Antispasmodic activity of the crude and purified oil of mesua ferrea seed
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antispasmodic activity of the crude and purified oil of mesua ferrea seed
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.N. Prasad, S.P. Basu, A.K. Srivastava
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antispasmodic activity of the crude and purified oil of mesua ferrea seed
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Mesua ferrea Linn., commonly known as Ironwood, is a significant evergreen tree found in regions of Bengal and Assam, as well as parts of South India. The seeds of this tree contain approximately 52.5% oil, which has been reported to possess various medicinal properties, including antispasmodic, antibacterial, and hypotensive activities. This study investigates the antispasmodic effects of both the crude and purified oils derived from Mesua ferrea seeds using isolated rat ileum as a model. Through in vitro experiments, the research aims to compare the effects of these oils with standard spasmodic and antispasmodic drugs.
Antispasmodic Activity of Crude vs. Purified Oil
The research findings indicate a significant disparity in the antispasmodic activities of the crude and purified oils of Mesua ferrea seeds. The crude oil demonstrated substantial antispasmodic effects, as evidenced by its ability to reduce contractions induced by acetylcholine in the rat ileum. At concentrations of 1:5 and 1:10, the crude oil reduced the normal contraction levels by 70% and 86%, respectively, showcasing its effectiveness in blocking spasmodic responses. In contrast, the purified oil exhibited no antispasmodic activity, suggesting that the therapeutic properties of the oil may be attributed to specific components present in the crude form that are lost during purification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study emphasizes the potential therapeutic applications of the crude oil of Mesua ferrea seeds due to its notable antispasmodic properties. This research underscores the importance of using crude preparations in phytotherapy, as purification processes can strip vital bioactive compounds that contribute to medicinal efficacy. Further investigations could explore the specific compounds responsible for the observed antispasmodic effects, as well as their mechanisms of action, to facilitate the development of effective natural remedies for spasmodic conditions.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Mesua ferrea and its common names?
Mesua ferrea, also known as Ironwood, is a medium to large evergreen tree found in various regions of India, particularly in Bengal, Assam, and the western parts of southern India.
What was the aim of the study on Mesua ferrea seed oil?
The study aimed to evaluate the antispasmodic activity of both crude and purified oils extracted from Mesua ferrea seeds using isolated rat ileum as a test model.
What were the findings related to the crude and purified oils?
The crude oil exhibited significant antispasmodic activity by reducing acetylcholine-induced contractions, while the purified oil showed no such activity, indicating the importance of crude oil's components.
How was the antispasmodic activity measured in the experiment?
Antispasmodic activity was measured by recording the contraction responses of isolated rat ileum in the presence of standard spasmodic and antispasmodic drugs, including varying concentrations of crude and purified oils.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antispasmodic activity of the crude and purified oil of mesua ferrea seed”. 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:
The term 'Activity' in this context pertains to the biological effects that the crude and purified oils of Mesua ferrea seed have on rat ileum. It specifically refers to the antispasmodic activity demonstrated by the crude oil compared to the absence of this effect in the purified oil.
2) Drug:
'Drug' indicates a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. In the study, various substances, including standard spasmodic and antispasmodic drugs like acetylcholine, were utilized to evaluate the impact of Mesua ferrea oil on muscular contractions in the rat ileum during experimentation.
3) Mesua ferrea:
'Mesua ferrea' is the scientific name for a tree that produces seeds rich in oil with medicinal properties. The study focuses on the crude and purified forms of this seed oil, investigating their effects on smooth muscle contractions, which highlights the plant's relevance in medicinal chemistry and pharmacology.
4) Pharmacology:
'Pharmacology' is the branch of medicine that studies drug action and interactions within biological systems. The research examines the pharmacological effects of Mesua ferrea oil on isolated rat ileum, thereby contributing to the understanding of how natural substances can influence physiological responses and potential therapeutic applications.
5) Science (Scientific):
'Science' refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In this research, scientific methods are applied to assess the antispasmodic properties of Mesua ferrea oil, embodying an empirical approach to explore its medicinal potential.
6) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
'Antibacterial' describes the property of a substance that inhibits bacterial growth. The study suggests that the crude oil of Mesua ferrea has antibacterial properties, which adds to its medicinal profile, indicating its potential utility in developing treatments against infections and other bacterial-related health issues.
7) Agriculture:
'Agriculture' pertains to the cultivation of plants and livestock for human use. The research was partially conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, illustrating how agricultural studies often intersect with pharmacological research, particularly in evaluating the medicinal properties of crops like Mesua ferrea for their beneficial health effects.
8) Discussion:
'Discussion' is an analytical section where results are interpreted and contextualized within existing literature. In this study, the discussion compares the findings on crude and purified oils' antispasmodic activity with known pharmacological standards, drawing conclusions about the efficacy and potential mechanisms behind these effects.
9) Toxicology:
'Toxicology' is the study of the adverse effects of substances on living organisms. While the research doesn't specifically address toxicology, the implications of pharmacological studies often require an understanding of toxicity to evaluate the safety and therapeutic index of natural compounds like Mesua ferrea seed oil.
10) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
'Himalaya' refers to a major mountain range in Asia, where Mesua ferrea is found. The geographical context enhances the significance of the plant as a traditional medicine in regions like Bengal and Assam, showcasing how local flora can contribute to pharmacological discoveries and cultural medical practices.
11) Mata (Mātā, Matā, Maṭā):
'Mata' is mentioned in the context of a reference citation. It signifies contributions to the body of knowledge on the chemical and medicinal properties of plant materials. Researchers often collaborate and build upon each other's work, which is crucial for advancing the field of natural products in pharmacology.