Antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Z. jujuba.

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Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antinociceptive, anti convulsant and anti inflammatory activities of zizyphus jujuba
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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Author:

S.B. Acharya, M. Tripathi, V.B. Pandey


Ancient Science of Life:

(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)

Full text available for: Antinociceptive, anti convulsant and anti inflammatory activities of zizyphus jujuba

Year: 1994

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Zizyphus jujuba, a small tree belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, is widely distributed in India and the outer Himalayas. This plant is traditionally recognized in Indian medicine for its therapeutic properties, particularly in treating diarrhea, ulcers, and enhancing blood purification and digestion. Prior pharmacological studies on its seeds have indicated central nervous system (CNS) depressant effects, while the fruits of its Chinese counterpart have demonstrated hypotensive, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Given these established benefits, the current study focuses on the alcoholic extract of Zizyphus jujuba bark, investigating its potential antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Antinociceptive and Anticonvulsant Activities

The research revealed that the alcoholic extract of Z. jujuba bark (referred to as Zj) significantly enhances antinociceptive activity, as demonstrated through the radiant heat tail flick method in albino rats. A dosage of 200 mg/kg administered intraperitoneally yielded substantial increases in the latency period of tail flick response, indicating effective pain relief. Additionally, when tested for anticonvulsant properties against electroshock seizures, Zj showed a 50% reduction in convulsions, comparable to a 100% protection rate provided by phenobarbitone. This suggests a notable potential for Zj to serve as a natural remedy for pain and convulsive disorders.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that the alcoholic extract of Zizyphus jujuba bark possesses significant antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The research indicates that these effects might be attributed to the CNS depressant activities of the plant. Consequently, Z. jujuba could be considered a promising candidate for further exploration in medicinal applications, particularly in developing natural therapeutic agents for pain, seizures, and inflammation.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the key activities of Zizyphus jujuba?

Zizyphus jujuba exhibits antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The CNS depressant activity of the plant may contribute to these effects, making it useful in treating conditions like seizures and inflammation.

How was the Z. jujuba extract prepared for the study?

The bark of Z. jujuba was collected and powdered, then extracted with 90% alcohol at room temperature. The solvent was evaporated, resulting in a brown gummy mass used for further testing.

What method assessed antinociceptive activity in the study?

Antinociceptive activity was measured using the radiant heat tail flick technique in albino rats, where an increase in the latent period of tail flick response indicated the effectiveness of the extract.

What were the results of the anticonvulsant activity tests?

The extract significantly protected rats from electroshock-induced seizures, showing a 50% reduction in convulsions at a dose of 200 mg/kg, which highlights its potential use as an anticonvulsant.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Z. jujuba.”. 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) Activity:
In the context of this study, 'activity' refers to the biological effects exhibited by the alcoholic extract of Zizyphus jujuba. This includes its antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects as observed through various tests. Understanding these activities helps in assessing the therapeutic potential of the plant extract.

2) Edema (Oedema):
'Oedema' pertains to the swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid in tissues, which is a common inflammatory response. In the study, pedal oedema was induced by carrageenin to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of the Zizyphus jujuba extract. Its measurement is crucial for gauging inflammation.

3) Science (Scientific):
'Science' embodies the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. In this research, scientific methods were employed to investigate the pharmacological properties of Zizyphus jujuba, contributing to the understanding of traditional remedies and their potential medicinal applications through empirical evidence.

4) Pharmacological:
'Pharmacological' relates to the branch of medicine concerned with the uses, effects, and mechanisms of action of drugs. This study categorizes Zizyphus jujuba's medicinal properties, testing its efficacy in pain relief, seizure prevention, and inflammation reduction, thus contributing to pharmacology by validating traditional uses.

5) Pharmacology:
'Pharmacology' is the scientific discipline that explores the interactions between living organisms and chemicals, particularly drugs. The study contributes to pharmacology by investigating Zizyphus jujuba’s extract and evaluating its antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory activities through well-defined experimental methods, emphasizing its therapeutic application.

6) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section of academic writing where researchers interpret their findings in relation to existing knowledge. In this study, findings regarding Zizyphus jujuba are placed within the context of previous pharmacological research, providing insight into its mechanisms of action and potential significance in traditional medicine.

7) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
'Himalaya' denotes the geographical region where Zizyphus jujuba is found, indicating its natural habitat. This climate greatly influences the plant's characteristics and possible medicinal properties, emphasizing the importance of local flora in traditional medicine and the broader implications for bioprospecting in Himalayan biodiversity.

8) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the field dedicated to maintaining or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of illness. The investigation into Zizyphus jujuba highlights its role in traditional medicine, showcasing how historical uses can be evaluated scientifically, bridging the gap between traditional and modern therapeutic approaches.

9) Water:
'Water' is a crucial solvent used in the extract preparation process, essential for isolating the bioactive compounds from the Zizyphus jujuba bark. The use of distilled water in the study signifies a controlled approach to preparing extracts, ensuring consistency in experimental conditions and reliability of results.

10) Ulcer:
'Ulcer' is a condition characterized by the formation of sores on membranes, commonly treated in traditional systems of medicine. Zizyphus jujuba's reported usage for ulcers suggests its potential healing properties, and studying its efficacy offers insights into developing alternative treatments based on traditional knowledge.

11) Blood:
'Blood' is a vital component in the body involved in nourishment and waste removal, and it plays a role in the immune response. The use of Zizyphus jujuba to 'purify the blood' in traditional medicine suggests implications for its potential effects on blood-related conditions and overall health.

12) Drug:
'Drug' refers to any substance that produces a physiological effect when introduced into the body. The research evaluates the properties of Zizyphus jujuba extract as a potential therapeutic drug, essential for understanding how natural substances can be harnessed and developed into effective pharmacological agents.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory effects of Z. jujuba.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Central nervous system, Dosage administration, Anti-inflammatory activity, Anticonvulsant activity, CNS depressant activity, Antinociceptive activity, Alcoholic extract, Pedal oedema, Zizyphus jujuba, Latent period.

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