Indica Root Extract Research Articles

Enzymes inhibitory capabilities of phenolics from Plumbago indica L. and Plumbago auriculata Lam.: In-vitro studies and molecular docking

The hydroalcoholic roots’ extracts of Plumbago indica L. and P. auriculata Lam. were studied for phenolic profiles using the HPLC technique and enzyme inhibitory activities using in-vitro and in-silico models. HPLC analyses of both extracts revealed the presence of fifteen and thirteen phenolic compounds for P. indica and P. auriculata, respectively. P. indica root extract contained Catechin (5321.63 µg/g) and Gallic acid (4616.29 µg/g) while P. auriculata root extract showed rutin (1505.46 µg/g) and ellagic acid (1390.72 µg/g) as the major compounds. The enzyme inhibitory assays showed that both Plumbago species have enzyme inhibition activities against all tested enzymes; acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and xanthine oxidase. The superior activity was accounted for by P. indica. with I.C.50 values of 138.63, 25.69, 169.31, 90.31, 197.66, and 55.68 µg/ml while the inhibitory potential of P. auriculata was the lowest with I.C.50 equal to 152.75, 36.32, 179.71, 103.71, 217.23, and 74.88 µg/ml, respectively for acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and xanthine oxidase. The docking studies showed promising results for certain compounds. These findings imply that these extracts have the potential to act as enzyme inhibitors for the treatment of disorders associated with them.

Introduction pages, NBHA-CN 51(3), 2023

The papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 3, Volume 51, 2023 represent new exciting research in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, crop science, and forestry. Among the interesting articles we invite you to find news about: Comparison of the potential of extracts from the flower, fruit pulp, and seed of Cassia fistula L. on MCF-7 breast cancer cell growth and cell migration; Evaluation of anticancer activity of Plumbago indica root extract on cervical HeLa cancer cells; Metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveal the colouring mechanism of red honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Thunb.); Ethylene modulates root growth and mineral nutrients levels in trifoliate orange through the auxin-signaling pathway; Green nanotechnology for plant bacterial diseases management in cereal crops: a review on metal-based nanoparticles; Physiological responses of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) plants to biochar application under water deficit conditions; Gene mining and functional analysis related to maize (Zea mays L.) seed size; Phytochemical properties, antioxidant potential and fatty acids profiling of three dragon fruit species grown under sub-tropical climate; Chemical composition and anti-inflammatory effect of Phellodendron amurense Rupr. stem bark extract; Ecotype effects on photosynthesis performance using A/PFFD among Pinus nigra Arn.; Assessment of herbaceous vegetation classification using orthophotos produced from the image acquired with unmanned aerial systems.

Evaluation of anticancer activity of Plumbago indica root extract on cervical HeLa cancer cells

Plumbago indica L. has a various pharmacological activity; however, the anticancer activity in cervical cancer has less information. To examine the antiproliferative, apoptotic, and antimigratory activity of Plumbago indica root extract on cervical cancer cells. The extract of P. indica was explored for cell viability, apoptosis, and migration by sulforhodamine B, colony formation, cell cycle distribution, Wound healing, Annexin V-FITC staining apoptotic, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The data indicated that P. indica extract suppressed HeLa cervical cells viability by dose- and time-dependent manner along with the reduction of cancer cell number and colony forming ability. After 48 h of incubation period, the PR extract exhibited a significant reduction of migratory ability by dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, these extracts significantly showed a reduction of cell viability along with induction of late apoptosis. The mechanism of action was shown by detecting mitochondrial dysfunction and activating of ROS formation on HeLa cells-treated with P. indica extract. The extract of P. indica has a growth inhibition, migratory suppression, and apoptotic induction. The extract has an anticancer activity by reducing mitochondrial function and activating ROS formation.

Assessment of Coccinia Indica root extract for antiulcer activity in experimental animals

The objective is to evaluate the anti–ulcer activity of ethanolic extract of root of Coccinia grandis (Linn.), Anti-ulcer activity of the three extract was studied in rats by using pylorus ligated ulcer model and it was subjected to preliminary phytochemical studies for the identification of phytoconstituents and also studied for color, consistency and percentage yield of various extracts. Ranitidine was used as the standard drug for comparison. The animals were sacrificed after 06 hrs after the ligation. Stomach was dissected out and contents were drained into tubes and were centrifuged and volume was noted. The PH of gastric juice was recorded using a PH meter. The contents were subjected for analysis of free and total acidity and Na+, k+ ion concentration. The numbers of ulcers per stomach was noted and severity of ulcers scored. Then the blood samples were collected and subjected to estimation of serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase level. The expected result is to get an anti-ulcer activity of the leaf extracts of Coccinia grandis should owing to the presence of one or more phytoconstituents, which may reduce the acidity of the gastric juice and also prevents the mucosal damage and ulcer formation. The Ethanolic Extract 400mg/kg expected to showed comparable anti ulcer-activity as that of standard Ranitidine.

Assessment of Coccinia Indica root extract for antiulcer activity in experimental animals

Assessment of Coccinia Indica root extract for antiulcer activity in experimental animals

Androgenic and Spermatogenic Effects of Methanolic Root Extract of Waltheria indica (linn) in Male Wistar Rats

Waltheria indica is a common shrub found in many parts of Northern Nigeria for the management of several diseases. Although the ability of Waltheria indica to treat infertility, erectile dysfunction and impotency in male has been reported in ethno-medicine, there is no scientific study to verify its action on androgens and spermatogenic parameters. This study seeks to evaluate the effect of methanolic root extract of Waltheria indica on androgens and spermatogenesis in albino rats. Rats were grouped into four: 1, 2, 3 and 4 where 1(the control) received orally 1mL of normal saline. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received orally on daily basis, graded doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the plant extract, respectively, for 40 days. Administration of plant extract resulted in enhanced levels of testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sperm count, sperm viability, and sperm mobility, testicular gamma glutamyl transferase, testicular alkaline phosphatase, testicular acid phosphatase and testicular cholesterol. The results show that methanolic root extract of Waltheria indica has demonstrated androgenic and spermatogenic activity which further substantiates its claimed traditional use in the management of infertility in male folk. Keywords: Waltheria indica root extract, infertility, erectile dysfunction, impotency in male, androgenic effect, spermatogenic effect

Cofe2o4 Nanoparticle Using Aloe Vera and Flacortia Indica Root Extract by Green Approach: Electrochemical, Sensor and Antibacterial Applications

Cofe2o4 Nanoparticle Using Aloe Vera and Flacortia Indica Root Extract by Green Approach: Electrochemical, Sensor and Antibacterial Applications

Cofe2o4 Nanoparticle Using Aloe Vera and Flacortia Indica Root Extract by Green Approach: Electrochemical, Sensor and Antibacterial Applications

Cofe2o4 Nanoparticle Using Aloe Vera and Flacortia Indica Root Extract by Green Approach: Electrochemical, Sensor and Antibacterial Applications

In vivo and in silico Evaluation of Analgesic and Hypoglycemic Activities of Roots of Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica and Justica adhatoda

The present study focuses on the investigation of methanol extracts of roots of three indigenous plants of Bangladesh namely Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica and Justicia adhatoda to evaluate their analgesic and hypoglycemic activities in experimental animal model along with in silico modelling of several compounds present in the root extracts of these plants. Analgesic and hypoglycemic activities were evaluated in Swiss albino mice using acetic acid-induced writhing inhibition method and glucose tolerance test, respectively. In silico molecular docking and ADME study was conducted to assess the binding affinity with the target receptors and oral bioavailability of the compounds. The methanol extracts of A. nilotica, J. adhatoda and A. indica roots at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight reduced the number of writhes by 61.53%, 54.61% and 47.69%, respectively compared to standard diclofenac sodium (70.77% at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw) (p<0.05). A. nilotica and A. indica root extracts showed significant hypoglycemic activity at a dose of 400 mg/kg bw (% reduction of blood glucose 43.66 and 37.55% respectively, p<0.001) and J. adhatoda root extract reduced the blood glucose level by 33.71% (p<0.001) compared to that of standard drug, glibenclamide (57.46% reduction of blood glucose) after 120 minutes of administration. Among the computationally tested compounds, flavan-3-ol showed the lowest binding energy (-8.7 kcal/mol) with both COX-1 and COX-2 compared to standard diclofenac sodium (-7.8 kcal/mol). On the other hand, quercetin demonstrated the lowest binding energy (-8.8 kcal/mol) with ATP-sensitive potassium channel with Sulfonylurea Receptor 1 subunit among the tested compounds compared to standard glibenclamide (-9.3 kcal/mol). All the compounds showed high oral bioavailability in ADME analysis. Among all the root extracts, A. nilotica exhibited the most promising analgesic and hypoglycemic activities and should be employed to future investigation for isolating specific chemical constituents. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 20(2): 185-197, 2021 (December)

Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Potential of Plumbago indica Root Extracts

Due to their well-known attribute of having minimal side effects as compared to medicines, natural items with medical potential are progressively gaining prominence in clinical research. The roots of Plumbago indica (P. indica, Plumbaginaceae) are commercially significant since they are the primary source of plumbagin and its derivatives. Plumbagin is well-known for its many pharmacological properties. P. indica roots yielded three naphthoquinones: plumbagin, 3, 30-biplumbagin, and elliptinone, which were employed as standard markers for quantitative HPLC analysis. The goal of this research was to screen phytochemicals, assess alkaloids, phenolic and flavonoid content, and measure the antioxidant potential of P. indica roots. The well-known test methodology was used to determine qualitative analysis of several phytochemical ingredients as well as quantitative analysis of total alkaloids, phenol, and flavonoids. The antioxidant activity of an ethanolic extract of P. indica roots was investigated in vitro using the 1,1-diphenyl, 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test technique. Alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, phenolics, proteins, and glucose were found in the ethanol and aqueous extracts, according to phytochemical study. P. indica roots ethanolic extract had 5.55, 0.930, and 3.940 mg of total phenolic, flavonoids, and alkaloids respectively. For comparative purposes, ascorbic acid was employed as a benchmark. In the investigated models, the extract showed dose-dependent free radical scavenging properties. For the DPPH technique, P. indica roots extract had an IC50 value of 23.02 µg/ml, which was equivalent to that of ascorbic acid (IC50=17.68 µg/ml). These researches contributed to the accurate identification of this plant material. The plant's broad variety of phytochemicals implies that it has medicinal potential, which might be investigated in the pharmaceutical sector as well as in traditional medicine.

Phytochemical Profile, Free Radical Scavenging and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Acalypha Indica Root Extract: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

In our in vitro and in vivo studies, we used Acalypha indica root methanolic extract (AIRME), and investigated their free radical scavenging/antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Primarily, phytochemical analysis showed rich content of phenols (70.92 mg of gallic acid/g) and flavonoids (16.01 mg of rutin/g) in AIRME. We then performed HR-LC-MS and GC-MS analyses, and identified 101 and 14 phytochemical compounds, respectively. Among them, ramipril glucuronide (1.563%), antimycin A (1.324%), swietenine (1.134%), quinone (1.152%), oxprenolol (1.118%), choline (0.847%), bumetanide (0.847%) and fenofibrate (0.711%) are the predominant phytomolecules. Evidence from in vitro studies revealed that AIRME scavenges DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in a concentration dependent manner (10–50 μg/mL). Similarly, hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation were also remarkably inhibited by AIRME as concentration increases (20–100 μg/mL). In vitro antioxidant activity of AIRME was comparable to ascorbic acid treatment. For in vivo studies, carrageenan (1%, sub-plantar) was injected to rats to induce localized inflammation. Acute inflammation was represented by paw-edema, and significantly elevated (p < 0.05) WBC, platelets and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, AIRME pretreatment (150/300 mg/kg bodyweight) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased edema volume. This was accompanied by a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of WBC, platelets and CRP with both doses of AIRME. The decreased activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase in paw tissue were restored (p < 0.05 / p < 0.01) with AIRME in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, AIRME attenuated carrageenan-induced neutrophil infiltrations and vascular dilation in paw tissue. For the first time, our findings demonstrated the potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of AIRME, which could be considered to develop novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

Bio-Guided Isolation of Prospective Bioactive Constituents from Roots of Clausena indica (Dalzell) Oliv.

Clausena indica fruits are routinely used for the culinary purpose as natural spices, whereas leaves and roots are folk medicine with various health benefits in southern China, South and Southeast Asia. In this study, the bioassay-guided fractionation by column chromatography yielded three pure compounds including dentatin, nordentatin, and clausine K and five active fractions (Re1-5) from C. indica roots. These known anticancer compounds were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, 1H-, 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (ESI-MS-MS) analyses. Meanwhile, the phytochemical constituents from fractions were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The isolates, fractions’ components and their biological activities were first time investigated on C. indica. By in vitro DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays, nordentatin (IC50 = 49.2 and 69.9 µg/mL, respectively) and the fraction Re4 (32.4 and 38.5 µg/mL, respectively) showed the strongest antiradical activities, whereas clausine K presented a moderate and dentatin had negligible antioxidant activity, respectively. The anti-α-amylase activity of C. indica root extracts was mainly attributed to the fraction Re2 which inactivated the enzymatic assay with IC50 of 573.8 µg/mL. Among tested samples, only nordentatin and clausine K were effective in the pancreatic elastase inhibition, however, their influences were trivial. Markedly, clausine K and Re4 performed the most remarkable tyrosinase inhibition with IC50 values of 179.5 and 243.8 µg/mL, respectively, which were in turn 4 and 3 times stronger than myricetin (IC50 = 735.6 µg/mL), a well-known tyrosinase inhibitor. This is the first report affirming clausine K to be a new strong tyrosinase inhibitor. Isolated compounds from C. indica roots were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), of which, dentatin, nordentatin, and clausine K accounted for 14.74, 6.14, and 1.28 mg/g dry weight. The findings suggest that bioactive constituents from C. indica roots may be potentially employed for the development of antidiabetic, antiaging and cosmetic agents.

Evaluation of the Storage Quality of Coconut Seed Using Extracts of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Mangifera indica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Against &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ceratocysis paradoxa,&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; the Bole Rot Fungus

The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera Linn) is undoubtedly the most economically important species in the palm family of Areacacea. Coconut meal is solely prepared from the coconut seed which, has been found to be attacked by several disease causing microorganisms especially <i>Ceratocysis paradoxa</i>, a fungus that causes the devastating Bole rot disease. The study is designed to assess the storage stability of coconut seed by applying bioorganic extracts of <i>Mangifera indica</i> on the bole rot pathogen, <i>Ceratocysis paradoxa</i>. Four different concentrations (3, 6, 9 and 12 %) of the stem and root extracts of <i>M. indica</i> were obtained using a fair-fold sterile cheese cloth and tested on the fungus cultured on plates of Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. Data obtained was analysed using the two-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result showed significant fungal mycelial growth inhibition with the 9% root extract concentration than the stem extracts concentrations. The antifungal properties of M. indica root extract can be further harnessed, processed and packaged as one of the natural bioorganic alternatives to chemical fungicides.

Hexane fraction of Pluchea indica root extract inhibits proliferation and induces autophagy in human glioblastoma cells.

Pluchea indica (L.) Less. is a perennial plant known for its versatile uses in traditional medicine. Previous findings have shown that the extracts of Pluchea indica possess significant anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and anti-tuberculosis activity. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the anticancer activity of the hexane fraction of P. indica root extract (H-PIRE) in human glioblastoma cells using flow cytometric and western blot analysis. The results shoewd that, H-PIRE suppressed the growth of glioblastoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. H-PIRE treatment markedly decreased the population of cells in S and G2/M phases. The significant upregulation of acidic vesicular organelle (AVO) was detected during H-PIRE treatment. The expression levels of microtubule-associated light chain 3-II (LC3-II) protein, phosphorylated JNK and phosphorylated p38 were significantly increased, confirming the occurrence of autophagy during the process. Finally, the combination treatment of H-PIRE and LY294002, a pan PI3K inhibitor, further decreased cell viability, suggesting an additive anticancer effect. Taken together, our results suggest that H-PIRE suppresses the proliferation of glioblastoma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and autophagy.

Antiurolithiatic Potential of &lt;i&gt;Eleusine indica&lt;/i&gt; Linn. (GOOSE GRASS) Root Extract on Ethylene Glycol Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rattus norvegicus (ALBINO RATS)

The study was mainly aimed to determine the antiurolithiathic potential of different concentrations of E. indica root extract on ethylene glycol induced nephrolithiasis in Rattus norvergicus (albino rats). It specifically targeted the effects the plant extract will pose on serum parameters (creatinine, BUN and uric acid) nitrituria, proteinuria, calcium oxalate excretion, and the histopathology of kidney tubules and glomeruli of albino rats. In the study, root of E. indica was collected, dried and extracted using distilled water of 80°C-100°C. The actual experimental period lasted for 4 weeks. The study involved 5 test groups; negative control group (T-), positive control group or lithogenic group (T+), two prophylactic groups (T1 and T2) receiving different concentrations of E. indica root extract (T1- 500mg/kg and T2- 800mg/kg) and one curative group receiving 800mg/kg of E. indica root extract after being induced with kidney stones during the first 2 weeks of the experimental period. All the test groups received 0.75% ethylene glycol (stone inducing chemical) in water for 4 week ad libitum with the exception of the negative control. At the end of the study, there was elevated levels of serum creatinine, BUN and uric acid among the lithogenic group which was normalized in all the three treatment groups. There was no significant difference between the serum parameters of the E. indica treatment groups and that of negative control (P < 0.05). There was the presence of nitrituria, proteinuria, high pH and high levels of calcium oxalate excretion in the lithogenic group. But again all these parameters were normalized in the three E. indica treatment groups. E. indica root extract also maintained the normal structure of kidney glomeruli and tubules among T1 and T2 (prophylactic groups) and repaired kidney defects in T3 (curative group). E. indica root extract thus possess antiurolithiathic potentials and can be used to prevent and cure nephrolithiasis in albino rats.

Antibacterial activity of plumbagin derivative-rich Plumbago indica root extracts and chemical stability

The extraction studies and a one-step purification of the crude extract of Plumbago indica using silica-gel vacuum chromatography provided a plumbagin derivative-rich P. indica root extract (PPE). The PPE was standardised to contain total plumbagin derivatives not less than 13% w/w. Antibacterial activities of the standardised PPE and three naphthoquinones, plumbagin, elliptinone and 3,3′-biplumbagin, against Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were evaluated by using the microdilution assay. The bactericidal activities of the PPE against these bacteria were much stronger than those of elliptinone and 3,3′-biplumbagin and almost equal to those of plumbagin. Stability of the PPE was determined under various conditions through a period of four months. The PPE was stable over a period of four months when stored as a dried powder but only in a well-closed container protected from light under 4 ± 2°C.

Inhibitory effect of Tamarindus indica and Carica papaya on egg hatch larva mortality of Meloidogyne incognita

Essentially, the most effective control of plant parasitic nematodes involves the use of synthetic nematicide. However, apart from their very high cost, increased concern on the environment has necessitated a reduction in the amount of nematicides used for nematode control. In view of these, this research work was conducted to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of root extract of Tamarindus indica and Carica papaya at different concentrations S (100% concentration), “S/2” (50% concentration), “S/10” (10% concentration) and “S/100”(1% concentration) in the inhibition of egg hatch and mortality of larva of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita .The experiment was laid out in a completely randomised design and replicated four times. Combination of equal proportion of T. indica and C .papaya root extract indicated that all the concentrations inhibited egg hatch. The standard solution S of all the selected botanicals were more toxic and effective at (p ≤ 0.05) than the other concentrations. Similarly, combinations of root extracts of T. indica and C. papaya were the most effective of all the selected botanicals in the inhibition of egg hatch and larvae mortality, followed by T. indica root extracts and then C. papaya root extracts.

Isolation of three antibacterial naphthoquinones from Plumbago indica roots and development of a validated quantitative HPLC analytical method

Three naphthoquinones, plumbagin (1), 3,3′-biplumbagin (2) and elliptinone (3), isolated from Plumbago indica roots by antibacterial bioassay-guided isolation, were used as standard markers for quantitative determination. A reversed-phase HPLC method was established for the simultaneous determination of the naphthoquinones in P. indica root extracts. The method utilised a Phenomenex® ODS column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm) at 25°C with a mixture of methanol and 5% aqueous acetic acid (80 : 20 v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.85 mL/min, and UV detection at 260 nm. The parameters of linearity, precision, accuracy specificity and sensitivity of the method were evaluated. The recovery of the method was 98.6–100.6% with good linearity (r 2 ≥ 0.9997) for all three naphthoquinones. A high degree of sensitivity, specificity as well as repeatability and reproducibility (R.S.D. values less than 5%) were also achieved.

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial activities of root extract of tissue cultured Pluchea indica (L.) Less.

SUMMARY The methanolic root extract of tissue cultured Pluchea indica (L.) Less. was tested for itsantibacterial potentiality against 102 different strains of bacteria belonging to both Gram positiveand Gram negative groups. The bacteria could be arranged according to their decreasing order ofsensitivity as follows: Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus spp. Vibrio parahaemolyticus,shigellae, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli. The extract was found to be bacteriostatic in natureagainst Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 74. When administered to Swiss strain of white mice at thedoses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg body weight, the extract could significantly protect the animalschallenged with 50 MLD of S. typhimurium NCTC 74. According to the chi-square test, the in vivodata is highly significant (P < 0.001).Key words: Tissue cultured; Pluchea indica; Root; Antibacterial; Salmonella typhimurium NCTC 74 INTRODUCTION One of the major achievements of medical sciencehas been the control and management of infectiousdiseases. For a long period of time, plants havebeen a valuable source of natural products formaintaining human health, especially in the lastdecade, with more intensive studies for naturaltherapies. Thus plants should be thoroughlyinvestigated to better understand their properties,safety and efficiency. Again plant tissue cultureresearch is multi-dimensional and activities oftissue-cultured plants, if proven would no doubtrevolutionize medicinal plant research. The mainobjective of this study is to evaluate the in vitro andin vivo antibacterial activities of tissue culturedPluchea indica root extract against different bacterialvirulent stains including Salmonella typhimuriumNCTC 74. The plant Pluchea indica (L.) Less. (Family:Asteraceae) is an evergreen large shrub foundabundantly in salt marshes and mangrove swampsin Sunderbans (India), Bangladesh, Myanmar,China, Philippines, Malaysia, Tropical Asia andAustralia. In Indo-China the roots in decoctionprescribed in fevers as a diaphoretic and aninfusion of the leaves is given internally inlumbago (Kirtikar and Basu, 1999). The root andleaves are used in some area as astringent andantipyretics (Kirtikar and Basu, 1999). The plant isalso known to be used in rheumatoid arthritis(Chatterjee, 1996). Root extract has also beenevaluated for (Sen et al., 1991), antiulcer (Sen et al.,1993), and neuropharmacological (Thongpraditchote

The Effect of Aqueous Root Extract of &lt;i&gt;Watherian Indica&lt;/i&gt; on Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscle Activity

Watherian indica is a dicotyledonous shrub used in the treatment of diarrhoea in Northern Nigeria. It consists of a well-defined mixture of flavonoids, saponins, sugars, alkaloids and mucilage. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments of the aqueous extract were done. The study to determine the in vivo effect of aqueous root extract of the shrub was on the gastrointestinal transit in conscious rats. In the in vivo experiment, fasted rats were given 20, 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg of the extract orally and 15 minutes later, 0.5ml of 10% charcoal (BaSO4. H2O) was administered into the conscious animals. The control group received the vehicle (normal saline) before charcoal meal. In the in vitro experiment, the effect of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8mg/ml of the extract on the frequency and strength of contraction of an isolated rabbit jejunum was determined using a multi-channel physiograph (model PMP-4B). The result of the study indicates that Watherian indica root extract delays the gastrointestinal transit and inhibit the strength and rate of gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction in a dose dependent manner. These experimental results suggest that Watherian indica inhibits the normal peristaltic movement of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, its anti-diarrhoea properties may be mediated through modification of mechanical activity of the intestinal smooth muscle. Key WordS:Watherian indica, gastrointestinal transit, charcoal, diarrhoeal, rabbit jejunum. [Nig. Jnl Health & Biomedical Sciences Vol.2(1) 2003: 27-30]