Pharmacognostical Standardization and Pharmacological Potential of Elaeocarpus ganitrus Leaves as an Antiulcer Agent

Abstract

Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb, (E. ganitrus) known as Rudraksha belongs to family- Eleocarpaceae. It has a reflecting position in Hinduism and Ayurveda whereas traditionally it has mentioned to cure various health problems like fever, skin diseases, mental problems, wound healing etc. The present study was designed to study the microscopic and macroscopic analysis, physiochemical parameters, quantitative microscopy, phytochemical screening of E. ganitrus leaves as per WHO guidelines and evaluate the antiulcer potential of aqueous extract of E. ganitrus (AEEG) and ethanolic extract of E. ganitrus (EEEG) at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg using pylorus ligation induced ulcers model, biochemical parameters. Hepatic, cardiac, hematological parameters have also done to find out the effect of different extracts on other major organs. Microscopic analysis proved the presence of covering trichomes, upper epidermis, lower epidermis, stomata, phloem, xylem etc. Ash value, water soluble ash, acid soluble ash, water soluble extract, alcohol soluble extract, loss on drying, swelling index, foaming index found to be 4.3 ± 0.52, 0.2 ± 0.33, 2.0 ± 0.2, 13.7 ± 0.25, 12.5 ± 0.55, 9.8 ± 0.23, 3.6 ± 0.04, more than 100. Different quantitative parameters were found out. Phytochemical analysis of different extracts showed the presence of various primary and secondary metabolite like alkaloids, glycosides, tannin, phenolic compounds etc. Pharmacological potential showed that extracts treated, and sucralfate treated groups showed significantly decreases in ulcer index in all above-mentioned models, biochemical studies clearly showed significant decreases in volume, pH, free acidity, total acidity of gastric content and increases in gastric mucus parameters like protein, total hexoses, hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid and DNA level. The level of antioxidant enzymes like LPO (Lipid peroxidation), SOD (Superoxide dimutase) were decreased and CAT (Catalase) level was increased. Level of PC (Plasma corticosterone) was decreased. Hematological, hepatic, cardiac parameters found to be normal during extracts treatment. Histopathological analysis clearly supports the biochemical studies at various doses and it was found to be effective in dose dependent manner. The obtained scientific data may be helpful to prepare the monograph of the plant and E. ganitrus has antiulcer potential in a dose dependent. Detailed study needed for better exposure of plant.