Phytochemical Constituents and Antiarthritic Activity ofEhretia laevisRoxb

Abstract

Present experimental analysis showed that the stem bark, leaves and fruits of Ehretia laevis were potent sources of amino acids, proteins, lipids and minerals like Ca, Na, NH3, Mg, Fe, Mn, K, P, Zn, Cu and Si. Total phenolics (97.21 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g) content in leaves, tannins (64.12 mg tannic acid equivalent (TAE)/g) in stem bark, flavonoids (57.23 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g) and vitamin C (56.09 mg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/g) in fruits were found as the highest quantities trapped in the solvent methanol. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the methanol extract of the stem bark, leaves and fruits showed the presence of acontanes, decanoic acids, phthalic acid, phytol, α and β amyrin, piperazine, phenylephrine, etc. The methanolic extract of the leaves was found to be an effective antiarthritic agent. In mice, E. laevis leaf methanol extract (500 mg/kg) inhibited the rise in paw volume by 56%, paw edema to 60%, and also helped maintain the body weight and regulated the altered hematological parameters. Practical Applications There are a few reports on the uses of different parts of Ehretia laevis as food, fodder and as herbal remedy for some health problems such as anthelmintic, astringent, diuretic, demulcent, expectorant, skin diseases and inflammations. The present study would scientifically validate the medicinal value of this potent plant. The phenolics and other phytochemicals present in this plant could prove it to be a potent diet. Chromatographic analysis of the phytochemicals and the antiarthritic study of the different parts of E. laevis will help to reveal their medicinal properties. It has been reported that the bark, leaves and fruits of this plant are edible, and this study will increase its value as a dietary supplement for humans as well as cattle, and could help in producing beneficial herbal products in the years to come.