Plants of Indian origin in drug discovery

IMPPAT 2.0: An Enhanced and Expanded Phytochemical Atlas of Indian Medicinal Plants

Compilation, curation, digitization, and exploration of the phytochemical space of Indian medicinal plants can expedite ongoing efforts toward natural product and traditional knowledge based drug discovery. To this end, we present IMPPAT 2.0, an enhanced and expanded database compiling manually curated information on 4010 Indian medicinal plants, 17,967 phytochemicals, and 1095 therapeutic uses. Notably, IMPPAT 2.0 compiles associations at the level of plant parts and provides a FAIR-compliant nonredundant in silico stereo-aware library of 17,967 phytochemicals from Indian medicinal plants. The phytochemical library has been annotated with several useful properties to enable easier exploration of the chemical space. We have also filtered a subset of 1335 drug-like phytochemicals of which majority have no similarity to existing approved drugs. Using cheminformatics, we have characterized the molecular complexity and molecular scaffold based structural diversity of the phytochemical space of Indian medicinal plants and performed a comparative analysis with other chemical libraries. Altogether, IMPPAT 2.0 is a manually curated extensive phytochemical atlas of Indian medicinal plants that is accessible at https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/.

The role of centrifugal partition chromatography in the removal of β-asarone from Acorus calamus essential oil

Β-asarone is a phenylpropane derivative present in the rhizomes of Acorus calamus, that was proved to exhibit toxic effects in humans. Because of its presence the whole plant that is commonly used in traditional medicine for its sedative, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other properties has limited application nowadays. In the study, qualitative and quantitative analysis of a collection of nine essential oil (EO) samples of European and Asian origin was performed. The final content of β-asarone in the tested samples ranged between 0.265 and 1.885 mg/mL. Having in mind a possible application of the EO as a biopesticide, this research aimed at the development of CPC-based purification protocol that could help remove β-asarone from EO. It was proved that the biphasic solvent system composed of n-hexane/EtOAc/MeOH/water, 9:1:9:1 (v/v/v/v) was capable of the removal of the toxic constituent in the CPC chromatograph operated in the ascending elution mode with 2200 rpm and a flow rate of 5 mL/min. The chromatographic analysis that lasted only 144 min effectively separated β-asarone (purity of 95.5%) and α-asarone (purity of 93.7%) directly from the crude Acorus calamus rhizome EO.

Integrative practice in Asia - India and China

Traditional medical practice in the world has maintained its popularity in spite of the challenges of the rapid development of modern medicine. The World Health Organization observed that 80% of world population still rely on traditional practices of special cultural heritages. In Asia, the traditional practices include mainly that of the Middle East, India and China. The 3000 years of development in the three different regions has resulted in cross-cultural influences and exchanges, particularly revealed in the rich collections of medicinal herbs. Ayurveda medicine has well maintained its traditional philosophy and practice. It has enjoyed very substantial governmental support on the national level and has remained popular. Traditional Chinese Medicine, likewise, has kept its popularity and vibrance. However, with the ever advancing modern medicine which is giving efficient acute care and specific solutions to known target areas of clinical concern, are unavoidable obstacles to an integrative practice. Besides India, China is the only country in the world where Traditional Medicine is still playing a major role in national health care. During the COVID-19 pandemic both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine practitioners tried hard to contribute by offering integrative treatment to the infected patients. They were getting a lot of national and professional endorsements. One would speculate that with this unknown virus and diverse clinical presentations, a better integrative program would be able to provide better outcome. On the prevention side, medicinal herbs are expected to be able to boost up the innate immunity of the individual so that infection could be better resisted. Given the similarities between the Indian and Chinese Systems of traditional practice, it is suggested that Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine could develop a joint mission with combined efforts, to collaborate in research and trials, with the aim of consolidating Integrative Practice. This article concentrates on the Indian and Chinese areas of traditional practice, viz. Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine.

A comprehensive Review on Ethnopharmacology and Phytochemistry of an Underutilized Plant Cordia dichotoma L

Abstract:

Cordia dichotoma L. (Family Boraginaceae), a well-known medicinal plant, has been traditionally used for thousands of years for the treatment of various diseases. Several studies have been undertaken to assess the pharmacological potential of different parts of the plant, namely roots, stem, flower, and leaves, for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, antifertility, antifungal, and wound healing properties. The present review aims to deliver a comprehensive summary of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and prospects of potential pharmacological activities of the plant C. dichotoma. A literature survey was carried out through books on herbal medicine and different online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Scifinder, Science Direct, and Springer. All papers based on traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties have been analyzed and summarized in this review. The elaborative results vindicate that extracts and phytoconstituents from C. dichotoma exert a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects and hold significant prospects in major health conditions.

Phytochemistry and pharmacological studies of Plumbago zeylanica L.: a medicinal plant review

Plumbago zeylanica L. (Plumbaginaceae) commonly known, as chitrak is pharmacologically important plant. Various studies have been undertaken to assess the pharmacological potential of different parts of the plant namely like roots, stem, flower, and leaves as antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anticancer, antifertility, antiulcer, antifungal and wound healing. The intention of the present review is to deliver a concise account on its ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry with an in-depth study of its phytoconstituents, facts and prospects of its potential pharmacological activities of this golden plant. An extensive literature survey was undertaken through different online platforms viz. Google Scholar and online databases namely PubMed, Science Direct and Springer. All papers based on traditional medicinal uses and pharmacological properties were included. Sixty three research articles and review articles were found to be apt for inclusion into the review. About 150 articles were retrieved for the purpose. The elaborative results vindicated that Plumbago zeylanica L. holds significant prospects in major health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, ulcer, liver problems, obesity, wound healing, cancer etc.

Repurposing potential of Ayurvedic medicinal plants derived active principles against SARS-CoV-2 associated target proteins revealed by molecular docking, molecular dynamics and MM-PBSA studies

All the plants and their secondary metabolites used in the present study were obtained from Ayurveda, with historical roots in the Indian subcontinent. The selected secondary metabolites have been experimentally validated and reported as potent antiviral agents against genetically-close human viruses. The plants have also been used as a folk medicine to treat cold, cough, asthma, bronchitis, and severe acute respiratory syndrome in India and across the globe since time immemorial. The present study aimed to assess the repurposing possibility of potent antiviral compounds with SARS-CoV-2 target proteins and also with host-specific receptor and activator protease that facilitates the viral entry into the host body. Molecular docking (MDc) was performed to study molecular affinities of antiviral compounds with aforesaid target proteins. The top-scoring conformations identified through docking analysis were further validated by 100 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation run. The stability of the conformation was studied in detail by investigating the binding free energy using MM-PBSA method. Finally, the binding affinities of all the compounds were also compared with a reference ligand, remdesivir, against the target protein RdRp. Additionally, pharmacophore features, 3D structure alignment of potent compounds and Bayesian machine learning model were also used to support the MDc and MD simulation. Overall, the study emphasized that curcumin possesses a strong binding ability with host-specific receptors, furin and ACE2. In contrast, gingerol has shown strong interactions with spike protein, and RdRp and quercetin with main protease (M^pro) of SARS-CoV-2. In fact, all these target proteins play an essential role in mediating viral replication, and therefore, compounds targeting aforesaid target proteins are expected to block the viral replication and transcription. Overall, gingerol, curcumin and quercetin own multitarget binding ability that can be used alone or in combination to enhance therapeutic efficacy against COVID-19. The obtained results encourage further in vitro and in vivo investigations and also support the traditional use of antiviral plants preventively.

Assessment of the elite accessions of bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.] in Sri Lanka based on morphometric, organoleptic, and elemental properties of the fruits and phylogenetic relationships

Aegle marmelos L. (Bael) is a native tree fruit species in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Bael is a popular fruit because of its significant nutritional and medicinal properties. However, bael is an underutilized fruit species in Sri Lanka. Thus, Fruit Crop Research and Development Station of the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka has selected five elite bael accessions (Beheth Beli, Paragammana, Mawanella, Rambukkana, and Polonnaruwa-Supun). We assessed these five accessions for the variation of the fruit size, pulp, organoleptic preference, elemental properties, genetic diversity, and evolutionary history. The fruits at the golden-ripe stage were collected during the peak fruiting seasons in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The fruit size, pulp, shell thickness, and seed size were measured and subjected to the General Linear Model (GLM) and Principal Component (PC) Analyses. The fruit pulp was distributed among a group of 30 taste-panelists to rank for the parameters: external appearance, flesh color, aroma, texture, sweetness, and overall preference. The rank data were subjected to association and PC analyses. The elemental contents of the fruit pulp samples were measured using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and subjected to GLM and PC analyses. We observed a significant diversity in fruit size, organoleptic preference, and elemental contents among bael accessions. Rambukkana and Polonnaruwa-Supun yield the biggest and most preferred fruits. We used trnH-psbA, atpB-rbcL spacer, matk-trnT spacer, and trnL markers to construct phylogenies. Sri Lankan bael split from an Indian counterpart, approximately 8.52 MYA in the Pliocene epoch. However, broader germplasm of Indian bael must be assessed to see the presence of any independent evolution within Sri Lanka.

Antioxidant Potential, Phytochemicals Composition, and Metal Contents of Datura alba

This study investigated the phytochemical characteristics and antioxidant activity in leaves, roots, stem, flower, and seed parts of Datura alba (D. alba). The study also assessed the heavy metal (Cr, Mn, Zn, and Cu) accumulation in each part of the plant. Among the phytochemicals, alkaloids were found only in leaves while tannins, flavonoids, and phenols were present in all parts of the plant. For antioxidant activity, free radical scavenging assay for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was performed using ascorbic acid as the standard. Higher activity was shown by stem extract in methanol and leaf extract in n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and chloroform. Furthermore, all the target heavy metals were detected in all plant sections with the highest concentration of Zn in leaves and Cu in stem, root, flower, and seed. Due to stronger antioxidant potential and phytochemical composition, D. alba could prove as valuable prospect in pharmaceutical formulations by taking part in the antioxidant defense system against generation of free radicals.

Lupinifolin from Albizia myriophylla wood: A study on its antibacterial mechanisms against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans

OBJECTIVE

To determine the anti-Streptococcus mutans mechanisms of action of lupinifolin from Albizia myriophylla Benth. (Fabaceae) wood and provide scientific evidence to support the traditional use of the plant against dental caries.

METHODS

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was evaluated using the broth micro-dilution method. The effects of lupinifolin on bactericidal activity, bacterial cell walls, and membranes were investigated by time-kill, lysis, and leakage assays, respectively. Electron microscopy was utilized to observe any cell morphological changes caused by the compound. Localization of lupinifolin in S. mutans was detected using the thin layer chromatography technique.

RESULTS

The MIC range of lupinifolin against S. mutans (n=6) was 2-4 μg/ml. This compound displayed bactericidal effects on S. mutans ATCC 25175 by 90-99.9% killing at 4MIC-16MIC after 8-24 hours. Lupinifolin-treated cells demonstrated no lysis. However, significant cytoplasmic leakage through the bacterial membrane was observed after treatment with lupinifolin at 4MIC-16MIC. As revealed by ultrastructural analysis, lupinifolin produced some changes in bacterial cell walls and membranes. Moreover, the compound was observed in the cytoplasmic fraction of the lupinifolin-treated cells. These results suggest that lupinifolin can enter the cell of bacteria but does not accumulate in the cell envelope and subsequently disrupts the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane, leading to cell death.

CONCLUSION

The scientific evidence from this study offers valuable insights into the potential role of lupinifolin in pharmaceutical and antibiotic applications and supports the therapeutic effects of A. myriophylla, which has traditionally been used as an alternative treatment for dental caries.

Development and Evaluation of a Novel Delivery System Containing Phytophospholipid Complex for Skin Aging

Citrus auranticum and Glycyrrhiza glabra are rich in anti-oxidant polyphenols helpful in prevention of skin aging. Polyphenols have high polarity and lower skin penetration resulting in lower cutaneous delivery. The present work is attempted to develop a novel polyherbal phospholipid complex cream to improve cutaneous delivery of polyphenols for sustained anti-oxidant action. Phytochemical and in vitro anti-oxidant evaluation was done on methanolic extracts of orange peel and liquorice powder. Total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and anti-oxidant assays were done on different ratios of orange peel and liquorice extract. Ratio 1:2 gave highest total phenolic content (TPC) (530.00 ± 1.56 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g(-1) extract), total flavonoid content (TFC) (246.25 ± 1.03 mg rutin equivalent (RUE) g(-1) extract), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity (87.99 ± 0.64%), and H2O2 scavenging activity (72.47 ± 0.86%) and hence was used for formulation. Solvent evaporation method using methanol with 1:1 extract to phospholipid ratio was found to have entrapment efficiency of 93.22 ± 0.26%. Evaluation parameters like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed formation of complex. The complex was formulated as oil-in-water cream and evaluated for various parameters. The optimized cream containing 1% complex was non-irritant and was found to be stable for 3-month period under conditions of stability study. Ex vivo diffusion studies showed that extract phospholipid complex cream had better retention of polyphenols in the skin when compared to conventional extract cream giving prolonged and stronger topical action. The cream had an anti-elastase activity of 28.02 ± 0.95% at concentration of 3000 μg ml(-1) (w/v). Thus, the developed safe and stable polyherbal phytophospholipid complex cream exhibited good potential as anti-aging cosmeceutical.

A Strategy to Employ Clitoria ternatea as a Prospective Brain Drug Confronting Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Against Neurodegenerative Diseases and Depression

Ayurveda is a renowned traditional medicine practiced in India from ancient times and Clitoria ternatea is one such prospective medicinal herb incorporated as an essential constituent in a brain tonic called as medhya rasayan for treating neurological disorders. This work emphasises the significance of the plant as a brain drug there by upholding Indian medicine. The phytochemicals from the root extract were extricated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry assay and molecular docking against the protein Monoamine oxidase was performed with four potential compounds along with four reference compounds of the plant. This persuades the prospect of C. ternatea as a remedy for neurodegenerative diseases and depression. The in silico assay enumerates that a major compound (Z)-9,17-octadecadienal obtained from the chromatogram with a elevated retention time of 32.99 furnished a minimum binding affinity energy value of -6.5 kcal/mol against monoamine oxidase (MAO-A). The interactions with the amino acid residues ALA 68, TYR 60 and TYR 69 were analogous to the reference compound kaempferol-3-monoglucoside with a least score of -13.90/-12.95 kcal/mol against the isoforms (MAO) A and B. This study fortifies the phytocompounds of C. ternatea as MAO-inhibitors and to acquire a pharmaceutical approach in rejuvenating Ayurvedic medicine.

Methods for the discovery of new anti-aging products--targeted approaches

INTRODUCTION

Aging is considered to be one of the most complicated and heterogeneous phenomena and is the main risk factor for most chronic diseases, disabilities and declining health. Aging cells cease to divide and drive the progression of illness through various pathways. Over the years, a number of anti-aging medicines of natural and synthetic origin have been introduced. Indeed, some studies have identified senescent cells as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of aging and age-related diseases.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors highlight and critically review the possible mechanisms of the aging process and related illnesses. The authors give particular attention to illnesses, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, skin aging and cardiovascular diseases.

EXPERT OPINION

Several reports have highlighted that mitochondria are a key factor in the progression of aging and neurodegenerative illnesses. This is due to their production of extra amounts of reactive oxygen species, which leads into progressive caspase-dependent apoptosis and cell death. Therefore, strategies to prevent/reduce oxidative stress-mediated aging, whether environmental, nutritional and pharmacological, need to be taken into account. Presently, Drosophila melanogaster and Caenorhabditis elegans, which focus on the evolutionary and genetic foundations of aging, have helped to establish the screening of several synthetic and natural compounds with large cohorts in a quick manner. However, there is yet to be any efficient experimental evidence to prove the exact role of senescent cells in age-related dysfunction and further studies are required to better understand these processes.

Ayurvedic drug discovery

Ayurveda is a major traditional system of Indian medicine that is still being successfully used in many countries. Recapitulation and adaptation of the older science to modern drug discovery processes can bring renewed interest to the pharmaceutical world and offer unique therapeutic solutions for a wide range of human disorders. Eventhough time-tested evidences vouch immense therapeutic benefits for ayurvedic herbs and formulations, several important issues are required to be resolved for successful implementation of ayurvedic principles to present drug discovery methodologies. Additionally, clinical examination in the extent of efficacy, safety and drug interactions of newly developed ayurvedic drugs and formulations are required to be carefully evaluated. Ayurvedic experts suggest a reverse-pharmacology approach focusing on the potential targets for which ayurvedic herbs and herbal products could bring tremendous leads to ayurvedic drug discovery. Although several novel leads and drug molecules have already been discovered from ayurvedic medicinal herbs, further scientific explorations in this arena along with customization of present technologies to ayurvedic drug manufacturing principles would greatly facilitate a standardized ayurvedic drug discovery.

A Phenylbutenoid Dimer, cis-3-(3',4'-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3''',4'''-Dimethoxystyryl] Cyclohex-1-ene, Exhibits Apoptogenic Properties in T-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells via Induction of p53-Independent Mitochondrial Signalling Pathway

The current study was designed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity effect of a phenylbutenoid dimer, cis-3-(3',4'-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3 (‴) ,4 (‴) -dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (ZC-B11) isolated from the rhizome of Zingiber cassumunar on various cancer cell line, and normal human blood mononuclear cells, and to further investigate the involvement of apoptosis-related proteins that leads, to the probable pathway in which apoptosis is triggered. Cytotoxicity test using MTT assay showed selective inhibition of ZC-B11 towards T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells, CEMss, with an IC50 value of 7.11 ± 0.240  μ g/mL, which did not reveal cytotoxic effects towards normal human blood mononuclear cells (IC50 > 50  μ g/mL). Morphology assessments demonstrated distinctive morphological changes corresponding to a typical apoptosis. ZC-B11 also arrested cell cycle progression at S phase and causes DNA fragmentation in CEMss cells. Decline of mitochondrial membrane potential was also determined qualitatively. In the apoptosis-related protein determination, ZC-B11 was found to significantly upregulate Bax, caspase 3/7, caspase 9, cytochrome c, and SMAC and downregulate Bcl-2, HSP70, and XIAP, but did not affect caspase 8, p53, and BID. These results demonstrated for the first time the apoptogenic property of ZC-B11 on CEMss cell line, leading to the programmed cell death via intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis induction.

Changing scenario for promotion and development of Ayurveda--way forward

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ayurveda, derives from the Sanskrit words Ayus (life) and Veda (knowledge) is the most ancient system of traditional medicine of the world. It has been practiced in Indian peninsula since 5000 BC to offer natural ways to treat diseases and to promote healthcare.

METHODOLOGY

We reviewed the literature on the history, principles and current status of Ayurveda. The data have been presented systematically including the initiatives from Government of India. Several aspects of administrative management, education, teaching and related aspects for promotion and development of Ayurveda and other Indian systems of traditional medicine have been discussed.

RESULTS

This paper reviews on different aspects of development of Ayurveda. Presently, there are 2420 hospitals with about 42271 beds, 15017 dispensaries, 429246 registered practitioners, more than 320 educational institutions, 7699 drug-manufacturing units to promote Ayurveda into the health care delivery system in the country. Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India is the official document for single Ayurvedic drugs (540 monographs) and different formulations (152 monographs). Several aspects in this regard for development of Ayurveda have been discussed.

CONCLUSION

Considering the widespread use and popularity of Ayurveda worldwide, administrative management and infrastructure facilities, indigenous practices and standards for quality control and it's evaluation have been highlighted. In India, all such efforts for integration of Ayurveda provide potential role in the health care benefits.

Anti-Viral Activity of Indian Plants

Plants continue to be a major source for new chemical entities to develop novel therapeutic agents. Large number of plants has been shown to be active in vitro against a variety of human pathogenic viruses or their near congeners. In several cases the active compounds have been isolated and characterized. Very few of them, however, have been investigated in detail in vivo or taken to the clinic. Pure compounds like andrographolide, curcumin and glycyrrhizic acid as well as extracts of Azadirachta indica have shown activity against several viruses and should be investigated further for their therapeutic potential. An analysis of available data from several hundred species indicates that antiviral activity is more likely to be found in plants belonging to certain families. It is necessary to screen more plants of these families which are available in India to obtain further leads.

Bioactive compounds from natural resources against skin aging

Skin aging involves degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in both the epidermal and dermal layers, it leaves visible signs on the surface of skin and the physical properties of the skin are modified. Chronological aging is due to passage of time, whereas premature aging occurred due to some environmental factors on skin produces visible signs such as irregular dryness, dark/light pigmentation, sallowness, severe atrophy, telangiectases, premalignant lesions, laxity, leathery appearance and deep wrinkling. There are several synthetic skincare cosmetics existing in the market to treat premature aging and the most common adverse reactions of those include allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, phototoxic and photo-allergic reactions. Recent trends in anti-aging research projected the use of natural products derived from ancient era after scientific validation. Ample varieties of phytomolecules such as aloin, ginsenoside, curcumin, epicatechin, asiaticoside, ziyuglycoside I, magnolol, gallic acid, hydroxychavicol, hydroxycinnamic acids, hydroxybenzoic acids, etc. scavenges free radicals from skin cells, prevent trans-epidermal water loss, include a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher contribute to protect skin from wrinkles, leading to glowing and healthy younger skin. Present era of treating aging skin has become technologically more invasive; but herbal products including botanicals are still relevant and combining them with molecular techniques outlined throughout this review will help to maximize the results and maintain the desired anti-skin aging benefits.

Ethnopharmacology and integrative medicine - Let the history tell the future

Traditional systems of medicines need more evidence-based studies on both crude drugs and purified phytomolecules. Utilization of natural products as pharmacological tools could lead to a number of new major therapeutically active metabolites. Lead molecules are further screened for their potential in terms of quality control, safety assessments, and studies about molecular pharmacology and their related properties. Identification, and quality and safety evaluation of natural products, is a fundamental requirement of industry and other organizations dealing with natural health products (NHPs). Marker analysis, based on chemo-profiling and development of characteristic fingerprints for individual plants, could help to develop uniform standardization tools. Beside such evaluations of clinical parameters, safety profiles as well as drug-herb and herb-herb interactions are the most important parameters for assessment and promotion. With the steady growth of the NHPs, advanced analytical- and mechanism-based screening should be considered for their promotion and value addition in every way for the betterment of healthcare. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of international co-ordination to promote and develop NHPs, including their assessment, perspectives, pharmacovigilance, and potential harmonization of regulation, quality control and clinical uses.

Cytochrome P450 inhibitory potential of Triphala--a Rasayana from Ayurveda

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

'Triphala' is one of the age-old, most commonly used polyherbal preparation from Ayurveda as Rasayana drug.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of 'Triphala' on drug modulating enzymes to assess its safety through its potential to interact with co-administered drugs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytochrome P450 inhibitory effect of 'triphala' formulation was investigated on rat liver microsomes using CYP450-CO complex assay and on individual isoform such as CYP3A4 and 2D6 using fluorescence screening. RP-HPLC method was developed to standardize 'triphala' and its individual components using gallic acid as analytical marker compound.

RESULTS

RP-HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of gallic acid (4.30±2.09 mg/g) in the formulation. The formulation showed 23% inhibition of the rat liver microsomes through CYP450-CO complex assay which is comparatively less when compared with the individual components. Further, the effect of standardized formulation dissolved in ethanol showed CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitory activity at the IC(50) values of 119.65±1.91 μg/ml and 105.03±0.98 μg/ml respectively. Gallic acid was also found to inhibit both the isoforms at the IC(50) values of 87.24±1.11 μg/ml and 92.03±0.38 μg/ml respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Various concentrations of the formulation and its individual components showed significantly less inhibitory activity (p<0.001) on individual isoforms when compared with the positive control. Assessment on the in vitro effect of 'triphala' on drug modulating enzymes has important implications for predicting the likelihood of herb-drug interactions if these are administered concomitantly.

Anti-allergic activity of standardized extract of Albizia lebbeck with reference to catechin as a phytomarker

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The major groups of phytonutrients found in plants include polyphenols, flavonoids, terpenes, amines, etc., all of which are observed to have potential anti-allergic activity. In this study, we evaluated the anti-allergic activity of the standardized extract of Albizia lebbeck with respect to the catechin, a polyphenolic phytomarker.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The percentage of catechin in the ethanolic extract was found to be 14.72 mg/g. We administered Albizia lebbeck (50-300 mg/kg) and 50 mg/kg of catechin to mice to evaluate the mast cell stabilization and estimation of histamine elevation in the plasma.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

Results support the conclusion that Albizia lebbeck at different concentrations has got potent mast cell stabilizing property and the IC(50) value of Albizia lebbeck was found to be 85 microg/ml. This inhibitory potential of catechin from Albizia lebbeck is perhaps due to modulation of two important effector's functions, histamine release and cytokine expression of antigen -IgE activated mast cells.

The Ayurvedic medicine Clitoria ternatea--from traditional use to scientific assessment

Clitoria ternatea L. (CT) (Family: Fabaceae) commonly known as 'Butterfly pea', a traditional Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for centuries as a memory enhancer, nootropic, antistress, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing and sedative agent. A wide range of secondary metabolites including triterpenoids, flavonol glycosides, anthocyanins and steroids has been isolated from Clitoria ternatea Linn. Its extracts possess a wide range of pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, local anesthetic, antidiabetic, insecticidal, blood platelet aggregation-inhibiting and for use as a vascular smooth muscle relaxing properties. This plant has a long use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for several diseases and the scientific studies has reconfirmed those with modern relevance. This review is an effort to explore the chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicity studies of CT, which have long been in clinical use in Ayurvedic system of medicine along with a critical appraisal of its future ethnopharmacological potential in view of many recent findings of importance on this well known plant species.