Efficacy of Embelia tsjeriam-cottam (Roem. & Schult.) A. DC. in Calcium Chelation

Abstract

Embelia tsjeriam-cottam A. DC., commonly known as Vaividang, belongs to the family Myrsinaceae. Embelin, obtained from E. tsjeriam-cottam (an alternative source to Embelia ribes), is having diverse biological activities and used as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant. The present study aims to investigate the efficacy of Embelia tsjeriam-cottam fruit extract to chelate calcium under in vitro conditions. The findings of the study point to the possibility of using Embelia tsjeriam-cottam fruit extract as herbal calcium chelator, a substitute to EDTA. Embelia tsjeriam-cottam fresh fruits were shade dried and powdered. Fruit extract was prepared in 90 per cent ethanol by cold extraction method. Approximately 0.5 M CaCl2.2H2O solution was combined with 50 ml of an appropriately diluted fruit extract. The mixture was kept undisturbed for 24 hours under ambient temperature. After the incubation period, the mixture was centrifuged at ambient temperature at 4500 rpm for 15 min. The centrifugate was used for estimating leftover calcium ions. Calcium ions present in centrifugates was determined using complexometric titration with standardised EDTA solution as the titrant. Excess EDTA is challenging for the kidneys to eliminate and can even lead to kidney failure in extreme cases. It is evident that Embelia tsjeriam-cottam,has strong Ca2+ chelating properties, can be used as an alternative to EDTA in chelation therapy treatments.