Vitamin D‐like activity in Cestrum diurnum grown in Hyderabad, India

Abstract

AbstractLeaves of Cestrum diurnum grown in Hyderabad, India were tested for vitamin D‐like activity in vitamin D‐deficient rat and chick and also in rachitic rat models. Vitamin D‐dependent serum and bone parameters, and calcium transport by the gut which were altered in vitamin D‐deficiency were restored to control levels (ie to the levels found in rats given vitamin D3 from weanling, 25 IU day−1) by incorporation of C diurnum leaf powder at a 2% level in the diet. Similarly, in rachitic rats, the extent of new bone calcification was significantly improved either by C diurnum leaf incorporation in the diet or by vitamin D3 administration. An approximate estimate of the vitamin D‐like activity indicated that the plant had about 100000 IU cholecalciferol equivalents kg−1 dry leaf powder, which is three times higher than the values reported earlier. This may be because of long exposure to sunlight of the plants grown in this part of the world.