•Ites

Turmeric may fight decline in Brain functionCurcumin. present in Turmeric studies demonstrated that how the spice extends previous findings examining

(Curcuma domestica Valeton syn:. strongly induce expression of a gene that the neuroprotective effects of curcuminC. long a Linn.) may activate a key helps protect brain cells exposed to an and its ability to induce HO-l on culturedenzyme that protects the brain against oxidant challenge. In a lab study, the US- hippocampal neurons. The effects of

oxidation, thought to be a major factor in Italian team found that curcumin strongly curcumin on the expression profiles of

ageing and respollsible for induced HO-l expression and activity in other genes involved in the cellular

'I. neurodegenerative disorders like rat astrocytes, cells that perform a variety stress response were also investigatedAlzheimer's disease. The researchers from of functions in the central nervous system, [Spice India, 2004, 17 (5) 39;the University of Catania in Italy and New including support to neurons and cleaning Nutraingredients.com 19/0412004].

York Medical College based on their up of debris within the brain. Their study

He lie teres isora root extracts possessantihyperglycemic activity

The roots and bark of East Indian Screw Tree, Helicteresisora Linn. (Hindi - Marorphali) of Sterculiaceae family

are used as expectorant, demulcent, astringent, ahtigalactagogue,

to lessen griping and a cure for scabies. Fruits are demulcent,

mildly astringent and useful in griping and flatulence. Roots are

useful in emphysema, stomach affections and diabetes. Venkatesh

and others of G. Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Mehdipatnam,

Hyderabad studied the effect of root extracts on glucose tolerance

in glucose induced hyperglycaemic rats. The aqueous ethanol,

ethyl acetate and butanol extracts prevented the increase in blood

glucose levels significantly after glucose load (P

Hepatoprotective herbAntidiabetic efficacy of

ChhotachirayitaEpaltes divaricata Casso (Family- Asteraceae) is a herb, Enicostemma littorale Blume commonly

found in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar,Java and China. It is widely used known as Mamijava or Chhotachirayita is a

in Sri Lanka as an AyurvedicMedicine. Researchers working at Faculty glabrous perennial herb, traditionally it is used as aof Medicine, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka carried out studies to stomachic and bitter tonic. Researchers at M. S.

evaluate the use of this plant as a hepatoprotective and antioxidative University of Baroda, Department of Biochemistry,

agent in carbon tetracWoride (CCI4) induced: hepatotoxicity in mice. Vadodara, Gujarat investigated antidiabetic efficacyofPre-treatment of mice with the plant extract (0.9 glkg) orally for 7 its methanol extract in alloxan-induced diabetic

days significantly reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase rats.They observed that administration of methanol

(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase extract (2.5 glkg body wVday) to diabetic rats for 20

(ALP) enzymes by 21.40, 47.36 and 71.12 per cent, respectively and I daysreduced blood glucose levelsfrom 466.50 ± 37.07significantlyincreased the liver reduced glutathione levelby 42.32 per. to 237.20 ± 28.22 (P < 0.01). It also increased the

cent on 24 hours after the administration of CCI4• A marked II serum insulin levels of diabetic rats and improved theI··improvement in the enzyme activitiesand the liver reduced glutathione •• ,antioxidant status. Extract treatment to tlle diabetic ratslevel was observed in the Epaltes pre-treated mice 4 days after the i : significantlyincreased reduced glutathione levels andI administration of CCI4• The results indicated that aqueous extract of; ! decreased erythrocyte catalase activity and lipid

the herb possesses hepatoprotective activityagainst CCl4induced liver I I peroxidation. The results support the use of this herbdamage in mice (Hewawasam et al, Indian J Med Res, 2004, 120, I as an antidiabetic agent by traditional healers [Maroo,

30-34) .. t et al, Pha~~~iol, 2003,_41(5), 38~~~~..-J

Protective effects of Amla on oxidative stress and toxicityEmblica officinalis Gaertn. simultaneous administration ofDMHwere reducing the formation of oxidant stress,

commonly known as Amla, is extensively studied. Amla at both concentrations as observed by the decrease in MDAafterfound all over India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, increased the hepatic GSHand reduced amla incorporation. The observedChina, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The the conjugated dienes. The DMH-induced increase in NADPH-dependentglutathione

fruits of the plant are used in Ayurvedaas increase in hepatic malondialdehyde reductase was effective especially in

a potent rasayana. The scientists at (MDA) was reduced by amla. The co- maintaining cellular homeostasis of GSH.Biochemistry and Nutrition Discipline, administration of DMH and 10% amla It was noted that in rats treated with DMHDefence Food Research Laboratory, enhanced the catalase, glutathione and fed with 10% amla, the micronucleiMysore, India investigated the effect of peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide formation was reduced by 58% as

dehydrated amla powder on the dismutase activities in liver. In addition, compared to DMH injected ones. Themodulation of antioxidant enzymes and amla at 10% levelper se increased the activity of y-glutamyl transpeptidase,

toxicity in rats challenged with dimethyl hepatic ascorbic acid, glutathione (GSH), which was increased significantly (P <

hydrazine, a chemical carcinogen. and antioxidant enzymes while reducing 0.001) inkidneyuponDMHinjection, wasDuring experiment the protective the conjugated dienes, elucidating the reduced by 50% on feeding amla. Thus

effects of amla on oxidative stress and protective effectof amla. Amla elevated the results revealed that amla has the

toxicity in rats induced by dimethyl the colonic glucose-6-phosphate ability to detoxify the DMH partly by

hydrazine (DMH) were studied. dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) activityat the enhancing the multicomponent

Experiments involving administration of 10% level of feeding. The increased GSH antioxidant system in the rat [Anilakumaramla at 5% and 10% levels with associated with GSH-Px may help in etal,NutrRes, 2004, 24(4), 313-319l .

>N~tural Product Radiance Vol 3(6) November-December2004 . . 443 I

Elaeagnus angustifolia

The scientists at Pharmacology Division,

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra

University, Visakhapatnam, India investigated

cardioprotective activity of Indian Pennywort,

Centella asiatica (Linn.)Urban syn.Hydrocotyie asiatica Linn. (Hindi -Mandukparni) in ischemia-reperfusion inducedmyocardial infarction in rats. The alcoholic extract

of whole plant was studied by measuring infarct size

and estimating lipid peroxide levels in serum and

heart tissue. A lead II electrocardiogram was

monitored at various intervals throughout the

experiment. A dose (100-1000 mglkg) dependent

reduction in per cent left ventricle necrosis (PLVN)

as well as in lipid peroxide levels was observed in

rats treated with alcoholic extract of the plant orally

for 7 days compared to control animals. The study

strongly suggests the cardioprotective activityof thisplant in limiting ischemia-reperfusion induced

myocardial injury [Pragada et ai, JEthnopharmacoi, 2004,93(1), 105-108].

Cardioprotectiveactivity of

Mandukparn;

Anti-ulcerogenic plantsused as folk remedy

In Thrkish folk medicine

for the treatment of gastric

disorders (i.e. ulcer and gastric

pain) fruits of Elaeagnusangustifolia Linn. (Oleaster) ismixed with oliveoil after peeling the

skin (peri carp) and ingested; some

100 g fresh whole fruits ofHibiscus esculentus Linn.(Okra; Hindi - Bhindi) isingested daily for 10 days. The

poultice prepared from the fresh

roots of Papaver rhoeas Linn. is ingested before mealsand a decoction of the fresh Rosa canina Linn. (Rosehips)fruits is recommended to be taken while warm. Phlomis

grandijlora leaves are also used for this purpose, however,the way of preparation of the remedy is not known.

The scientists at Department of Pharmacognosy,

Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University and Department of

Pathology,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University,Turkey assessed these five herbal remedies used as

gastroprotective crude drugs for their anti-ulcerogenic activity

using the EtOH-induced ulcerogenesis model in rat. During

experiment extracts were prepared accordingto the traditional indications of use. Allextracts

exhibited statistically significantgastroprotective effect with better results for

Phlomis grandijlora and Rosa canina(100%). At the' concentration under study,both crude drugs were more effectivethan the,reference compound Misoprostol at 0.4 mg!

kg. The weakest anti-ulcerogenic effect

observed for Papaver rhoeas roots wasfound statistically potent (95.6%).

Histopathological studies confirmed the

Hibiscus results of the in vivo test [Giirbiiz et ai,esculentus J Ethnopharmacoi, 2003, 88(1), 93-97].

Natural Product Radiance Vol 3(6) November-December 2004

Bronchodilatory effect ofcommon purslane in airways of

asthmatic patients

L

Asthma has now become the

chronic disease and epidemiological

studies indicate that it is increasingthroughout the world. Commonpurslane,Portulaca oleracea Linn. (Hindi-

Kulfa) is an annual plant, which growsin many areas of the world. Its therapeutic

effects for respiratory diseases areindicated in ancient Iranian medical

books especially diuretic, anti-ascorbic,

antipyretic,anti-asthma, anti-inflammatoryand antitussiveeffect.Relaxanteffectof this

plant has also been observed on smooth

muscle tissue in previous studies.

Therefore, scientists at Mashhad Universityof Medical Sciences, Iran examined the

bronchodilatory effectofthe boiled extract

of P. oleracea in the airwayof asthmaticpatients .•

The relaxant effect of the orally

administered 0.25 mllkg of 5% boiled

extract in comparison with 3 mg/kg oral

theophylline and 200 J.lg inhaled

salbutamol was studied bymeasuringforced expiratory volume in one

second (FEV/), peak expiratory flow(PEF), maximal mid-expiratory flow

(MEF25-75) and specific airway

conductance (sGaw). The FEV/,PEF,

MEF25_75 and sGaw were measuredbefore administration and repeated15,30,60,90, and 120 minutes afteradministration of the oral extract and

theopylline. For inhaled salbutamol

measurements were performed 5, 15,

30, and 60 minutes post-inhalation.Results showed that the boiled extract of

the plant caused significant increases in

all measured pulmonary function tests(PFTs), (P

Antimalarial activity of Bidens pilosa roots. Recently;research priorities have

included the assessment of efficacy and

safety of new herbal antimalarials andstandardization of extracts. Bidens

pilosa Linn. is among the.several plantsused in Brazil to treat fevers and malaria.

Experimental evidences have shown that

crude extracts from roots, prepared With

80% ethanol bypercolation, show in vitroactivity against Plasmodiumjalciparum. Oliveira and others studied,a correlation of in vivo antimalarial

activityWiththe presence of polyacetylene

and flavonoids using High Performance

Liquid Chromatography coupled with

Diode ArrayDetector (HPLClDAD).Ether/methanol fraction caused 38% of

reduction at fifth day but was inactive at

seventh day. The survival of the animalstreated with 80% ethanol extract was

higher than in the fractions. The results

showed that the in vivo activityof ethanolextract depends on the presence of

polyacetylene and flavonoids [Oliveira etaI, J Ethnopharmacol) 2004,93(1),39~42].

Avaram leaf extract could protect hepatotoxicity

Natural Product Radiance Vol 3(6) November~December 2004

Spices and vegetables possess

antioxidant activity,hence, in addition to

imparting flavour to the food, they can beutilized for their potential health benefits.

Cassia auriculata Linn.

(Hindi - Tanvar) grows abundantlyand Widelyall over India. The leaves of

this plant have been used in the traditional

system of Indian medicine for the

treatment of jaundice and liver diseases.

Researchers at Annamalai University,

Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu, Indiaevaluated effect of its leaf extract on liver

function and examined its role on tissue

lipid peroxidation and on the antioxidantlevels in rats administered alcohol. The

findings are compared Withthose of thecontrol and unsupplemented alcoholtreated rats.

Administering ethanol to rats for

60 days resulted in significantly elevated

levels of serum total bilirubin, aspartatetransaminase (AST),alanine transaminase

(ALT)and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)as antioxidants such as "itamin Eand vitamin

compared Withthose of the experimental C were also significantly lowered on

control rats. Significantlyelevated levels alcohol supplementation. Treatment Withof tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive the leaf extract at a dose of 250 mglkg

substances (TEARS),hydroperoxides and body weight and 500 mglkg body weightlowered activitiesof superoxide dismutase to rats administered alcohol, lowered the

(SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced levels of TEARSand hydroperoxides andglutathione (GSH)were also observed on elevated the activitiesof SODand CATand

alcohol treatment as compared Withthose. the levels of reduced GSH in the liver,

of experimental control rats. brain, kidney and intestine significantly

Concentration of serum non~enzymic compared to unsupplemented alcoholtreated rats. The leaf extract treatment

restored the serum vitamin E and Clevels

also to near those of the experimentalcontrol.animals. The results indicated that

supplementation With leaf extract of this

plant can offer protection against freeradical mediated oxidative stress in

experimental hepatotoxicity.

Histopathological studies of the liver andbrain also confirmed the beneficial role

of its leaf extract [Rajagopal et ai, J NutrBiochem, 2003,14(8),452-458].

and lumen perfuse rats, respectively.Acid

secretion was determined by titration of

the collected gastric juice to pH 7.0.

Intraperitoneal injection of the extract,

dose dependently inhibited gastric acid

secretion. The plant was more active as a

gastroprotective agent at lowerconcentration against mucosal injury

induced by 0.6 M HCLThus, Aloe extract

could protect the gastric mucosa at lowconcentrations, which may explain its

usage in peptic ulcer treatment [Yusufetai, J Ethnopharmacol, 2004, 93(1),33-37].

-- .--.--------------------------------------------.::.-------=-=:::._-:!..~~--~.~-----~.- .----- --. --.------------ -- --.-----.----------------

Aloe vera Linn. protects gastric mucosaGastroduodenal ulceration is a with mineral oil) has been used to treat

common disease in both developed and patients with peptic ulcer, the role of the

developingcountries. Thepresence of acid extract on gastric acid secretion and its

is still considered a factor in the influence on experimental lesions in thedevelopment of acute and chronic gastric gastric mucosa has been relatively

mucosa lesions in the occurrence of the unexplored. Therefore, Sadiq Yusuf and

disease. Asa result, suppression of gastric others in Nigeria examined its ethanol-

acid by surgical and a variety of HP extract effecton gastric acid secretionpharmacological means provides effective and 0.6 M HCIinduced gastric mucosa

and rapid healing of ulcer. Aloe vera damage in the Wistar rats of both sexesLinn. commonly known as Barbados Aloe weighing between 180 and 200 g.or Cura\ao Aloe has been used over the The effect of varying doses of

years to treat various ailments and have etha.1101extract on acute gastric mucosal

been referred to as the miracle plant. lesions induced by 0.6 M HCI and acid

Althoughits emulsion (sap and gel mixed output was studied in the pylorus ligated

Wound healing potentialof castor leaves

Castor, Ricinus communis Linn. (Hindi -Arand or Erandi), found throughout India is well-known for the medicinal value of its leaves and seed oil.

Scientists at P.G.Department of Biochemistry,

Bharathi Women's College, Chennai evaluated

antimicrobial activityof aqueous and methanolic extract

of its dried leaves on few pathogenic bacteria by disc

diffusion method. During experiment the diskscontaining final concentration of 20 and 40 mg of drug

per ml were placed on the agar.After24 hrs ofincubationat 37°C, the zone of inhibition were measured. The

susceptibility of test microorganisms against leaf extractshowed significant variations. Bacillus subtilis werethe most susceptible bacterium, whereas E. coli was

the least susceptible.The significant effect of methanolic extract of

castor leaf against B. subtilis suggests that the leafextract can be used for healing the wound and as a

medicine to prevent the sepsis of the wound(Parameswari & Latha,Indian Drugs, 2001, 38 (11),587-588].

Fresh leaves juice of Catharanthusroseus Linn. reduces blood glucose

Diabetes mellitus is affecting nearly 10% of the populationall over the World. However, search for new antidiabetic drugs

continues. The use of fresh leaf juice of C. roseus (Hindi-Sadabahar) has been in practice by Ayurvedicphysicians in Indiawith beneficial action. Hence, the scientists at Department of

Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University,Andhra Pradesh, India

and Facultyof Pharmacy,Universityof Sydney,Australia evaluated juice

of fresh leavesfor hypoglycaemicactivityin normal and alloxan diabeticrabbits.

The blood glucose lowering activity of the leaf juice was

studied in normal and alloxan-induced (100 mglkg, Lv.) diabetic

rabbits, after oral administration at doses of 0.5,0.75 and 1.0 mlIkg

body weight. Blood samples were collected from the marginal earvein before and also at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 16, 18, 20 & 24 hours after

drug administration and blood glucose was analyzed by Nelson-

Somogyi's method using a visible spectrophotometer.

The leaf juice produced dose-dependent reduction d glucoseof both normal and diabetic rabbits and comparable with that of the

standard drug, glibenclamide. Thus this study supports the traditional

usageof the fresh leavesby Ayurvtrlicphy.;iciansfor the controlof diabete;

[Nannnietal,BioMed Central ComplAltemMed, 2003,3(1) 4-6].

Natural Product Radiance Vol 3(6) November-December 2004

Effect of Brahmi and Neem on·gastric ulceration andhealing in experimental NIDDM rats

The pharmacologists at

Department of Pharmacology and

Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences,BHU, Varanasi evaluated the effect of

Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Penn.(Hindi - Brahmi) and Azadirachtaindica A. Juss. (Hindi - Neem) on

the susceptibility of NIDDM rat's

gastroduodenal mucosa to various

ulcerogenic st~uli and on gastric ulcerhealing.

Gastric ulcers were induced in

normal! NIDDMrats by various physical(2 hrs cold restraint stress and 4 hours

pylorus ligation) and chemical agents

(ethanol, 1 mJ/200g, oral, 1 hr before;

aspirin, 200 mglkg, oral) and duodenal

ulcers were induced by cysteamine

(40 mg!200g). Ulcer healing activitywas

studied in gastric ulcers induced by aceticacid (50%) and HCI (0.6 M). The result

indicated that in both, normal and NlDDM

rats, B. monnieri extract (BME,20-100

mglkg) did not show any significant effect

on blood glucose level, while A. indica(AlE, 250-1000.mg/kg) significantly

decreased it. However,both BME(50 mg!

kg) and AIE (500 mg/kg) showed

significant anti-ulcer and ulcer-healingactivities in normal and NIDDM rats.

Further, the present results also indicated

that the ulcer protective effects of BME

were more pronounced in non-diabetic,while that ofAlEwas more in NIDDMrats.

The anti-ulcer and ulcer-healing activities

of BMEand AlEmay be due to their effectson various mucosal offensive and

defensivefactors, and correction of blood

sugar level byAlEmay help to have more

ulcer protective effect in NIDDM rats[Dorababu et aI, Indian J Exp BioI,2004, 42 (4), 389-397].

Cancer preventive potential of Bitter melonThe researchers at Radiation and

Cancer BiologyLaboratory, School of Life

Sciences, JNU, New Delhi examined the

cancer preventivepotential of bitter melonor bitter gourd, Momordica charantiaLinn. (Hindi -Karela) againstbenzo(a)pyrene induced fore-stomachtumourigenesis in murine model system.

During experiment the fruit extract was

tested against 3,4-benzo(a)pyrene[B(a)P] induced fore-stomach

papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice.The extract, in twoconcentrations, 2.5 and5% of standard mice feed was used for

the short-term and long-teml studies. A effect could be attributed to the

significantdecrease in tumour burden was modulation of enzymes involved in theobserved in short and long-term carcinogen metabolism. Antimutagenic,

treatment. Also, total tumour incidence antioxidant and anti-helicobacter pylori

reduced to 83.33% with 2.5% dose and properties of the fruits might have also90.90% with 5% dose in short-term contributed to its cancer preventiveaction.

treatment, while in long-term treatment However, further investigations are to betumour incidence decreased to 76.92% carried out to understand the

with 2.5% dose and 69.23% with 5% dose. chemopreventiveeffectin different tumour

The study strongly suggests the model systems [GaganDeep et aI, Indiancancerpreventivepotentialofbittermelon J Exp BioI, 2004, 42(3),against fore-stomach tumourigenesis with 319-322].

no toxic effect evenwith long-term dietary

supplementation. Its chemopreventive

448 . " )". Natural Product Radiance Vol 3(6) November-December 2004