Woodfordia Fruticosa Research Articles

An ethnobotanical analysis on flora-medicine continuum among the tribal inhabitants of Ratnagiri and Palghar district, Maharashtra, India

Background: Considering the applicability of wild plants in the pharmaceutical industries, two tribal predominant areas of Maharashtra- Sangameshwar Taluka (Ratnagiri district) and Saphale village (Palghar district) - were chosen to document the local traditional knowledge about medicinal plants. Methods: The ethnomedicinal data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey and extensive personal dialogues adopting the chain sampling referral method with native villagers and Hakims (Traditional healers). The field-based investigations were carried out from September 2017 to April 2018 under the regulatory directives of K.J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce (Autonomous- affiliated to University of Mumbai). Results: A total of 51 Traditional Medicinal Plants (TMPs) were documented from the responses of 92 inhabitants in the study areas. The investigators taxonomically categorized these plants into their botanical families, yielding the results- 22 dicot families, 7 monocot families, 2 magnoliids, and 1 pteridophytic family- for the present study. Results revealed that leaves were the most frequently used medicinal part of the documented species and decoction was the most commonly prepared medicinal formulation. Conclusion: Of the 51 TMPs, six medicinal plants- Adhatoda vasica, Aloe vera, Ampelocissus latifolia, Glossocardia bosvallia, Ricinus communis, and Woodfordia fruticosa - were found to be common in both the study regions. We believed that social factors tend to influence the traditional medicinal knowledge since the same plants were known by different names for treating two unlike ailments. Highest use reports were observed for Terminalia paniculata in Sangameshwar Taluka (Ratnagiri district) and Ampelocissus latifolia in Saphale village (Palghar district). The study realised the fact that both the areas were rich in floral vegetation with interminable floral diversity but remained botanically virgin and unexplored neither for medicinal nor for scientific endeavors. Keywords: Ethnobotany, Traditional medicinal plants (TMPs), Tribal, Hakims, Maharashtra

Arjunarishta alleviates experimental colitis via suppressing proinflammatory cytokine expression, modulating gut microbiota and enhancing antioxidant effect.

Traditional ayurvedic medicine, Arjunarishta (AA) is used to treat several inflammatory conditions including dysentery associated with blood. The formulation is a decoction of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) Wight and Arn. (TA), Madhuca indica J.F.Gmel., Vitis vinifera L., Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz., and Saccharum officinarum L. Terminalia arjuna, a major constituent of this formulation has been recognized for anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed at evaluating beneficial effects of AA and probable mechanism of action in Trinitrobenzenesulphonicacid (TNBS) induced colitis model. Response to AA treatment was explored through determination of disease activity index (DAI), histological assessment and damage scores, colonic pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine expression and estimation of oxidative stress biomarkers. Improvement in gut microbiome and plasma zinc level was also assessed. Study findings directed therapeutic effects of AA treatment in colitis model by attenuating the colitis symptoms such as weight loss, diarrhoea, blood in stool; histological damage; and downregulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and MCP-1). Similarly reduced oxidative stress by decreased level of Nitric Oxide (NO), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced level of Catalase (CAT), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Reduced Glutathione (GSH) was also witnessed. In addition, an improved beneficial fecal microbiome profile and restored plasma zinc status was revealed compared to the TNBS control group. The present study directs that downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokine expression, enhancement of antioxidant effect, increased plasma zinc status and promising role in modulating fecal microbiome might be potential mechanisms for the therapeutic effect of AA treatment against colitis.

Mini-Review of Analytical Methods used in Quantification of Ellagic Acid

Abstract Ellagic acid is an important phytochemical present in different plants such as Strawberry, Grapes, Blackberry, Raspberry etc. Chemically, ellagic acid is 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrahydroxychromeno [5, 4, 3-cde] chromene-5, 10-dione. It is an organic heterotetracyclic compound resulting from the dimerization of gallic acid molecules by oxidative aromatic coupling with intramolecular lactonization. Ellagic acid has been reported for various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic etc. Various analytical methods based on spectrophotometry, chromatography, hyphenated techniques, capillary zone electrophoresis etc. have been developed for identification and quantification of ellagic acid in natural sources and formulations. The present review provides detailed information on quantitative analysis of ellagic acid present in Strawberry, Grapes, Blackberry, Raspberry, Cranberry; Syzygium cumini seed extract, Woodfordia fruticosa plant extract, Potentilla species extracts etc. It also focuses on analytical methods for quantification of ellagic acid in herbal and traditional formulations such as Ashwagandharishta, Triphala churna, Dhatrinisha churna, Arjunarishta, Manjisthadi churna.

Evaluation of wound healing activity of flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz

Aim: Woodfordia fruticosa (Lythraceae) commonly called as ‘Dhatakipuspha’ in India. In Ayurveda, The fresh flower of W. fruticosa has been reported to stop bleeding in emergency cuts, while the dried flower powder to heal wounds more efficiently. Traditionally Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz is used in wound healing by tribes of Chhattisgarh, India. There was no scientific evidence justifying the use of Woodfordia fruticosa for treating wounds, therefore the present study was aimed at evaluation of wound healing activity of the plant. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Materials and Methods: In the present study the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa were studied for wound healing activity by incorporating the methanolic and total aqueous extract in simple ointment base B.P. in concentrations of 1% (w/w) and 2% (w/w). Ointments were also prepared using yashad bhasma (1.25% w/w) (equivalent zinc concentration 0.95% w/w) and yashad bhasma (0.625% w/w) (equivalent zinc concentration 0.45% w/w and 0.56% w/w) in combination with methanolic and total aqueous extract (1% w/w) in simple ointment base B.P. Wound healing activity was studied in the wound models in rats viz. excision and incision. In case of the excision wound model, wound contraction, period of epithelization and hydroxyproline content in the scab were studied, while incision wound model was evaluated by determining tensile strength of the newly formed skin. Results: Treatment of wound with ointment containing 2% (w/w) the methanolic and total aqueous and yashad bhasma (0.625% w/w) in combination with the methanolic and total aqueous extract (1% w/w) exhibited significant (P

Medicinal Plants in East Sumba that Potential as Natural Dyes for Ikat Weaving

The revival of the natural dyes comes from an awareness of maintaining health and preserving the environment. Medicinal plants can be used as a source of the natural dyes. This study aimed to determine the medicinal plants in East Sumba Regency potentially exploited as a natural dye for ikat weaving. Plant data was obtained from Tana Tuku village and Mbatakapidu village in East Sumba Regency. A total 13 species of plants were extracted to dye cotton fabric and mordant by FeSO4 (ferrous sulphate), Al2(SO4)3 (alum) dan CaCO3 (lime). The intensity of color L*, a*, b* were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test and Duncan post hoc test. The fastness of washing test analyzed by a gray color change scale and staining scale standard. The results showed that the ferrous sulphate mordant produced dark color and the alum mordant produced bright color. The intensity of red color was shown by Swietenia macropylla King and Leucaena leucocephala when it was mordanting by lime. The intensity of yellow color was shown by Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz with alum and Syzigium polyanthum with lime. The color change was not significant at 40 oC of washing shown by Tamarindus indica and Leucaena leucocephala mordanting by ferrous sulphate, Leucaena leucocephala, Bombax ceiba and Timonius timon mordanting by alum, Tamarindus indica, Leucaena leucocephala, Timonius timon mordanting with lime. All natural dyes did not stain the upholsteries.

Relevance of Dhataki Flowers in Fermentation Procedure, Pharamceutico-Analytical and Microbiological Study

Asava-arishta, fermented pharmaceutical products used in Ayurveda, where dried Dhataki flowers (Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz form as fermentative initiators. The study was designed to provide scientific proof for the traditional wisdom behind the use of these flowers in fermentation procedure. Materials and Methods: Flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz (Dhataki) were collected, authenticated. Both fresh and dry flowers were used for microbiological study, through yeast cell culture, estimation. Three samples of Mustakarishta were prepared adding fresh (A), dry (B) and not adding Dhataki (C) flowers as per classical references. Observations were made, recorded during its preparations. Mustakarishta thus prepared were analyzed as per standard methodology on following factors like, total solids, specific gravity, Ph, reducing sugar, total acidity, and alchohol. Results: Microbiological study has shown that dry flowers of Dhataki have indefinite number of yeast cell colonies than that of fresh flower. Comparative analytical study of Mustakarishta has shown dry Dhataki flowers are best fermentative as compared to fresh on the basis of standard analytical parameters.

Comparative analyses of chloroplast genomes from 22 Lythraceae species: inferences for phylogenetic relationships and genome evolution within Myrtales

BackgroundLythraceae belongs to the order Myrtales, which is part of Archichlamydeae. The family has 31 genera containing approximately 620 species of herbs, shrubs and trees. Of these 31 genera, five large genera each possess 35 or more species. They are Lythrum, with 35; Rotala, with 45; Nesaea, with 50; Lagerstroemia, with 56; and Cuphea, with 275 species.ResultsWe reported six newly sequenced chloroplast (cp) genomes (Duabanga grandiflora, Trapa natans, Lythrum salicaria, Lawsonia inermis, Woodfordia fruticosa and Rotala rotundifolia) and compared them with 16 other cp genomes of Lythraceae species. The cp genomes of the 22 Lythraceae species ranged in length from 152,049 bp to 160,769 bp. In each Lythraceae species, the cp genome contained 112 genes consisting of 78 protein coding genes, four ribosomal RNAs and 30 transfer RNAs. Furthermore, we detected 211–332 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in six categories and 7–27 long repeats in four categories. We selected ten divergent hotspots (ndhF, matK, ycf1, rpl22, rpl32, trnK-rps16, trnR-atpA, rpl32-trnL, trnH-psbA and trnG-trnR) among the 22 Lythraceae species to be potential molecular markers. We constructed phylogenetic trees from 42 Myrtales plants with 8 Geraniales plants as out groups. The relationships among the Myrtales species were effectively distinguished by maximum likelihood (ML), maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian inference (BI) trees constructed using 66 protein coding genes. Generally, the 22 Lythraceae species gathered into one clade, which was resolved as sister to the three Onagraceae species. Compared with Melastomataceae and Myrtaceae, Lythraceae and Onagraceae differentiated later within Myrtales.ConclusionsThe study provided ten potential molecular markers as candidate DNA barcodes and contributed cp genome resources within Myrtales for further study.

Mitigation and Bioengineering Measures for Prevention of the Surbhi Resort Landslide, Mussoorie Hills, Uttarakhand Lesser Himalaya, India

Recent cloud bursts and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood ( GLOF ) in the Uttarakhand Himalaya have triggered catastrophic landslides. Heavy monsoon precipitation lashed Uttarakhand causing devastation and series of new landslides in the region. The Surbhi Resort Landslide is located near the hill station of Mussoorie in Garhwal Himalaya, India, in the Upper Krol Limestone. After intense rain in August 1998, the Krol sedimentary deposits suddenly gave way as a deep-seated landslide, blocking the main Mussoorie-Kemptyartery for 15 days. In 2005, the velocity of the slide was determined to be 4–14 mm/year by previous workers, thus it was still active with a modest intensity. Recently in 2018, during monsoon there was heavy rainfall in the Mussoorie and mud flow in the Kemty Fall area. Huge amounts of quaternary debris are still lying on the slope, another high intensity rainfall or cloud burst in future could trigger another large-scale failure. Based on our recent detailed investigations, following mitigation and bioengineering measures are suggested. To lower the ground water table, a series of horizontal drains should be installed at the base of the crown portion of the slide. This would generate an additional discharge which has to be channeled down Rangaon-ka-Khala, the natural channel, down the slope to the Aglar River flowing in the valley below. To prevent further surface erosion, it is suggested that the Rangaon-ka-Khalamust be bioengineered with shrubs and grasses such as Eriophorum comosum, Saccharum spontanum, Pogonatherum spp. And Wood fordia fruticosa while the surrounding slope must be reforested with Quercus leucotrichophora, Alnus napelensis , Pinus spp.and Cedrus spp. Check dams must be constructed on the entire 3.5 km stretch of the Rangaon-ka-khala to lower the velocity of thewater. This could be done either as gabions or in the form of live fascines of Salix tetrasperma or Dalbergia sissoo. The catchmentarea above the Mussoorie-Kempty road can be expected to collect 60,000 m3 in 24 hours in a 25-years reoccurrence cloud burst. Thus proper drains (0.40 m in dia.) on the inside of the road must be installed. The flow velocity at these extreme events would be 4.8 m/switch is slightly above the recommended value. If this water is allowed to flow down the Rangaon-ka-Khala it will most certainly lead to a major debris slide with a vertical velocity of almost 100 m/s with huge erosive power. For this reason, this discharge should be channeled down in plastic or cement lined pipes, preferably to the west of the Siyagaon Village which is reported as stable rather than in the landslide zone itself. It is concluded that these mitigation measures and bioengineering plantation would certainly help stabilize the Surbhi landslide area to prevent further disaster in future that destroyed the water mills, fields of the surrounding villages and mud flow in popular Kempty Fall area. These measures may also be applicable for the other active landslide zones in the NW(Jammu and Kashmir) and NE ( Darjiling-Sikkim ) Himalaya.

Substituting plant vegetative parts with callus cell extracts: Case study with Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. – A potent ingredient in skin care formulations

Herbal pharmaceutical companies are dependent on plant parts which are used as raw materials in their products. The naturally available herbal raw material does not meet the demand of industries. This can lead to exploitation of nature and affect the biodiversity in various ways. In vitro plant micropropagation and conservation can be a successful alternative to minimize this environmental exploitation. Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) is a plant endemic to India, known for its anti-aging benefits. Apical leaf explants were used to generate calli which was achieved in Murashige Skoog medium with 0.25 mg-l 2,4,5-T and 0.10 mg-l 6-BAP. Callus was sub cultured continuously for six months and retrieved every month for in vitro studies (WSC 1-WSC 6). Among them, WSC-3 (callus extract of third month) increased the collagen production by 60.67 ± 4.2% in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). Collagen-I and elastin gene expression was increased in WSC-3 treated HDF. WSC-3 inhibited hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced cellular senescence in HDF. LC–MS analysis of WSC-3 upheld the presence of polyphenols like gallic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-pentagalloyl glucose, glucogallin, and other phytoconstituents. The results of the in vitro experiments were on par with the extracts obtained from flowers of W. fruticosa. IC50 values in HDF showed that callus cell extract is non-toxic (IC50: >1000 μg/ml) whereas, the flower extracts were moderately toxic (IC50 278.25 ± 1.85 μg/ml). Woodfordia fruticosa callus extract is a potential ingredient for skin care formulations, can be a strong substitute to conventional flower extract and warrants further clinical studies.

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Medicinal Plant Crude Extract, Woodfordia fruticosa Linn. From Marathwada, Maharashtra State

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Properties of Medicinal Plant Crude Extract, Woodfordia fruticosa Linn. From Marathwada, Maharashtra State

Herbal additives influence in vitro fermentative attributes and methanogenesis differently in cattle and buffalo

So as to ascertain the fermentation behaviour and methane-inhibitory efficiency of herbal additives, an in vitro gas-production study was conducted in two different sources of rumen liquor, using six herbal additives, viz. Boerhovia diffusa, Holarrhena antidysentericum, Solanum nigrum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera and Woodfordia fruticosa. Each of the six herbal additives was subjected to in vitro evaluation at 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5% levels of supplementation. Further, the runs were replicated using rumen-liquor inoculum sourced from cattle and buffalo, so as to explore the variation, if any, between the two species. The results indicated that there was a significant (P < 0.05) effect of both the source of inoculum and the level of supplementation on various parameters related to substrate degradation and methane production. The degree of inhibition of methane production was significantly (P < 0.05) higher with buffalo than with cattle rumen inoculum accompanying improved substrate degradation and microbial biomass production. The methanogenesis was increased when H. antidysentericum and S. nigrum were used in buffalo rumen liquor; however, these two herbal additives elicited maximum inhibition of methane production when used in cattle inoculum. When compared irrespective of inoculum, W. somnifera, W. fruticosa and B. diffusa were significantly (P < 0.001) more effective in reducing methanogenesis; however, supplementation of the B. diffusa significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the substrate-degradation attributes. Further, the degree of methane inhibition increased linearly with an increasing dose level of the additives. Overall, it is concluded that of the six herbal additives, W. somnifera and W. fruticosa were most effective in terms of optimisation of substrate degradation and inhibition of methanogenesis in vitro.

Selected hepatoprotective herbal medicines: Evidence from ethnomedicinal applications, animal models, and possible mechanism of actions.

Insight into the hepatoprotective effects of medicinally important plants is important, both for physicians and researchers. Main reasons for the use of herbal medicine include their lesser cost compared with conventional drugs, lesser undesirable drug reactions and thus high safety, and reduced side effects. The present review focuses on the composition, pharmacology, and results of experimental trials of selected medicinal plants: Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Glycyrrhiza glabra, Phyllanthus amarus Schumach. & Thonn., Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge., Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge, Capparis spinosa (L.), Cichorium intybus (L.), Solanum nigrum (L.), Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn., Ginkgo biloba (L.), Woodfordia fruticosa (L.) Kurz, Vitex trifolia (L.), Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill., Cuscuta chinensis (Lam.), Lycium barbarum, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, and Litsea coreana (H. Lev.). The probable modes of action of these plants include immunomodulation, stimulation of hepatic DNA synthesis, simulation of superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase to inhibit oxidation in hepatocytes, reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species by enhancing levels of antioxidants, suppression of ethanol‐induced lipid accumulation, inhibition of nucleic acid polymerases to downregulate viral mRNA transcription and translation, free radical scavenging and reduction of hepatic fibrosis by decreasing the levels of transforming growth factor beta‐1, and collagen synthesis in hepatic cells. However, further research is needed to identify, characterize, and standardize the active ingredients, useful compounds, and their preparations for the treatment of liver diseases.

IMPACT OF FERMENTING AGENTS ON MARKETED PATENT PROPRIETARY FORMULATION ASHWAGANDHA KALPA

Objective: The present work is aimed to formulate Ashwagandha kalpa and evaluate the impact of fermenting agent. Methods: A. kalpa is a marketed patent proprietary Ayurvedic product prepared by adopting the Ayurvedic principles of madya sandhana and it belongs to the class of formulations known as Sandhana kalpana . It is given to the patients suffering from hypertension, insomnia, paralysis, loss of concentration, etc. In the preparation of madya sandhana , the sandhana dravya (fermenting agents) play a key role. The present study was taken up to see the effect of three different sandhana dravya (fermenting agents), i.e., Dhataki pushpa (DAK) , Madhuka (MAK), and yeast (YAK) on the formulation characterization of A. kalpa . Results: The prepared samples were tested for their physicochemical parameters, i.e., total solid, pH, specific gravity, sugar content, alcohol content, refractive index, phytochemical screening, quantitative assay for secondary metabolites, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting. The findings of phytochemical evaluation, quantitative assay, and HPTLC fingerprint show marked variation among three different prepared samples of A. kalpa. The preliminary phytochemical estimation for the detection of secondary metabolites was done. The study revealed the presence of highest percentage of alkaloids in YAK, tannins in DAK and saponins in YAK. Total solid content was found to the highest in MAK. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, total solid content, refractive index, alcohol content, and specific gravity also showed marked variation. Alcohol content for the DAK and YAK was found same. Conclusion: s andhana dravya (fermenting agent) causes variations in different physicochemical and phytochemical parameters in the formulation and development of A. kalpa.

Seasonal Variation of Leaf Dust Accumulation and Biochemical Parameters of Selected Plant Species Alongside the National Highway-7 in Sirmaur, H.P, India

The present study was carried out to assess the dust interception efficiency and impact of dust deposition on biochemical parameters of plant species growing alongside National Highway (NH-7) at Sirmaur, H.P, India. Plants are universal sink of CO2. The plant species selected for the study were Ficus roxburghii, Mallotus philippensis, Shorea robusta, Woodfordia fruticosa. The observed trend of dust accumulation was in the order Ficus roxburghii (38.30 mg m-2) > Shorea robusta (26.94 mg m-2),> Mallotus philippensis (22.31 mg m-2) > Woodfordia fruticosa (16.70 mg m-2). The present study revealed, that the leaf dust accumulation decreased with increasing distance from the national highway. Leaf dust accumulation was influenced by the seasons of the year with the maximum (30.70) in pre-monsoon and the minimum(21.42) in post-monsoon season.

Synergistic effects of Woodfordia fruticosa gold nanoparticles in preventing microbial adhesion and accelerating wound healing in Wistar albino rats in vivo

Therapeutic effectiveness of biogenically synthesized Woodfordia fruticosa nano-gold particles (WfAuNPs) has been claimed in this study which prevents microbial adhesion and enhanced wound healing potential on Wistar albino rats. The synthesized WfAuNPs were characterized using several biophysical techniques such as UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis. The synthesized WfAuNPs in the size range of 10–20nm were used to develop 1% Carbopol® 934 based nano gold formulation (WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934). The WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 nanoformulation was evaluated using viscosity and spreadability measurements. The wound healing potential of WfAuNPs-Carbopol® 934 monitored up to 12days was confirmed by performing wound contraction (%), epithelialization, and histopathological studies done in vivo on Wistar albino rats. The hydroxyproline content was also measured in the re-epithelized skin for quantification of collagen content. The effects of WfAuNPs on microbial adhesion leading to biofilm formation were evaluated against Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans fungal strains. The respective Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC80), Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (BIC80) and Biofilm Eradication Concentration (BEC80) values of C. albicans was found to be 16, 32, 256μg/ml respectively while for C. neoformans it was recorded to be 32, 64, 256μg/ml respectively. Data obtained, confirmed the effectiveness in preventing microbial adhesion and wound healing potential of the WfAuNPs as compared to current marketed formulations.

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of certain plant species grown alongside Parwanoo to Solan National Highway-22 in Himachal Pradesh, India

The study examined the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) of selected plant species growing along national highway-22 from Parwanoo to Solan, falling in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Four species namely Grewiaoptiva, Toonaciliata, Melia azedarach and Woodfordia floribunda of uniform size, age, spread and common in occurrence on both sides of the highway are selected. Leaf samples were collected from selected spe-cies and used to estimate four physiological and biochemical parameters, namely; leaf relative water content (RWC), ascorbic acid content (AA), total leaf chlorophyll (TChl) and leaf extract pH were used to compute the APTI values. The trend of APTI recorded for various species was Melia azedarach (18.37) >Grewiaoptiva(8.77) >Woodfordia floribunda (7.43) >Toonaciliata(6.82). The APTI also varied with seasons of the year. The highest APTI was noticed in rainy followed by winter and summer season. The study indicated Melia azedarach as most tolerant and Toonaciliataas most sensitive species to air pollution.

Vegetational Analysis Of Medicinal Plants Of Bharatpur Block, Dist-koria (Chhattisgarh) India

The State of Chhattisgarh has about 44% of its geographical Area Covered with forests. The Koria district in Chhattisgarh lies between 22058’ to 23049’ North latitudes and 810 33’ to 82045’ East longitude. The average rainfall is 121.36 cm. The forest area is 81.23% of Total dist. area. The annual mean temperature is 240C. The temperature varies between 16.20C to 310C. Geologically the area is dominated by upper Gondwana rocks. Which are rich in coal deposit. The highest mountain ranges of the region occupy the northern part of the district. The district Koria has a very rich flora exhibiting diversity specially of medicinal plants. There is no comprehensive description of the flora of the district is available . The district has a tribal population using enormous range of plants for their basic needs, sustenance and livelihood.“Keeping these points in view” the Present paper deals with diversity of the medicinal plants of the district and their ecological status. Vegetational analysis of Bharatpur block revealed some interesting observations on phytosociological characters enumerate medicinal plants belonging to Bharatpur block enumerate 80 medicinal plants were recorded. the common plant species showing maximum frequency were Tribulus terrestris (90%), Vicia sativa (80%) and Jatropha curcas, Cleome gynandra and Blumea lacera (70%). At this block, Woodfordia fruticosa, Xanthium strumarium and Pergularia extensa were showing maximum frequency of 80%, 70% and 60% respectively. Woodfordia fruticosa showed high density also. Triumfetta rhomboidea showed maximum density and abundance but Bacopa monnieri and Vanda roxburghii showed maximum abundance.It was abstracted that Bacopa monnieri, Costus speciosus, Curculigo orchioides, Curcuma amada and Embelia robusta were the rare species. They exhibited only 20% frequency. Leea macrophylla was also very rare having only 10% frequency and only density of 1. Curculigo orchioides and Pterocarpus marsupium were among the less abundant species at this site.

Biotransformation of lignan glycoside to its aglycone by Woodfordia fruticosa flowers: quantification of compounds using a validated HPTLC method

Context: Saraca asoca Linn. (Caesalpiniaceae) is an important traditional remedy for gynaecological disorders and it contains lyoniside, an aryl tetralin lignan glycoside. The aglycone of lyoniside, lyoniresinol possesses structural similarity to enterolignan precursors which are established phytoestrogens. Objectives: This work illustrates biotransformation of lyoniside to lyoniresinol using Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz. (Lythraceae) flowers and simultaneous quantification of lyoniside and lyoniresinol using a validated HPTLC method. Materials and methods: The aqueous extract prepared from S. asoca bark was fermented using W. fruticosa flowers. The substrate and fermented product both were simultaneously analyzed using solvent system:toluene:ethyl acetate:formic acid (4:3:0.4) at 254 nm. The method was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, linearity, sensitivity and robustness as per ICH guidelines. Results: The substrate showed the presence of lyoniside, however, it decreased as the fermentation proceeded. On 3rd day, lyoniresinol starts appearing in the medium. In 8 days duration most of the lyoniside converted to lyoniresinol. The developed method was specific for lyoniside and lyoniresinol. Lyoniside and lyoniresinol showed linearity in the range of 250–3000 and 500–2500 ng. The method was accurate as resulted in 99.84% and 99.83% recovery, respectively, for lyoniside and lyoniresinol. Conclusion: Aryl tetralin lignan glycoside, lyoniside was successfully transformed into lyoniresinol using W. fruticosa flowers and their contents were simultaneously analyzed using developed validated HPTLC method.

Investigation of anti-asthmatic potential of Kanakasava in ovalbumin-induced bronchial asthma and airway inflammation in rats

Ethno-pharmacological relevanceKanakasava is an Indian traditional Ayurvedic formulation containing Datura (Datura metel), Vasaca (Adhatoda vasica), Dhataki (Woodfordia fruticosa) and Grape (Vitis vinifera) extracts as major constituents and used to treat pulmonary diseases including coughing, breathing difficulty and asthma. The present study was designed to assess the safety and therapeutic efficacy of Kanakasava against ovalbumin-induced bronchial asthma and related airway inflammation in rats due to lack of evidence based therapeutic efficacy data. Material and methodsMale wistar rats were sensitized with allergen (ovalbumin, 40mg/rat+aluminum hydroxide, 2.0mg/rat) and treated orally with standard dexamethasone (2.5mg/kg, b.w.) or Kanakasava (1.23 and 2.46ml/kg, b.w.) from day 1 to day 28. Inflammatory markers, including cell counts and cytokines such as interleukins (IL-4, IL-5, IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), leukotriene (LTD-4), immunoglobulin (IgE), nitric oxide and nitrite levels in both blood and broncheo alveolar lavaged fluid (BALF) were analyzed. Abdominal mesentery was studied histologically for mast cell degranulation, whereas lung functions were investigated by spirometer. Method was also developed to quantify gallic acid and ethyl gallate content in Kanakasava by HPTLC for its quality control. ResultsNone of the rats exhibited mortality and Kanakasava was found to be safe at the tested doses. Treatment with Kanakasava significantly (P<0.01) reversed elevated levels of IgE, cytokines, nitrites and influx of eosinophils and neutrophils in blood and BALF. These findings were further supported by the significant improvement in lung functions (P<0.01) and suppression (P<0.01) of degranulation of mast cells. The content of gallic acid and ethyl gallate in Kanakasava was found to be 1.94% and 0.98%, respectively. ConclusionThese findings demonstrated the preventive effect of Kanakasava in allergen induced model of asthma providing scientific basis for its traditional use in Ayurveda, since long time.

Scientific investigation of crude alkaloids from medicinal plants for the management of pain.

BackgroundTissue damage is associated with pain, which is an alarming sign. Aspirin and morphine have been widely used in recent decades for management of pain. Medicinal herbs have been in use for treatment of different diseases for centuries. Many of these herbs possess analgesic activity with relatively less incidences of adverse effects. The strong positive correlation of alkaloids in medicinal plants for analgesic activity persuades an intention to determine possible analgesic activity of total alkaloids extracted from the selected medicinal plants using animal models to answer its possible mechanisms.MethodsCrude alkaloids from selected medicinal plants (Woodfordia fruticosa, Adhatoda vasica, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Vitex negundo, Peganum harmala and Broussonetia papyrifera) were extracted as per reported literature. The test crude alkaloids were screened foracute toxicity study. Writhings induced by acetic acid, tail immersion method and formalin-induced nociception assay procedures were used for possible analgesic effects of the crude alkaloids.ResultsCrude alkaloids were safe up to dose of 1250 mg/kg body weight in mice. The alkaloids significantly reduced the abdominal constrictions, and increased the time for paw licking response in both phases with a significant raise in latency time in nociception models (P ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the antinociceptive response was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone suggesting involvement of the opioid receptors for possible antinociceptive action.ConclusionsCrude alkaloids of Woodfordia fruticosa and Peganum harmala showed prominent analgesic potentials through inhibition of peripheral as well as central nervous system mechanisms. Further work is required for isolation of the pharmacologically active constituents.