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.

Disruption of glucose tolerance caused by glucocorticoid excess in rats is partially prevented, but not attenuated, by arjunolic acid.

Arjunolic acid (AA) obtained from plants of the Combretaceae family has shown anti-diabetic effects. Here, we analyzed whether the diabetogenic effects of dexamethasone (DEX) treatment on glucose homeostasis may be prevented or attenuated by the concomitant administration of AA. Adult Wistar rats were assigned to the following groups: vehicle-treated (Ctl), DEX-treated (1 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally for 5 days) (Dex), AA-treated (30 mg/kg body weight by oral gavage twice per day) (Aa), AA treatment previous to and concomitant to DEX treatment (AaDex), and AA treatment after initiation of DEX treatment (DexAa). AA administration significantly ameliorated (AaDex) (P>0.05), but did not attenuate (DexAa), the glucose intolerance induced by DEX treatment. AA did not prevent or attenuate the elevation in hepatic glycogen and triacylglycerol content caused by DEX treatment. All DEX-treated rats exhibited hepatic steatosis that seemed to be more pronounced when associated with AA treatment given for a prolonged period (AaDex). Markers of liver function and oxidative stress were not significantly altered among the groups. Therefore, AA administered for a prolonged period partially prevents the glucose intolerance induced by DEX treatment, but it fails to produce this beneficial effect when given after initiation of GC treatment. Since AA may promote further hepatic steatosis when co-administered with GCs, care is required when considering this phytochemical as a hypoglycemiant and/or insulin-sensitizing agent.

Identification of main chemical constituents in extracts of Akebiae Fructus by HPLC-ESI-MS / 中草药

Objective: To establish an HPLC-ESI-MS method for quickly identifying the chemical constituents in the extracts of Akebiae Fructus. Methods: The main saponin components in the extracts of Akebiae Fructus were detected with the HPLC-ESI-MS in negative ion mode. These components were further analyzed by MS2 and MS3 spectra, and by comparing with the corresponding reference substances and literature data. Results: Seventeen saponins in the extracts of Akebiae Fructus were well separated in one run. Conclusion: The new method is accurate and rapid. It could be used to identify the main chemical constituents in the extracts of Akebiae Fructus and be suitable for the quality control of Akebiae Fructus.

Arjunolic acid: A novel phytomedicine with multifunctional therapeutic applications.

Herbal plants with antioxidant activities are widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for cardiac and other problems. Arjunolic acid is one such novel phytomedicine with multifunctional therapeutic applications. It is a triterpenoid saponin, isolated earlier from Terminalia arjuna and later from Combretum nelsonii, Leandra chaeton etc. Arjunolic acid is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger. The scientific basis for the use of arjunolic acid as cardiotonic in Ayurvedic medicine is proven by its vibrant functions such as prevention of myocardial necrosis, platelet aggregation and coagulation and lowering of blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol levels. Its antioxidant property combined with metal chelating property protects organs from metal and drug induced toxicity. It also plays an effective role in exerting protection against both type I and type II diabetes and also ameliorates diabetic renal dysfunctions. Its therapeutic multifunctionality is shown by its wound healing, antimutagenic and antimicrobial activity. The mechanism of cytoprotection conferred by arjunolic acid can be explained by its property to reduce the oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant levels. Apart from its pathophysiological functions, it possesses dynamic insecticidal property and it is used as a structural molecular framework in supramolecular chemistry and nanoscience. Esters of arjunolic acid function as gelators of a wide variety of organic liquids. Experimental studies demonstrate the versatile effects of arjunolic acid, but still, further investigations are necessary to identify the functional groups responsible for its multivarious effects and to study the molecular mechanisms as well as the probable side effects/toxicity owing to its long-term use. Though the beneficial role of this triterpenoid has been assessed from various angles, a comprehensive review of its effects on biochemistry and organ pathophysiology is lacking and this forms the rationale of this review.