Rapid determination and optimisation of berberine from Himalayan Berberis lycium by soxhlet apparatus using CCD-RSM and its quality control as a potential candidate for COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 (or COVID-19) has become a global risk and scientists are attempting to investigate antiviral vaccine. Berberis are important plants due to the presence of bioactive phytochemicals, especially berberine from the protoberberine group of benzylisoquinoline and recent studies have shown its potential in treating COVID-19. B. lycium Royle growing in subtropical regions of Asia had wide applications in Indian system of medicine. Rapid determination and novel optimisation method for berberine extraction has been developed by Soxhlet extraction utilising central composite design-response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). Berberine was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the highest yield (13.39%) was obtained by maintaining optimal extraction conditions i.e., extraction time (7.28 hrs), ethyl alcohol (52.21%) and solvent to sample ratio (21.78 v/w). Investigation of two geographic regions (Ramnagar and Srinagar) showed high berberine content in lower altitude. This novel optimisation technique has placed berberine as a potential candidate for developing pharmaceutical products for human health care.

Preclinical development of gastro-protective botanical candidate from Woodfordia fruticosa (Linn.) Kurz: Chemical standardization, efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety pharmacology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Woodfordia fruticosa is traditionally used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, poisoning, menstrual disorders, ulcers and fertility. In the present study, we report a standardized extract preparation through modern scientific approach for anti-ulcer activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hydro-alcoholic extract of flowers of W. fruticosa was standardized using four chemical markers. The standardized extract was coded as ICB014. HPLC method was developed for identification and quantification of Gallic Acid, Oenothein-C, Quercetin and Kaempferol. Based on the prior published H+, K+-ATPase activity and Anti-bacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori of ICB014, was evaluated for its in-vivo efficacy in gastric ulcers models in rats followed by regulatory safety studies. RESULTS: The extract demonstrated efficacy at 31.25-62.5 mg/kg in gastric ulcer models. The extract was safe by oral route up to 2000 mg/kg in a single dose and NOAEL of 800 mg/kg in 28 days repeat study. Bioequivalent capsule formulation was prepared. CONCLUSIONS: The extract showed anti-ulcer potential and is ready for clinical evaluation.