ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Processing cow ghee (clarified butterfat) with therapeutic herbs, i.e. ghrita, is recognized for augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of plant materials. Ashwagandha ghrita (AG) is an effective Ayurvedic formulation consisting of Indian ginseng, i.e., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, the main constituent used to treat infertility, weakness, gynaecological disorders, and general debility. OBJECTIVES: The present investigation was undertaken to corroborate the ethnopharmacological claim of AG as 'Vajikarana Rasayana' for its aphrodisiac potential using bioinformatics (in-silico) and experimental (in-vitro and in-vivo) approaches. METHODS: AG was formulated as per the methods reported in Ayurved sarsangraha. AG was further subjected to HPLC, GCMS analysis, and biological (acute toxicity and aphrodisiac) assessment per the standard procedures. Thirty-eight bioactives of Indian ginseng were subjected to computational studies (molecular docking and network pharmacology) to confirm the plausible mechanism. RESULTS: AG was found to be safe up to 2000 mg/kg body wt., and it showed dose-dependent upsurge (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, wherever necessary) in mount and intromission frequency, genital grooming, and anogenital sniffing at 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight suggesting aphrodisiac activity. In-vitro studies demonstrated significant relaxation of the Corpus Cavernosal Smooth Muscle at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the results of molecular modelling studies were in agreement with the biological activity and showed interaction with phosphodiesterase-5 as a possible target. CONCLUSION: AG exhibited an aphrodisiac effect and substantiated the traditional claim of Indian ginseng-based ghrita formulation as 'Vajikarana Rasayana'.
Aphrodisiacs , Withania , Animals , Female , Cattle , Molecular Docking Simulation , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use
Laghu vishagarbha taila (LVT) is a medicated oil preparation used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and applied topically for the treatment of painful musculoskeletal and inflammatory disorders. It contains some mildly poisonous phytoconstituents which may show untoward effects upon application. The present study evaluated the toxicity of LVT in the acute, subacute, and subchronic dermal toxicity study in Wistar rats. LVT was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standard methods prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, while acute, subacute, and subchronic toxicity studies were carried out as per OECD 402, 410, and 411 guidelines, respectively. In the acute dermal toxicity study, a single dose of LVT (2000 mg/kg) was applied topically to rats, while in subacute and subchronic dermal toxicity study, the rats were topically applied LVT (1000 mg/kg) up to 28 and 90 days, respectively. LVT did not cause any alterations in clinical signs and no mortality or moribund stage was observed. The change in weekly body weight was insignificant compared with the vehicle control group. In subacute and subchronic dermal toxicity study, there were no significant changes in behavior, body weight, feed consumption, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ weight, and histological parameters compared with vehicle control rats. Topical application of single and repeated doses of LVT in rats did not exhibit adverse effects and suggests that the LD50 of LVT is more than 2000 mg/kg in the acute dose and NOAEL is more than 1000 mg/kg/day in repeated dose application.
'Bhallatakadi Ghrita' (BG), comprising the plant extracts of Semecarpus anacardium L., Argemone mexicana L., Cocculus hirsutus L., and Woodfordia fruticosa K. 'Murcchana samskara' of ghee before any 'ghrita-paka' preparation evidenced the maximum acceptability for topical application. The current study dealt with the effect of the 'Murcchana' process on the therapeutic efficacy of BG. In the first step, 'Murcchita' ghee was prepared as per reference texts and then developed the 'Murcchita Bhallatakadi Ghrita' (M-BG), which was further assessed for wound healing activity using incision and excision wound animal models. 'Murcchanasamskara' altered the wound healing ability of M-BG (100% wound contraction on 15th post wounding day with 13.50 ± 0.22 days complete re-epithelization time and 562.33 ± 7.37 g breaking strength). The presence of antioxidants, polyphenols, flavonoids, and fatty acids (known for their potential wound healing properties) in M-BG could accelerate the wound contraction rate (P < 0.001). The present investigation has corroborated the Ayurvedic/traditional attribute of 'Murcchanasamskara' to augment the medicinal properties of the BG.
The Ministry of AYUSH recommended the use of a decoction of the mixture of Ocimum tenuiflorum, Cinnamomum verum, Piper nigrum, Zingiber officinale, and Vitis vinifera as a preventive measure by boosting the immunity against the severity of infection caused by a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The present study aimed to identify the probable modulated pathways by the combined action of AYUSH recommended herbal tea and golden milk formulation as an immune booster against COVID-19. Reported phytoconstituents of all the medicinal plants were retrieved from the ChEBI database, and their targets were predicted using DIGEP-Pred. STRING database and Cytoscape were used to predict the protein-protein interaction and construct the network, respectively. Likewise, MolSoft and admet SAR2.0 were used to predict the druglikeness score and ADMET profile of phytoconstituents. The study identified the modulation of HIF-1, p53, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, cAMP, Ras, Wnt, NF-kappa B, IL-17, TNF, and cGMP-PKG signaling pathways to boost the immune system. Further, multiple pathways were also identified which are involved in the regulation of pathogenesis of the multiple infections and non-infectious diseases due to the lower immune system. Results indicated that the recommended herbal formulation not only modulated the pathways involved in boosting the immunity but also modulated the multiple pathways that are contributing to the progression of multiple disease pathogenesis which would add the beneficial effect in the co-morbid patients of hypertension and diabetes. The study provides the scientific documentation of the role of the Ayurvedic formulation to combat COVID-19.
Gokshuradi guggulu is an important classical polyherbal formulation used in Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of various chronic diseases like kidney stones and diabetes. However, no scientific attempts were made to evaluate its oral toxicity. Hence, the present study evaluated the acute and 28 days repeated dose sub-acute oral toxicities of gokshuradi guggulu in rats. Gokshuradi guggulu was tested for its compliance using physicochemical and analytical parameters as per standards prescribed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. In acute oral toxicity study, Wistar rats were orally administered a single dose of gokshuradi guggulu (2700 mg/kg) and clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage were observed for 14 days along with weekly body weight. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and the gross morphology was carried out during necropsy. In sub-acute (repeated dose) oral toxicity study, the rats were orally administered gokshuradi guggulu (270, 1350 and 2700 mg/kg) once daily up to 28 days. Clinical signs and mortality or moribund stage, weekly body weight, weekly feed and water consumptions, biochemical and hematological investigations, urine analysis, and major organ weights and histopathology were carried out. In acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, gokshuradi guggulu administration did not show any alteration in parameters or any adverse effect as compared to vehicle treated group. There was no mortality or moribund state observed in any group in both studies. Administration of gokshuradi guggulu in acute and 28 days repeated doses did not exhibit any toxicity or adverse effect at the doses used and NOAEL was found to be 2700 mg/kg.
Plant Extracts , Animals , Body Weight , Commiphora , No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level , Plant Extracts/toxicity , Plant Gums , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Toxicity Tests, Acute
PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of vanillic acid (VA) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rats. METHODS: Experimental diabetes mellitus in rats was induced by intraperitoneally administration of single dose of STZ (55 mg/kg). The animals were divided into 5 groups viz., normal control, diabetic control, glimepiride (0.5 mg/kg, orally) and VA treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) groups. The treatment was started after the confirmation of hyperglycemia (> 250 mg/dl) and continued for 6 weeks. Serum glucose level, and body weight were measured weekly. At the end of study, HbA1c in whole blood, insulin, lipid profile, urea, creatinine and albumin in serum. Creatinine and albumin were measured in urine along with creatinine clearance. In addition, kidney weight and histopathology were assessed. RESULTS: Treatment with VA markedly attenuated STZ-induced body weight loss and hyperglycemia, along with improved lipid profile and HbA1c, without significant alteration of serum insulin levels. It also decreased urea, creatinine and increased albumin in serum. Moreover, VA, significantly reduced urine volume, urinary albumin along with marked improvement in creatinine clearance. Further, the VA treatment significantly reverse the raised levels of oxidative stress markers, pro-inflammatory and fibrotic markers viz. TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, TGF-ß1 and NFκB activity in kidney tissue. These effects are associated with amelioration of histopathological alterations compared to diabetic control rats. While glimepiride produced similar antihyperglycemic effect but the effect on albuminuria, oxidative stress markers and cytokine levels were less significant as compared to VA (100 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, VA exhibited nephroprotective effect through amelioration of kidney dysfunction and damage in diabetic rats. The observed nephroprotective effect of VA may be ascribed to inhibition of hyperglycemia induced oxido-inflammatory stress and necroptosis of renal tissue possibly due to its antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Stem bark of Anogeissus latifolia Roxb. (Family: Combretaceae) is used traditionally and ethnomedicinally for correction of kidney disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study demonstrates the nephroprotective potential of stem bark of A. latifolia Roxb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The HPTLC fingerprint and HPLC analysis were carried out to standardize the ethanolic extract of stem bark of A. latifolia (ALEE) using ellagic acid as a marker. Nephrotoxicity was induced in adult Wistar albino rats by gentamicin (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 8 days) and they were treated with ALEE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, orally for 8 days), ellagic acid (10 mg/kg, orally for 8 days) and cystone syrup (5 ml/kg, orally), a standard reference a polyherbal formulation. Urine volume, serum and urine levels of creatinine, urea and uric acid, oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione), inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6) and kidney weight along with its histological changes were studied in experimental animals. RESULTS: HPTLC, HPLC and LC-MS analysis of ALEE revealed the presence of ellagic acid and other various phytoconstituents. Administration of gentamicin caused significant increase in urine output and kidney weight, elevated biochemical, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters as well as caused histological damage in the kidney tissue. These parameters were attenuated by the concurrent treatment with ALEE and ellagic acid. The effects were comparable to cystone. CONCLUSION: Present investigations concluded that ALEE exhibited nephroprotective potential and validated the traditional use of stem bark of A. latifolia in kidney disorders. The nephroprotective effect may be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents in ALEE.
Combretaceae/chemistry , Gentamicins/toxicity , Kidney Diseases/drug therapy , Plant Bark/chemistry , Plant Extracts/therapeutic use , Animals , Biomarkers , Gene Expression Regulation , Inflammation/chemically induced , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/metabolism , Interleukin-6/genetics , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Kidney/drug effects , Kidney/pathology , Kidney Diseases/chemically induced , Male , Oxidative Stress , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts/chemistry , Plant Stems/chemistry , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
Saikosaponins are major biologically active triterpenoids, usually as glucosides, isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) such as Bupleurum spp., Heteromorpha spp., and Scrophularia scorodonia with their antiviral and immunomodulatory potential. This investigation presents molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and free energy calculation studies of saikosaponins as adjuvant therapy in the treatment for COVID19. Molecular docking studies for 23 saikosaponins on the crystal structures of the extracellular domains of human lnterleukin-6 receptor (IL6), human Janus Kinase-3 (JAK3), and dehydrogenase domain of Cylindrospermum stagnale NADPH-oxidase 5 (NOX5) were performed, and selected protein-ligand complexes were subjected to 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. The molecular dynamics trajectories were subjected to free energy calculation by the MM-GBSA method. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies revealed that IL6 in complex with Saikosaponin_U and Saikosaponin_V, JAK3 in complex with Saikosaponin_B4 and Saikosaponin_I, and NOX5 in complex with Saikosaponin_BK1 and Saikosaponin_C have good docking and molecular dynamics profiles. However, the Janus Kinase-3 is the best interacting partner for the saikosaponin compounds. The network pharmacology analysis suggests saikosaponins interact with the proteins CAT Gene CAT (Catalase) and Checkpoint kinase 1 (CHEK1); both of these enzymes play a major role in cell homeostasis and DNA damage during infection, suggesting a possible improvement in immune response toward COVID-19.
COVID-19 Drug Treatment , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Oleanolic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Saponins/pharmacology , Humans , Oleanolic Acid/metabolism , Oleanolic Acid/pharmacology , Oleanolic Acid/therapeutic use , Protein Domains , Saponins/metabolism , Saponins/therapeutic use
Bioflavonoids are the largest group of plant-derived polyphenolic compounds with diverse biological potential and have also been proven efficacious in the treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The present investigation validates molecular docking, simulation, and MM-PBSA studies of fifteen bioactive bioflavonoids derived from plants as a plausible potential antiviral in the treatment of COVID-19. Molecular docking studies for 15 flavonoids on the three SARS CoV-2 proteins, non-structural protein-15 Endoribonuclease (NSP15), the receptor-binding domain of spike protein (RBD of S protein), and main protease (Mpro/3CLpro) were performed and selected protein-ligand complexes were subjected to Molecular Dynamics simulations. The molecular dynamics trajectories were subjected to free energy calculation by the MM-PBSA method. All flavonoids were further assessed for their effectiveness as adjuvant therapy by network pharmacology analysis on the target proteins. The network pharmacology analysis suggests the involvement of selected bioflavonoids in the modulation of multiple signaling pathways like p53, FoxO, MAPK, Wnt, Rap1, TNF, adipocytokine, and leukocyte transendothelial migration which plays a significant role in immunomodulation, minimizing the oxidative stress and inflammation. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies illustrated the potential of glycyrrhizic acid, amentoflavone, and mulberroside in inhibiting key SARS-CoV-2 proteins and these results could be exploited further in designing future ligands from natural sources.
BACKGROUND: Ghee is widely considered as the Indian name for clarified butterfat and processing of ghee with therapeutic herbs i.e. ghrita is renowned for augmenting their medicinal properties. Kaamdev ghrita (also known as 'VajikaranaRasayana') is cow ghee based classical Ayurvedic formulation from the aphrodisiac category, which is used to ameliorate and potentiate sexual performance and also in the treatment of sexual dysfunctions, infertility, and premature ejaculation. OBJECTIVE: Present research work deals with the organoleptic, physicochemical, and biological assessment of Kaamdev ghrita for its aphrodisiac activity using in-vivo animal models. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Kaamdev ghrita was prepared using Indian cow's ghee as per standard Ayurvedic classical texts and subjected to organoleptic (color, odor, taste, texture, touch), physicochemical (acid value, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter, extractive values, refractive index, and specific gravity) analyses as per the standard pharmacopeial procedures. The aphrodisiac potential of ghrita in rat model was evaluated by monitoring sexual behavioral performance using different parameters (mount frequency and latency, intromission frequency and latency, anogenital grooming and sniffing) at the dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg body weight. RESULTS: The physicochemical evaluation of Kaamdev ghrita showed higher acid value, iodine value, refractive index, and specific gravity whereas the lower saponification and peroxide value than the plain ghee. Kaamdev ghrita revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, sterols, terpenoids, coumarins, tannins, and showed remarkable antioxidant activity by in-vitro assays. It augmented the sexual performance in a dose-dependent manner as indicated by significant improvement (P < 0.05) in mount frequency and latency, intromission frequency and latency, anogenital grooming, and sniffing as compared to plain ghee treated control group. The present investigation has corroborated the ethnopharmacological claim of Kaamdevghrita for its aphrodisiac potential. CONCLUSION: Kaamdev ghrita exhibited aphrodisiac activity which may be attributed to the presence of antioxidant herbs present in it. It is the first scientific report on validation of the traditional claim of Kaamdev ghrita for its aphrodisiac potential.
Background: Since December 2019, SARS-CoV-2 had been a significant threat globally, which has accounted for about two million deaths. Several types of research are undergoing and have reported the significant role of repurposing existing drugs and natural lead in the treatment of COVID-19. The plant Phyllanthus emblica (Synonym-Emblica officinalis) (Euphorbiaceae) is a rich source of vitamin C, and its use as an antiviral agent has been well established. Purpose: The present study was undertaken to investigate the potency of the several components of Phyllanthus emblica against three protein targets of 2019-nCoV viz. NSP15 endoribonuclease, main protease, and receptor binding domain of prefusion spike protein using molecular docking and dynamics studies. Methods: The docking simulation studies were carried out using Schrödinger maestro 2018-1 MM share version, while dynamics studies were conducted to understand the binding mechanism and the complexes' stability studies. Results: Out of sixty-six tested compounds, Chlorogenic acid, Quercitrin, and Myricetin were most effective in showing the highest binding energy against selected protein targets of SARS-CoV-2. The network pharmacology analysis study confirmed these compounds' role in modulating the immune response, inflammatory cascade, and cytokine storm through different signaling pathways. Conclusion: Current pharmacoinformatic approach shows possible role of Phyllanthus emblica in the treatment and management of COVID-19.
The present study aimed to investigate the binding affinity of andrographolide and its derivative i.e., 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide with targets related to COVID-19 and their probable role in regulating multiple pathways in COVID-19 infection. SMILES of both compounds were retrieved from the PubChem database and predicted for probably regulated proteins. The predicted proteins were queried in STRING to evaluate the protein-protein interaction, and modulated pathways were identified concerning the KEGG database. Drug-likeness and ADMET profile of each compound was evaluated using MolSoft and admetSAR 2.0, respectively. Molecular docking was carried using Autodock 4.0. Andrographolide and its derivative were predicted to have a high binding affinity with papain-like protease, coronavirus main proteinase, and spike protein. Molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed for each complex which suggested the strong binding affinities of both compounds with targets. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that both compounds modulated the immune system by regulating chemokine signaling, Rap1 signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, MAPK signaling, NF-kappa B signaling, RAS signaling, p53 signaling, HIF-1 signaling, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The study suggests strong interaction of andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide against COVID-19 associated target proteins and exhibited different immunoregulatory pathways.
COVID-19 has ravaged the world and is the greatest of pandemics in human history, in the absence of treatment or vaccine the mortality and morbidity rates are very high. The present investigation was undertaken to screen and identify the potent leads from the Indian Ayurvedic herb, Asparagus racemosus (Willd.) against SARS-CoV-2 using molecular docking and dynamics studies. The docking analysis was performed on the Glide module of Schrödinger suite on two different proteins from SARS-CoV-2 viz. NSP15 Endoribonuclease and spike receptor-binding domain. Asparoside-C, Asparoside-D and Asparoside -F were found to be most effective against both the proteins as confirmed through their docking score and affinity. Further, the 100 ns molecular dynamics study also confirmed the potential of these compounds from reasonably lower root mean square deviations and better stabilization of Asparoside-C and Asparoside-F in spike receptor-binding domain and NSP15 Endoribonuclease respectively. MM-GBSA based binding free energy calculations also suggest the most favourable binding affinities of Asparoside-C and Asparoside-F with binding energies of -62.61 and -55.19 Kcal/mol respectively with spike receptor-binding domain and NSP15 Endoribonuclease. HighlightsAsparagus racemosus have antiviral potentialPhytochemicals of Shatavari showed promising in-silico docking and MD resultsAsparaoside-C and Asparoside-F has good binding with target proteinsAsparagus racemosus holds promise as SARS-COV-2 (S) and (N) proteins inhibitor Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
COVID-19 , Antiviral Agents/pharmacology , Humans , Molecular Docking Simulation , Molecular Dynamics Simulation , Phytochemicals , SARS-CoV-2
The tubers of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Elephant foot yam), principally consumed as crop food and vegetables, are used in ethno-medicinal practices in mitigation of constipation and piles. Hence, present study evaluated the effect of tubers of A. paeoniifolius and its active constituents glucomannan and betulinic acid on experimentally-induced constipation. The tuber and its extracts were standardized as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and physicochemical constants were found within the pharmacopoeial limit. HPTLC fingerprint profile of extracts has been developed using suitable mobile phase. Methanolic extract was subjected to column chromatography. The isolated phytoconstituents were characterized by FT-IR, NMR and MS and identified as betulinic acid and ß-sitosterol. Functional constipation was induced in rats by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg) for first 3 consecutive days. The rats were orally treated with methanolic and aqueous tuber extracts in the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, glucomannan (300 mg/kg) and betulinic acid (1.5 mg/kg) for 7 days. The parameters viz. number of stools, wet weight of stools and moisture content of stools and intestinal transit were studied. Treatment with tuber extracts, glucomannan and betulinic acid showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in fecal parameters and intestinal transit in constipated rats. The effects were comparable to standard laxative drug, sodium picosulfate (5 mg/kg, orally). The results indicated that tuber extracts and its active constituents showed laxative effect and relieved constipation. It is concluded that tuber of A. paeoniifolius exhibited beneficial effect in functional constipation possibly through its laxative action. The study validates its ethno-medicinal use in correction of constipation. The principal constituents, betulinic acid and glucomannan in tuber extracts might have played important role in relieving the constipation.
OBJECTIVE: Kanchnar guggulu is a compound Ayurvedic formulation used in clinical practice for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. The present study investigates its cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities. METHODS: The hydro-alcoholic (50%) extract of kanchnar guggulu was prepared. Its antimitotic activity was assessed in an Allium cepa assay, while its antiproliferative effects were studied in a yeast proliferation model. Methotrexate was used as a standard anticancer agent. RESULTS: In the Allium assay, all concentrations of the extract (1, 2 and 3â¯mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.02â¯mg/mL) significantly inhibited the division of A. cepa root cells, decreasing root growth and mitotic index compared to control; this effect was concentration-dependent for kanchnar guggulu extract. In the antiproliferative studies, treatment with the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu (1, 5 and 10â¯mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1â¯mg/mL) resulted in marked reduction of dividing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and inhibition of cell viability compared to control. The cytotoxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu, shown by its antimitotic and antiproliferative effects, may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolics. CONCLUSION: Kanchnar guggulu exhibited a cytotoxic effect by inhibiting cell division (antimitotic) and reducing cell proliferation. These results substantiate its potential for the treatment of cancer and support its traditional use in the treatment of cancer.
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Growth Inhibitors/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Gums/pharmacology , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/analysis , Cell Division/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Commiphora , Flavonoids/analysis , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Humans , Medicine, Ayurvedic , Mitotic Index , Onions/drug effects , Onions/growth & development , Phenols/analysis , Phenols/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/analysis , Plant Gums/analysis , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/cytology , Saccharomyces cerevisiae/drug effects
CONTEXT: Aerva pseudotomentosa Blatt. & Hallb. (Amaranthaceae), commonly called "Bui";, is a medicinal plant of the arid region. It is used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatic pain, and healing of wounds, which are associated with oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the antioxidant potential of Aerva pseudotomentosa leaves by in vitro models and its anti-inflammatory effect in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aqueous extract (APAE) was analyzed by HPTLC and HPLC. The antioxidant effect of APAE was evaluated by various in vitro methods [DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil) and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging, reducing power, and anti-lipid peroxidation assays]. Anti-inflammatory effect was studied in carrageenan and formalin-induced paw oedema models in rats. APAE (200 and 400 mg/kg) and standard drug, indomethacin (10 mg/kg), were administered orally 1 h before carrageenan/formalin administration and inflammation was noted up to 5 h. RESULTS: HPLC analysis of APAE revealed the presence of rutin. APAE showed significant scavenging effect on DPPH (IC50 49.37 µ g/mL) and peroxide (IC50 288.2 µ g/mL) radicals. The extract exhibited reducing potential and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. APAE treatment significantly attenuated mean increase in paw volume and exhibited inhibition of paw oedema in both in vivo models with inhibition of 45.11% and 49.42%, respectively at 5 h. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: APAE exhibited
Amaranthaceae/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification , Antioxidants/administration & dosage , Antioxidants/isolation & purification , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Disease Models, Animal , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Edema/drug therapy , Edema/pathology , Female , Indomethacin/pharmacology , Inflammation/drug therapy , Inflammation/pathology , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Male , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Phenols/isolation & purification , Phenols/pharmacology , Plant Leaves , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Rutin/isolation & purification , Rutin/pharmacology
CONTEXT: The tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson (Araceae), commonly called Suran or Jimmikand, has high medicinal value and is used ethnomedicinally for the treatment of different gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders. OBJECTIVE: The present study evaluated the effects of extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tubers on acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were orally administered methanol extract (APME) or aqueous extract (APAE) (250 and 500 mg/kg) or standard drug, prednisolone (PRDS) (4 mg/kg) for 7 days. On 6th day of treatment, UC was induced by transrectal instillation of 4% acetic acid (AA) and after 48 h colitis was assessed by measuring colitis parameters, biochemical estimations and histology of colon. RESULTS: APME or APAE pretreatment significantly (p < .05-.001) prevented AA-induced reduction in body weight and increase in colitis parameters viz. stool consistency, colon weight/length ratio and ulcer score, area and index. Extracts treatment attenuated (p < .001) increase in alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase in serum and myeloperoxidase activity and cytokines in colon tissue due to AA administration. Extracts treatment prevented AA-induced elevation in lipid peroxidation and decline in activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase and reduced-glutathione content (p < .05-.001) along with histopathological alterations. PRDS also showed similar ameliorative effect on colitis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: APME and APAE showed a preventive effect on UC, and ameliorated inflammation and oxidative damage in colon. The effects may be attributed to presence of phytochemicals, betulinic acid, ß-sitosterol, and glucomannan. In conclusion, the tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius exhibited an anticolitic effect through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
Amorphophallus/chemistry , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Colitis, Ulcerative/prevention & control , Colon/drug effects , Gastrointestinal Agents/pharmacology , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Acetic Acid , Alkaline Phosphatase/blood , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/toxicity , Biomarkers/blood , Catalase/metabolism , Colitis, Ulcerative/blood , Colitis, Ulcerative/chemically induced , Colitis, Ulcerative/pathology , Colon/metabolism , Colon/pathology , Cytokines/metabolism , Cytoprotection , Disease Models, Animal , Gastrointestinal Agents/isolation & purification , Gastrointestinal Agents/toxicity , Glutathione/metabolism , Inflammation Mediators/metabolism , L-Lactate Dehydrogenase/blood , Lipid Peroxidation/drug effects , Male , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Peroxidase/metabolism , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/toxicity , Plant Tubers , Plants, Medicinal , Prednisolone/pharmacology , Rats, Wistar , Solvents/chemistry , Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The leaves of Chenopodium album Linn. are traditionally used for correction of kidney diseases and urinary stones. The present work investigated the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts of leaves of Chenopodium album on experimentally-induced urolithiasis in rats to substantiate its traditional use as antilithiatic agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaf extract was standardized by HPLC. Urolithiasis was induced in rats by administration of 0.75% v/v of ethylene glycol (EG) in distilled water and in addition, vehicle or methanol (CAME) or aqueous (CAAE) extract of the leaves of Chenopodium album each in the dose 100, 200 and 400mg/kg or Cystone (750mg/kg) were administered daily orally for 28 days. Urolithiasis was assessed by estimating the calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid, and creatinine in both urine and plasma. The volume, pH and oxalate levels were also estimated in urine. The renal oxalate content was estimated in kidney while calcium oxalate deposits were observed histologically. RESULTS: The treatment with CAME or CAAE for 28 days significantly attenuated the EG-induced elevations in the urine and plasma levels of calcium, phosphorus, urea, uric acid and creatinine along with decrease in urine volume, pH and oxalates. The treatments also decreased renal tissue oxalate and deposition of oxalate crystals in kidney due to EG treatment. The effects of CAME and CAAE were comparable to standard antilithiatic agent, cystone. The findings indicate the preventive effect of CAME and CAAE which can be due to inhibitory effect on crystallization and stone dissolution. The effect was attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like flavonoids and saponins. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, Chenopodium album leaves exhibited antilithiatic effect and validates its ethnomedicinal use in urinary disorders and kidney stones.
Chenopodium album/chemistry , Ethylene Glycol , Kidney/drug effects , Plant Extracts/pharmacology , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Urolithiasis/prevention & control , Urological Agents/pharmacology , Animals , Biomarkers/blood , Biomarkers/urine , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Crystallization , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Flavonoids/isolation & purification , Flavonoids/pharmacology , Kidney/metabolism , Kidney/physiopathology , Male , Methanol/chemistry , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts/isolation & purification , Plant Extracts/toxicity , Plants, Medicinal , Rats, Wistar , Saponins/isolation & purification , Saponins/pharmacology , Solvents/chemistry , Time Factors , Urination/drug effects , Urolithiasis/blood , Urolithiasis/chemically induced , Urolithiasis/urine , Urological Agents/isolation & purification , Urological Agents/toxicity , Water/chemistry
BACKGROUND: Chandraprabha vati is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, markedly used for mitigation of Prameha, which correlates in many ways with obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to investigate effect of Chandraprabha vati in experimentally-induced hyperglycemia and lipid profile alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antidiabetic effect of Chandraprabha vati was studied in fifty five Wistar rats. Graded doses of Chandraprabha vati (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally for 7 days to normal and alloxan-hyperglycemic rats (65 mg/kg, intravenously), and to glucose loaded normal rats for oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Fasting plasma glucose levels were assessed on different time intervals along with plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Metformin (500 mg/kg, orally) was used as standard drug. RESULTS: Chandraprabha vati did not cause any significant reduction in plasma glucose levels of normal rats (p > 0.05) but normalized the impaired glucose tolerance at 60 and 120 min (p < 0.05-p < 0.001) in OGTT when compared to vehicle control. In alloxan-hyperglycemic rats, administration of Chandraprabha vati (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced plasma glucose at 3 h, 12 h, 3rd day and 7th day (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) along with reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides levels (p < 0.01-p < 0.001) when compared to diabetic control group. The effects were comparable with metformin. CONCLUSIONS: Chandraprabha vati exhibited anti-hyperglycemic effect and attenuated alterations in lipid profile. The results support the use of Chandraprabha vati for correction of Prameha in clinical practice.
