Anti-rheumatic potential vis-à-vis aconitine and hypaconitine content analysis in different Aconitum spp. from Sikkim Himalayas (India).

ABSTRACT

Aconitum spp. are important medicinal plants mentioned in Ayurveda as Ativisa or Vatsanabha. The present study aims to evaluate anti-rheumatic potential in seven Aconitum species and correlation with aconitine and hypaconitine content. Anti-rheumatic potential was analyzed through in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibition, anti-inflammatory and ROS scavenging assays; and quantification of aconitine and hypaconitine with RP-HPLC method validated as per ICH guidelines. The findings reveal that A. palmatum possessed the most promising response (IC50 =12.68±0.15 µg/ml) followed by A. ferox (IC50 =12.912±1.87 µg/ml) for xanthin oxidase inhibition. We observed a wide variation in aconitine and hypaconitine content ranging from 0.018 %-1.37 % and 0.0051 %-0.077 % respectively on dry weight basis. Aconitine and hypaconitine showed moderate positive correlation (r=0.68 and 0.59 respectively) with anti-rheumatic potential. The study identifies potential alternative species of Aconitum that can help in sustainable availability of quality raw material.