In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC
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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S. Vijaylakshmi, M. J. Nanjan, B. Suresh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cnicus wallichi DC, commonly known as Indian thistle, is a subshrub belonging to the Asteraceae family, indigenous to the Nilgiri hills and other regions in Tamil Nadu, South India. This plant has various medicinal uses, including treatment for wounds, ulcers, abscesses, and as a galactogogue. Its roots are recognized for their tonic and expectorant properties. The study explores the phytochemical composition and pharmacological potential of Cnicus wallichi, particularly focusing on its anticancer properties, inspired by the known anticancer activities of related species like Cnicus benedictus.
Antitumour Activity of Ethyl Acetate Extract
The study conducted in vitro screening for antitumor activity across various extracts of Cnicus wallichi, particularly employing Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells for short-term toxicity assessments. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, including flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant antitumor activity, demonstrating effective cell growth inhibition at a concentration of 175 µg/ml. The results indicate that flavonoids, known for their antioxidant and antitumor benefits, may play a crucial role in the anticancer potential of this extract, suggesting avenues for further studies and potential therapeutic applications.
Conclusion
Cnicus wallichi DC showcases significant medicinal value, especially with its demonstrated in vitro antitumor activity through its ethyl acetate extract. The preliminary findings emphasize the need for further investigation into its bioactive compounds and their effects in vivo. The plant's rich phytochemical profile may contribute to developing natural therapeutic agents targeting cancer, warranting additional research to isolate and characterize these active principles for potential use in cancer treatment.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Cnicus wallichi DC used for in traditional medicine?
Cnicus wallichi DC is traditionally used for treating cuts, wounds, ulcers, and abscesses. Its roots are known for their cooling effect and are used as a tonic and expectorant.
How were the extracts from Cnicus wallichi DC obtained?
Extracts were obtained through successive solvent extraction using a soxhlet apparatus, employing different solvents such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol.
What were the main findings of the antitumour studies?
The ethyl acetate extract exhibited significant antitumour activity at a concentration of 175 µg/ml, highlighting the potential of Cnicus wallichi DC for cancer treatment.
What phytochemicals were detected in Cnicus wallichi DC?
The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, and carbohydrates in the extracts of Cnicus wallichi DC.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC”. 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) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. In the context of Cnicus wallichi DC, phytochemicals such as flavonoids, steroids, and triterpenoids are evaluated for their potential health benefits, particularly in anti-tumour and antioxidant activities, emphasizing their significance in herbal medicine.
2) Activity:
Activity pertains to the biological effects or response of a substance, particularly in pharmacology and toxicology. In this study, activity is focused on the anti-tumour and antioxidant effects of the various extracts from Cnicus wallichi DC, showing their potential therapeutic roles against cancerous cells.
3) Drug:
Drug generally refers to any substance that alters physiological functions in living organisms. In this research, the extracts of Cnicus wallichi DC are evaluated for their potential as natural drugs to treat various ailments, including cancer, highlighting the importance of plant-derived substances in modern medicine.
4) Toxicity:
Toxicity measures the harmful effects of substances on organisms. In this study, short-term toxicity studies using Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites cells are conducted to assess the safety levels of Cnicus wallichi DC extracts. Understanding toxicity is crucial for determining appropriate dosages in potential therapeutic applications.
5) Cancer:
Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. In this research, Cnicus wallichi DC is investigated for its anti-tumour properties, indicating the plant's potential use in cancer therapy. Understanding plant-derived compounds' effects on cancer is vital for developing safe and effective treatments.
6) Science (Scientific):
Scientific describes any approach that relies on empirical evidence and rational analysis. The study of Cnicus wallichi DC follows scientific protocols, focusing on controlled experiments, systematic observations, and reproducibility of results, solidifying the plant's medicinal credibility and potential applications in healthcare.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. This study explores the pharmacological properties of Cnicus wallichi DC extracts, aiming to identify active compounds that can be utilized in medicinal preparations for their therapeutic effects, such as anti-cancer activities.
8) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often associated with pain and tissue damage. In the context of this research, Cnicus wallichi DC is noted for its traditional use in managing inflammation, underlining the need for scientific validation of its anti-inflammatory properties through phytochemical analysis.
9) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section of a scientific study where researchers interpret results and contextualize their findings. In this paper, the discussion highlights the significance of the observed activities of Cnicus wallichi DC extracts, comparing them with existing literature and suggesting further research directions.
10) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties. In this study, the presence of flavonoids in Cnicus wallichi DC highlights their significance in exhibiting biological activities, making them a focal point for research into effective herbal treatments.
11) Himalaya (Hima-alaya):
The Himalaya refers to the mountain range in Asia known for its diverse flora and fauna, including medicinal plants. Cnicus wallichi DC is native to this region, indicating its potential adaptation to unique ecological conditions and relevance as a source of traditional medicine in Himalayan cultures.
12) Palani (Pazhani):
Palani is a hill range in Tamil Nadu, South India, recognized for its rich biodiversity and endemic plant species. The presence of Cnicus wallichi DC in Palani underscores the importance of regional plants in traditional medicine, warranting investigation of their pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential.
13) Ulcer:
Ulcer is a term describing a sore that develops on the skin or mucous membranes, often due to infection or inflammation. Cnicus wallichi DC's traditional use for treating ulcers suggests its medicinal properties, urging further phytochemical research to uncover active compounds that promote healing.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal value, Preliminary phytochemical screening, Aqueous extract, Ethyl acetate extract, Qualitative phytochemical analysis, Anti-tumour activity, Successive solvent extraction, Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites cells.