Indian Traditional Plant Research Articles

Nimbolide ameliorates fibrosis and inflammation in experimental murine model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma.

Clinical manifestations of skin fibrosis are very variable and ambiguous, making its management quite critical and challenging. The lack of appropriate established pharmacological interventions make its treatment even more complicated. Intricate details of the underlying pathogenesis are thus imperative to further explore different treatment possibilities. Of note, the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) are the principal offenders in this fibrotic disorder. Our current study is aimed at demonstrating the antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory potential of nimbolide, a triterpene derived from Indian traditional plant neem, in a murine model of Bleomycin-induced scleroderma. Male C57BL/6 mice were administered with Bleomycin injections subcutaneously, daily for 28days, at a constant site on the dorsum of the mice. Treatment with nimbolide lasted from day 1 to day 28. At the time of study termination, the injected sites were collected and stored suitably to conduct further molecular experiments and protein expression studies. The results of our study show that nimbolide can significantly intervene in the TGF-β/Smad signaling axis and the consequent EMT process, thus attenuating deposition of extracellular matrix. Nimbolide also profoundly caused the regression of established inflammation-driven fibrosis, thus demonstrating both antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Another commendable finding of this study is that nimbolide was able to decrease the levels of LOXL2, a collagen cross-linker, which is aberrantly expressed in scleroderma. Although further mechanistic studies are required, our study displays nimbolide for the first time as a potent antifibrotic agent which can be used as a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of scleroderma.

Testicular Activity of Mice Treated With MeOH Extract of Achyranthes aspera Leaves

Objectives: In India control of fertility is based on the folk use of numerous Indian Traditional Plants that has been practiced for contraception from many years. Present investigation aims that, to evaluate the contraceptive potential of Achyranthes aspera leaves MeOH extract in male albino mice and has shown promising results of antispermatogenic, antiandrogenic and hypolipidaemic activities. Materials & Methods: MeOH extract of A. aspera leaves at the doses of 25 mg and 50 mg/100 gm body weight was administered orally for 30 days to adult male albino mice. On day 31st, the rats were sacrificed and the testis were removed and weighed for gravimetrical analysis. Organs were processed for biochemical estimation, histological evaluation and histomorphometry for testicular analysis. Results: Treatment with A. aspera leaves extract resulted in decrease the weight of testis 0.925±0.015 significantly (P<0.05). Morphometric analysis like diameter of testis 2554.22±18.545 seminiferous tubules 247.074±8.051 and Leydig cells 7.842±0.248 were decreased significantly (P<0.05) at 50mg/100gm body weight when compare to control. Spermatogenic elements like, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids in the testis were reduced significantly (P<0.05) as well as Leydig cells count in testis when compared to control. Biochemical analysis resulted as, protein, glycogen, and cholesterol content were decreased significantly (P<0.05) in testis of extracts treated mice, whereas alkaline phosphatase increased and acid phosphatase decreased when compared with that of control. Conclusion: MeOH extract of A. aspera leaves arrest the spermatogenesis and inhibited testicular function in male mice without side effects to act as potential contraceptive.

Forensic Applications of Indian Traditional Toxic Plants and their Constituents

Poisonous plants contain various biologically active phytochemicals that may be harmful to living organism if come in contact Due to the presence of wide number of phytochemicals constituents including digitoxin colchicines and atropine etc these poisonous plants have also been found to be useful in treating various diseases There are number of toxicologically significant phytochemicals including proteins oxalates glycosides terpenes phenolics alkaloids anthocyanins proteins glycosides and resins etc These plant derivatives are used as silent naturally occurring biological bioweapons which may destroy life mysteriously without any violence Poisonous plants which cause serious problems or even death are considered as biological weapons These are the first choice of professional poisoners in toxicological crime because of their easy availability and having no cost These plant derived naturally occurring biological weapons were also used by criminals in burglary rape and murder cases In India there are so many cases where criminals use these products by mixing in food material or and contact to victim rsquo s body in the buses trains The toxic constituents of many of such plants need to be properly recorded to develop a prefect database to be utilized in forensic analysis and identification of specific causal agents This review is an endeavour to present an updated account of forensically important Indian traditional toxic plants and their chemical ingredients commonly used by the criminals to commit different crimes

Identification and Analysis of Natural Compounds as Fungal Inhibitors from Ocimum sanctum using in silico Virtual Screening and Molecular Docking

In ancient days, fungal infections were curable; now due the environmental changes the available synthetic drug is not able to cure the diseases. The day to day practice of using traditional plants as a medicine has been increased to cure various diseases. One of the most important Indian traditional plants was Ocimum sanctum and in Tamil, it is called as Thulasi. The previous pharmacological studies of the Ocimum sanctum were reported to possess anti-fertility, anticancer, antidiabetic, antifungal and antimicrobial actions. The 40 phytochemical compounds were identified from the plant Ocimum sanctum through literature survey. Virtual screening was carried out for these compounds and the result predicted that only 8 compounds were screened to be active drug molecules. The fungal protein Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase was responsible for most of the fungal disease caused to human. Further 8 compounds were analyzed for its antifungal activity against Lanosterol 14-alpha demethylase using docking studies to explore the binding interaction between the compounds of Ocimum sanctum and the protein. The docking result revealed that only one compound Bornyl acetate exhibited the best binding interaction of -13.9783 Kcal/mol with binding site of the fungal protein through hydrogen bonding and the 4 compounds exhibited the good binding interaction of greater that -7 kcal/mol. Further in vitro studies on Bornyl acetate compounds can lead to discovery of novel potential drugs against fungal diseases.

A Complete Monographic Study on Abies pindrow Royle Aerial Parts

The establishment of pharmacognostic standards of traditional plants is prerequisite for selecting authenticated plants for research purpose. The pharmacognostic standards of an Indian traditional plant, i.e., Abies pindrow Royle (Silver Fir; family- Pinaceae) has been established. Transverse section of leaf through midrib showed presence of epidermis, palisade cells, vascular bundles, spongy cells, phloem and xylem whereas stem showed the presence of cork, cortex, pericyclic fibres, phloem, xylem and pith. Pitted vessel, pericyclic fibre, unicellular covering trichome and anomocytic stomata were observed in powdered microscopy. Total ash was about 2 and 4 times more than acid insoluble and water soluble ash, respectively. Alcohol soluble extractive value was found to be slightly less than water soluble extractive value. Foreign organic matter, moisture and tannin contents were found to be nil, 8.03% and 2.11% w/w, respectively. Swelling index, foaming index, bitterness value and haemolytic value were found to be 1.2, <100, 4000 and nil, respectively. Volatile oil content was found to be 0.85% v/w. Quantitative chemical parameters viz., acid-, saponification-, ester-, hydroxyl-, iodine-, peroxide-, acetyl values and unsaponifiable matter for the volatile oil were also generated. The content of toxic residues was estimated and found to comply with the limits as per World Health Organization. Phytochemically, the plant was found to contain fats, triterpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, proteins and carbohydrates. Thin layer chromatography of n-hexane, chloroform, methanol extracts and volatile oil showed eleven, eight, ten and eleven spots, respectively, using suitable mobile phases.

ALOE VERA (L.) BURM. F. : A HIGHLY USEFUL INDIAN TRADITIONAL PLANT FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MAIZE STORAGE PEST, SITOPHILUS ORYZAE L. (COLEOPTERA: CURCULIONIDAE)

Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. is an important Indian traditional plant possessing wide range of biological activities. The present study is aimed to determine the repellent and contact toxicity of methanolic extracts of gel, root and leaf peel parts of fifteen A. vera accessions collected from 15 locations in India against maize storage pest, Sitophilus oryzae(L.). Petri dish choice bioassay and filter paper impregnation methods were used to determine repellent and contact toxicity respectively. Analysis of the results reveals that aloin A, the major metabolite of A. vera, at 0.02% w/v concentration possessed strong repellent activity (85.2 %) than sample AV 11a (gel of A. vera) at 5% w/v (82.7%) after 24-h of exposure. Interestingly, the percent repellency increases up to 5-h in all extracts screened. Aloin A at 0.0024 mg/cm2 showed 58.0% mortality against S. oryzae followed by sample AV 13b (leaf peel) at 0.6 mg/cm2 (56.0%) after 14 days of treatment. The content of Aloin A present in the six A. vera extracts, exhibiting highest toxicity and repellency, was determined by Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography. The percent repellency and toxicity of A. vera vary with geographical location, plant parts, major metabolite concentration and exposure time. The potentiality of these plant extracts could be useful towards the development of effective bio repellent to S. oryzae in stored maize.

ISOLATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND ESTIMATION OF MARKER COMPOUND OF VISCUM ALBUM L.

Marker based standardization of plant drugs has become important for obtaining their reproducible therapeutic effects. Viscum album L. (Ujjral; family – Viscaceae), an Indian traditional plant, has not been standardized on the basis of marker compound. Thus, it was considered worthwhile to isolate main chemical constituent from V. album aerial parts and to standardize plant on the basis of isolated constituent by a developed and validated TLC densitometric method. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) was obtained from methanol extract of plant using standard procedure. EAF of the plant was subjected to column chromatography and yielded orange-yellow coloured crystalline compound. The compound was characterized as 2’,4-dihydroxy-4’,6’-dimethoxy chalcone. A TLC densitometric method was developed to estimate the content of isolated chalcone compound. The content of 2’,4-dihydroxy-4’,6’-dimethoxy chalcone was found to be 0.0375% w/w. The developed TLC densitometric method was found to be precise and accurate as per ICH guidelines.

Assessing reproductive toxicity and antioxidant enzymes on beta asarone induced male Wistar albino rats: In vivo and computational analysis

AimBeta asarone is the major constituent of oil obtained from Acorus calamus, the Indian traditional medicine plant. Several studies have shown that beta asarone causes liver and cardiac damages but the reproductive toxicity is not well understood. The present study was initiated to investigate whether beta asarone has the potential to cause reproductive toxicity by inducing oxidative stress in the testis of male Wistar albino rats. Materials and methodsFor this study, the animals were divided into six groups: Group I was treated with saline (normal saline), Group II with DMSO (vehicle control) and Group III with cisplatin (10mg/kgb.wt.). Group IV, V and VI animals were administrated at three dose levels of beta asarone 12.5, 25 and 50mg/kgb.wt. The treatment was carried out for 14days and animals were sacrificed on 29th day and processed for sperm analysis, hormone assay, histopathological, and antioxidant enzymatic assays. We also used molecular docking studies to predict the binding nature of beta asarone with luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Key findingsBeta asarone administered at a dose of 50mg/kgb.wt. was responsible for inducing certain noticeable degenerative changes in histopathological analysis of the tissue. This was supported by altered sperm morphology and hormonal variations when compared to the control groups. Antioxidant enzyme levels were also found to be decreased. This was further validated by molecular docking studies. SignificanceThe present study provides evidence that beta asarone administered at a dose of 50mg/kg b.wt. is capable enough in bringing about moderate amount of degenerative changes in rat testis and altered antioxidant status. Therefore provides a suitable evidence to prove that beta asarone causes reproductive toxicity.

Peganam harmala Indian traditional plant: A Scientific Update

Peganam harmala Indian traditional plant: A Scientific Update

Hypoglycemic activity of Pterocarpus marsupium in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder, and it requires drug treatment over a long period of time. Apart from synthetic drugs available in the market for the management of diabetes, there is voluminous literature pouring on indigenous medicine with claim for the utility in diabetes mellitus. Pterocarpus marsupium is one of the traditional medicinal plants with hypoglycemic activity, used by a lot of patients on a large scale. The objectives of the study were to compare the blood glucose lowering effect of P. marsupium as add-on therapy with oral hypoglycemic drugs in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and to determine adverse events (if any). Methods: The study was carried out at tertiary care hospital of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Total of 56 old uncontrolled hyperglycemic (Type 2 diabetes mellitus) patients already taking oral hypoglycemic drugs were enrolled on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The duration of treatment with P. marsupium as add-on therapy with glimepiride+metformin or glimepiride+metformin+pioglitazone was 12 weeks with 4 weekly clinical attendances for review and collection of the drug. It was prospective, open, non-randomized, interventional, efficacy, and safety type of study, the dosage of P. marsupium wood powder being 2-4 g/day. Results: At the end of treatment (12 weeks) with P. marsupium as add-on therapy, mean fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin were compared with baseline using student’s paired t-test. Calculated p value for all parameter is <0.05, i.e., it is statistically significant. Conclusions: P. marsupium is highly effective blood glucose lowering Indian traditional plant agent, its glycemic effect being comparable as add-on therapy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and free from any adverse event.

Estimation of Total Phenols and Flavonoids in Selected Indian Traditional Plants

Traditionally, aerial parts of Abies pindrow Royle (Himalayan Fir; Pinaceae); Abies webbiana Lindl. (Talispatra; Pinaceae); Cephalandra indica Naud. (Ivy Gourd; Cucurbitaceae) and roots of Calotropis gigantea (L.) Dryand (Giant Milkweed; Asclepiadaceae) have been used in the Indian systems of medicine for the treatment of various ailments. But no systematic phytochemical work has ever been carried out on these potential plants. Thus, it was planned to estimate total phenols and flavonoids content in methanol extract, ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and remaining methanol extract (RME) of selected plants. Properly identified plants were defatted with petroleum ether, and then separately extracted in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol. The methanol extract of each plant was partitioned by ethyl acetate solvent to obtain EAF of respective plant. The total phenols and flavonoids contents were estimated using standardized procedures. Quantitative determination of total phenols and total flavonoids was done using standard curve of gallic acid (linearity: 20 to 120 mg/ml; r2 = 0.995) and quercetin (linearity: 30 to 180 mg/ml; r2 = 0.997), respectively. EAF of selected plants contained higher content of phenols and flavonoids, where as lowest content was observed in RME of plants. The content of total phenols and flavonoids in selected plants were found to be in order of C. indica &gt; A. webbiana &gt; A. pindrow &gt; C. gigantea. The available literature reveals that polyphenols have been reported to possess varied pharmacological activities. As selected Indian plants contain polyphenols as major class of phytoconstituents, it is suggested that these constituents may be responsible for their medicinal uses.

Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Hydnocarpus Wightiana Blume Using Stz Induced Diabetes in Sd Rats

Hydnocarpus Wightiana Blume is an Indian traditional plant used in treating diabetes. Chaulmoogra Oil is obtained from the seeds and has been used in treating leprosy from last twenty years. Hydnocarpus Wightiana Blume posses strong antioxidant, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. And the ethanolic extract of the seed hull also have the chemical constituents like luteolin, hydnocarpin which are responsible for having free radical scavenging nature. The Phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of seed hull of Hydnocarpus Wightiana Blume showed the positive results for Flavonoids, Glycosides, Carbohydrates and Amino Acids. From The Phytochemical study we found that the extract has the antioxidant properties. By this Result we extended our work by administering in diabetes induced SD Rats to check whether it has any antidiabetic activity or not. So, after treating the diabetic rats for 28days with our extract we found that the blood glucose levels got decreased when we compared it with the first day of glucose levels. Hence, we confirmed that the ethanolic extract of the seed hull of Hydnocarpus Wightiana Blume has the antidiabetic activity.

Phytochemical analysis and &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; screening of selected Indian medicinal plants for antiviral activity against highly pathogenic avian influenza virus

AIM: The study aims to investigate the antiviral activity various extracts of six indigenous herbs used in Indian traditional medicine. METHODS: Crude extracts, methanolic, hydro-methanolic (1:1), aqueous-cold and aqueous-hot extracts of six indigenous herbs, were investigated for antiviral activity against H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) in an in vitro study. Each plant was tested at maximum non-cytotoxic concentrations (MNTC) in three different layouts to elucidate the virucidal, pre-exposure and post-exposure antiviral activity by their ability to reduce virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) in Madin Darby Canine kidney (MDCK) cells. Phytochemical analysis was carried out to identify the major compounds in the extracts. RESULTS: Out of 28 extracts tested, cold aqueous extract of bark of Acacia arabica var. indica revealed 100% virucidal activity at concentration 0.625 mg/ml and the hot aqueous extract of leaves of Ocimum tenuiflorum showed 58% inhibition at 2.5 mg/ml concentration and hot and cold aqueous extracts and hydro-methanolic extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica showed 42% (at 1.25 mg/ml), 58% (at 1.25 mg/ml), and 92% (0.325 mg/ml) inhibition, respectively. The phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed presence of tannins and other phyto-ingredients which may be responsible for the antiviral activity. CONCLUSION: The present study is considered to be the first report for Indian traditional medicine plants screened as anti-influenza activity against HPAI virus. The phytochemical studies of the antiviral active ingredients in these medicinal plants will definitely facilitate in furthering the quest for identification of novel anti-viral formulations against HPAI.

Isolation and characterization of some phytochemicals from Indian traditional plants.

The present study was designed to evaluate relative contribution of different polyphenols (total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols) and their antioxidants activities in aqueous extracts of different parts of some plants; Argemone mexicana, Datura metel, Calotropis procera, Thevetia peruviana, and Cannabis sativa. The antioxidants (total phenolics, flavonoids, flavones) were determined by chemical methods. The antioxidant capacities of these extracts were evaluated by FRAP assay. The results demonstrated that phenolic content was maximally present in leaves of T. peruviana. This plant exhibited minimum phenolic content in its flower as compared to other plants. The flower of D. metel contained maximum phenolic content. The flavonoids were present in highest quantity in leaves of C. procera while T. peruviana flowers showed maximum flavonoid content. The fruits of C. sativa contained maximum quantity of flavonoid as compared to other plants tested. The flower extract of C. sativa possessed highest FRAP value followed by A. mexicana and fruit of C. procera. The values of ratios of different polyphenolic compounds present in plant extracts indicated that flower of D. metel contained maximum total flavonoids and minimum phenolics. These results suggested that levels of total phenolics, flavonoids and their FRAP indices exhibited specificity to different plants and their parts.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity of Picrorrhiza kurroa, an Indian traditional plant used to treat chronic diarrhea

Phytochemical screening of the rhizomes of Picrorrhiza kurroa Benth revealed the presence of some bioactive components, which have been linked to antimicrobial properties. Various chemical tests and TLC studies showed the presence of glycosides, sterols and phenolic compounds when tested on different extracts of P. kurroa rhizomes. The major chemical constituents found in this plant were iridoid glycosides and cucurbitacins (triterpenoids) present in the methanolic extract. The effects of methanolic and aqueous extracts on some pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains viz.: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, respectively, showed that the plant part can be used to treat infections caused by these bacteria and fungi. The aqueous and methanolic extracts showed antibacterial activity but the significant antimicrobial activity was shown by methanolic extract only, against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus; while moderate activity against E. coli, B. subtilis and M. luteus. The effectiveness of the crude extract confirmed its use in traditional medicine to treat skin, urinary tract, diarrheal infections and gastrointestinal infections. The aqueous extract was less effective against the microbial strains and no activity against fungal strains. The MICs of the methanolic extract against the test bacteria were high and correlate with sensitivity test results. The effectiveness of the extracts was less than the conventional antibiotic, ciprofloxacin. Further the HPTLC studies were performed to estimate the content of iridoids and it was found to be 3.66±0.11 and 4.44±0.02 for picroside I and kutkoside, respectively.

Antibacterial activities of some Indian traditional plant extracts

ObjectiveTo evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of various solvent extracts of South Indian traditional medicinal plants Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum gratissimum, Aegle marmelos, and Adhatoda vasica leaves against clinical pathogens of human origin. MethodsThe antimicrobial activity of different solvents crude extract of four medicinal plants used in traditional Indian medicine was tested by disc diffusion method against five bacterial pathogens: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi and klebsiella pneumoniae.. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined for evaluating the potential plant extract. ResultsThe antibacterial results showed methanol extracts (0.4 g/ml) of Ocimum gratissimum and Ocimum sanctum showed maximum zone of inhibition (30 mm and 25.5 mm, respectively) against Salmonella typhi. MIC was tested at various concentrations from 0.625 mg/ml to 0.039 mg/ml for all the plant extracts. At the lowest concentration (0.039mg/ml) tested, methanol extracts of Ocimum gratissimum showed higher MIC against Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi where as the methanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum showed potent activity against Staphylococcus aureus at 0.078 mg/ml. Methanol extract (0.4 g/ml) of Aegle marmelos showed significant inhibitory activity of 22.5mm and MIC value of 0.156.mg/ml against E. coli strain. The Klebsiella spp was the most resistant strain of all and various concentrations Adhatoda vasica extract showed less activity against the tested pathogens. ConclusionsThe present screening result demonstrated that the Indian traditional medicinal plants Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum gratissimum, Aegle marmelos methanol leaf extract has potent antibacterial activity and the studied plants may be new source for novel antibacterial compound discovery for treating drugs resistant human pathogens.

Hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activity of leaves of Aegle marmelose in normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. Long term complications arising due to diabetes mellitus and serious side effects shown by synthetic hypoglycemic agents have continued the search for more effective and safer antidiabetic agents. Aegle marmelose Linn. (Rutaceae) is a popular Indian traditional plant, fruits of which are used for diarrhoea and dysentery. Since no scientific studies have been carried out on leaves, the present study was designed to investigate hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activity of leaves of A. marmelose in normoglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Treatment groups received 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg p.o. of methanolic extract of A. marmelose. The blood glucose levels were estimated using glucometer. In addition, changes in body weight, organ (liver, kidney, pancreas) weight and serum lipid profile were assessed after 4 weeks of daily administration of the extract. Pretreatment with methanolic extract (400mg/kg p.o.) showed significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in blood glucose level compared to diabetic control. Further, extract treated rats at 400mg/kg p.o., showed significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in body weight, organ weight and lipid profile as compared to diabetic control rats. One-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test was applied to test statistical significance. Thus the present study clearly demonstrates antidiabetic potential of A. marmelose leaves. Further studies are required to elucidate its mechanism of action.