Comparative efficacy of two Kokilaksha Formulations vis-a-vis Vinblastine, using Seed Germination Inhibition

Abstract

Seed germination inhibition was previously demonstrated as a simple preliminary method for the identification of potential anticancer compounds. Studies conducted by us have indicated that horse gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) germination was inhibited significantly, by the herbal drug termed HST-K derived from Asteracantha longifolia. Presently we have determined the EC-50 values of the same drug and along with a commercially available formulation of Kokilaksha using the seed-based assay method and expressed these values as equivalents of vinblastine. Efficacy of the HST-K drug was found to be 2.3, 3.1 and 1.6 fold greater than the commercially available formulation of Kokilaksha with respect to the retardation of seed weight, amylolytic and alkaline phosphatase activities respectively. The EC-50 value for vinblastine with respect to seed weight inhibition was calculated as 0.07mg/ml which corresponded to the 49.2-fold diluted HST-K extract. Likewise, the 117.- fold and 88.7-fold diluted HST-K drug formulation was found to be equivalent to 0.05mg/ml and 0.04mg/ml of vinblastine in terms of EC-50 values for amylolytic and alkaline phosphatase activities respectively. The HST-K extract was thus more efficacious than the commercially used formulation of Kokilaksha as evidenced by our present studies.