Pharmacognostical studies on Citrullus lanatus seeds.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Pharmacognostical stucies on the seeds of mulam citrullus lanatus (thunb.) mats & nakai (cucurbitacae)
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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T.R. Shantha, K.G. Vasantha Kumar, Saraswathy Pasupathy, B. Vijayalakshmi, T. Bikshapathi
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Pharmacognostical stucies on the seeds of mulam citrullus lanatus (thunb.) mats & nakai (cucurbitacae)
Year: 2001
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The seeds of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mats & Nakai, commonly known as Mulam or Pullum in Tamil, have been utilized in traditional medicine systems like Siddha and Ayurveda for their therapeutic properties. In Siddha medicine, the seeds are employed as vermifuge and general tonics, while Ayurvedic practices recognize them for their cooling, diuretic, and aphrodisiac qualities. The present study focuses on pharmacognostical evaluations, incorporating macro and microscopical analyses, histochemical assays, physical and chemical tests, as well as chromatographic evaluations to provide a comprehensive understanding of these seeds.
Nutritional and Chemical Composition
The seeds of Citrullus lanatus are rich in nutritional and chemical components that contribute to their medicinal benefits. They contain significant levels of proteins, glucosides, and enzymes, including Ureas, with defatted seeds providing an impressive 66.2% protein content. Additionally, the seeds were found to yield fixed oils with specific attributes such as a specific gravity of 0.92 and various indices related to their chemical composition. The seed's extracts revealed the presence of essential organic constituents like steroids, phenolics, and amino acids, indicating their potential health benefits. The study also detailed the various physical characteristics, such as the presence of palisade cells and oils in the cotyledons, which not only underpin the seeds' functionality but also serve as markers for their identification in pharmacognosy.
Conclusion
The comprehensive pharmacognostical analysis of Citrullus lanatus seeds provides a valuable foundation for understanding their applications in traditional medicine. The study highlights the seeds' anatomical features, chemical compositions, and potential therapeutic uses, reaffirming their status as a significant medicinal resource. Further research may elucidate additional benefits and applications of these seeds, confirming their crucial role in alternative medicinal practices. Overall, the findings contribute to the preservation and promotion of traditional medicinal knowledge concerning Citrullus lanatus within Siddha and Ayurvedic systems.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the medicinal uses of Citrullus lanatus seeds?
In Siddha medicine, Citrullus lanatus seeds are used as Pulukolli (vermicidal), Karpa moolikai (tonic), and Aanmeiperukki (aphrodisiac). In Ayurveda, they are known for their cooling, diuretic, and aphrodisiac properties.
What are the key microscopic features of Citrullus lanatus seeds?
Microscopically, the seeds exhibit elongated palisade cells, polygonal stone cells, and abundant starch grains. The seed coat is thick and typically brown to black, featuring various layers of parenchyma and oil globules.
What chemical analyses were performed on the seeds?
The seeds underwent various analyses, including ash content, solubility, and extraction values. These tests revealed the presence of organic constituents such as steroids, phenolics, and amino acids across different organic extracts.
What are the findings from Thin Layer Chromatography studies of the seeds?
TLC studies indicated multiple Rf values for different solvent systems, identifying several chemical constituents. These tests are essential for further determining the potential therapeutic compounds present in Citrullus lanatus seeds.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Pharmacognostical studies on Citrullus lanatus seeds.”. 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) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases and ailments. In the context of this text, it discusses traditional systems such as Siddha and Ayurveda that use plants like Citrullus lanatus to formulate remedies, indicating a holistic approach that encompasses both physical health and medicinal properties.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical purposes to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. The mention of 'Mulam' indicates that the cotyledons of Citrullus lanatus are considered a drug in traditional medicine, showcasing their therapeutic effects like being a vermifuge or aphrodisiac, central to the study at hand.
3) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is an ancient system of traditional medicine practiced mainly in South India. It emphasizes the use of herbal medicine, yoga, and alchemy. The text highlights Siddha practices related to Citrullus lanatus, illustrating its cultural importance and the role of traditional knowledge in health care and wellness.
4) Water:
Water in this context relates to solubility tests for the constituents of Citrullus lanatus. The extractive values involving water highlight its relevance in assessing the medicinal properties of herbs and their active compounds, indicating that certain phytonutrients are soluble in aqueous solutions used in preparations.
5) Pharmacognostical:
Pharmacognostical studies involve the identification, characterization, and evaluation of medicinal plants and their components. This word is significant as it refers to the comprehensive investigation of Citrullus lanatus, outlining its structural and chemical properties, which are critical for understanding its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine.
6) Rakta (Raktā):
Rakta translates to 'red' and is used in the context of Ayurveda, referring to a concept of blood or vitality. It emphasizes the plant's associations with enhancing blood health or benefiting certain bodily fluids, important in the treatment of conditions like anemia or lack of vitality.
7) Blood:
In the context of this text, blood refers to its significance in assessing health conditions. Citrullus lanatus is mentioned for its potential benefits on blood pressure and cholesterol levels, indicating its therapeutic potential in managing cardiovascular health and its relevance in traditional treatment methodologies.
8) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs. Its mention highlights specific medicinal uses of Citrullus lanatus in alleviating symptoms or improving health in patients suffering from tuberculosis, thereby demonstrating the integration of traditional remedies within broader health issues.
9) Shitala (Sitala, Śītalā, Sītala, Śītala):
Sheetala is a term in Ayurveda signifying 'cooling' properties. This reflects the traditional use of Citrullus lanatus seeds, emphasizing their potential to alleviate heat-related ailments. Understanding such properties adds to the medicinal profile of the plant and usefulness in treating various health issues.
10) Madhura (Madhurā, Mādhura):
Madhura means 'sweet' in Sanskrit. This term suggests that Citrullus lanatus has a sweet taste, which is important in traditional medicine as the sweet flavor is often associated with certain therapeutic effects, making it more palatable and acceptable in herbal preparations.
11) Krishna (Kṛṣṇā, Kṛṣṇa):
Krishna often means 'black' or 'dark' in reference to a variety of Citrullus lanatus, also denoting richness in various nutrients. The name highlights the significance of color and variety in medicinal plants, contributing to potential health benefits and nutritional value in traditional practices.
12) Science (Scientific):
Science denotes the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. In this text, it reinforces the systematic approach to studying the properties of Citrullus lanatus, showcasing how traditional knowledge can intersect with modern scientific inquiry.
13) Ashoka (Asoka, Aśoka, Aśokā, Asokā):
Ashoka references a specific location associated with the Regional Research Institute where this study was conducted. It adds a geographical context to the research, linking it to local biodiversity and traditional practices, reinforcing regional knowledge in the discourse of medicinal plants.
14) Pandu (Pāṇḍu, Paṇḍu, Pandū, Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu means 'pale' or 'white' in Sanskrit. It is often associated with a condition related to lack of color, indicative of anemia. The mention of this term emphasizes connections to tissue health and nutritional aspects derived from Citrullus lanatus in treating specific health issues.
15) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma relates to the smell and sensory characteristics associated with Citrullus lanatus. Such information is significant as sensory attributes can influence the acceptance and application of herbal products in traditional medicine, indicating a multifaceted approach to treatment involving both taste and fragrance.
16) Sugar:
Sugar alludes to the presence of sweet compounds within Citrullus lanatus, relevant for its nutritional profile. It can also suggest potential applications in culinary uses or additional therapeutic roles in conditions requiring energy, reinforcing the relationship between dietary elements and medicinal benefits.
17) Roman (Roma):
Roma could reference the author 'Roma Mitra,' indicating scholarly contributions to the field. This connection is vital in affirming the research foundation upon which this pharmacognostical study is built, linked with prior knowledge of Citrullus lanatus and its benefits.
18) Kaya (Kāya):
Kaya means 'body' in Sanskrit, often associated with physical well-being or health in a holistic context. Its inclusion suggests a focus on the systemic effects of Citrullus lanatus, reinforcing the relevance of traditional herbs in maintaining overall body health and vitality.
19) Aman (Āman, A-man, Amaṇ, Āmāṉ):
Aman may refer to a researcher or author mentioned, specifically in connection with findings on components of Citrullus lanatus. This highlights the collaborative nature of scientific research and the continuity of knowledge across different studies related to medicinal properties.