Hepatoprotective activity of ethanol extract of Pavetta Indica Linn leaves

Background: Traditionally, the bark of Pavetta Indica Linn., in decoction or pulverized, is administered, especially to children, to correct visceral obstructions. The decocted leaves are used externally to alleviate the pains caused by hemorrhoids. The root, pulverized and mixed with the ginger and rice-water, is given in dropsy. A local fomentation with the leaves is useful in relieving the pain of piles. Paracetamol (PCM) toxicity generates free radicals and raised serum enzyme levels-SGPT, SGOT, Alkaline Phosphatase and S. Albumin. It causes necrosis, congested vessels, multifocal area of fatty changes nuclear disintegration, sinusoidal dilation, kuffer cell hyperplasia. The reverse is considered as the index of hepatoprotective activity. The present study is being taken up to screen hepatoprotective action of P. Indica Linn.Methods: The acute liver damage in albino rats was induced by per oral administration of a single dose of 2000mg/kg b.w. PCM suspension in 0.5% Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and chronic liver damage by giving the same dose of PCM on the 7th day. The hepatoprotective activity was monitored biochemically by estimating S. transaminase, S. bilirubin and S. Protein on the 8th day of experiment.Results: Ethanol extract of P. Indica inhibited PCM induced liver toxicity in albino rats at 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg b.w as assessed by the biochemical values.Conclusions: Ethanol extract of “P. Indica” exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity.

Antimicrobial activity of Pavetta indica leaves.

Antimicrobial activity of the aqueous and organic solvent extracts of the leaves of Pavetta indica were tested against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae using disc diffusion assay. Most of the leaf extracts showed bactericidal activity against B. subtilis. None of the extracts exhibited any activity against E. coli and S. cerevisiae. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), thermal stability and qualitative phytochemicals studies were performed. Both MIC and MBC of the aqueous and methanol extracts were found to be between 1.95 - 7.81 mg/ml. The activity of aqueous and methanol extracts were found to be stable despite thermal treatment. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins and carbohydrates. Methanol extract was found to be positive for saponin and cardiac glycosides. TLC and bioautography were also done to identify the active fractions responsible for the antimicrobial activities. Results showed the presence of a number of bactericidal components. The study suggests P. indica to be a source for isolation of antibacterial compounds for human health care and use as preservatives in food processing industry.