Rational use of Ashwagandha in Ayurveda (Traditional Indian Medicine) for health and healing.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Physalis somnifera L.) is a fairly known perennial shrub of Solanaceae family, and is used in Ayurveda- Traditional Indian Medicine (TIM), since ancient times. It is well known as Ashwagandha in Sanskrit language in Ayurvedic classics. Its Mula (root) is recommended for health and healing, and the number of single and compound formulation is prescribed rationally. It is believed that the species name-somnifera is coined based on popular use to "induce sleep" in Ayurveda. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was aimed to bring out the experience-based traditional uses of Ashwagandha for health and healing with an emphasis on the pharmacological and biochemical scientific evidences to corroborate them. The scientific evidences have been explored from the national and international publications. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A comprehensive literary search of Ayurvedic classics was carried out systematically regarding Ashwagandha for its rationality behind the traditional uses. To excavate the subject matter, the original Ayurvedic scriptures and several standard Ayurvedic texts of different period was studied insightfully for meaningful contribution. It is to be noted that the primary source of knowledge was considered in writing this manuscript without any biased attitude. The available literature on Ashwagandha was also searched to ascertain the basis of scientific Latin name and correct identity. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia and other relevant scientific works were also taken into consideration to make the subject matter more clearly to the scientific world. For the scientific evidence of the uses, the international and national Journals and other published material were also searched to make it inquisitiveness to the scholars interested in Ayurvedic medicinal plants. RESULTS: The present paper throws ancient luminosity behind the therapeutic uses of one of the promising plant drug i.e., Ashwagandha of ancient India even to the present time. The scientific evidences corroborate the rationality ascribed in available Ayurvedic classics of various period of India has been gained. CONCLUSION: The study explores that the first reference of Ashwagandha with its significant nomenclature, useful part, properties, action, and eloquent uses has its footprint in the original texts of Ayurveda. In later works enhanced knowledge with traditional uses continued even today. Several single and compound formulations have been found to maintain the health and to alleviate the disorders rationally. It is worthy to note here that the scientific evidences corroborate the uses practiced in Ayurveda.

Anti-psoriatic potential of Solanum xanthocarpum stem in Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (Solanaceae) is one of the members of the dashamula (ten roots) in Ayurvedic system of medicine. The stem and fruits are used as an antipyretic, antiasthmatic and is prescribed in skin infections and for relief in burning sensation in the feet accompanied by vesicular eruptions. OBJECTIVE: To scientifically validate the anti-psoriatic potential of Solanum xanthocarpum stem in Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mice model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanolic stems extract of Solanum xanthocarpum (ESX) was first subjected to phytochemical screening and quantification of identified phytoconstituents, which was further standardized with the help of HPTLC using chlorogenic acid as a marker. The extract was then subjected to acute oral toxicity and skin irritability study for determining the safety profile of the extract. Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model was then performed to check the efficacy of extract against psoriasis, where treatment was carried out for 15 days both topically (Gel at 2.5%, 5% and 10%) as well as orally (at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg p.o.) and their Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) was calculated. The study also included determination of levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 in the animal tissues, which further included biochemical evaluations such as total collagen, hexosamine, hyaluronic acid DNA, protein antioxidant profiles such as lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase and catalase along with histopathological studies of the tissues. RESULT: ESX showed the presence of mainly phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and carbohydrates, while chlorogenic acid was reported to be 3.49% w/w. The Imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model, depicted a potent anti-psoriatic activity of the extract both topical (10%) and oral (200 and 400mg/kg p.o., as evident through PASI grading The effect was found to be more prominent in case of topically treated as compared to orally treated mice. The results also showed a significant inhibition in the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 in treated animal tissues and also showed significant restoration of the altered biochemical parameters along with reduced hyperkeratinisation as observed through histopathology. CONCLUSION: The study scientifically justified the anti-psoriatic activity of the ESX, which may be attributed to inhibition in the expression of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17. Further, the observed antioxidant, antimicrobial and cellular proliferative activities may act as a contributing factor in treatment of psoriasis, which may be attributed to the presence of chlorogenic acid along with other phytochemicals in combination.

The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, development and perspectives.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) is a unique book of standards describing the quality, purity and strength of selected drugs that are manufactured, distributed, and sold by the licensed manufacturers in pan India. It is developed in two parts; the part one comprises of mono-monographs of medicinal substances of natural origin and part two includes selected compound formulations sourced from the schedule - I books under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 comprising of popular Ayurvedic classics of different period of times. The first part of the Ayurvedic Formulary of India was published in 1978 and thereafter, the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (mono-monograph) Part-I, Vol. I was published in the year 1989 and subsequently, the other volumes were published with their legalized status under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was aimed to bring out the existing knowledge on the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia with its chronological development reviewed from the ancient Vedic Compendia with its continuum in Ayurvedic classics of different period of time till recent past. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literary search based on the ancient origin of Ayurveda was carried out. The drug making from the natural resources and utility of the knowledge exist in classical Ayurvedic works of different period of time till composition of the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and its importance as official documents of Govt. of India for Standards of Ayurvedic Drugs and its perspectives have been discussed. RESULTS: The present paper reviews on the systemic development and different aspects of drug-making (Pharmacopoeia) with evidence lying in the 5000 years old work of India. During the systematic review of the various works of different period of times (ancient, medieval and modern), it was found that the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India has its development during 20th Century as an official document of Govt. of India comprising of single drugs monograph and compound formulations. CONCLUSION: In India, the development of the Indian Pharmacopoeia started in 20th Century on the recommendation of the Col. R.N. Chopra Committee and in 1978 the first part of the Ayurvedic formulary of India was published. Subsequently, the amendment in the drugs and cosmetics Act 1940 was brought in 1964 for regulation of the drugs in Indian Systems of Medicine (Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha). Later on the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Mono-Monograph) Part-I, Volume I, was published in the year 1989 and the other volumes were published subsequently in different years.

Systematic investigation of ethanolic extract from Leea macrophylla: Implications in wound healing.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) commonly known as Hastikarnapalasa is mainly distributed throughout the tropical parts of India. Traditionally, the plant is found to be effective against guinea worm, ringworm and is applied to sores and wounds. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aims to validate traditional wound healing claim of Leea macrophylla scientifically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Box-Behnken design (BBD) was used to optimize the extraction process. The optimized root tuber extract of Leea macrophylla was standardized with chlorogenic acid by HPLC for the first time. Both oral and topical routes were selected as administrative means for the wound healing study using excision and incision wound model. For topical treatment bioadhesive gel was formulated and characterized for mechanical and physical characteristics by texture profile analysis (TPA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect on wound healing was also assessed by evaluating antioxidant enzymes viz. glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), free radicals lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), inflammatory marker myeloperoxidase (MPO), collagen markers hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid along with the histopathological examination. Furthermore, the effect on the level of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin -6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined. The expression of cell proliferation nuclear marker Ki-67 was also analyzed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: With mesh openings Sieve no. 20, semi polar nature of solvent (92.5:7.5 ethanol-water blend) and extraction time of 18h, substantially greater extraction efficiency (29%) and phenolic yield (181.54mg/g) were obtained. The content of chlorogenic acid in ethanol extracts of Leea macrophylla was obtained as 9.01% w/w. In incision model, oral treatment with 500mg/kg ethanolic extract increased wound breaking strength by 23.41% while bioadhesive gel (5% w/v) showed a higher increase of 44.68%. Topical application produced complete wound contraction in 20 days against 22 days taken by oral treatment. Topical treatment also produced a significant (p<0.05) increase in antioxidants glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase whereas the level of enzymes lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and inflammatory markers myeloperoxidase were reduced. Further advantageous effects were reflected by significantly (p<0.05) increased levels of hydroxyproline, hexosamine and hexuronic acid. Favorable effects on the level of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor - α and growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor were also observed. The wound healing potential of Leea macrophylla was further supported by its ability to promote cell proliferation during wound healing as demonstrated by Western blot analysis of proliferation marker Ki-67. CONCLUSION: The study justified traditional use of Leea macrophylla in wound healing and demonstrated that the bioadhesive gel of ethanolic extract produced faster and more significant healing as compared to oral treatment.

Phytochemical standardization, antioxidant, and antibacterial evaluations of Leea macrophylla: A wild edible plant.

In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, dermatopathies, wounds, inflammation, and in symptoms of diabetes. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extract and its different fractions of Leea macrophylla root tubers using phytochemical profiling which is still unexplored. Quantitative estimations of different phytoconstituents along with characterization of ethanol extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed using chlorogenic acid as a marker compound for the first time. The extract and its successive fractions were also evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using different models. The extract was further tested against a few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for its antibacterial activity. Phytochemical screening and quantitative estimations revealed the extract to be rich in alkaloid, flavonoid, phenols, and tannins, whereas chlorogenic acid quantified by HPLC in ethanol extract was 9.01% w/w. The results also indicated potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which was more prominent in the extract followed by its butanol fraction.

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of standardized root extract of Jasminum sambac.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Jasminum sambac L. (Oleaceae) is cultivated throughout India. The leaves and roots of the plant are used traditionally in the treatment of inflammation, fever and pain. The leaves of the plant have been reported to posses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. OBJECTIVE: To scientifically validate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of roots from Jasminum sambac. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ethanol root extract of Jasminum sambac (EJS) was standardized using HPTLC and was subjected to acute oral toxicity study. Further, analgesic activity of EJS at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg, p.o. was evaluated using writhing test on Swiss albino mice and tail-flick test on Charles Foster albino rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of EJS was assessed by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund׳s adjuvant-induced arthritis models, while antipyretic activity was evaluated using Brewer׳s yeast induced pyrexia. In addition, biochemical parameters such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in blood serum and edematous tissue of rats exposed to acute (carrageenan) and granulomatous tissue in sub-chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) inflammation models were also evaluated. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis of EJS revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, saponins, tannins and carbohydrates in major quantities, while the quantity of hesperidin in EJS (using HPTLC) was found to be 4.25%w/w. EJS at 400mg/kg, p.o. reduced writhing count up to 49.21%, whereas in tail-flick test, EJS in a dose dependent manner increased latency in flicking tail. EJS at 400mg/kg, p.o. showed significant anti-inflammatory activity after 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6thh of treatment in carrageenan-induced edema, while a 33.58% inhibition in cotton pellet induced granuloma formation was observed at same dose level. EJS significantly (p<0.001) inhibited adjuvant-induced arthritis and also showed significant antipyretic activity. Further, a significant reversal in alterations of all the biochemical parameters (except ALP) in tissues was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of EJS which may be attributed to the presence of various phytoconstituents quantified especially hesperidin which have already been reported for its significant role in the treatment of inflammation and associated problems.

Wound-healing potential of the root extract of Albizzia lebbeck.

The present investigation is an attempt to scientifically validate the traditional use of the roots of the plant Albizzia lebbeck in Ayurvedic system of medicine for curing wounds. The study included phytochemical standardization of the ethanol root extract of A. lebbeck, which was further subjected to oral acute toxicity study. Wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract was evaluated using incision and excision wound models. Biochemical parameters such as hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid, hexosamine, and antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and free radical parameters including lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide were evaluated on the 10th post-wounding day following dead space method. For confirmation of activity, histopathology of the wounds and granulation tissues from excision and dead space wound model were performed. The study also included assessment of antibacterial activity of ethanol root extract against strains implicated in wound infection. The ethanol root extract was found to be highly rich in flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins, while the amount of rutin was found to be 4.66 % w/w. It significantly increased the wound breaking strength showing a ceiling effect at 500 mg/kg p. o. The ethanol root extract at 500 mg/kg p. o. depicted an optimum wound contraction on the 18th day, while complete wound contraction was observed at the 22nd post wound day. It also demonstrated a significant increase in dry tissue weight, total protein, hydroxyproline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, superoxide dismutase, and reduced glutathione levels, whereas a decrease in the levels of lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide was also observed with a potential antibacterial activity. Histopathological studies revealed a normal epithelization and fibrosis which was evidenced through an increase in collagen density. Thus, the study scientifically validated the wound-healing activity of the ethanol root extract along with a potential antibacterial property which may be attributed to the enhanced collagen synthesis and a potential antioxidant activity.