Microwave Assisted Extraction, Optimization using Central Composite Design, Quantitative Estimation of Arjunic Acid and Arjunolic Acid using HPTLC and Evaluation of Radical Scavenging Potential of Stem Bark of Terminalia arjuna

The optimization and microwave assisted extraction of stem bark of Terminalia arjuna, quantitative estimation of the marker compounds arjunic acid and arjunolic acid using HPTLC and the evaluation of free radical scavenging activity has been performed in this study. The central composite design was used for optimization and the values of parameters for optimized batch of microwave assisted extraction were 1000W (Power), 3 minutes (Time) and 1/120 (Solid/solvent ratio). The solvent system to carry out the HPTLC was toluene: acetic acid: ethyl acetate (5: 5: 0.5) and quantitative estimation was done using standard equations obtained from the marker compounds. The in-vitro free radical scavenging activity was performed spectrophotometrically using ascorbic acid as standard. The value of estimated percentage yield of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid was 1.42% and 1.52% which upon experimentation was obtained as 1.38% and 1.51% respectively. The DPPH assay of the different batches of microwave assisted extraction and marker compounds taken suggested that the marker compounds arjunic acid and the arjunolic acid were responsible for the free radical scavenging activity as the batch having the maximum percentage yield of the marker compounds showed best free radical scavenging effect as compared to standard ascorbic acid. The IC₅₀ value of the optimized batch was found to be 24.72 while that of the standard ascorbic acid was 29.83. Hence, the yield of arjunic acid and arjunolic acid has direct correlation with the free radical scavenging activity of stem bark extract of Terminalia arjuna and have potential to serve as active lead compounds for free radical scavenging activity.

Comparative evaluation of the anti-diabetic activity of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb. heartwood in alloxan induced diabetic rats using extracts obtained by optimized conventional and non conventional extraction methods

The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-diabetic activity of Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb heartwood in alloxan induced diabetic rats using extracts obtained by optimized conventional and non conventional extraction methods. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of Pterocarpus marsupium heartwood were prepared by conventional methods [infusion, decoction, maceration and percolation] and non conventional methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction [UAE] and microwave-assisted extraction [MAE]. The crude aqueous extracts were administered orally to both normal and alloxan induced male albino rats [Sprague-Dawley strain]. The experimental set up consisted of 48 male albino rats divided into 6 groups: Normal control, diabetic control [sterile normal saline, 1 ml/100 g body weight], standard [gliclazide, 25 mg/1000g of body weight], groups 4-6 [crude aqueous percolation, optimized UAE and MAE extract, 250 mg/1000g of body weight]. In acute treatment, the reduction of blood glucose level was statistically significant with the oral administration of UAE and percolation aqueous extracts to the hyperglycemic rats. In sub-acute treatment, the UAE aqueous extract led to consistent and statistically significant [p<0.001] reduction in the blood glucose levels. There was no abnormal change in body weight of the hyperglycemic animals after 10 days of administration of plant extracts and gliclazide. This study justifies the traditional claim and provides a rationale for the use of Pterocarpus marsupium to treat diabetes mellitus. The antidiabetic activity of Pterocarpus marsupium can be enhanced by extracting the heartwood by non-conventional method of UAE

A recent update in research on the antihepatotoxic potential of medicinal plants / 中西医结合学报

ABSTRACT: Hepatic damage is a global metabolic and epidemic disease, affecting essential biochemical activities in almost every age group. Conventional drugs used in the treatment of liver disorders are often inadequate. Also, the spectrum of liver abnormalities caused by allopathic drugs is found to be broad. In view of severely undesirable side effects of synthetic agents, it is necessary to search for alternative drugs for the treatment of liver diseases to replace the currently used drugs, which are of doubtful efficacy and safety. Therefore, there is growing focus to follow systematic research methodology and to evaluate scientific basis for the traditional herbal medicines that are claimed to possess hepatoprotective activities. Use of herbal drugs in the treatment of liver diseases has a long tradition, especially in Eastern medicine and can be traced back as far as 2100 B.C. in ancient China (Xia Dynasty) and India (Vedic period), but evidence for efficacy is sparse. The current study is aimed at providing an overview of clinical and experimental studies carried out on the most effective and commonly used hepatoprotective plants and their beneficial aspects.

Ultrasonic assisted extraction a promising extraction tool for; medicinal plant research

Since the last decade, there is enhanced interest for the use of Ultrasound for the extraction of the constituents from plant: material. The traditional techniques like maceration, percolation, decoction, etc., are time- and solvent-consuming, and thermolabile constituents are difficult to extract using such conventional methods. This review brings into prominence the importance of extraction for delivering high quality product. The Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction [UAE] technique is a promising technique which is highlighted by increased extraction yield, decreased time and solvent consumption; moreover the thermolabile constituents can be safely extracted. UAE also offers some peculiar advantages, such as inhibiting the extraction of protein and pectin, which improve the sensory quality of the tea beverage. A brief theoretical background of the principles involved and the types of instruments used has been presented. The main parameters like ultrasonic intensity, extraction time, solvent nature and volume, temperature, ultrasonic pulsation and matrix characteristics, etc., which influence the UAE have been discussed. The application of optimization techniques, such as Factorial Design, to UAE has been highlighted, with examples. The potential applications of this technique and its performance vis-a-vis that of classical techniques have been elucidated