ABSTRACT
Background: Pathyashadangam kwath, a classical ayurvedic polyherbal formulation is used for thetreatment of cluster head ache, migraine, upper respiratory diseases, ear ache and night blindness. Review of literature suggested that characterization parameters of Pathyashadangam kwath are notreported.Objective: To report characteristic parameters of Pathyashadangam kwath to confirm quality and purity.Materials and methods: The fruit pericarps of Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki, aerial parts of Bhunimba,rhizome of Haridra, stem bark of Nimba and stem of Guduchi were the ingredients of Pathyashadangamkwath. Three batches of the kwath were prepared as per standard procedures. The kwath was evaluatedfor organoleptic, physical, phytochemical and chromatographic parameters as per standard methods.Results: HPTLC analysis revealed that Toluene: Ethyl Acetate: Formic acid (2.5: 2.0: 0.5) was a suitablemobile phase for characterization of the kwath. HPLC analysis revealed that andrographolide was asuitable marker for standardization of the kwath.Conclusion: The characterization parameters presented in this paper may serve as standard reference forquality control analysis of Pathyashadangam kwath.
ABSTRACT
Shilajit, as a natural exsiting organic matter, mainly distributed in mountains area along the silk road. Shilajit mainly contains humus, as a kind of adaptogen, with pharmacological effects of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, immune regulation and so on. It mainly treats urogenital diseases, digestive dysfunction and neurological diseases. The research of shilajit is still in the initial stage, and its source, composition, effective material basis and quality control of shilajit are worth further study. It is believed that after the systematic arrangement and further research, shilajit will become one of important traditional medicine.
ABSTRACT
The predominant cause of global morbidity and mortality is lifestyle‑related chronic diseases, many of which can be addressed through Ayurveda with its focus on healthy lifestyle practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs. Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is preeminent, and scientific research is now confirming its beneficial effects. There is mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti‑depressant properties. Tulsi’s broad‑spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier as well as in animal rearing, wound healing, the preservation of food stuffs and herbal raw materials and traveler’s health. Cultivation of tulsi plants has both spiritual and practical significance that connects the grower to the creative powers of nature, and organic cultivation offers solutions for food security, rural poverty, hunger, environmental degradation and climate change. The use of tulsi in daily rituals is a testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.
ABSTRACT
Oplopanax elatus (Nakai) Nakai, a member of the ancient angiosperm plant family Araliaceae, is used for the treatment of different disorders in the medicine systems of China, Russia, and Korea, and was designated in Russia as a classical adaptogen. Despite extensive studies of classical adaptogens, there are comparatively few reports concerning the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of O. elatus in English. The plant is a potential source of saponins, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenes, and other active compounds. Experimental studies and clinical applications have indicated that O. elatus possesses a number of pharmacological activities, including adaptogenic, anti-convulsant, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, blood pressure modulating, and reproductive function effects. In this review, the chemistry, safety, and therapeutic potential of O. elatus are summarized and highlighted to encourage the further development of this plant.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Medicine, Traditional , Oplopanax , Chemistry , Phytotherapy , Plant Extracts , Chemistry , PharmacologyABSTRACT
The present study was undertaken to evaluate the adaptogenic activity of ethanol (EtHI), ethyl acetate (EAHI) fractions of Habenaria intermedia D. Don, Orchidaceae (HI), tubers using immobilization induced acute stress (AS), chronic stress (CS) and swimming induced stress in experimental animals. The tested doses of EtHI (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) and higher dose of EAHI (200 mg/kg, p.o.) normalized altered serum biochemical parameters and the severity of ulcers in both AS and CS. EAHI and EtHI restored the hyperthrophy of adrenal gland and atrophy of spleen and thymus gland in AS and CS. Greater swimming time was noted in the mice pretreated with EtHI and EAHI. Levels of adrenal ascorbic acid and cortisol were restored significantly. EAHI exhibited prominent scavenging effect of DPPH, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation in vitro. Phytochemical studies resulted in the isolation of scopoletin and gallic acid as marker compounds. Our results proved the traditional claim of HI as anti-stress/adaptogen in Ayurvdea.
ABSTRACT
Um levantamento etnobotânico realizado em comunidades quilombolas de Oriximiná, Pará, destacou a saracuramirá (SAR), Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke, com vasto uso popular no tratamento da malária, como tônica e depurativa. Por este motivo, o presente trabalho objetivou realizar um estudo etnofarmacognóstico da SAR nas respectivas comunidades. Por meio de uma análise etnobotânica quantitativa, foi verificado que SAR apresentou-se dentre as 10 espécies mais versáteis pela elevada importância relativa (1,3), dentre as cinco espécies com maior importância cultural pelo elevado índice de saliência (0,311) e a espécie com maior concordância de uso principal para malária (85,7 por cento). Uma análise do índice de espuma e do índice de hemólise para SAR demonstra a presença de saponinas com elevado índice de espuma (833) e uma baixa atividade hemolítica (CH50 2,6 mg mL-1). Para realizar uma análise das agliconas das saponinas de SAR, a bebida preparada pelo método tradicional quilombola (BMT) foi hidrolisada e, após reação com diazometano, foi analisada por cromatografia gasosa. Dois sinais majoritários foram caracterizados por espectrometria de massas, um referente a um triterpeno de esqueleto damarânico, característico das saponinas da SAR, e outro referente ao éster metílico do ácido betulínico. Partindo das informações de uso popular da SAR, foi avaliada in vitro a atividade inibidora da acetilcolinesterase. Apesar de BMT não ter mostrado atividade neste ensaio, é possível supor que as indicações de uso desta planta pelos quilombolas como fortificante e contra malária podem estar relacionadas a uma possível atividade adaptógena e imunoestimulante, dada à presença das saponinas e do ácido betulínico em BMT.
In an ethnobotanical survey conducted within "Quilombola" communities of Oriximiná, Pará State, "saracuramirá" (SAR), Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke, stood out as one of the most cited species with wide popular use, especially for malaria, as tonic and depurative. The aim of this paper was to carry out an ethnopharmacognostic study of SAR in these communities. Quantitative ethnobotanical analysis of the data showed that SAR stands out as one of the 10 most versatile species with a high relative importance (1,3); it remains among the five species with the greatest cultural importance, demonstrated by the high salience index (0,311), being the species with the highest major use agreement to malaria (85,7 percent). Analysis of the foam and hemolysis indexes of SAR shows the presence of saponins with high foam index (833) and low hemolytic activity (HD50 2,6 mg mL-1). In order to analyze SAR saponin aglycones, the drink was prepared by the traditional quilombola method (BMT), was hydrolyzed, and analyzed by gas chromatography after reaction with diazomethane. Two major peaks were characterized by mass spectrometry, one referring to a dammarane triterpene skeleton, characteristic from the SAR saponins, and the other identified as the methyl ester of betulinic acid. Owing to the popular usage of SAR, its in vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity was evaluated, but with negative results. However, it is possible to suggest that the indications of this plant as a tonic and for treating malaria may be related to an adaptogen and immunostimulant effect due to the presence of saponins and betulinic acid in BMT.
Subject(s)
Saponins , Ethnopharmacology , MalariaABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the crude extract of Serjania erecta Radlk., Sapindaceae, and its bioactive agents as preventive or inhibitor of memory loss in rodents, as well as other factors correlated with Alzheimer's syndrome: antioxidant and anticholinesterase activity, mainly as plant adaptogen - low toxicity and regulation action. The blocking cholinergic reversion activity (scopolamine) in the test of the passive avoidance was detected by measuring latency in young and adult animals. It presented low toxicity, with protective effect as shown by biochemical analysis (hypoglycemic/hypotriglyceridemic). Elevated levels (above 83 percent) of antioxidant activity were detected. AchE and BuChE inhibition were also detected in the chromatographic fractions, which were active both orally and directly on CNS (ICV).
O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar o extrato bruto de Serjania erecta Radlk., Sapindaceae, e seus bioativos como preventivos ou inibidores de perda de memória em roedores, e outros fatores correlacionados com a síndrome de Alzheimer: atividade antioxidante e anticolinesterásicas, principalmente como planta adaptógena, baixa toxicidade e ação regulatória. A reversão do bloqueador colinérgico (escopolamina) no teste da esquiva passiva foi detectada pela latência mensurada em animais jovens e adultos. Apresentou baixa toxicidade, com efeito protetor na análise bioquímica (hipoglicemia/hipotrigliceridemia). Índices elevados (acima 83 por cento) na atividade antioxidante foram observados. A inibição da AChE e BuChE foi perceptível nas frações cromatográficas, confirmando as ações via oral e diretamente no SNC.
ABSTRACT
Argyreia speciosa (sweet) (Burm.f.) Boj. is an Ayurvedic rasayana plant used as an adaptogen. The present study reports the investigations done on the adaptogenic property of ethanol (EtAS; 100 and 200 mg/kg; po), ethyl acetate (EAAS; 100 and 200 mg/kg; po) fraction and flavanoids such as quercetin and kaempferol (25 mg/kg; po) of the root. Immobilization induced acute stress (AS; 3 days) and chronic stress (CS; 7 days) and swimming induced stress models were used to screen the anti-stress effect of the plant fractions and isolated flavanoids. The tested doses of EtAS and isolated flavanoids were able to produce significant effects in normalizing altered serum biochemical parameters and the severity of ulcer in both AS and CS models. Higher dose of EtAS, quercetin and kaempferol (25 mg/kg; po) were found to be significant in restoring the hypertrophy of adrenal gland and atrophy of spleen and thymus gland only in CS model. Greater swimming time was noted in the mice pretreated with tested doses of flavanoids and EtAS. In addition, levels of adrenal ascorbic acid and cortisol were restored compared to stress control group. EtAS exhibited significant scavenging effect of DPPH, hydroxyl radical and LPO. Thus, EtAS, quercetin and kaempferol are capable of increasing the capacity to tolerate non-specific stress in experimental animals, as evident from restoration of large number of parameters in the stress models studied. Bioactivity of EtAS may be due to the synergetic action of isolated flavanoids. Improvement in stress markers may be due its prolong effect of resistance to stress and partly due to free radical scavenging activity.
ABSTRACT
Background: With the increased trend of urbanization of our society, the incidence of various stress related diseases are increasing day by day. People under chronic stress often tends to seek relief through drugs, which may have side effects. But some natural supplements called adaptogen, can be more beneficial in reducing symptoms of stress. Objective: The present animal model experimental study was designed to observe the effects of restraint stress on body weight, serum ALT, AST, Glucose, Cholesterol and their modifications by Ocimum sanctum Linn (tulsi) pretreatment which is an Ayurvedic adaptogen and has a long history of therapeutic use. Study design: For this purpose, 30 albino rats aged 90 to 120 days were included in this study. Twenty rats of experimental group were further subdivided into two groups. One group consisted of 10 rats exposed to one hour restraint stress daily for 7 days and 10 rats of the second group were pretreated with tulsi for 7 days before exposure to stress in the same way. 10 non stressed , non pretreated rats were taken into control group.This study was undertaken in the laboratory of the Department of Physiology,BSMMU during the period from July 2003 to June 2004. Methods: The body weight of all control rats were recorded daily in the morning. Body weight of the experimental rats were recorded just before exposure to stress. After completing the experiment , the animals were sacrificed and blood was collected . Serum glucose, cholesterol and ALT,ASTwere determined by standard laboratory technique. Data were compared among the groups and the results were statistically analyzed using unpaired student t’ test. Results : The body weight in untreated stressed group was significantly lower (p<0.001) than those of the control group and tulsi pretreated group. Serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, aminotrasferases (ALT and AST) were significantly higher (p<0.001) in stressed group than those of control . Again in Tulsi treated group all these biochemical parameters were significantly lower (p<0.001) than those of stressed group. This restraint stress-induced changes in body weight and biochemical parameters may be due to hypophagia, altered secretion of various metabolic hormones and neurotransmitters, changes in membrane permeability & hypovolaemia resulting from stress induced secretion of corticosterone and epinephrine through hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis activation. Conclusion: Prevention of stress induced changes in biochemical parameter by tulsi pre treatment indicates its anti stressor effect.