Rhizomes Of Picrorhiza Kurroa Research Articles

Hepatoprotective activity of Picrorhiza kurroa and Berberis lycium is mediated by inhibition of COX-2 and TGF-β expression in lantadenes-induced sub-chronic toxicity in guinea pigs

BackgroundThe toxicity of Lantana camara weed is common in grazing livestock throughout the world. Specific treatment for the toxicity is lacking. However, herbal plants could be investigated for their effectiveness in inhibiting hepatic damage caused by lantadenes of L. camara. Therefore, the extracts Berberis lycium and Picrorhiza kurroa, which are known to exhibit multiple useful effects were assessed for their hepatoprotective action in sub-chronic lantadene toxicity. PurposeThe focus of the study was to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of sub-chronic lantadene toxicity and, the mechanism of hepatoprotection by freeze-dried methanolic extracts of the Berberis lycium root bark and Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome in lantadenes-induced sub-chronic hepatopathy in guinea pig laboratory animal model. MethodsIsolation of lantadenes from L. camara leaves, followed by its characterization and quantification by UPLC-MS method was done. The methanolic extracts of ameliorating plant parts (root bark of B. lycium, rhizome of P. kurroa) were prepared and quantification of berberine and picroside was carried out. The in vivo sub-chronic toxicity and amelioration experiment in guinea pigs was conducted for 90 days by distributing them into 7 groups with 6 animals in each group. At the end of the experiment, serum biochemical analysis, oxidation stress levels in the liver and kidneys were determined. Gross pathology and microscopic observations in different organs, Masson’s trichome staining for fibrous collagenous tissue deposition assessment, and immunohistochemical expression of the TGF-β antigen in the liver of animals were done. The effect of lantadenes on pro-inflammatory cytokines and the level of α-smooth muscle actin in the liver was estimated by real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. ResultsSub-chronic lantadene intoxication increased serum ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine, total proteins and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue; decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione activity in liver tissue; caused hepatic necrosis with bile duct proliferation and TGF-β antigen expression in the periportal regions; upregulated the IL-1β, IL-6, TGF-β, and COX-2 pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression and increased the titre of α-SMA in the liver. The P. kurroa extract at 200 mg/kg bw and B. lycium extract at 200 mg/kg bw produced favourable effects against lantadenes-induced hepatic toxicity and significantly reversed these changes to near normal. ConclusionsP. kurroa and B. lycium extracts at 200 mg/kg bw can be used to ameliorate the hepatotoxicity produced by sub-chronic exposure to lantadenes. The findings of the molecular pathogenesis of sub-chronic lantadene toxicity and its amelioration in guinea pig laboratory animal model are novel. Further investigations are needed to study the in-depth mechanism of hepatoprotection of P. kurroa and B. lycium in lantana intoxicated grazing (host) animals.

Formulation, Evaluation and Comparison of the Poly Herbal Anti-Diabetic Tablet with the Commercial Tablets

Objective: To formulate a poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet and to evaluate and compare its physicochemical properties with the marketed herbal tablets.
 Materials and Methods: The poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet was formulated by adding the powder of extract of Enicostemma littorale in powder of roots of Aconitum heterophyllum rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa and fruits of Piper longum in different proportions to an aqueous 5 % Starch solution and Several tests such as visual inspection, ash values, moisture content, Water soluble extractive value and Alcohol soluble extractive value, disintegration time, Uniformity of weight of tablets, Determination of hardness of tablets, Determination of friability of tablets etc and Preliminary phytochemical screening and qualitative chemical examination were performed and compare Laboratory formulated tablets with commercial tablets.
 Results: The study showed that Laboratory formulated poly herbal anti-diabetic tablet has good flow property and compressibility. The moisture content of laboratory formulations was found to be 4.8%. Water extractive value was found to be 28.14% W/V result shows that laboratory formulation consisted of higher amount of water soluble substances like carbohydrates. Alcohol extractive value was found to be 20.08% W/V denotes the amount of alcohol soluble constituents present in the formulation. Disintegration of tablet was found to be 3 mins results shows laboratory formulation was within the limit as it was prepared with starch paste (5%w/v) as a binding and disintegrating agent. Disintegration of tablet is not more than 30 minutes. The laboratory formulation was found to have 3 (Kg/Cm2) hardness, 0.38 % Friability and weight variation within pharmaceutical limits. However, further research and development is required to improve its quality and safety.
 Conclusion: The aim of this study was to formulate a completely poly herbal antidiabetic tablet. Our Laboratory formulated tablets showed comparable good results as compare to that of marketed tablets but further research and development is required to improve its overall quality.

Formulation, Phytochemical Estimation of Active principles by Spectroscopic methods and Comparison of the Poly Herbal Antidiabetic Tablet with the Commercial Tablets

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by increased glucose levels over a prolonged period. The poly-herbal anti-diabetic tablet was formulated in the laboratory by using herbs of Enicostemma littorale (EL) (Gentianaceae), roots of Aconitum heterophyllum (AH) (Ranunculaceae), rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa (PK) (Scrophulariaceae), and fruits of Piper longum (PL) (Piperaceae). Furthermore, Laboratory formulation (LF) and Marketed formulations (MFs) were tested for Phytochemical screening and Qualitative chemical examination. From their result, isolation of active principles, Swertiamarin (EL-1) and Piperine (PN-1), was done and subjected to phytochemical examination by Modern analytical methods like TLC, UV, FTIR. Finally, the quantification and estimation of the aforementioned compounds were achieved by HPTLC. SSE of all the four formulations and the chemical tests proved alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, tannins, phenols and phytosterols. Comparing the data frommthe melting point, TLC, UV, and IR studies of EL-1 and PN-1 with standard Biomarkers, further calculation of both markers concentrations was done with the help of the calibration equation and the peak area derived from the chromatogram. Study outcomes signify that LF was more potent than MFs for anti-diabetic activity, signifying as a promising natural and safe remedy for the prevention of diabetic complications.

Disease modifying activity of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract in experimental arthritis via inhibition of inflammatory mediators, MAPK phosphorylation and modulation of HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway

Disease modifying activity of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract in experimental arthritis via inhibition of inflammatory mediators, MAPK phosphorylation and modulation of HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway

Iridoid glycosides fraction from Picrorhiza kurroa attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced renal toxicity and peripheral neuropathy via PPAR-γ mediated inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis

BackgroundPicrorhiza kurroa Royle (Scrophulariaceae) is an important medicinal herb being widely used in variety of ailments. PurposeThe present study was envisaged to evaluate the effects of iridoid glycosides enriched fraction (IGs) from Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome against cyclophosphamide (CP) -induced renal toxicity and peripheral neuropathy. MethodsMice in different groups were pretreated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg; p.o. doses of IGs for 21 days, followed by cyclophosphamide intoxication for consecutive two days. Further, to identify the putative role of PPAR-γ receptors for the protective effect of IGs, an additional group of mice were pretreated with PPAR-γ antagonist BADGE (5 mg/kg; i.p.) followed by IGs (100 mg/kg; p.o.) for 21 days before CP intoxication. ResultsIGs pretreatment decreased the hyperalgesic responses toward acetone and heat in acetone drop and tail immersion tests. The abolition of intramyelin odema, cytoplasmic vacuolization and axonal degeneration of sciatic nerve were observed in IGs pretreated mice in a dose-dependent manner. IGs treatment also attenuated the altered serum biochemical markers for renal injury. Furthermore, the treatment prevented renal tubular swelling, granular degeneration and glomerular damage. The levels of IL-1β and TNFα in different group revealed the anti-inflammatory effect of IGs, which was further confirmed by improvement in altered expressions of NF-kB in kidney and sciatic serve. Bax/Bcl-2 expressions and caspase 3/9 activity in renal tissues showed the anti-apoptotic effect of IGs. IGs pretreatment also improved the PPAR-γ expression in the kidney tissues. All the observed protective effects of IGs were suppressed after pretreatment with BADGE. ConclusionPresent study concludes that IGs from Picrorhiza kurroa attenuates CP-induced renal toxicity and peripheral neuropathy via PPAR-γ –mediated pathways.

Protective effect of Picrorhiza kurroa on Alzheimer’s disease induced by aluminium chloride in rats

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deterioration together with declining activities of daily living and behavioural changes. The present work is aimed to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa against aluminum chloride induced Alzheimer’s disease.Methods: Wistar rats were selected in this study and were divided into 5 groups (6 each). Group I served as normal control. Group II received aluminum chloride (300mg/kg, P.O.). Group III and IV received ethanolic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (200mg/kg, 400mg/kg, P.O. respectively) and inducing agent (AlCl3 300mg/kg, P.O.). Group V received rivastigmine (0.3mg/kg, I.P.) and inducing agent (AlCl3 300mg/kg, P.O.). The rats were given respective treatment for 20 days and behavioural parameters were determined on 20th day. After 20th day rats were sacrificed and anti-oxidant parameters, brain acetylcholinesterase content were determined.Results: Oral administration of ethanolic extract of Picrorhiza kurroa at doses 200, 400mg/kg body weight showed improve in behavioural parameters when compared to AlCl3 induced rats, showed increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and decreased levels of malondialdehyde and showed decrease in brain acetylcholinesterase content when compared to AlCl3 induced rats.Conclusions: The study clearly demonstrated the beneficial effects of Picrorhiza kurroa by improving biochemical and behavioural parameters.

Standardization of Storage Conditions and Duration on Picroside-I and Picroside-II in Raw Material of Drug Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth.)

The study of the proper storage of medicinal plants after being harvested becomes necessary to minimize the loss of active constituents from microbial reactions, heat, moisture, light and enzymes etc. In the present study, fresh rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa (Kutki) were collected from 2600 m to 3300 m altitude of Himachal Pradesh (Rohtang area), India. The harvested material was washed to remove soil and other adhering materials, and then cut into small pieces and dried under shade. The air dried samples were packed in the different packing materials (i.e. Gunny bags or poly bags), stored either at room temperature or in refrigerator at 4° to 6 °C or in humid environment (85% humidity and 25 °C) for different storage durations and then analyzed their chemical constituents bimonthly. The study showed that the content of picroside-I and picroside-II decreased with the increase in storage duration irrespective of storage condition. However, the loss in picroside-I and picroside-II with storage was maximum when “Kutki” samples were stored under humid condition (85% humidity, 25 °C) and minimum loss was observed when samples were stored at low temperature (4-6 °C). So, to minimize the loss of picroside-I and picroside-II content in the drug Kutki during storage, Kutki must be stored at low temperature.

In vitro – In vivo metabolism and pharmacokinetics of picroside I and II using LC-ESI-MS method

Picroside I and II, iridoid glycosides, are the major active markers of roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa (family: Scrophulariaceae). The rhizomes of P. kurroa have been traditionally used to treat worms, constipation, low fever, scorpion sting, asthma and ailments affecting the liver. Various Ayurvedic and herbal preparations are available in the market which contains P. kurroa e.g. Arogyavadhini vati, Tiktadi kwath, Picrolax capsules and suspension. These preparations are used without any significant pharmacokinetics data. Previously, we have reported that oral bioavailability of picroside I and II is low. Most of the iridoid glycosides are primarily metabolized by intestinal microbial flora. So, it is necessary to determine the metabolic profile of picroside I and II and check the correlation with lower bioavailability. Therefore, this study was designed to check metabolic (in vitro and in vivo) profile along with pharmacokinetic profile of picroside I and II. For this, a sensitive and selective LC-ESI-MS method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of picroside I and II in rat plasma. Chromatographic separations were performed on C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile: 10 mM ammonium acetate buffer [90:10 v/v], pH 3.5. In-vitro Metabolic study was performed on rat liver microsomes and primary hepatocytes. In-vivo pharmacokinetic and metabolic profile of picroside I and II was generated after oral administration of Kutkin (mixture of picroside I and II) to Sprague-Dawley rats. Various pharmacokinetic parameters viz. Cmax, Tmax, AUC(0−t) were determined. In metabolic study, eight metabolites of picroside I and six metabolites of picroside II were identified in vitro, out of which four metabolites for each picroside I and picroside II were identified in vivo.

Safety evaluation of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract by bacterial reverse mutation test

Safety evaluation of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract by bacterial reverse mutation test

Single dose oral toxicity study of <i>Picrorhiza kurroa</i> rhizome extract in Wistar rats

Picrorhiza kurroa is a well-known ayurvedic or herbal medicine which is used very commonly in the treatment of various diseases. Therefore, we studied the oral toxicity of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract in rats. A single high dose of the extract at 2000 mg/kg body weight was tested on Wistar rats. Mortality/viability and clinical signs were recorded on test day 0 (prior to administration), 7, 14 and at death. All animals appeared normal from day one to throughout the experimental procedure. Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract is non-toxic to rats and helped in weight gain with LD50 > 2000 mg/kg body weight. Oral administration of Picrorhiza kurroa is not connected with any toxicologically significant effects and the data could provide satisfactory preclinical evidence of safety to launch a clinical trial on a standardized formulation of the plant extracts. Language: en

Picrorhiza kurroa Inhibits Experimental Arthritis Through Inhibition of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines, Angiogenesis and MMPs.

The present study investigates the anti-arthritic activity of Picrorhiza kurroa (PK), on formaldehyde and adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in rat. Administration of Picrorhiza kurroa rhizome extract (PKRE) significantly inhibited joint inflammation in both animal models. In AIA-induced arthritic rat, treatment with PKRE considerably decreased synovial expression of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNF-R1) and vascular endothelial growth factor as compared with control. The anti-arthritic activity was found to be well substantiated with significant suppression of oxidative and inflammatory markers as there was decreased malonaldehyde, Nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha levels accompanied with increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase, catalase activities. Additionally, PKRE significantly inhibited the expression of degrading enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases-3 and matrix metalloproteinases-9 in AIA-induced arthritic rat. Histopathology of paw tissue displayed decreased inflammatory cell infiltration as compared with control. Taken together, these results demonstrated the anti-arthritic activity of PKRE against experimental arthritis, and the underlying mechanism behind this efficacy might be mediated by inhibition of inflammatory mediators and angiogenesis, improvement of the synovium redox status and decreased expression of matrix metalloproteinases.

An endophyte of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex. Benth, producing menthol, phenylethyl alcohol and 3-hydroxypropionic acid, and other volatile organic compounds.

An endophytic fungus, PR4 was found in nature associated with the rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa, a high altitude medicinal plant of Kashmir Himalayas. The fungus was found to inhibit the growth of several phyto-pathogens by virtue of its volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Molecular phylogeny, based on its ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal gene sequence, revealed the identity of the fungus as Phomopsis/Diaporthe sp. This endophyte was found to produce a unique array of VOCs, particularly, menthol, phenylethyl alcohol, (+)-isomenthol, β-phellandrene, β-bisabolene, limonene, 3-pentanone and 1-pentanol. The purification of compounds from the culture broth of PR4 led to the isolation of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HPA) as a major metabolite. This is the first report of a fungal culture producing a combination of biologically and industrially important metabolites—menthol, phenylethyl alcohol, and 3-HPA. The investigation into the monoterpene biosynthetic pathway of PR4 led to the partial characterization of isopiperitenone reductase (ipr) gene, which seems to be significantly distinct from the plant homologue. The biosynthesis of plant-like-metabolites, such as menthol, is of significant academic and industrial significance. This study indicates that PR4 is a potential candidate for upscaling of menthol, phenylethyl alcohol, and 3-HPA, as well as for understanding the menthol/monoterpene biosynthetic pathway in fungi.

Immunomodulatory effect of picroliv on the efficacy of paromomycin and miltefosine in combination in experimental visceral leishmaniasis

Combination therapy for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis has increasingly been advocated as a way to increase treatment efficacy and tolerance, to reduce treatment duration and cost, and to limit the emergence of drug resistance. In the present work, we have adopted a rational approach, which can modulate the immune response to overcome the negative control systems and to boost the positive killing responses. This study was designed to investigate the immunomodulatory effect of picroliv (standardized fraction from the alcoholic extract of root and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa) on a combination of paromomycin and miltefosine using Leishmania donovani/hamster model. Picroliv has significantly enhanced antileishmanial efficacy and lymphocyte proliferation when given in combination with paromomycin and miltefosine. Increased toxic oxygen metabolite generation and phagocytosis were also witnessed. Present study thus establishes the possible use of picroliv as adjunct to antileishmanial chemotherapy.

Bioavailability of apocynin through its conversion to glycoconjugate but not to diapocynin

Apocynin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone) is a major active ingredient from the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa, a botanical plant used as an herbal medicine for treatment of a number of inflammatory diseases. Recently, apocynin is regarded as a specific inhibitor for NADPH oxidase in cell and animal models. In vitro studies indicated conversion of apocynin to diapocynin in the presence of peroxidases, e.g., myloperoxidase, posing the possibility that diapocynin also contributes to the anti-oxidative action of apocynin. The objectives of this study are to examine the bioavailability of apocynin to plasma, liver and brain tissue after intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, and to examine whether apocynin is converted to diapocynin in vivo. Diapocynin was chemically synthetized and characterized by NMR and IR. Apocynin (5mg/kg body wt) was injected i.p. to adult male Sprague-Dawley rats and plasma, liver and brain were collected at different times (30min, 1 and 2h) after injection. Samples were treated with beta-glucuronidase to hydrolyze the glycosyl linkage and analyzed by HPLC/MS. At 30min and 1h after injection, approximately 50% of apocynin was converted to its glycosyl derivative and was distributed in plasma, liver and brain. No diapocynin was detected in any samples. These results indicate rapid glycosylation of apocynin and its transport to blood and other organs but no apparent conversion to diapocynin in vivo.

Immunomodulatory activity of biopolymeric fraction RLJ-NE-205 from Picrorhiza kurroa

In the last three decades, numerous biopolymeric fractions have been isolated from medicinal plants and used as a source of therapeutic agents. The most promising biopharmacological activities of these biopolymers are their immunomodulatory effects. The biopolymeric fraction RLJ-NE-205 was isolated and purified from the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa. We evaluated the effects of biopolymeric fraction RLJ-NE-205 from P. kurroa on the in vivo immune function of the mouse. Balb/c mice were treated with the biopolymeric fraction RLJ-NE-205 (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) as an antigen. Haemagglutination antibody (HA) titre, plaque forming cell (PFC) assay, delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction, phagocytic index, proliferation of lymphocytes, analysis of cytokines in serum and CD4/CD8 population in spleen (determined by flowcytometry) were studied. At the dose of 50 mg/kg, significant increases in the proliferation of lymphocytes ( p < 0.001) and cytokine levels (IL-4 and IFN-gamma) in serum ( p < 0.001) were observed. A dose dependent increase was demonstrated in HA titre ( p < 0.05), DTH ( p < 0.01), PFC ( p < 0.05), phagocytic index ( p < 0.05) and CD4/CD8 ( p < 0.01) population. This suggests that the biopolymeric fraction RLJ-NE-205 improves the immune system and might be regarded as a biological response modifier.

Pattern profiling of the herbal preparation picroliv using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

At present, the construction of chromatographic fingerprints of complex herbal preparations in combination with mass spectrometry plays an important role in their development and standardization as potential therapeutic agents. Picroliv, an extract from roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa, is a herbal hepatoprotective developed by CDRI. We report for the first time pattern profiling of various constituents of picroliv along with a precise and accurate method to estimate relative concentration of major components in the preparation by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 27 components could be detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode out of which fourteen could be quantified in terms of their relative concentration. Seven components were structurally correlated and confirmed based on the fragmentation pattern and information available in literature. The detection was carried out using MRM in negative ionization mode with analytes quantified from the summed total ion value of their most intense molecular ion transitions. The separation of various components was achieved using a gradient elution on RP-18 column with acetonitrile and Milli-Q water as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy and precision (within- and between-assay variation) for 5 days. Linearity range was different for various components depending upon their sensitivity and abundance in the herbal preparation. Within- and between-assay accuracy (%bias) and precision (%R.S.D.) were within acceptable limits. The method was successfully applied to detect and determine relative concentrations of various components in two different batches of picroliv.

Antioxidant activity of ethanol extract of rhizome ofPicrorhiza kurroa on indomethacin induced gastric ulcer during healing

Oral administration of ethanol extract of the rhizome ofPirorhiza kurroa at a dose of 20mg/kg body weight, for 10 consecutive days, was found to enhance the rate of healing on Indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats, compared to the ulcerated group without treatment. The level of peroxidised lipid, in terms of thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), in gastric tissue, was increased in ulcerated rats which was restored to near normalcy on treatment with ethanol extract. The specific activity ofin vivo antioxidant enzymes, viz SOD and catalase and total tissue sulfhydryl (thiol) group, which were markedly decreased in ulcerated group, were found to be significantly elevated (p<0.05), on treatment with the above extract, at the specified dose, compared to the indomethacin-induced ulcerated group without any supporting treatment. The present study thus suggests that the ethanol extract of rhizome ofPicrorhiza kurroa, at the dose of 20mg/kg body weight, accelerated the healing of stomach wall of indomethacin induced gastric ulcerated rats by anin vivo free radical scavenging action.

Biochemical changes induced in liver and serum of aflatoxin B1-treated male wistar rats: preventive effect of picroliv.

Administration of aflatoxin B1 to rats (2 mg/kg intraperitoneally) caused significant increase in the activities of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, 5'-nucleotidase, acid phosphatase, acid ribonuclease as well as content of lipid peroxides in liver after six weeks. However, the activities of succinate dehydrogenase, glucose-6-phosphatase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in liver were decreased. The levels of glycogen and reduced glutathione were also decreased. There were significant elevations in the levels of serum transaminases, phosphatases (acid and alkaline), dehydrogenases (sorbitol, lactate and glutamate) and bilirubin following aflatoxin B1 administration. Picroliv (25 mg/kg/day orally for six weeks), an iridoid glycoside isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa, significantly prevented the biochemical changes induced by aflatoxin B1.

Protective effect of picroliv from Picrorhiza kurroa against Leishmania donovani infections in Mesocricetus auratus

The prevalent drugs for treatment of kala azar viz. sodium stibogluconate (SSG) and pentamidine cause severe toxic side effects and acute immunosuppression in the treated individuals. Picroliv, a standardized mixture of iridoid glycosides, prepared from the alcoholic extract of the root and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa has shown strong hepatoprotective activity against several models of hepatotoxicity. Therefore, the present study was undertaken with an objective to study the effects of Picroliv (12.5 mg/kg × 7 days oral) alone and in combination with SSG on parasitemia, lipid peroxidation and hepatic marker enzymes of golden hamsters during Leishmania donovani infection. The results indicated a marked hepatoprotective effect of Picroliv in terms of biochemical markers, and a significant antileishmanial activity implying that it can be utilized as an adjunct to chemotherapy or in combination therapy of kala azar along with sodium stibogluconate, thus enhancing the efficacy of antileishmanials.

Picroliv, the Iridoid Glycoside Fraction of Picrorhiza Kurroa, Selectively Augments Human T cell Response to Mycobacterial Protein Antigens

Mycobacterial and other intracellular parasitic diseases are characterised by a deficiency in antigen specific host T cell responses. We have studied the effect of Picroliv, a standardised fraction of root and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa, on proliferative T cell response to the mycobacterial ‘Purified Protein Derivative (PPD)’ antigen in subjects infected with or exposed to mycobacteria (tuberculoid leprosy patients and endemic normals). Coculture of their peripheral blood mononuclear cells with the optimal concentration of Picroliv (0.5 μg/ ml) significantly enhanced the proliferative response to 1/10 optimal PPD dose, as determined by [3H] thymidine incorporation, in the group of ‘low’ responders. The response to PPD of cells from ‘high responders’ and to PHA (phytohaemagglutinin, a non-specific T cell mitogen) remained unaffected by Picroliv which did also not induce cell proliferation on its own. The selective, antigen specific augmentation of human T cell response suggests that Picroliv could be useful as an adjunct to chemotherapy or as a short term prophylactic agent.