Stereospermum Suaveolens Research Articles

<i>In Vitro</i> Anti-oxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of the Leaves of <i>Stereospermum sauveolens</i> (Roxb.) DC

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition characterised by a persistent rise in blood glucose levels. Diabetes is just one of the many disorders that can be treated using natural remedies made from plants. Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC, belongs to the family Bignoniaceae, commonly known as Padri. It is employed as a folk remedy in southern India to cure diabetes. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the potential anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC leaves through phytochemical screening and in vitro assays. Methods: Leaves of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC were collected and processed to obtain a hydroalcoholic extract. The extract was subjected to qualitative analysis to identify the presence of various phytochemical constituents. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was evaluated using Nitric oxide radical scavenging assay and DPPH racial scavenging assay. In vitro anti-diabetic studies were performed through α-amylase inhibition assay and glucose uptake assay. Results: The hydroalcoholic extract of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC leaves exhibited the presence of bioactive compounds. The extract demonstrated dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity in the in vitro antioxidant assays. The extract showed remarkable inhibitory activity against α-amylase, suggesting its potential in controlling carbohydrate digestion. Also the extract significantly enhanced glucose uptake by yeast cells, indicating its potential to regulate blood glucose levels. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. suaveolens (Roxb.) DC leaves possesses both antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. These results suggest its potential as a natural medicinal agent for the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Ethnomedicinal Assets of Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens Roxb. DC. and Stereospermum colais Buch. -Ham.ex Dillw.) - A Review

From the family Bignoniaceae, Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. and Stereospermum colais (Buch.- Ham.ex Dillw.) are source plants for the classical ayurvedic drug named ‘Patala’. It is group member of ten plants known as ‘Dashmoola’. Present review encompasses all the ethnomedicinal information along with the domestic uses available regarding Patala. For this, published ethnomedicinal claims from 32 books related to ethnomedicine, 59 botanical and state floras available in central library of ITRA, Jamnagar and online (website of Botanical Survey of India) and 30 research articles were reviewed till August 2022. Collected data is depicted in tables under the headings like name and place of the reporting area/state and tribes, local names, useful part with indication and method, mode of application external or internal, etc. Stereospermum species are reported in approximately 19 states and 48 tribes of India. Its root-root bark, stem-stem bark, leaves, fruits and seeds are used in 46 disease conditions. Fever, hiccough, asthma, cough are some of its major therapeutic indications. Among the useful parts, root & root bark have maximum claims in 26 disease conditions. Stem & stem bark have 19 disease applications followed by leaves in 12, flowers in 10 and seeds in 3. Parts of Patala also have domestic uses in preparation of dye, drinks, furniture and as fuelwood. This attempt shows multidimensional qualities of Stereospermum species. Its ethnomedicinal claims coincides exactly with its indications in classical Ayurvedic texts and can be incorporated in pharmacological and clinical studies to further strengthen the evidence.

Glimpses of Patala (Stereospermum Suaveolens roxb. Dc.) in Rasashastra: A Review

In the universe of Ayurveda, Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens Roxb. DC.) is renowned drug credited with variety of therapeutic properties as well as other specific uses. It is also the member of much celebrated Mishraka Varga like Bruhatpanchmoola and Dashmoola. Rasashastra i.e., Indian alchemy or Iatrochemistry deals primarily with metals, minerals, gems etc. but it is inseparable from different flora and fauna. This sincere attempt helps ease out the efforts to draw information on Patala, Bruhatpanchmoola and Dashmoola from Rasashastra domain. For this purpose, information pertaining to Patala and other two herbal groups was screened from classical Rasashastra texts available at central library of ITRA, Jamnagar. Gathered information according to relevance and specificity was arranged in tabular form under the headings like name of group, processes like Shodhana, Marana, formulation name, mode of administration, dosage form etc. Total 18 groups of herbs, 164 formulations (excluding references of processes like Shodhana/Marana) were found having their therapeutic efficacy in almost 28 indications with 14 dosage forms at their disposal. Dashmoola in formulations, Jvara in therapeutic indications and Rasaushadhi in dosage forms were found in majority. Lastly general information of Patala, in the context of Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Rasashala, its simile also quoted. This review depicts multimodal applications of Patala along with its group of herbs in Rasashastra. The write-up will serve as in hand guide for the knowledge of Patala and its associated groups of herbs in the branch of Rasashastra.

Encapsulation of in vitro nodes of Stereospermum suaveolens DC. for propagation

Stereospermum suaveolens is a threatened medicinal tree that possesses winged seeds with low percent seed germination. To propagate this valuable species, synthetic seeds were prepared by encapsulation technique. Single in vitro nodes were excised from the in vitro shoot cultures and were utilized for encapsulation. Different gel matrix combinations were tested, of which 3% sodium alginate and 75mM CaCl2 were optimum in forming uniform synseeds. Utilizing this gel combination, different matrices were prepared and the frequency of percent germination of synseeds was recorded. The in vitro nodes encapsulated in MS+Kn8μM matrix, when placed in MS basal regenerative medium, resulted in maximum percent germination (100%) after 4 weeks whereas maximum shoot number (1.5±0.7) emerged from the encapsulated buds in WPM + Kn8μM matrix when placed in WPM + IBA 2μM static regenerative medium. Thus, the encapsulation technique can be utilized as an alternative method for the propagation of S.suaveolens.

Investigation of Flavonoids in Stereospermum suaveolens DC Leaves (Patala) Using HPTLC Analysis for Inflammatory Pain, Swelling, and Edema Treatment

Background: As per extensive research study, it was observed that Stereospermum suaveolens DC (Patala) is rich sources of flavonoids. These phytoconstituents have played an important role in prevention and maintenance of acute and chronic diseases of pain and inflammation. There is need to explore method for identification and quantification of the presence of flavonoids in S. suaveolens DC leaves (SSL) by qualitatively and quantitatively and to establish its mechanism in pain, swelling and edema Aim: The aim of the study was to identify and assess role of flavonoids in SSL by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and animal screening models of inflammatory pain, swelling, and edema. Materials and Methods: HPTLC to quantify flavonoid in the ethyl acetate fraction of plant component in comparison with Quarcetin. The inflammatory pain, swelling, and edema method were investigated by acetic acid induced writhing method in mice, histamine-induced edema in Wistar rats, and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. The test doses 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg oral administration (p.o.) of ethyl acetate fraction of SSL were selected by oral acute toxicity OECD 423. Results: HPTLC analytical method estimated presence of flavonoids and estimated amount was 22.64%. However, inhibition in histamine-induced paw edema and reduction inhibition in ear edema significantly (P < 0.05) observed by dose-dependent effect and antinociceptive activity detected on acetic acid induced writhing response method in mild to moderately using one-way analysis of variance method. Conclusion: It was clear that flavonoids were responsible for direct and indirect release of intermediate inflammatory mediators and promote its role in the treatment of pain and swelling.

Leaves of Stereospermum suaveolens DC Exhibit Anti-inflammatory and Anti-arthritic Potential Action in Experimental Animals

Aim: The experimental investigation of current research work was to identify traditional rich claim of Stereospermum suaveolens DC leaves for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential action in animals.
 Study design: Ethyl acetate fraction of Stereospermum suaveolens DC (Bignoniaceae) methanolic extract of leaves evaluated at 125mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg (p.o.) doses for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity.
 Methodology: Ethyl acetate fraction of Stereospermum suaveolens DC (Bignoniaceae) methanolic extract of leaves was evaluated for phytochemical investigation for total flavonoid content using UV spectroscopy and TLC study. Carrageenan induced rat paw edema (Acute method) and Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced chronic arthritis in wistar rats were used as an animal models to claim Stereospermum suaveolens DC leaves for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential. The rat paw volume and percentage inhibition of the paw edema were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. The assessments of arthritis in rats were measured by haematological values and radiological examinations.
 Result: Ethyl acetate fraction of Stereospermum suaveolens DC (Bignoniaceae) methanolic extract of leaves showed presence of total flavonoids and saponins. The significant inhibition in paw volume and edema (p < .01) obtained at 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg oral dose. These obtained results were established confirmation outcome for presence of rich flavonoid contents in Stereospermum suaveolens DC leaves and provides valuable source of bioactive phytocomponents. 
 Conclusion: Ethyl acetate fraction of Stereospermum suaveolens DC (Bignoniaceae) methanolic extract of leaves showed significant inhibition of inflammatory reaction as compared to standard drug indomethacin Sterospermum Suaveolens DC leaves were showed potential therapeutic role in treatment of inflammation and arthritis cases.

Effect of seed treatments and potting medium on seed germination parameters in threatened Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. – A dashmool species

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different seed treatment and potting media on germination percentage and associate parameters in Stereospermum suaveolens, a threatened dashmool species during May, 2019 at Silviculture Nursery of Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh). Experimental treatments comprised of twenty treatment combinations consisting of four different seed treatment and five growth mediums. Data on daily seed germination was recorded and used for estimation of final germination percentage (FGP), mean germination time (MGT), coefficient of velocity of germination (CVG), germination rate index (GRI), time spread of germination (TSG), energy period (EP) and peak value of mean germination (PVMG). Critical perusal of analysis revealed that treatment combination ‘Sand + Hot Water’ was resulted in positive effect on all the characters studied and could be used for mass raising of seedlings of S. suaveolens.

Attenuation of adjuvant-induced arthrits by Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens via modulation of inflammatory mediators.

The plants selected for this study, Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens are named as Patala in Ayurvedic medicine. Patala is a component of the reputed dasamula (ten roots) used for various imperative Ayurvedic formulations. The roots of Patala have rich traditional value especially in the treatment of inflammation and rheumatism. Nevertheless no methodical study has been consummated in these plants. Consequently, an endeavor to ascertain the anti-arthritic potential of the two plants was made besides to impart the fact with regards to the supreme one. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens using Complete Freund's Adjuvant induced arthritic model. The freshly collected root material of Stereospermum colais (SC) and Stereospermum suaveolens (SS) were successively extracted with solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol by cold maceration and the ethanolic extract of Stereospermum colais (EESC) and Stereospermum suaveolens (EESS) were standardized using lapachol as standard. The extracts were further subjected to acute oral toxicity and in vivo anti-arthritic evaluation by Complete Freund's Adjuvant induced arthritic model using methotrexate as standard. Body weight changes, reduction in paw volume, biochemical, histopathological and the expression of Cluster of differentiation 4 cells, inflammatory cytokines such as Tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-2 and Tranforming growth factor-β through immunohistochemical analysis were studied to access the anti-arthritic potential. s: The Extracts EESC and EESC were standardized using lapachol by HPLC method and the amount was found to 3.9% w/w and 0.9% w/w respectively. The LD50 of the tested extracts EESC and EESS were found to be greater than 2000 mg/kg b.w through acute oral toxicity study. The extracts EESC (58.97%) and EESS (20.51%) were significantly reduced the paw volume in a dose dependent manner. The reduction in the paw volume exhibited the anti-inflammatory potential of the ethanolic extract of both the plants. The extracts at the dose of 400 mg/kg has markedly inhibited the change in joint architecture as compared to arthritic control. Also the study revealed that the extracts may possibly act by affecting the T cell mediated inflammatory process which was evident by decreased expression of Cluster of Differentiation 4 cells, Interleukin-2 and Tumor necrosis factor-α. The Extracts were found to have rich phytochemicals such as terpenoids, flavonoids, quinones, phenols and tannins may probably attribute to the anti-arthritic property of the plants. The lapachol a naphthaquinone present in both the extracts also contributed for its property. The study concludes that ethanolic extract of both the plants (EESC and EESS) exhibited significant anti-arthritic activity and Stereospermum colais was found to be more potent than Stereospermum suaveolens which corroborates the traditional use of roots of Stereospermum colais and Stereospermum suaveolens in the treatment of arthritis.

BIOACTIVITY SCREENING OF SELECTED TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANTS OF KERALA

Objectives: Traditional medicines all over the world is revaluing nowadays by extensive research programs. To validate the traditional use, the active components in them need to be identified, characterized, and biologically evaluated. Stereospermum suaveolens, Hygrophila spinosa, and Naravelia zeylanica are important medicinal plants used by the ethnic people of Kerala against various ailments. The present study validates the ethnomedical uses of S. suaveolens, H. spinosa, and N. zeylanica by screening their antimicrobial, anthelmintic, and antioxidant properties.Method: All the analyses were done according to standard protocols.Results: The ethanolic extracts of their useful parts were investigated for antimicrobial activity against 10 human pathogenic microorganisms. All the three plants had shown prominent antimicrobial activities, and S. suaveolens exhibits comparatively more antifungal activity in their higher concentration (500 μg/mL). Anthelmintic efficiency of the plants was screened using Indian adult earthworm Pheretima posthuma. All of them had shown significant activity, and the highest was observed in S. suaveolens leaves. Antioxidant potential of the plants was screened using 2,2 diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and superoxide anion scavenging assay. In DPPH free radical scavenging assay, maximum radical scavenging was shown by S. suaveolens with IC50 value 61.6±2.3 μg/mL, and in superoxide anion scavenging assay, maximum activity was in N. zeylanica with IC50 value of 74.66±8.5 μg/mL.Conclusion: This study provides scientific evidence on the traditional use of S. suaveolens (leaves), H. spinosa (leaves), and N. zeylanica (aerial part) in treating microbial diseases, worm disturbances, and their potential as an antioxidant agent.

Green synthesis of Stereospermum suaveolens capped silver and gold nanoparticles and assessment of their innate antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities.

Plant-extract mediated nanoparticles synthesis is a viable alternative to chemical reduction techniques. Here, we report the microwave-assisted rapid synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles by the phytoreducer Stereospermum suaveolens for the first time. The formation of the nascent silver and gold nanoparticles is confirmed by their intense surface plasmon resonance peaks at 431 and 585nm in UV-visible spectroscopy. The poly phenolic and alcoholic functional groups present in the aqueous root bark extract that performed the bioreduction processes have been detected using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Powder X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction patterns settled face centered cubic crystal structures to both silver and gold nanoparticles with a preferred orientation towards the (111) plane. Transmission electron microscopic analysis proved more or less spherical geometry of the silver and gold nanoparticles with average diameter of 49.77 ± 11.64 and 27.19 ± 5.96nm, respectively. The nanoparticles showed excellent free-radical scavenging activity than the root bark extract Stereospermum suaveolens and the IC50 values obtained were 108.36 ± 1.62, 45.59 ± 0.18, 34.53 ± 0.31µg/mL, respectively, for the extract, gold and silver nanoparticles. The metal nanoparticles have accomplished good antimicrobial properties towards bacterial and fungal pathogens and were demonstrated herein. The antiproliferative effects of the synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles on human lung adenocarcinoma cells A549 were studied using the MTT assay and the obtained IC50 values 33.81 ± 0.72 and 52.97 ± 0.73µg/mL lies in the clinical range.

Anti-Obesity Efficacy of Roots of Stereospermum suaveolens in High Fat-Induced Obese Rats

Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-obesity efficacy of ethanol extract of roots of Stereospermum suaveolens on high fat fed obese rats. Methodology: Ethanol extract of roots was prepared by hot extraction method and preliminary phytochemical studies had been conducted. Obesity was induced in Wistar rats by administration of high fat diet for 40 days. Anti-obesity effect was screened by oral administration of extract at two different dose levels i.e. 200 and 400mg/kg bd wt. along with high fat diet for 40 days. Orlistat at a dose of 50mg/kg.bd.wt was used as standard drug control. The anti-obesity activity is estimated in terms of body weight gain, food intake, Lee-index, Serum triglycerides (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), VLDL cholesterol (VLDL-C), blood glucose (BG), atherogenic index, coronary risk index and organ and fat pad weights. Histological studies had been carried out for hepatic tissue. Results: Administration of high fat diet for 40 successive days significantly increased the body weight, food intake, organ and fat pad weights, Lee index, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, TG, TC, LDL, VLDL, BG and decreased HDL levels in disease control animals. Animals administered with extract for 40 successive days along with high fat diet reversed the effects induced by high fat in dose dependent manner. Conclusion: The present study depicts that the ethanol extract of roots of Stereospermum suaveolens have a promising anti-obesity efficacy. Key words: Anti-obesity, High fat diet, Orlistat, Stereospermum suaveolens.

Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential of Some Indian Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants

Introduction: Stereospermum suaveolens Roxb., Viscum articulatum Burm., Annona squamosa, Capsicum annuum cayenne, Ananas comosus Merrill. are used for the management of microbial infection in Ayurveda. The present study was designed to standardize the extract of S. suaveolens bark (SSB), V. articulatum aerial part (VAAP), A. squamosa leaf (ASL), C. annuum fruit (CACF), A. comosus fruit (ACF) and performed antibacterial activity. Methods: The antibacterial activity of the five extracts were evaluated against certain bacteria such as B. subtilis, B. cereus, S. aureus (gram positive); E. coli, S. typhi, and P. aureugenosa (gram negative) by disc diffusion method, time course assay, pH sensitivity assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) through broth micro-dilution method. Results: The plants extracts VAAP, ASL, and CACF showed potent inhibitory activity against S. aureus with MIC 728, 742, and 698 μg ml-1, respectively, while CACF showed inhibitory activity against B. subtilis with MIC 690 μg ml-1. The results further demonstrated that the inhibitory activity of CACF against E. coli with MIC 760 μg ml-1. P. aeruginosa was inhibited by ASL and CACF with MIC 1100 and 1120 μg ml-1, respectively. The ASL showed notable MBC against the tested microorganism. Moreover, all extracts were completely inactivated bacterial strains (except B. cereus, S. typhi) within 2-10 h of exposure, determined by time course assay. Conclusion: The outcomes of our study elucidate that standardized extracts of A. comosus, A. squamosa, C. annuum, S. suaveolens, and V. articulatum may be used as natural antimicrobial agents.

Specioside ameliorates oxidative stress and promotes longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Specioside (6-O-coumaroylcatalpol) is an iridoid glucoside which possesses multifunctional activities viz. analgesic, antidyspeptic, astringent, liver stimulating and wound healing properties. The present study for the first time delineates stress alleviating and lifespan prolonging action of specioside (SPC), isolated from Stereospermum suaveolens in the free living, multicellular nematode model Caenorhabditis elegans. A strong correlation between lifespan extension and stress modulation in adult worms was established in a dose dependent manner. The dietary intake of this phytomolecule elevated juglone induced oxidative and heat induced thermal stress tolerance in C. elegans. On evaluation, it was found that 25μM dose of SPC significantly extended lifespan by 15.47% (P≤0.0001) with reduction in stress level. Furthermore, SPC enhanced mean survival in mev-1 mutant suggesting its oxidative stress reducing potential. Furthermore, SPC augmented stress modulatory enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) level in C. elegans. Altogether, these findings broaden current perspectives concerning stress alleviating potentials of SPC and have implications in development of therapeutics for curing age related disorders.

Cycloolivil, a lignan from the roots of Stereospermum suaveolens.

Background:Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Syn. S. chelonoides) belonging to family Bignoniaceae is an important medicinal plant in India. Traditionally, it is mainly used as analgesic, liver stimulant, astringent, wound healing and antidyspeptic. Roots of this plant are one of the ingredients of Dashamularishta. The plant has been studied for many pharmacological actions, only few were concerned with isolation of active compounds.Objective:The present work deals with the isolation and identification of phytochemical constituents present in the roots of Stereospermum suaveolens.Material and Methods:The compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction from the methanol extract of S. suaveolens by using open silica gel column chromatography and HPLC was carried out for all the fractions to target the major peaks in fractions.Results and Conclusion:The isolated compounds structures were elucidated by analysis of spectroscopic data (UV, IR, 1D-NMR, and MS) and characterized as Cycloolivil (1) reported for the first time from this plant species, Lapachol (2) and β-sitosterol (3), respectively.

Effects of Standardized Wrightia tinctoria and Stereospermum suaveolens Extracts on Various Immuno-Inflammatory Parameters

Effects of standardized Wrightia tinctoria seeds extract (WTSE) and Stereospermum suaveolens root extract (SSRE) on erythrocyte membrane stabilization, mast cell protection, nitric oxide, and pro-inflammatory cytokines production were evaluated by in vitro methods. WTSE and SSRE were standardized against chlorogenic acid and lapachol, respectively, using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Standardized WTSE and SSRE inhibited erythrocyte membrane lysis, mast cell degranulation, and LPS-stimulated nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-β, IL-6 and TNF-α) production by RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in a dose-dependent manner.

Antihyperlipidemic Activity of the Ethyl-acetate Fraction of Stereospermum Suaveolens in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

Objectives:Dyslipidemia in diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the ethyl-acetate fraction of an ethanolic extract from Streospermum suaveolens on lipid metabolism in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods:Diabetes was induced by intraperitonial injection of STZ (50 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated with an ethyl-acetate fraction orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg daily for 14 days. On the 15th day, serum lipid profiles, such as total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), were estimated in experimental rats. The atherogenic (AI) and the coronary risk (CRI) indices were also evaluated.Results:The ethyl-acetate fraction at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly (P< 0.001) and dose-dependently reduced serum cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL, but increased HDL towards near normal levels as compared to diabetic control rats. The fraction also significantly (P< 0.001) lowered the atherogenic index (AI) and coronary risk index (CAI) in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion:The present study demonstrated that the ethyl-acetate fraction of Stereospermum suaveolens exhibits a potent antihyperlipidemic activity in hyperglycemic rats and suggests that the plant may have therapeutic value in treating the diabetic complication of hyperlipidemia.

In-vivo immunomodulatory activity of standardized Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. root extract

Stereospermum suaveolens (Roxb.) DC. is used in various Ayurvedic formulations to treat variety of disorders including inflammations, asthma, blood disorders, fevers, liver disorders etc. Quantification of the bioactive compound in S. suaveolens root extract (SSRE) was determined through RP-HPLC, in order to standardize the plant material with optimal concentration of known active constituents present there in. The immunomodulatory potential of SSRE was determined for its effects on non-specific immune functions against sheep red blood cells antigenic challenge using in- vivo models. The assay included total and differential leu- kocyte counts, nitroblue-tetrazolium reduction test, neutro- phil adhesion test, phagocytic activity and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction. In RP-HPLC analysis, the contents of dehydro-α-lapachone and lapachol in SSRE was found to be 0.043±0.003 and 0.16±0.002 % (w/w), respec- tively. Standardized SSRE (100-300 mg/kg) increased the total leukocyte count and the population of monocyte and neutrophil in rats. Further, treatment with SSRE increased the neutrophil adhesion to nylon fibres, DTH response, phagocytic activity and intracellular killing potential of phagocytesinadosedependentmanner.Theimmunostimulatory potential of SSRE at 300 mg/kg was found to be very significant (p<0.001) in compared to the control. These findings suggest that SSRE can able to stimulate the innate defence mechanisms of an individual and it can be considered as an alternative therapy to boost the innate immune functions during the impaired im- munological conditions.

Protective Effect of Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Stereospermum Suaveolens Against Hepatic Oxidative Stress in STZ Diabetic Rats

Stereospermum suaveolens is a folk remedy for the treatment of diabetes and liver disorders in southern parts of India. In the present study, the protective effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract from S. suaveolens against hepatic oxidative stress was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats for 14 days. The ethyl acetate fraction was administered orally to the STZ diabetic rats at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. Blood glucose level was measured according to glucose oxidase method. In order to determine hepatoprotective activity, changes in the levels of serum biomarker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) were assessed in the ethyl acetate fraction treated diabetic rats and were compared with the levels in diabetic control rats. In addition, the antioxidant activity of ethyl acetate fraction was evaluated using various hepatic parameters such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). It was found that administration of ethyl acetate fraction (200 and 400 mg/kg) produced a significant (P < 0.001) fall in fasting blood glucose level, TBARS, bilirubin, AST, ALT, and SALP, while elevating the GSH levels, and SOD and CAT activities in diabetic rats. Histopathologic studies also revealed the protective effect of ethyl acetate fraction on the liver tissues of diabetic rats. It was concluded from this study that the ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract of S. suaveolens modulates the activity of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants and enhances the defense against hepatic oxidative stress in STZ-induced diabetic rats.

Neuroprotective activity of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia rat model

Context: Stereospermum suaveolens DC. (Bignoniaceae) is a medicinal tree species native to India. Traditionally, the whole plant is used for various diseases including neuronal disorders.Objective: The present study evaluated the neuroprotective activity of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia in a rat model.Materials and methods: Neuroprotective activity was carried out by global cerebral ischemia on Sprague-Dawley rats and divided into five groups of eight rats each; sham and control groups received normal saline (10 ml/kg) and treated groups received methanol extract of Stereospermum suaveolens (MES) orally (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) for 10 days prior to the experiment. Global cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery (BCA) occlusion for 30 min followed by 4-h reperfusion. The antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic levels were estimated by UV spectroscopic method along with cerebral infarction area; histopathological studies were carried out.Results: LD50 of MES was found to be 5000 mg/kg of body weight. The entire test was performed at dose levels 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg of body weight. The results of the study indicate that the Stereospermum suaveolens methanol extract showed neuroprotective activity by a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation (p < 0.001) and an increase in superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01), catalase (p < 0.01), glutathione (p < 0.001), and total thiol (p < 0.001) levels in extract-treated groups as compared to control group. Measurement of cerebral infarction area and histopathological studies further supported the protective effect of the extract.Discussion and conclusion: These findings suggest a potential protective role of Stereospermum suaveolens against global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain injury.

In vitro Regeneration of Multipurpose Medicinal Tree Stereospermum Suaveolens?Factors Controlling the In Vitro Regeneration

Stereospermum suaveolens (DC.) is a multipurpose tree endowed with medicinal properties and good timber wood quality. It has analgesic and wound healing property. It is one of the important tree species used in the preparation of ayurvedic formulation known as Dashmula, in which roots of Dashmula tree species are used in preparation of ayurvedic formulations. Wood is employed for construction work, planks and beam, carts, carriages and wagons, furniture, cabinet work and tool handles. The destruction of this plant species is severe and planting of seedlings is almost negligible. Due to low germination and unsuccessful vegetative propagation, in vitro regeneration of Stereospermum suaveolens through micropropagation was studied as a tool for large scale propagation. In the present study, shoots were initiated from the nodal segments of Stereospermum suaveolens further shoot proliferation was achieved on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins and additives.100% root initiation was achieved in the MS medium supplemented with IBA. Different substrates were evaluated during hardening phase. The plants of S. suaveolens grown on coco peat showed 84.6 percent survival and those on soil mixture showed 76.47 percent survival.