Rhizomes Of Picrorhiza Kurroa Research Articles

Effect of Picroliv on impaired hepatic mixed-function oxidase system in carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats

A drastic impairment in hepatic mixed-function oxidase (MFO) system was observed in rats 24 h following ip injection of CCl4 (1.0 ml/kg body weight), as indicated by a decrease in the activities of various microsomal enzymes related to drug metabolism (e.g., aniline hydroxylase, aminopyrine-N-demethylase, benzo(a)pyrene hydroxylase, NADH/NADPH cytochrome c reductase, glutathione-s-transferase, cytochrome P-450, and cytochrome b5). In addition, total protein and reduced glutathione content in liver were decreased, while a significant elevation in the level of lipid peroxides was observed. Hepatoprotection afforded by oral pretreatment of CCl4 intoxicated rats with multiple doses (6.0 mg/kg × 7 days) of Picroliv (standardized iridoid glycoside fraction, obtained from roots and rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurroa), was evidenced by a significant improvement in the activities of various enzymes related to drug metabolism. Alterations in levels of total proteins, reduced glutathione, and lipid peroxides in liver were also significantly prevented by Picroliv pretreatment. Drug Dev. Res. 41:44–47, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Immunostimulant Activity of Picroliv, the Iridoid Glycoside Fraction ofPicrorhiza kurroa, and its Protective Action againstLeishmania donovaniInfection in Hamsters1

Picroliv, a standardised fraction from root and rhizome of Picrorhiza kurroa, consisting of iridoid glycosides and shown to be responsible for its hepatoprotective activity, was studied for immunostimulant activity. Oral administration of Picroliv (10 mg/kg × 7 days) in mice prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) resulted in a significant increase in haemagglutinating antibody (HA) titre, plaque forming cells (PFC), and delayed hypersensitivity (DTH) response to SRBC. Picroliv enhanced the non-specific immune response characterized by an increase in macrophage migration index (MMI), [14 C]-glucosamine uptake, phagocytosis of [14 C]-leucine labelled Escherichia coli, chemiluminescence of peritoneal macrophages, and higher uptake of [3 H]-thymidine in the lymphocytes of treated mice. It also induced a high degree of protection in golden hamsters against challenge infection with Leishmania donovani promastigotes.