Anti – inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaves of tamarindus indicus
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti – inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaves of tamarindus indicus
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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Ajith Thomas, Renege Gangadharan, S. Vijayalakshmi Amma
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti – inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaves of tamarindus indicus
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study focuses on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Tamarindus indicus (tamarind). Historically, various parts of this plant have been utilized in Ayurveda and Sidha medicine for treating inflammation and pain. Given the medicinal significance of tamarind leaves, the researchers conducted experiments on laboratory animals to assess their effectiveness in reducing inflammation and pain, comparing the results with the standard drug, acetylsalicylic acid.
Analgesic Efficacy of Tamarindus Indicus
The research findings revealed that the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indicus exhibits significant analgesic activity in a dose-dependent manner. Three different tests were employed: the chemical writhing test, the tail-clip method, and the tail flick method, all administered to mice and rats. Results showed that at a dose of 500 mg/kg, the extract achieved a 58% reduction in writhing syndrome and a significant increase in reaction time during mechanical stimulus tests. While the extract demonstrated notable effectiveness, it was found to be less potent compared to acetylsalicylic acid, which achieved a 91.3% inhibition in writhing and significantly improved pain threshold in thermal stimulus tests.
Conclusion
In summary, the study confirms the traditional use of Tamarindus indicus as a remedy for inflammation and pain, showcasing its significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the results indicate that the extract's efficacy, while noteworthy, does not surpass that of acetylsalicylic acid. These findings set the stage for further research to determine the mechanisms behind the extract's action and its potential utility in modern pharmacology.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What were the main objectives of the study on Tamarindus indicus leaves?
The study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indicus leaves in experimental animals, comparing the results with the known standard drug, acetyl salicylic acid.
How was the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract tested?
The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats, with various doses of the extract compared to a control group receiving distilled water and a standard group receiving acetyl salicylic acid.
What tests were conducted to measure analgesic activity?
Analgesic activity was measured using three tests: acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, the tail-clip method in mice, and the tail flick method in rats to assess responses to mechanical and thermal pain.
What were the findings regarding the effectiveness of the extract?
The ethanolic extract showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects; however, these effects were less potent compared to acetyl salicylic acid, indicating the extract's potential but lower efficacy in pain relief.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti – inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaves of tamarindus indicus”. 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) Drug:
The term 'Drug' refers to substances used in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease. In the study, the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indicus is evaluated as a potential drug for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Understanding drug efficacy is critical in pharmacological research.
2) Activity:
In this context, 'Activity' pertains to the effectiveness of the ethanolic extract in reducing inflammation and pain. The study measures biological activity through various tests, demonstrating how much the extract can alleviate symptoms compared to a standard drug, acetyl salicylic acid.
3) Water:
Water serves as a solvent for the ethanolic extract of Tamarindus indicus during the experiments. It is essential in pharmacological studies for preparing solutions and administering extracts to animals. The use of water highlights its role in biological assays to derive findings accurately.
4) Inflammation:
The keyword 'Inflammation' is central to the study, representing the body's response to harmful stimuli, characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain. The research specifically investigates how the ethanolic extract can mitigate acute inflammation induced via carrageenin in rats, assessing its therapeutic potential.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology, the branch of medicine dealing with drug action, plays a vital role in this study. It encompasses understanding how the ethanolic extract works in biological systems to produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, comparing it against established pharmacological agents, thereby advancing medicinal knowledge.
6) Swelling:
'Swelling' relates to the physical manifestation of inflammation marked by increased volume in tissues. The research examines the extract's ability to reduce swelling in the experimental model, providing insights into its effectiveness as a treatment for conditions associated with inflammation and pain.
7) Edema (Oedema):
The term 'Edema' is synonymous with swelling and involves fluid retention in tissues. In this study, it is specifically analyzed through the paw volume measurement in rats, providing a quantitative assessment of the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract, contributing to the body of pharmacological evidence.
8) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section of the study analyzes the significance of the results obtained during the experiments. It interprets how the findings compare to existing literature, offers explanations for observed effects, and suggests further research directions to elucidate the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
9) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
'Ayurveda' is an ancient system of medicine that uses herbal remedies, among other treatments. This study roots its investigation in ayurvedic practices that have historically utilized Tamarindus indicus, emphasizing the relevance of traditional knowledge in modern pharmacological research and validating its therapeutic applications.
10) Science (Scientific):
'Science' refers to the systematic pursuit of knowledge through observation and experimentation. The research on Tamarindus indicus embodies scientific inquiry by rigorously testing its properties, providing empirical evidence of its potential benefits, and contributing to the understanding of herbal medicines within physiological contexts.
11) Ulcer:
'Ulcer' refers to an open sore on an organ or tissue, often resulting from inflammation. The study mentions the use of leaf decoction for washing ulcers in Ayurvedic treatments, linking traditional remedies to broader therapeutic contexts and highlighting potential benefits for skin-related conditions.
12) Cita:
'Sidha' is another traditional Indian medicine system, similar to Ayurveda. The relevance of Sidha underlines the utilization of plant extracts like Tamarindus indicus in historical healing practices, suggesting a holistic approach to health that bridges ancient wisdom and contemporary pharmacological exploration through modern studies.
13) Hand:
'Hand' in this context might refer to the area of the body assessed during the inflammation studies. The subcutaneous injection into the left hind paw of rats illustrates localized testing methods for evaluating the effectiveness of treatments on specific conditions, emphasizing anatomical focus in pharmacological research.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Anti – inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaves of tamarindus indicus’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Acute inflammation, Ancient science, Comparative evaluation, Anti-inflammatory properties, Ethanolic extract, Dose-dependent, Pain threshold, Significant increase, Standard drug, Tail-flick method, Significant activity, Analgesic properties, Tail clip method, Experimental animal, Acetyl salicylic acid, Carrageenin induced, Tamarindus indicus, Hind paw edema.