Abstract
BackgroundMerremia umbellata subsp. orientalis (Hallier f.), commonly known as Sapussunda in Bengali, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of different diseases such as helminthiasis, rheumatism, fever, wounds, burns, sores, management of pain due to cut etc. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic and anthelmintic activities of ethanolic extract of stems of Merremia umbellate (ESMU).MethodsPhytochemical investigation was carried by using standard chemical test as described in literatures. In vitro free radical scavenging activity of ethanolic extract was quantitatively estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radicals scavenging assay. Total phenolic and tannin content were spectrophotometrically determined by Folin Ciocalteu reagent whereas the flavonoid was determined by aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. Acetic acid induced writhing method and hot plate method, using Swiss albino mice, were used to investigate the analgesic effect of ESMU whereas in-vitro anthelmintic activity was evaluated against Haemonchus contortus (Nematode) of cattle.ResultsPhytochemical screening revealed that the ESMU contain reducing sugar, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, gums, steroid, xanthoproteins, glycosides and acidic compound. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, the extract showed scavenging potential with IC50 value of 161.81 μg/mL. Total phenolics, tannin and flavonoid content of crude extract were found to be 87.4 mg GAE/gm, 68.2 mg GAE /gm and 64.27 mg QE/gm respectively. Significant (P < 0.001) analgesic effect was observed in acetic acid induced writhing method at both doses 250 and 500 mg/kg. Similar effect was found in hot plate method that measures antinociceptive effect in response to heat stimuli. The ESMU also exhibited significant (P < 0.001) anthelmintic activity in a concentration dependent manner. The paralysis time and time for death were recorded as 9.30, 8.62 and 7.65 min and 19.58, 18.82, and 16.43 min respectively at a concentration of 25, 50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.ConclusionBased on the results obtained in this study clearly strengthen the traditional uses of M. umbellate stems as antioxidant, antinociceptive and anthelmintic. Therefore, this result suggested that the stems of Merremia umbellata might be a potential source of useful bioactive compounds.
Highlights
The family Convolvulaceae, known as morning glory family of flowering plants, consists of about 55 genera and 1600 species
This result suggested that the stems of Merremia umbellata might be a potential source of useful bioactive compounds
Plants of Convolvulaceae family would be an extensive alternative source of new drugs with characteristic chemical entities to combat the side effects of existing drugs used in the treatment of different diseases such as helminthiasis, diarrhea, disease related with oxidative stress such as cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis, immunosuppression, swelling, cardio-vascular diseases and neurodegenerative disorders
Summary
The family Convolvulaceae, known as morning glory family of flowering plants, consists of about 55 genera and 1600 species They are widely distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions across the world and cultivated for their colorful funnel-shaped flowers [1]. Plants of this family has prominent medicinal values such as Ipomoea batatas (Sweet potato or Misti Alu in bangla) used in the treatment of tumors of the mouth and throat, diabetes, bacterial infections, demulcent, fungal infection and so on [2]; Evolvulus alsinoides (known as Dwarf Morning), is used in the treatment of nervous debility, loss of memory, ulcer and syphilis [3]; Ipomoea aquatic, (known as Kalmisak in Bangladesh), is used in the treatment of fever, jaundice, biliousness, bronchitis, liver complaints, diabetic and high blood pressure [4]. Commonly known as Sapussunda in Bangla, is a perennial vine with climbing stem and white flowers Different parts of this plant have different traditional uses. The present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant, analgesic and anthelmintic activities of ethanolic extract of stems of Merremia umbellate (ESMU)
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