Distinguishment of wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. from Tridax procumbens L. and Phyla nodiflarp (L.) Greene

Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. (Synomyme: W. calendulacea Less.) was commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of furunculosis, phlegmon, impetigo, cystitis. Two other plants, namely Tridex procumbens L. and Phyla nodiflora (L.) greene were often confused with W. chinensis. The study presented detailed descriptions of the morphological, anatomical and palynological characters of the three species, offering an easy distinguishment of the plants

Preliminary: Studies on Chemical Composition of Wedelia calen-dulacea Less. (Asteraceae)

Wedelia calen-dulacea Less. (Asteraceae) is well known for its antibacterial, demulcent and antifebrile properties, it is a traditional medicine which wild growing in many areas in Viet Nam. The researchers firstly study its chemical composition. Results of the chemical analysis show that: The plant contains flavonoid, alcaloids, coumarin, triterpenoid saponins, tanin, sugars, fat, sterols and carotenoid. The content of total flavonoids is about 1% (on dry basis), at least 11 spots on chromatogram. The content of total saponins is about 12% (on dry basis). The analysis with 3 different solvent systems revealed at least 15 spots on chromatogram. Some of the spots can be shown with both flavonoid and coumarin reagents, these are tentatively called coumestan components.

Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of wedelia calendulacea lees

The 1:1 fluid extract of Wedelia calendulacea Less. aerial part was used for the evaluation of the plant hepatoprotective effect. The results of the pharmacological studies included: (1) Oxidative activity: 83.1% (in vitro), (2) Decrease of malonyl dialdehyde in mouse liver: 25.1%, (3) Decrease of the serum glutamate pyruvic transaminase level: 34.1%, (4) Decrease of the concentration of bilirubin in mouse serum: 10.4%, (5) Increase of the bile flow in mice: 88.8%. Conclusion: W. calendulacea had a good hepatoprotective effect in mouse model.

Studies on the Hepatoprotective Activity of Oleanolic Acid from Wedelia calendulacea Less

The Wedelia calendulacea Less. in Van Dien area, Ha Noi, rats of the body weight of 20-22g were divided into 3 groups. In order to use Wedelia calendulacea Less. in treating liver diseases, fractions from the plant have been studied pharmacologically. This paper presents the method of extraction of oleanolic acid and results of its anti-oxidative effect. The studies have revealed that amount of liver MDA of the treated mice decreased by 44.8%, and that of serum GPT decreased by 26.3%. These results show that oleanolic acid do take part in the hepatoprotective activity of the plant