Anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effect of ficus religiosa
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effect of ficus religiosa
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Viswanathan, P. Thirugnanasambantham, M. Kannappa Reddy, S. Narasimhan, G. Anantha Subramaniam
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effect of ficus religiosa
Year: 1990
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Ficus religiosa, commonly known as the sacred peepul tree, is widely found in India and has various medicinal applications, particularly in traditional medicine. The bark of this tree is utilized externally for skin conditions, such as eczema and ulcers, among other inflammatory issues. There is limited literature concerning its pharmacological properties, although previous studies have suggested potential anti-inflammatory effects of Ficus religiosa. This investigation aimed to thoroughly assess the anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of the tree's bark, as well as its protective influence on mast cells from degranulation.
Anti-Inflammatory and Mast Cell Protective Effects
The study demonstrated that the aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa significantly inhibited inflammation in both acute and chronic models. In acute inflammation induced by Carrageenin, the extract notably reduced paw edema in rats when administered prior to the inflammatory agent. Similarly, in a chronic inflammation model using cotton pellet implantation, treatment with the extract resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the weight of the granuloma. Furthermore, the extract exhibited a protective effect against mast cell degranulation caused by substances such as propranolol and Carbachol, suggesting that it helps mitigate histamine release—a key factor in promoting inflammation and allergic reactions. This dual action highlights the potential of Ficus religiosa in managing inflammatory and allergic conditions.
Conclusion
The findings from this study reinforce the recognition of Ficus religiosa as a valuable medicinal plant, supporting its traditional use in treating inflammatory and allergic disorders. The significant anti-inflammatory effects, coupled with the protective action on mast cells, may explain the observed therapeutic benefits in conditions such as kumkum dermatitis. Given the increasing interest in herbal medicine, further research into Ficus religiosa could unveil additional therapeutic potentials and establish a scientific basis for its use in contemporary medical practice.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Ficus religiosa and its common uses?
Ficus religiosa, also known as the sacred peepul tree, is used in traditional medicine for treating various skin lesions such as eczema and anal fistula, as well as for inflammatory conditions.
What were the main findings of the study on Ficus religiosa?
The study found that the aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa significantly reduced paw edema in rats and decreased the weight of cotton pellets in chronic inflammation models, indicating its anti-inflammatory properties.
How does Ficus religiosa affect mast cell degranulation?
Ficus religiosa demonstrated protective effects against mast cell degranulation induced by substances like propranolol and Carbachol, thereby potentially reducing the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine.
What implications do these findings have for dermatological conditions?
The anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effects of Ficus religiosa may explain its beneficial use in conditions like kumkum dermatitis and other inflammatory skin disorders, as suggested by the study.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effect of ficus religiosa”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or damaged cells. The study highlights the anti-inflammatory effects of Ficus religiosa, which was observed through reduced paw edema and cotton pellet weight, indicating it may help manage inflammatory conditions effectively.
2) Edema (Oedema):
Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in tissues, leading to swelling. The study utilized carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of Ficus religiosa. Reducing edema is crucial in treating various inflammatory conditions and reflects the extract's efficacy.
3) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drug actions and effects on biological systems. The research investigates the pharmacological properties of Ficus religiosa, specifically its anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effects, providing foundation for further evaluation in therapeutic contexts.
4) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing and treating health issues. The study relates to traditional Indian medicine, where Ficus religiosa is utilized for various ailments. Understanding its medicinal properties can enhance treatment options for inflammatory and allergic conditions in clinical practice.
5) Water:
Water is the solvent used to prepare the aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa for pharmacological evaluation. This extraction method plays a crucial role in isolating the bioactive compounds from the bark, facilitating the assessment of the extract's therapeutic efficacy.
6) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of drugs and their effects on living organisms. The research contributes to pharmacological knowledge by exploring the specific anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective properties of Ficus religiosa, opening avenues for future studies.
7) Discussion:
The discussion section summarizes and interprets the experimental findings, providing insight into the implications of the results. It connects the observed effects of Ficus religiosa on inflammation and mast cell degranulation with potential clinical applications in treating related conditions.
8) Substance:
Substance refers to the specific chemical compound or extract being studied. In this research, the aqueous extract of Ficus religiosa is the substance under investigation for its potential health benefits, specifically relating to inflammation and mast cell stabilization.
9) Swelling:
Swelling, a symptom of inflammation, is an increase in tissue volume due to fluid accumulation. The study assesses the ability of Ficus religiosa to reduce swelling in animal models, indicating a significant anti-inflammatory potential that could benefit treatments for swelling-related conditions.
10) Allergy:
Allergy is a hypersensitive immune response to substances called allergens. The research highlights mast cell degranulation, which releases histamine and other molecules linked to allergic reactions. Ficus religiosa's protective effects on mast cells suggest its potential in managing allergic conditions.
11) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The research on Ficus religiosa exemplifies the scientific approach to understanding the plant's medicinal properties, fostering evidence-based practices in pharmacology and herbal medicine.
12) Ananta (Ānanta, Anantā, Anamta, Āṉanta):
Anantha is one of the authors affiliated with the study, indicating collaboration in the research efforts. The contributions of each author reflect their expertise and roles in conducting the experiments and analyzing the data related to Ficus religiosa's effects.
13) Glass:
Glass refers to the laboratory equipment used during the experiments, such as slides for staining and observing mast cells. Proper glassware is essential for accurate and reliable scientific measurement, ensuring that the study's findings are valid.
14) Ulcer:
An ulcer is a sore that develops on the skin or mucous membranes. The bark of Ficus religiosa is mentioned as beneficial for external skin lesions, such as ulcers, suggesting its relevance in treating various inflammatory skin conditions within traditional medicine.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effect of ficus religiosa’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Ficus religiosa, Acute inflammation, Chronic inflammation, Statistical analysis, Anti-inflammatory effect, Aqueous extract, Skin lesion, Dose-dependent reduction, Pharmacological investigation, Mast cell degranulation.