Echinops Echinatus Research Articles

Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Echinops echinatus plant extract and its potential applications for photocatalytic dye degradation, 4-nitrophenol reduction, and antimicrobial activity

Green synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles using Echinops echinatus plant extract and its potential applications for photocatalytic dye degradation, 4-nitrophenol reduction, and antimicrobial activity

Ūnt Katāra (Echinops echinatus): Medicinal importance in perspective of Unani medicine and pharmacological studies

Ūnt Katāra (Echinops echinatus): Medicinal importance in perspective of Unani medicine and pharmacological studies

Comparative evaluation of the anti-diabetic activity of Echinops echinatus Roxb (Utkatar) root ghana versus Nishaamalaki in pre-diabetic patients – a study protocol

Background In Ayurveda, disease causing biophysical energies (dosha) should be conquered at the initial stage. In the six stages of disease formation (Shatkriyakal), symptoms and signs can be seen in the localization stage (Sthansamshray), where amalgamation of vitiated biophysical energies with weak and susceptible tissues (dosha–dushya sammurchana) occur thereby manifesting disease. Echinops echinatus Roxb (Utkatar) is a traditionally used, classically described extra-pharmacopeial drug in Ayurveda, but less scientifically (clinically) explored medicinal herb. Few pre-clinical studies done on this plant revealed its anti-diabetic action but no clinical trial is noted till date. So, there is an urgent need to bridge the gap between the pre-clinical studies and empirical knowledge. Hence the present research work will be undertaken with the aim of exploring the anti-diabetic potential of Echinops echinatus Roxb (Utkatar) in Type II pre-diabetic patients. Aim and objectives Comparative evaluation of the anti-diabetic activity of Echinops echinatus Roxb (Utkatara) root ghana versus Nishaamalaki in pre-diabetic patients. Methods A total of 60 participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be chosen after conducting a drug analysis and divided into two groups of 30 each. Both Echinops echinatus Roxb (Utkatar) root ghana and Nishaamalaki will be administered twice daily for 30 days to groups A and B, respectively. After the intervention, assessment will be conducted on days 0, 1, 15, and 30. Day 45 will be reserved for follow-up. Results The observations of objective characteristics will be used to derive the results. Conclusion Based on statistical information derived from the data gathered, the study’s conclusion will be made.

Antifungal Activity of Echinops echinatus and Fagonia cretica from Cholistan Desert-Pakistan

Background: Fungal infections are getting worse due to their resistance against available antibiotics and have always remain a problem. Homoeopathic mother tinctures are part of therapy in clinical patients with less side effects and much efficient against pathogenic infections.
 Methodology: Echinops echinatus and Fagonia cretica plant mother tinctures were performed and used to evaluate the anti-fungal potential of these plants against potentially pathogenic fungal species like Candida albicans, Aspergillus ustus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus by agar disc diffusion method. Three doses were used (0.25 ml, 0.5 ml and 1 ml volume per disc) and zone of inhibition was observed in millimetres and compared with positive control Fluconazole (2 mg/ml) which is commercially available.
 Results: The results indicated efficacy of both mother tinctures showed remakarble activity against pathogens with zone of inhibition ranging 17.33 – 30.33 mm.
 Conclusion: Current work indicated anti-infective potential of plants which can be added in therapy of infections in future after confirmation in in-vivo models.

Palyno-morphological attributes of some selected plant species of family Asteraceae from district Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan.

The current study aimed to investigate the palyno-morphological features of Asteraceous species from District Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 13 species were collected, pressed, identified, and examined by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Both qualitative and quantitative pollen characters were observed, that is, equatorial and polar diameter, number of pores and colpi, exine thickness, exine sculpturing, pollen shape, and P/E ratio. Pollen shapes observed in studied taxa were spheroidal, suboblate, oblate-spheroidal, and lophate-spheroidal. The aperturation patterns of pollens vary from tricolporate to tetracolporate. The maximum polar and equatorial diameter of 75-100 (87.5 ± 13.6) μm and 87.5-117.5 (102.5 ± 16.4) μm, respectively, was recorded in Echinops echinatus, while minimum polar and equatorial diameter of 20-22.5 (21 ± 1.36) μm and 22.5-25 (23.5 ± 1.36) μm, respectively, was recorded in Aster subulatus. Six types of exine sculpturing patterns were observed; echinate, micro-echinate, echinate-microreticulate, microreticulate, echinate-perforate, and scabrate. Maximum exine thickness of 8.75 μm was recorded in E. echinatus and minimum of 1.25 μm in Launaea mucronata. The pollen morphology has valuable significance in understanding the taxonomy of different plant groups and plays a central role in the correct identification and classification of Asteraceous flora at species, generic, and tribe levels.

Pharmacognostical Standardization, Chromatograhic and Spectral Analysis of Methanolic Extract of Echinops echinatus Linn. Roots and Fractions

Echinops echinatus Linn. (Fam. Asteraceae) possesses medicinal value a good deal. The plant is a nerve tonic that stimulates liver and increases appetite, and is effective as anti-inflammatory and in jaundice. Objective of the current study was to standardize Echinops echinatus (E. echinatus), both macroscopically and microscopically. Pharmacognostic standardization with the help of different physicochemical parameters and fluorescence analysis was performed according to the WHO guidelines. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of crude methanolic extract (EME) and various fractions was done. TLC and column chromatographic techniques were employed for presence of various phytoconstituents. Five compounds were isolated from EME using column chromatography, which were characterized by techniques like FTIR and UV. The isolated purified compounds showed different hRf values ranging from 67 to 94. Results of this study may serve as biochemical markers for this medicinally important plant in the pharma industry and plant systematic studies. The current work will help in identification of the species pharmacognostically and anatomically; and phytochemical analysis may help in screening of active constituents responsible for the activity. The study will serve as a reference for correct identification and in checking any type of adulteration. This may also help in differentiating this species from closely related species of the same genus and family.

Organ-based chemo-profiling of Echinops echinatus Roxb. using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique

Organ-based chemo-profiling of Echinops echinatus Roxb. using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) technique

PHYTOCHEMICALS ANALYSIS AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF ECHINOPS ECHINATUS FROM CHOLISTAN DESERT, PAKISTAN

Plants have been used as a source of food as well as medicines by the man throughout history. Echinops echinatus was evaluated for phytochemicals and antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia and Anti-urease inhibition assay activities were tested during the study. The laminar flow cabin was cleaned with 70% ethanol. α-glucosidase inhibition activity was performed according to the standard method with slightly modification. Carbohydrates, phenols and tannins were found positive in leaves, stems and roots. Saponins and glycosides were found in flowers, leaves, roots and stems. While roots and stems revealed the presence of steroids. Terpenoids were found in flowers and leaves. The leaves showed the maximum inhibition zone 10mm against K. pneumonia while against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa was found inactive. K. pneumoniae, E. coli and P. aeruginosa were resistant to flowers extract. The root extract showed maximum zone of inhibition 18 mm against S. aureus while against P. aeruginosa and K. pneumonia inhibition zone was 15mm and 14mm respectively. The extracts of leaves, flowers, roots and stem showed positive results for α-glucosidase. The roots extract showed maximum inhibition with 75.3±1.5 with IC50 value of 207.3±1.3 for α-glucosidase. Urease inhibitory activity of stem extracts showed maximum inhibition activity 93.71±0.86 with IC50 value 15.63±0.42. While leaves and roots showed almost same activity 92.45±0.63 and 92.63±0.76, respectively. Echinops echinatus could be considered for further studies in the treatment of various ailments as a natural remedy.

STUDY OF ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACT OF SOME WILD PLANTS OF ASTERACEAE ON ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS

Aflatoxins have great significance due to health hazards to men and other useful animals. The aflatoxins are produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Recently, the use of natural products like cinnamon and clove oil has also been suggested for the inhibition of aflatoxin production as well as growth of A. parasiticus. In view of the known antifungal properties of plant extracts, an attempt has been made in the present investigation to explore the Antifungal Activity of Plant extracts against growth of A. flavus by some wild plants of family Asteraceae, viz., Ageratum conyzoides, Carthamus oxycantha, Eclipta alba, Echinops echinatus, Launea nudicaulis, Lactuca dissecta, Parthenium hysterophorus, Sonchus aspera, Vernonia cinerea and Xanthium strumarium have been studied against growth of toxigenic strain of A. flavus by standard cup method on solid medium. The diameter of zone of inhibition was measured in mm and percent inhibition in growth was calculated. Out of three concentrations viz., 10, 15 and 20 per cent of leaf extracts, the 20 per cent concentration was found most effective. Further, hot water extract of leaf was adjudged more inhibitory as compared to cold water extract of plants. The maximum inhibition (70%) in growth of test fungus was caused by hot water leaf extract of A. conyzoides. It also can be concluded that leaf extract of different experimental plants have antifungal activity to varying extents.

Quantifying the Estimation and Abundance of Plant Diversity of Shigar Valley, Gilgit -Baltistan, Pakistan

The studies were carried out from July 2017 to March 2018 in Shigar valley different Union Councils. The area lies between 7444 feet to 11694 feet from Above sea level in the Alpine zone including, Niali Nallah, Laxar Nallah, Nallah, Markuja union, Marapi union, Chorkah union, Gulapur. The study sites were randomly selected based on (1) herbs or shrubs land on the field periphery, (2) open grassland and arable land associated with sparse vegetation on rocks, stones, (3) forest land and open lands associated with sparse tree vegetation catchment of river and (4) forest land and arable land associated with dunes and rocky terrain. The quadrate method was used to record of vegetation from the selected study sites. A total of 59 plants species both medicinally and economically important were recorded at four study sites of CKNP and revealed that 30 herbs followed by 14 trees, 11 kinds of grass, and 4 shrubs respectively the dominant tree species recorded from all habitat types were Juniper sexcelsa, Elaeagnus ambulate, Morus alba, Salix Wilhelmina and Populus nigra. The most common herbs recorded were Artimisa brevifolia, Tanacetum, Echinops echinatus, Capparis sponsia, Ephedra intermedia, Peganum harmala, Daucus carota, Medicago sativa, Typha lotifuliya and Astragalus rhizanthus. The dominant shrubs were Rosa webbina, Hippophae rhamnoides, Sophora Molis and Myricaria germanica. The grasses recorded in the study area were Poa Alpina, Setaria Viridis, Hetropogon contortus, Cynodon dactylon, Taraxacum oritinlis, Trifolium repens and Cascuta reflexa. These plants are also used by local communities for fuelwood and timber. This study will be beneficial for locals and governments for the protection and conservation of this indigenous flora as well as fauna in the future.

Spectral Analysis and Antibacterial Activity of Methanol Extract of Roots of Echinops echinatus and its Fractions

Objective: The root of Ecinops echiantus L. (Asteraceae) is reported to have great medicinal value. The aim of the present study was to determine the chemical profile of methanol extract of Echinops echiantus by two different spectral analyses which will be useful for its proper identification when therapeutically used. Isolated compounds and crude methanol extract were screened for antibacterial activity. Methods: Spectral analysis was done by different analytical methods such as Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet spectroscopy. The in vitro antibacterial activity of E. echinatus root extracts was studied by the hole plate diffusion method against several human pathogenic gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Results: Five compounds were isolated from crude methanol extract using column chromatography and characterized by techniques like Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet spectroscopy. Compounds showed different Rf values ranging from 67 to 9.4. All the five isolated compound and crude methanol extract showed significant antibacterial activity against all strains. However, maximum activity shown by compound Ee-4, Ee-1, Ee-3 against Staphylococcus aureus (17.0 mm), (15.3 mm), (12.3 mm) respectively. While Ee-5 give maximum activity against E. coli (13.5 mm). Conclusion: The result of this study suggested that methanol extract of Echinops echiantus root and its isolated compounds exhibited marked antibacterial activity. Therefore, the results of this study may act as biochemical markers for this medicinally important plant in the pharma industry and plant systematic studies.

Some Plant species of Tarai region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, used in tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most difficult ailments to control in the world today. The emergence of drug resistant strains has made previously effective and affordable remedies less effective (There are more than twenty drugs that are currently used for the treatment of TB and almost all of them were developed some years ago. The drugs are used in differing combinations in different circumstances, so that for example some TB drugs are only used for the treatment of new patients who are very unlikely to have resistance to any of the TB drugs). This has made the search for new medicines from local traditional medicines. The specific objectives of this study were to identify plant species used in the treatment of TB, parts used, their methods of preparation and administration. The present study was conducted in the central tarai region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand in the year 2008-2011. Total fifteen plant species were found to be used to cure tuberculosis. The different use of Adhatoda vasica was reported first time from the study area. Species Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia variegata, Baliospermum montanum, Sida rhombifolia, Withania somnifera, Asclepias curassavica, Echinops echinatus, and Saccharum spontaneum were reported first time of the study area.

PHARMACOGNOSY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF ROOTS OF ECHINOPS ECHINATUS ROXB.

The genus Echinops echinatus Roxb. belongs to family Asteraceae found in India. Commonly known Kantaphala as in Sanskrit Roots used as medicine. It is used in dyspepsia, scrofula, syphilis and fever. It is also advised to take paste in ternally for to qui ck and safe delivery. The present study was carried out to investigate morphological, microscopical and phytochemical screening of roo t revealed that the presence of d - Mannose, D - Glucopyranoside, O - α - D glucopyranosyl - (fwdarw.3) - β - D, fructofuranosyl, phenol, 3 - hydroxy - 1 - propenyl) - 2 - methoxyphenol 4 - (3 - hydroxy - 1 - propenyl) - 2 - methoxy,Thianthrene,

Ethnomedicinal review of Usnakantaka (Echinops echinatus Roxb.).

Echinops echinatus Roxb. (E. echinatus), commonly known as “Usnakantaka,” is a xerophytic herbaceous plant traditionally used as a stimulant to treat use the term Sexual debility in Indian traditional systems of medicine. The roots, leaves, fruit, and bark are extensively used in folk medicine as well as in Ayurveda. Also, the plant shows a wide range of pharmacological activities such as antifungal, analgesic, diuretic, reproductive, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antipyretic, and antibacterial properties. Among the several active constituents, apigenin, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, echinaticin, 5,7-dihydroxy-8,4’-dimethoxy-flavanone-5-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-7-O - β-D-arabinopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-D-glucopyranoside are the most important in terms of reported pharmacological activities. The current review focuses on the updated information from various scientific studies and reports available in the context of the phytoconstituents and pharmacology of this plant. This review also provides adequate information about the use of this plant in an Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda.

Ethnomedicinal plants of Jodhpur District, Rajasthan used in herbal and folk remedies

The Jodhpur district a part of Thar Desert is very rich in medicinal plant wealth. The medicinal plants of this region have great potential to be used in drug and pharmaceutical industries. These herbal plants have been used by local people, tribal communities, vendors, native doctors such as Ojhas, Bhagats Bhopas and experts of Ayurvedic fields since long time in herbal and folk remedies. Kalbelia, Nats, Bhils, Raika, Bhopas, Banjara, Gadolia-Lohar, Saharia and Meena communities of this district have a rich knowledge of plants based traditional medicines. Ten ethnomedicinal plants like Cleome gynandra Linn., Clerodendrum phlomidis Linn., Cassia angustifolia Vahl., Echinops echinatus Roxb., Leucas aspera (Willd.) Spreng., Mimosa hamata Willd., Moringa oleifera Lamk., Pedalium murex Linn., Peganum harmala Linn., Sida cordifolia Linn. have been selected for this research work. The present investigation is aimed to create awareness about the ethnomedicinal value of the plants and their uses to draw the attention of pharmacologists, phytochemists and pharmaceuticals.

Experimental evaluation of Echinops echinatus as an effective hepatoprotective

Aerial parts of Echinops echinatus (Family: Asteraceae) were subjected to in vivo hepatoprotective study in order to validate its traditional use in hepatobiliary disorders, by native people of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan. Hepatoprotective effects of pre-treatment with aerial parts (ethanolic extract) of E. echinatus (EE), (500 and 750 mg/kg/day, p.o., for 7 days) against CCl4 (0.75 ml/kg., s/c.) intoxicated rabbits were evaluated by serum biochemical parameters and liver histopathological observations. Silymarin (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., for 7 days) was used as a standard hepatoprotective drug. CCl4 intoxicated group had raised levels of SGOT, SGPT and ALP significantly but TB level was not raised as compared to normal control group. EE Extract (500 mg/kg) produced more significant results as compared to extract (750 mg/kg). However, (both doses of 500 and 750 mg/kg) showed hepatoprotection as obvious by significant reinstatement of levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP and even TB as compared to CCl4 and Silymarin control groups. Histopathological examination of the liver tissue further corroborated these results. Therefore, the outcome of the present study supports the traditional beliefs on hepatoprotective effects of E. echinatus (aerial parts). Key words: Echinops echinatus, hepatoprotection, Carbon tetrachloride, serum biochemical parameters, histopathology of liver.

Evaluation of 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful as antiandrogens

This study demonstrates 5α-reductase inhibitory activity of certain herbs useful in the management of androgenic disorders. Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst (GL), Urtica dioica Linn. (UD), Caesalpinia bonducella Fleming. (CB), Tribulus terrestris Linn. (TT), Pedalium murex Linn. (PM), Sphaeranthus indicus Linn. (SI), Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. (CR), Citrullus colocynthis Schrad. (CC), Benincasa hispida Cogn. (BH), Phyllanthus niruri Linn. (PN) and Echinops echinatus Linn. (EE) were included in the study. Petroleum ether, ethanol and aqueous extracts of these herbs were tested for their 5α-reductase inhibitory activity against the standard 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride. A biochemical method to determine the activity of 5α-reductase was used to evaluate the inhibition of different extracts to the enzyme. The optical density (OD) value of each sample was measured continuously with ultraviolet spectrophotometer for the reason that the substrate NADPH has a specific absorbance at 340 nm. As the enzyme 5α-reductase uses NADPH as a substrate, so in the presence of 5α-reductase inhibitor, the NADPH concentration will increase with the function of time. This method thus implicates the activity of 5α-reductase. The method proved to be extremely useful to screen the herbs for their 5α-reductase inhibitory potential. GL, UD, BH, SI and CR came out to be promising candidates for further exploring their antiandrogenic properties.

Protective effects of Echinops echinatus on testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats

AimEchinops echinatus is one of the plants marketed as ‘Brahmadandi’ in India. Brahmadandi has the reputation of a potent aphrodisiac and hence it should have an androgenic mode of action. Previous reports on E. echinatus suggest an antiandrogenic action for the plant. The present study was undertaken to find out whether E. echinatus can be used as clinically effective medicine for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) where antiandrogenic agents are useful. MethodologyIn vitro studies were conducted to assess the 5α-reductase inhibitory potential of E. echinatus. This was followed by in vivo studies on the potent extracts. Testosterone (3mgkg−1, s.c.) was administered to the rats along with the test extracts (50 and 100mgkg−1, p.o.) for a period of 28 days. Finasteride was used as positive control (1mgkg−1, p.o.). ResultsE. echinatus extracts attenuated the increase in the prostatic/body weight ratio induced by testosterone. Butanolic fraction of ethanolic extract exhibited the best activity. Testosterone levels measured weekly and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels measured at the end of the study support our postulations. Further histological studies have shown a considerable improvement in the prostatic histoarchitecture in the extract-treated groups when compared with testosterone treated group. ConclusionOur studies suggest that the use of E. echinatus as Brahmadandi is not justifiable in light of its antiandrogenic action. E. echinatus proved to be a promising agent for the treatment of BPH.

Antibacterial activity of mother tinctures of cholistan desert plants in Pakistan

The mother tinctures of desert were screened for antibacterial activity against bacterial strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Mother tinctures were prepared by maceration process and antibacterial activity of different plants was evaluated and compared by measuring their zones of inhibition. The results indicated that Boerrhavia diffusa mother tincture had excellent activity only against Escherichia coli. Mother tincture of Chorozophora plicata showed highly effective results against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa whereas Echinops echinatus mother tincture showed highly effectiveness only against Salmonella typhi. Heliotropium europaeum mother tincture exhibited highly effective results against Bacillus subtilis in all concentrations. Tamrix aphylla presented maximum activity only against Bacillus subtilis in all three concentrations. Among the selected species Heliotropium europaeum, Chorozophora plicata and Tamrix aphylla were more effective plants against many microorganisms. However, Boerrhavia diffusa and Echinops echinatus were less effective plants against tested pathogenic bacteria.

An HPTLC Method for the Evaluation of Two Medicinal Plants Commercially Available in the Indian Market Under the Common Trade Name Brahmadandi

Brahmadandi is an important medicinal plant used in the Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda) for the treatment of numerous diseases. A literature search revealed that different plants are available on the market under the trade name Brahmadandi viz., roots of Echinops echinatus Roxb, and the aerial parts of Tricholepis glaberrima DC which are sold either in their crude or in powdered form. Currently, no analytical procedures appear to be available for quality control purposes. In the present communication, we report a simple HPTLC method for the quantification of the lupeol content in the aforementioned plant species. The method was validated for precision, repeatability and accuracy. Instrument precision and repeatability of the method were found to be 0.56 and 2.87 %RSD, respectively. Intra-day and inter-day precision of the method was determined to be in the ranges of 0.71–2.02 and 1.03–2.02 %RSD, respectively. Accuracy of the method was evaluated by a recovery study conducted at three different levels. The mean percentage recovery was found to be 100.85%. The developed HPTLC method for estimation of lupeol was found to be simple, precise and accurate and may be useful for routine quality control of the commercial samples of Brahmadandi.