

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Pharmacognostical Standardization of Tephrosia maxima Pers Root

Pharmacognosy Journal - Mon, 11/21/2011 - 18:10

Article Metadata Author(s):  Sandhya.S, Venkatramana K ,Vinod K.R, Sunitha CH, Murali Krishna Abstract: 

Background: Tephrosia is a large tropical and sub-tropical genus belonging to the family Fabaceae. Tephrosia maxima is reported to be rich in phenols and flavonoid. The folklore of Andhra Pradesh use the plant for inflammatory conditions, in diabetes, as anti ulcer and anti cancer agents. Objective: The present work focuses on the o Pharmacognostical standardization on the root of the plant which will help in setting a suitable plant profile. Materials and Methods: The morphological, microscopical, proximate analysis, fluorescence analysis, preliminary chemical screenings followed by thin layer chromatographic analysis was performed. Quercetin was used as the standard in the TLC analysis. Results: A thin transverse section of the root showed the presence of mucilaginous vessels which was considered as tissue of diagnostic importance. Abundant vessels with lateral wall pits and perforation plates were seen throughout the powdered microscopy. The fluorescence analyses showed a range of fluorescent colours which help in the identification of chemical nature of constituents present. The physico chemical parameters like ash values extractive values, crude fibre content and loss on drying were conducted, the values of which will help in the detection of impurities. The thin layer chromatographic finger printings revealed the presence of quercetin or its derivatives as similar Rf values were observed. Conclusion: The results obtained in this research investigation will help in the development of a suitable monograph which will help in the proper identification and authentication of the plant from its related species.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.5 Keywords:  Anatomy, fluorescence analysis, macroscopy, mucilaginous vessels, perforation plates, Quercetin.

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Pharmacognostic Standardization and Phytochemical screening of Leaves of Amaranthus spinosus L.

Pharmacognosy Journal - Sun, 11/20/2011 - 00:33

Article Metadata Author(s):  Shanti Bhushan Mishra, Amita Verma, Alok Mukerjee, M. Vijayakumar Abstract: 

To ensure reproducible quality of herbal products, proper control of starting material is important. The first step towards ensuring quality of starting material is authentication. Thus, in recent years there has been a rapid increase in the standardization of selected medicinal plants of potential therapeutic significance. Despite the modern techniques, identification of plant drugs by pharmacognostic studies is more reliable. Pharmacognostical parameters of the leaves were studied with the aim of drawing the pharmacopoeial standards for this species. Macroscopical and microscopical characters, physico-chemical constants, phytochemical study for the presence of various secondary metabolites and HPTLC fingerprint profile of methanolic extract were studied. The present investigation on Amaranthus spinosus leaf might be useful to supplement information in regard to its identification parameters. Such studies are important in the way of acceptability of herbal drugs in present scenario of lacking regulatory laws to control quality of herbal drugs.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.6 Keywords:  Amaranthus spinosus, HPTLC, Microscopy, Phytochemical, Standardization.

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Development of Quality Standards of Terminalia catappa Leaves

Pharmacognosy Journal - Sun, 11/20/2011 - 00:23

Article Metadata Author(s):  Kadam P. V*, Yadav K. N, Narappanawar N. S ,Shivatare R.S., Bhusnar H.U., Patil M. J Abstract: 

Sophisticated modern research tools for evaluation of the plant drugs are available today but microscopic method is one of the simplest and cheapest methods to start with for establishing the correct identity of the source materials. The leaves of Terminalia catappa (Combretaceae) are reported to have good medicinal values in traditional system of medicines. But the pharmacognostic and Phytochemical standardization of the leaves were not validated till date. With the aim of drawing the pharmacopoeial standards for this species, the present study deals with pharmacognostical parameters for the leaves of Terminalia catappa which mainly consists of Macroscopical and microscopical characters, physio-chemical constants, quantitative microscopy parameters and Preliminary phytochemical screening. This information will be of used for further pharmacological and instrumental evaluation of the species and will assist in standardization for quality, purity and sample identification.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.4 Keywords:  Pharmacopoeial standards, Quality Standards, Standardization, Terminalia catappa.

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Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Alstonia scholaris

Pharmacognosy Journal - Sun, 11/20/2011 - 00:15

Article Metadata Author(s):  Molly Antony, Darsan B Menon, Joel James, Lipin Dev MS, Arun K, Thankamani V. Abstract: 

The present study investigates the phytochemical constitution and antioxidant activity of various solvent (aqueous, butanol and ethyl acetate) extracts of the leaf and bark of Alstonia scholaris. The antioxidant assays performed include DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, proteins, phenols and steroids in aqueous extracts of both leaf and bark of the plant. Butanol extract also showed moderate presence of the phytochemicals in the preliminary screening. The aqueous and butanol extracts showed significant antioxidant activity with DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays when compared to the ethyl acetate extract. IC50 value of aqueous extract of bark and leaf were found to be 1.21 mg/mL and 2.83 mg/mL respectively in the DPPH assay and 210 μg/mL and 523 μg/mL in the ABTS assay. At 2 mg/mL concentration, the aqueous extract of bark and leaf showed ferric reducing power of 130.70 μmoles/mg and 109.52 μmoles/mg respectively in the FRAP assay. The TLC analysis of the aqueous extract of the bark, which showed highest antioxidant activity among the other extracts, was also performed.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.3

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Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of the Essential Oil of Plectranthus caninus Roth

Pharmacognosy Journal - Sun, 11/20/2011 - 00:13

Article Metadata Author(s):  Solomon Tadesse, Avijit Mazumder, Franz Bucar, Ciddi Veeresham, Kaleab Asres Abstract: 

The essential oil from the aerial parts of Plectranthus caninus Roth (Lamiaceae), obtained by hydro-distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC /MS) and evaluated for antimicrobial, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities. Thirty-four compounds representing 91.02% of the total oil were identified. The major constituents of the oil were camphor (22.36%) and α-thujene (14.48%). The oil was tested against 21 bacterial and 4 fungal strains using disc diffusion method and found to be active against a broad spectrum of pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as some fungal strains. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the oil against the bacterial strains tested ranged from 10 to 400 μg/ml, and from 800 to 1000 μg/mL against the fungal strains employed. The in vitro antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl- 1‑picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The oil reduced DPPH in a concentration dependent manner with an EC 50 value of 3.5 μl/ml. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on the basis of inhibition of carrageenaninduced mouse hind paw oedema whereby doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg were found to inhibit significantly increase in paw volume during the late phase of inflammation. The study provides evidence for the broad-spectrum antimicrobial, significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of Plectranthus caninus essential oil, a possible explanation for the traditional use of the plan

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.1 Keywords:  Anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial activity, camphor, free radical scavenging activity, hydro-distillation.

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Optimization Of Extraction Condition And Quantification Of Total Flavonoids In Elaeagni Folium

Pharmacognosy Journal - Sun, 11/20/2011 - 00:11

Article Metadata Author(s):  Cong Li, Yuebin Ge, Dingrong Wan, Jing Hu, Cheng Ying, Luyao Wang Abstract: 

Introduction: Elaeagni Folium has been used as a crude drug to cure lung deficiency cough, asthma and shortness of breath for a long time in China. The research aimed to optimize the extraction condition and measure the amount of total flavonoids in this medicinal material. Methods: Reflux extraction was an efficient method, compared with sonication and soxhlet extraction, to extract total flavonoids. On the basis of single factor test, the L9(34) orthogonal test was used in the optimization of technological parameters by investigating the ethanol concentration, extraction time and the material /solvent ratios. Using 0.1 mol·L−1 aluminum chloride (AlCl3) solution as chromogenic agent, the total flavonoids content was measured by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry. Results: The optimal extraction parameters showed that: ethanol concentration was 85%, ratio of solvent to raw material 40:1 and extraction time 1.5 h. The amount of total flavonoids in the leaf of Elaeagnus pungens Thunb. collected in different harvest time and habitats was 20.8-33.2mg·g-1. Conclusions: It indicated that the amount of total flavonoids had significant difference in this crude drug from different habitats but at the same time, while the total flavonoids content was stable in the samples collected in different harvest time but at the same habitat.

DOI:  10.5530/pj.2011.26.2 Keywords:  Elaeagni Folium.; Total flavonoids; Extraction conditions; Orthogonal test

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Assessment of antioxidant potentials of free and bound phenolics of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br against oxidative damage

Pharmacognosy Research - Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:00

Smitha Jayaram, Shylaja M Dharmesh

Pharmacognosy Research 2011 3(4):225-231

Background: Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. is a twining shrub commonly found in India, which was known to have wide pharmacological actions. 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzoic acid (HMBA) and a number of pregnane glycosides were believed to be responsible for its various bioactivities. Until now, there are no reports regarding the antioxidant properties of phenolics from H. indicus. Objective: To establish the role of phenolics in the properties of H.indicus. Materials and Methods: Hemidesmus free phenolic fraction (HDFP) and Hemidesmus bound phenolic fraction (HDBP) have been isolated from H. indicus, and the antioxidant activity was evaluated for inhibition of lipid peroxidation, DNA protection, free radical scavenging (FRS), reducing power and cytoprotective activities. Results: HDFP and HDBP exhibited potent inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC 50 - 19.5 &#177;0.5 and 21.7 &#177;0.5 &#956;g gallic acid equivalent - GAE/mL), FRS (IC 50 - 7 &#177; 0.2 and 8.6 &#177; 0.2 &#956;gGAE/mL), reducing power (110.3 &#177; 2 and 33.5 &#177; 1 U/g) and red blood cell protection (14.8 &#177; 0.4 and 14.5 &#177; 0.5 mg GAE/mL). HDFP is constituted by gallic (18%), caffeic (17%), ferulic acids (16%) and HDBP by syringic acid (35%) as major phenolic acids. Besides, both HDFP and HDBP contained significant levels of HMBA; in HDFP (10%) and HDBP (57%), respectively. Results indicated a 34-and 27-folds better contribution to the antioxidant activity by HDFP and HDBP, respectively, than that of HMBA. Conclusion: Potent antioxidant activities of phenolics may be one of the mechanisms by which H.indicus is effective against several health disorders as encountered in traditional medicines.

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Indigenous anti-ulcer activity of Musa sapientum on peptic ulcer

Pharmacognosy Research - Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:00

P Prabha, Thirunethiran Karpagam, B Varalakshmi, A Sohna Chandra Packiavathy

Pharmacognosy Research 2011 3(4):232-238

Background: Peptic ulcer disease (PUD), encompassing gastric and duodenal ulcers is the most prevalent gastrointestinal disorder. The pathophysiology of PUD involves an imbalance between offensive factors like acid, pepsin and defensive factors like nitric oxide and growth factors. The clinical evaluation of antiulcer drugs showed tolerance, incidence of relapses and side-effects that make their efficacy arguable. An indigenous drug like Musa sapientum possessing fewer side-effects is the major thrust area of present day research, aiming at a better and safer approach for the management of PUD. Material and Methods: The unripe plantain bananas (Musa sapientum) were shade-dried, powdered and used for phytochemical analysis and as antiulcer drug. In our present study Group I rats served as control and were treated with saline, Group II was indomethacin-induced ulcerated rats, Group III received aqueous extract of Musa sapientum along with indomethacin and Group IV received esomeprazole along with indomethacin for 21 days. The anti-ulcerogenic activity was investigated by performing hematological, mucosal, antioxidant profile in comparison with the standard drug esomeprazole. Results: Our findings from High - Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) analysis showed that Musa sapientum has an active compound a monomeric flavonoid (leucocyanidin) with anti-ulcerogenic activity. Results were expressed as mean &#177; SD. All our results are in congruous with the results of standard drug esomeprazole. Conclusion: It could be clearly concluded that administration of the aqueous extract of Musa sapientum at the dose used in this study tends to ameliorate ulcers. Its use in indigenous medicine should be scientifically scrutinized with further research.

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Cardioprotective effects of gallic acid in diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats

Pharmacognosy Research - Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:00

Snehal S Patel, Ramesh K Goyal

Pharmacognosy Research 2011 3(4):239-245

Background: Normalization of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative stress is an important objective in preventing diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. Objective: This study was undertaken to examine the effects of gallic acid in myocardial dysfunctions associated with type-1 diabetes. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by single intravenous injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg i.v.). Gallic acid was administered daily at three different doses (100, 50, and 25 mg/kg p.o.) for 8 weeks at the end of which blood samples were collected and analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Results: Injection of STZ produced significant loss of body weight (BW), polyphagia, polydypsia, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, bradycardia, and myocardial functional alterations. Treatment with gallic acid significantly lowered fasting glucose, the AUC glucose level in a dose-dependent manner; however, the insulin level was not increased significantly at same the dose and prevented loss of BW, polyphagia, and polydypsia in diabetic rats. It also prevented STZ-induced hyperlipidemia, hypertension, bradycardia, structural alterations in cardiac tissue such as increase in force of contraction, left ventricular weight to body weight ratio, collagen content, protein content, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine kinase levels in a dose-dependent manner. Further, treatment also produced reduction in lipid peroxidation and increase in antioxidant parameters in heart of diabetic rats. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that gallic acid to be beneficial for the treatment of myocardial damage associated with type-1 diabetes.

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Acetylcholine and memory-enhancing activity of Ficus racemosa bark

Pharmacognosy Research - Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:00

Faiyaz Ahmed, JN Narendra Sharath Chandra, S Manjunath

Pharmacognosy Research 2011 3(4):246-249

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder resulting in dementia and enhancement of acetylcholine (Ach) levels in brain using acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is one of the most important approaches for the treatment of AD. Methods: In this study, aqueous extract of Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) bark having anti-infl ammatory, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activity was evaluated for its ability to enhance Ach levels, and to ascertain its antidementia activity in rats. This work was carried out under the assumption that the F. racemosa extract may show combination of actions which could be beneficial in the treatment of AD, such as neuroprotection, attributed to antioxidant and anti-infl ammatory property and may elevate levels of Ach like Ficus hispida extract reported earlier. Results: Administration of the extract at two levels viz., 250 and 500 mg/kg signifi cantly raised (P &#8804; 0.05) Ach levels in hippocampi of rats compared to control. The percentage enhancement in Ach levels was found to be 22% and 38%, respectively. Further, the extract at both dosage levels elicited signifi cant reduction (P &#8804; 0.05) in transfer latency on elevated plus-maze, which was used as an exteroceptive behavioral model to evaluate memory in rats. Conclusion: It is inferred that it would be worthwhile to explore the potential of F. racemosa in the management of Alzheimer disease.

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Protective effects of goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity through inhibition of CYP2E1 in rats

Pharmacognosy Research - Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:00

Katsunori Yamaura, Maki Shimada, Noriyuki Nakayama, Koichi Ueno

Pharmacognosy Research 2011 3(4):250-255

Background: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.) inhibits various cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoforms such as CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A in vitro. High doses of acetaminophen (APAP) generate the highly reactive intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), catalyzed mainly by CYP2E1. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of orally administrated goldenseal against APAP-induced acute liver failure (ALF) via inhibition of CYP2E1. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were treated orally with goldenseal (300 and 1000 mg/kg) 2, 18, and 26 h before and 6 h after oral APAP (400 mg/kg) administration. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities as well as serum APAP concentration were evaluated. Results: Goldenseal extract inhibited CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A activity, and the inhibitory effect on CYP2E1 was the strongest (IC 50 4.32 &#956;g/mL). Treatment with goldenseal (300 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the APAP-induced increase in serum AST and ALT, and the hepatoprotective effect of goldenseal was stronger than that of silymarin (200 mg/kg). Moreover, serum APAP concentration was increased by goldenseal treatment, presumably as a result of the inhibitory effect of goldenseal on the metabolism of APAP to NAPQI. Conclusion: These results suggest that goldenseal ameliorates APAP-induced ALF and that this protection can likely be attributed to the inhibition of CYP2E1 activity, which generates the highly reactive intermediate of APAP.

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Screening of radical scavenging activity and polyphenol content of Bulgarian plant species

Pharmacognosy Research - Tue, 11/15/2011 - 00:00

Milena Nikolova

Pharmacognosy Research 2011 3(4):256-259

Background: Discovery of new plant species with antioxidant properties is a priority of many research teams. Most of the species included in this study are unstudied for antioxidant properties, but they are taxonomically related to reference plants with well-documented antioxidant activity. Materials and Methods: Free radical scavenging activity of plant extracts was evaluated using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. An aluminum chloride colorimetric method was used for flavonoid determination. The amount of phenolic compounds in the extracts was estimated by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Results: As a result of screening, it was found that the significant antioxidant properties possess several unstudied until now plant species (Veronica bellidioides L., V. kellereri Deg. et Urm, V. vindobonensis (M. Fisher) M. Fisher, V. beccabunga L., V. rhodopaea L., V. austriaca (Velen.) Degen., Clinopodium vulgare L., Stachys recta L., Clematis vitalba L., and Xeranthemum annum L.). The antioxidant potential of the new species is comparable to that of reference medicinal plants. Conclusions: The existing data presented here provide new information for antioxidant potential of plant species that have not been traditionally used as medicinal plants.

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