EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF SOURCE PLANTS OF DUGDHIKA (EUPHORBIA HIRTA LINN. AND EUPHORBIA THYMIFOLIA LINN.) FOR ANABOLIC ACTIVITY: AN IN VIVO STUDY

Abstract

Rajakshavaka a drug, mentioned in Brimhaniya Maha Kashaya Gana of Charaka is mentioned as Dugdhika by Chakrapani in his commentary and in Bhava Prakasha KC Chunekar commentary, 4 sources are mentioned for the same. Among 4 sources only 2 sources are locally available i.e., Euphorbia hirta Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn. These 2 sources were selected to evaluate Brimhana (Anabolic) action experimentally to understand the better source plant for Dugdhika among locally available sources. The objective of the Study is to experimentally evaluate the drug Dugdhika (Europhobia hirta Linn. Europhobia thymifolia Linn) with respect to its anabolic activity. Anabolic activity was estimated in Wistar rats by administering Hydro-alcoholic extract of Euphorbia hirta Linn (HAEEH) and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn (HAEET) with Normal and High Protein Diet (HPD: Protein – 39.4%, Fat – 10.0%, Fibre – 4.3%, Carbohydrates - 7.0 %). Anabolism was evidenced by physical parameters (Weight, Nose to Anus length, Chest Circumference, Abdominal circumference, BMI), Lean body mass (LBM), Fat body mass (FBM) and Biochemical and Haematological parameters. Both the sources of Dugdhika (Euphorbia hirta Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn) showed significant anabolic action. But, among the two sources Euphorbia thymifolia Linn was more significant compared to Euphorbia hirta Linn with HPD. The obtained results revealed that, among the two locally available sources of Dugdhika (Euphorbia hirta Linn and Euphorbia thymifolia Linn) Euphorbia thymifolia Linn is a better source plant for Brimhana action.