Antiulcer and cytoprotective action of wedelia calendulacea less
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antiulcer and cytoprotective action of wedelia calendulacea less
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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D.A. Hegde, R.L. Khosa, R.K. Goel
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antiulcer and cytoprotective action of wedelia calendulacea less
Year: 1994
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study investigates the antiulcer and cytoprotective properties of the plant Wedelia calendulacea, commonly known as Bhringaraj, through systematic experimentation on rats. This plant is traditionally recognized in Ayurveda for its healing attributes, particularly in treating ulcers and wounds. The research specifically evaluates the gastric antiulcer effects of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant's dried leaves, revealing significant therapeutic potential. Notably, the aqueous extract demonstrates a more pronounced effect compared to the ethanolic extract.
Efficacy of Extracts in Ulcer Management
The research indicates that both the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Wedelia calendulacea effectively reduce the incidence and severity of gastric ulcers in rats subjected to various ulcer models, including aspirin-induced and restraint stress-induced ulcers. Administered over a period of eight days prior to ulcer induction, the extracts significantly protected the gastric mucosa, highlighting their potential in curtailing the detrimental effects of ulcerogenesis. The efficacy of these extracts is quantitatively supported by the ulcer index and severity scores, with the aqueous extract outperforming its ethanolic counterpart, suggesting a superior mucosal protective effect.
Conclusion
The findings of this study conclusively demonstrate the antiulcerogenic and ulcer healing capabilities of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Wedelia calendulacea. The pronounced efficacy of the aqueous extract opens avenues for further research into its mechanisms of action and potential clinical applications in ulcer management. The results underscore the significance of traditional medicinal plants in modern pharmacology, reinforcing the value of herbal remedies in treating gastric ailments. Further investigations could lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies based on these natural extracts.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Wedelia calendulacea?
The study investigates the antiulcer and ulcer healing effects of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Wedelia calendulacea leaves in rats, revealing significant protective effects on gastric mucosa.
How were the extracts prepared for the experiments?
Leaves of Wedelia calendulacea were air dried, powdered, defatted with petroleum ether, and then extracted with 95% alcohol and water to prepare ethanolic and aqueous extracts respectively.
What models were used to study ulcer effects?
The study used aspirin-induced and restraint stress-induced ulcer models, along with acetic acid-induced ulcers, to assess the antiulcer and healing properties of the extracts on rats.
What were the findings regarding the aqueous extract?
The aqueous extract of Wedelia calendulacea showed more pronounced antiulcer and ulcer healing effects compared to the ethanolic extract, significantly reducing ulcer incidence and improving healing measured by tensile strength.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antiulcer and cytoprotective action of wedelia calendulacea less”. 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) Ulcer:
An ulcer is a sore that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestine, often linked to the erosion caused by gastric acids. The study investigates various models of ulceration in rats to comprehend the antiulcer properties of Wedelia calendulacea, focusing on prevention and healing mechanisms involved in ulcer therapy.
2) Water:
Water serves as a fundamental solvent in biological processes, including the extraction of active compounds from plants. In the context of the study, water is used both for creating aqueous extracts of Wedelia calendulacea and to ensure hydration in fasting animals, influencing the overall health and reactivity of the rat subjects.
3) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The research exemplifies scientific inquiry by employing controlled experiments to ascertain the therapeutic effects of herbal extracts, contributing to the broader understanding of pharmacological interventions for gastric ulcers.
4) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical purposes to treat, prevent, or diagnose a disease. In this research, the extracts of Wedelia calendulacea are evaluated as potential drugs that exhibit antiulcer and cytoprotective actions, showcasing their therapeutic value in the context of traditional and modern medicine.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on drugs, their properties, uses, and effects on biological systems. The study contributes to pharmacology by exploring the mechanisms and efficacy of herbal extracts from Wedelia calendulacea, highlighting their role in gastric ulcer treatment and promoting understanding of natural remedies.
6) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance among body systems through diet, herbal treatment, and lifestyle changes. The plant Wedelia calendulacea fits within this framework, being regarded for its medicinal properties, and the study reaffirms the relevance of Ayurvedic practices in contemporary pharmacological research.
7) Dosha (Dosa, Doṣa, Dosā, Doṣā, Ḍosā):
In Ayurveda, doshas are bodily energies that affect physical and mental health, comprising Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Understanding these doshas helps tailor treatments; the study references dosha-related imbalances to contextualize the significance of herbs like Wedelia calendulacea in rectifying ailments such as ulcers associated with dosha derangement.
8) Pitta (Pītta, Piṭṭā):
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, primarily associated with fire and transformation. It governs digestion and metabolism, and an imbalance can lead to acidic conditions in the stomach, contributing to ulcer development. The study addresses these imbalances and how Wedelia calendulacea may help restore harmony in gastric health.
9) Kapha:
Kapha is another of the three doshas in Ayurveda, characterized by earth and water elements. It contributes to bodily strength and structure but can lead to stagnation if imbalanced. The study implies a connection between Kapha's properties and the healing effects of Wedelia calendulacea, indicating potential therapeutic mechanisms for ulcers.
10) Vata (Vāṭa, Vaṭa, Vāta, Vaṭā):
Vata is the Ayurvedic dosha associated with movement and is composed of air and space elements. An imbalance in Vata may lead to irregular digestive processes, potentially resulting in ulcers. This research underlines the relevance of understanding Vata in developing holistic treatment plans utilizing Wedelia calendulacea's properties for gastric conditions.
11) Diet:
Diet refers to the kinds of food a person habitually consumes, significantly impacting overall health. The study implies the role of dietary patterns in ulcer formation and healing. It emphasizes the importance of integrating dietary considerations alongside herbal treatments when addressing gastric ulcers in both traditional and modern approaches.
12) Hand:
The term 'hand' in this study contextually relates to human intervention, such as conducting experiments, administering extracts, and evaluating results. It signifies the dexterity required in the methodology to ensure accuracy in measurements, treatment application, and the subsequent analysis of the therapeutic effects of Wedelia calendulacea on gastric ulcers.