In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Plectranthus amboinicus extract
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: In-vitro anti- inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng
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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V.R. Ravikumar, M. Dhanamani, T. Sudhamani
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: In-vitro anti- inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng
Year: 2009
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng, a succulent herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is widely distributed across India and is recognized for its aromatic leaves. Traditionally known by various names such as patharcur in Hindi and Karpuravalli in Tamil, this plant has been utilized in indigenous medicine to treat ailments related to cough, cold, and fever, and possesses carminative, diuretic, and anthelmintic properties. The leaves contain several chemical compounds, including flavonoids, which are known for their significant anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Plectranthus amboinicus using the human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method.
Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Activity
The in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by measuring the stabilization of the HRBC membrane against hemolysis in the presence of the aqueous extract of Plectranthus amboinicus. Various concentrations of the extract (100 to 500 mcg/ml) were tested and compared to hydrocortisone sodium, a standard anti-inflammatory drug. The results indicated that the aqueous extract at 500 mcg/ml demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, with membrane stabilization percentages reaching 60.66% compared to the hydrocortisone sodium, which showed protection rates ranging from 65.86% to 77.11% across different concentrations. This suggests that the aqueous extract has the potential to provide similar protective effects as conventional anti-inflammatory agents, highlighting its therapeutic relevance.
Conclusion
The study concluded that the aqueous extract of Plectranthus amboinicus exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by its ability to stabilize the HRBC membrane in vitro. This finding supports the traditional use of this plant in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions. The presence of flavonoids in the leaves may be a contributing factor to this activity, warranting further research into the isolation and characterization of these compounds for potential medicinal applications. The research underscores the importance of exploring natural products as viable alternatives or adjuncts to synthetic anti-inflammatory therapies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Plectranthus amboinicus commonly used for in traditional medicine?
Plectranthus amboinicus is traditionally used to treat cough, cold, and other ailments like tonsillitis and fever due to its carminative and anthelmintic properties.
How was the aqueous extract of Plectranthus amboinicus prepared?
Fresh leaves were washed, air-dried, powdered, and then macerated with water for 24 hours. The filtrate was evaporated to dryness for further testing.
What method was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity?
The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the HRBC membrane stabilization method, comparing the extract's effect to hydrocortisone sodium.
What were the results of the anti-inflammatory activity testing?
The aqueous extract showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, with 48.63% to 60.66% protection at varying concentrations, comparable to the standard drug hydrocortisone sodium.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Plectranthus amboinicus extract”. 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:
Activity refers to the functional response of a substance in a biological system, particularly in the context of pharmacological effects. In this research, the focus is on the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Plectranthus amboinicus, highlighting its potential therapeutic benefits in reducing inflammation, which is crucial for developing effective treatments.
2) Drug:
The term 'drug' specifically denotes a substance used for medical purposes, such as diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of diseases. In the context of this study, hydrocortisone sodium serves as the standard drug to compare the efficacy of the aqueous extract, illustrating the importance of established drugs in validating new therapies.
3) Water:
Water serves as the solvent in which the aqueous extract of Plectranthus amboinicus is prepared. Its role is critical as it facilitates the extraction of bioactive compounds from the leaves, enabling researchers to analyze the extract's properties and effects on inflammation, emphasizing the fundamental nature of water in pharmacological studies.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the natural world, employing observation, experimentation, and evidence to understand various phenomena. In this context, the research adheres to scientific methods to explore the anti-inflammatory properties of a herbal extract, reflecting the blend of traditional knowledge and modern scientific investigation.
5) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, including pathogens and damaged cells, characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The study investigates the anti-inflammatory properties of Plectranthus amboinicus, aiming to provide insights into managing inflammation-related disorders and contributing to the understanding of inflammatory mechanisms.
6) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a group of plant compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of flavonoids in Plectranthus amboinicus suggests potential health benefits, as they are crucial in evaluating the plant's effectiveness against inflammation and supporting the pharmacological rationale for using the extraction in traditional medicine.
7) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells while carrying away waste products. In this study, human blood is used to assess the extract's effects on HRBC membrane stabilization, making it a critical component in determining the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant extract.
8) Discussion:
Discussion refers to the section where results are interpreted, compared, and implications are analyzed. In this research, the discussion contributes to understanding the significance of the findings related to the extract's anti-inflammatory activity, setting the stage for future research and practical applications in the context of conventional medicine.
9) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The study of Plectranthus amboinicus falls within the realm of herbal medicine, investigating its therapeutic properties and augmenting the evidence-based integration of traditional practices into modern medical approaches, ultimately aiming to improve patient care.
10) Kapha:
Kapha is a concept from Ayurvedic medicine representing one of the three doshas, associated with earth and water elements. It plays a significant role in health and disease according to traditional medicinal practices, with Plectranthus amboinicus reportedly addressing ailments related to imbalances in Kapha, showcasing the intersection of herbal remedies and holistic health.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Plectranthus amboinicus extract’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Plectranthus amboinicus, Flavonoid, Anti-inflammatory activity, Traditional systems of medicine, Aqueous extract, Cough and cold, Traditional remedy, Department of Pharmacognosy, HRBC membrane stabilization, Significant anti-inflammatory activity, Lamiaceae family, In vitro anti-inflammatory activity.