Pharmaceutical investigations on salacia macrosperma-1
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmaceutical investigations on salacia macrosperma-1
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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V. Venkateswarlu, C.K. Kokate, G. Peddanna, C. Veeresham, D. Rambhau
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmaceutical investigations on salacia macrosperma-1
Year: 1990
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the pharmacological properties of Salacia macrosperma (Hippocrataceae), a shrub traditionally used in treating diabetes, liver congestion, and as a tonic and blood purifier. The researchers conducted preliminary pharmacological screenings of various extracts from the roots of this plant to assess their hypoglycemic activity and effects on isolated frog hearts. The extracts in focus were chloroform, ethanol (95%), and aqueous extracts, each prepared through a double maceration process followed by vacuum evaporation. This systematic analysis aimed to identify useful phytoconstituents for potential therapeutic applications, emphasizing the need for scientifically validated natural remedies.
Hypoglycemic Activity of Ethanol Extract
A significant finding from the study was the hypoglycemic activity of the ethanolic extract, which demonstrated a marked reduction in blood sugar levels in both fasted rabbits and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats. In fasted rabbits, the administration of the ethanolic extract led to a reduction of 18.8 mg/100 ml blood sugar two hours post-administration. In alloxan-treated rats, the extract showed an impressive average reduction of 89.22 mg/100 ml, indicating a notable potential for developing new antidiabetic medications. The extracts also underwent qualitative chemical testing, where the ethanolic extract was found to contain various phytoconstituents, such as carbohydrates, resins, and flavonoids, which are likely responsible for its therapeutic effects.
Conclusion
The findings from this research on Salacia macrosperma underscore its significant potential for hypoglycemic activity and cardiovascular benefits, as evidenced by the extract's positive ionotropic effect observed in isolated frog hearts. The study not only highlights the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract as a possible source for new antidiabetic agents but also opens avenues for further research to isolate the active compounds responsible for these effects. The researchers concluded that the alcoholic extract could serve as a foundation for future pharmacological studies and applications in the treatment of diabetes and related conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the extracts tested for Salacia macrosperma roots?
The extracts tested include chloroform, 95% ethanol, and aqueous extracts prepared through double maceration and vacuum evaporation. They were analyzed for phytoconstituents and pharmacological activities.
What hypoglycemic effects were observed with Salacia macrosperma extracts?
The ethanolic extract showed significant hypoglycemic activity in fasted rabbits and alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats, reducing blood sugar levels by 89.22 mg/100 ml, indicating potential for diabetes treatment.
How did Salacia macrosperma extracts affect isolated frog hearts?
The alcoholic extract increased cardiac output and force of contraction in both normal and hypodynamic frog hearts without affecting heart rate, suggesting possible cardiotonic properties.
What phytoconstituents were identified in Salacia macrosperma extracts?
The alcoholic extract tested positive for carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, saponins, and flavonoids, while the chloroform extract showed phytosterols and an inert polymeric compound.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmaceutical investigations on salacia macrosperma-1”. 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) Blood:
Blood is the vital fluid that circulates in the body, transporting oxygen, nutrients, and waste products. In the context of this study, blood sugar levels were monitored to assess the hypoglycemic effects of Salacia macrosperma extracts, highlighting its significance in diabetes pharmacology and the evaluation of therapeutic effects.
2) Activity:
Activity refers to the effectiveness of the Salacia macrosperma extracts in inducing biological responses. The crucial focus of the study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of these extracts on rabbits and rats, thus establishing their potential as antidiabetic agents within the pharmaceutical research domain.
3) Sugar:
Sugar is a primary source of energy for the body, and its regulation is vital, especially in diabetes management. The study specifically examined changes in blood sugar levels post-treatment with Salacia macrosperma extracts, indicating the extracts' capacity to impact glucose metabolism in test subjects.
4) Water:
Water is an essential solvent in the extraction process of Salacia macrosperma roots. Aqueous extracts were assessed alongside chloroform and ethanol extracts. The study illustrates the importance of water in preparing herbal medicines, although its efficacy in hypoglycemic activity was less pronounced compared to the alcoholic extract.
5) Drug:
Drugs are substances used for medical treatment or for healing purposes. The extracts of Salacia macrosperma are investigated for their potential therapeutic use as antidiabetic drugs. This study seeks to explore their pharmacological significance and utility in treating diabetes-related conditions.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. This research falls under pharmaceutical science, which analyzes natural compounds like those from Salacia macrosperma for their biological activities and therapeutic potential.
7) Diet:
Diet refers to the kinds of food consumed by individuals. The study mentions a standardized diet for the experimental rats, indicating how dietary factors can influence blood sugar levels and overall health, which is pivotal in evaluating the effects of potential glucose-lowering agents.
8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the branch of medicine concerning the uses, effects, and mechanisms of action of drugs. This investigation into Salacia macrosperma demonstrates its pharmacological properties, specifically its hypoglycemic activity, underlining the significance of natural products in drug discovery.
9) Discussion:
Discussion is a crucial section in scientific research where results are analyzed and interpreted. In this study, the discussion would evaluate the findings relating to hypoglycemic effects and the physiological implications of Salacia macrosperma extracts, aiding in understanding its potential as a therapeutic agent.
10) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant properties. The presence of flavonoids in the extracts of Salacia macrosperma suggests potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic effects, making them relevant in the context of developing natural antidiabetic therapies.
11) Coconut (Cocoanut):
Coconut here refers to a dietary component used to condition the rats in the study. It highlights the significance of dietary fats, particularly from coconut oil, in managing blood sugar levels in hyperglycemic models, further contextualizing the potency of Salacia macrosperma within a broader dietary framework.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Pharmaceutical investigations on salacia macrosperma-1’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Hypoglycemic activity, Aqueous extract, Cardiac Output, Ethanolic extract, Blood sugar level, Chloroform extract, Phytoconstituents present, Standard diet, Force of contraction, Pharmaceutical investigation.