Biochemical and Hematological Evaluations of Bryonia Epigaea Tubers
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Biochemical and Hematological Evaluations of Bryonia Epigaea Tubers
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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B.N. Sinha, D. Sasmal, S.P. Basu
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Biochemical and Hematological Evaluations of Bryonia Epigaea Tubers
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Bryonia epigaea, commonly known as Akasgaddah in Hindi, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and has been utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, emetic, and alternative properties. The tubers of this plant are typically prescribed for conditions such as syphilitic rheumatism and dysentery. Previous studies have indicated that the alcoholic extract of Bryonia epigaea (BE-Extract) exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study focuses on the chronic toxicity effects of BE-Extract on hepatic, renal, and hematological functions in Swiss albino rats.
Hematological Effects of BE-Extract
One significant finding of the study was the impact of BE-Extract on hematological parameters. The administration of BE-Extract resulted in a significant decrease in the total white blood cell (WBC) count and hemoglobin levels, while it notably increased clotting and bleeding times in treated animals. Furthermore, there was a decrease in platelet count, suggesting that BE-Extract may possess antiplatelet action characteristic of many anti-inflammatory drugs. Interestingly, while BE-Extract did not significantly alter the red blood cell (RBC) count, its effect on WBC and platelet dynamics supports its potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Conclusion
The study concluded that BE-Extract does not adversely affect hepatic and renal functions, as indicated by the insignificant changes observed in biochemical parameters such as cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, SGOT, and SGPT levels. Additionally, BE-Extract demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, lowering glucose levels by 28%, although it did not impact normal glucose levels. Overall, BE-Extract appears to exert beneficial anti-inflammatory effects while showing no significant toxicological concerns, thus warranting further investigation into its therapeutic applications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Bryonia epigaea and its traditional uses?
Bryonia epigaea, known as Akasgaddah in Hindi, is used in traditional medicine for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and laxative properties. It is often recommended for syphilitic rheumatism and dysentery.
What effects did the BE-Extract have on biochemical parameters?
The study observed insignificant changes in cholesterol, creatinine, urea, uric acid, SGOT, and SGPT levels, indicating that BE-Extract did not adversely affect liver and kidney functions in the treated rats.
What hematological changes were observed in rats treated with BE-Extract?
Rats treated with BE-Extract showed decreased white blood cell count and hemoglobin levels, along with increased clotting and bleeding times, suggesting potential anticoagulant properties.
Did BE-Extract affect glucose levels in the study?
In diabetic rats, BE-Extract lowered glucose levels by 28%, indicating hypoglycemic activity. However, it did not significantly change glucose levels in healthy animals.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Biochemical and Hematological Evaluations of Bryonia Epigaea Tubers”. 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 a vital bodily fluid involved in numerous physiological processes. In this study, blood samples were analyzed for various biochemical and hematological parameters, providing insights into the effects of Bryonia epigaea extract on liver and kidney functions, as well as its impact on immune response and coagulation processes.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical therapeutic purposes. In this context, the alcoholic extract of Bryonia epigaea is evaluated for its potential pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory and possibly anticoagulant properties, shedding light on its role as a traditional remedy and its implications for modern medicinal applications.
3) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects and actions of Bryonia epigaea extract. The study focused on its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmogenic activities, and how these actions influence various physiological parameters such as blood composition, organ health, and metabolic processes in treated rats.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science provides a systematic framework for understanding biological phenomena through empirical investigation. This study employs scientific methodologies to assess the biochemical and hematological effects of Bryonia epigaea, highlighting the importance of rigorous evaluation in validating traditional practices and uncovering underlying mechanisms of medicinal plants.
5) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section where results are interpreted and contextualized within existing knowledge. Here, the authors analyze the outcomes of their experiments, linking their findings to previous research and drawing conclusions about the safety and efficacy of Bryonia epigaea, thus contributing to the broader understanding of herbal medicines.
6) Toxicity:
Toxicity assesses the harmful effects of substances on living organisms. The study examines the chronic toxicity of Bryonia epigaea extract by measuring blood parameters related to liver and kidney function, providing crucial data that indicates whether this herbal remedy poses any health risks when administered to rats.
7) Medicine:
Medicine is the field dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. The research investigates the medicinal properties of Bryonia epigaea, emphasizing its relevance in traditional practices, and provides scientific evidence to support its therapeutic use, potentially bridging the gap between traditional and modern medical approaches.
8) Bitter:
Bitter refers to one of the basic taste qualities and is often associated with certain biological activities in plants. Bryonia epigaea is noted in traditional medicine for its bitter properties, which may correlate with its medicinal effects and potential bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic action.
9) Simha (Siṃha):
Sinha is one of the authors of the study, contributing to the research on Bryonia epigaea. The presence of various authors underscores the collaborative nature of scientific research, with each author bringing unique expertise and perspectives that enhance the quality and credibility of the findings presented.
10) Water:
Water is essential for life and is often used in laboratory settings for biological experiments. In this study, rats were provided with tap water ad libitum, ensuring that hydration was maintained, which is crucial for accurate assessment of physiological responses and overall health of the experimental subjects.
11) Diet:
Diet refers to the food consumed by the experimental animals, which plays a pivotal role in their health and responses to treatments. The rats in this study were provided normal standard pellet diet, establishing controlled dietary conditions that help in ensuring consistent results and minimizing confounding variables in the research.