Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Taxus Baccata Linn. Bark Extract
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Taxus Baccata Linn. Bark Extract
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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Satyajit Dutta, G. Mariappan, Dipankar Sarkar, Piyali Sarkar
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Taxus Baccata Linn. Bark Extract
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Taxus baccata (L), commonly known as Sthauneyaka in Sanskrit, is a tree widely recognized for its diverse medicinal properties, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-rheumatic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, aphrodisiac, and anti-asthmatic effects. The bark of this species has been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in India. In the present study, the bark of Taxus baccata was extracted using 95% ethanol at room temperature to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity, specifically through Carrageenan-induced paw edema methods in Wistar albino rats, thereby exploring its potential in treating acute inflammation.
Screening for Anti-Inflammatory Activity
The effectiveness of the extracts was assessed through experimentation, demonstrating notable results. The study revealed that the 95% ethanol extract of Taxus baccata exhibited significant anti-inflammatory properties, achieving a 44.44% reduction in paw edema at a dosage of 200 mg/kg after four hours of administration. Comparatively, the ether extract showed a lower efficacy, with a 37.04% reduction. These findings indicate that the bioactive compounds present in the ethanol extract may interfere with inflammatory mediators such as histamine, serotonin, and kinins, which are crucial in the inflammatory response.
Conclusion
The results of the study provide scientific backing for the traditional use of Taxus baccata in managing acute inflammation. The potent anti-inflammatory effects exhibited by the 95% ethanol extract underline the importance of further research into the molecular mechanisms of its action. Continued pharmacological investigations of Taxus baccata may lead to the development of new, effective treatments for inflammatory conditions, highlighting the necessity of preserving and studying medicinal plants for their therapeutic potentials.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of extracting compounds from medicinal plants?
Extracting compounds from medicinal plants allows for the demonstration of their physiological activity, facilitating pharmacological studies. This process leads to the synthesis of more potent drugs with reduced toxicity.
What traditional uses does Taxus baccata have in medicine?
Taxus baccata has historical uses as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, anti-rheumatic, sedative, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, and anti-asthmatic agent among various cultures, including ancient Roman practices.
Which method was used to assess anti-inflammatory effects in the study?
The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the Carrageenan-induced paw edema method in Wistar albino rats, which serves as a model for studying acute inflammation.
What were the findings regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts?
The study found that the 95% ethanol extract of Taxus baccata showed significant anti-inflammatory activity, achieving a 44.44% inhibition of edema at a dose of 200 mg/kg, outperforming the ether extract and aspirin.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Taxus Baccata Linn. Bark 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) Edema (Oedema):
Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in tissues, leading to swelling. In this study, the paw edema induced by Carrageenan was utilized as a model to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of Taxus baccata. It serves as an indicative marker of inflammation and the efficacy of treatment.
2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological response elicited by the extracts of Taxus baccata. The study particularly investigates the anti-inflammatory activity, demonstrating how the extracts can reduce the swelling associated with inflammation, thereby contributing to potential therapeutic applications.
3) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. In this study, the extracts of Taxus baccata are explored as potential drugs due to their medicinal properties. The aim is to find viable compounds that can be developed into effective formulations.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that may contribute to health benefits. The study involves phytochemical screening of Taxus baccata to identify various metabolites that may exert anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the ethnopharmacological use of the plant.
5) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and heat. The study examines the anti-inflammatory effects of Taxus baccata bark extracts, which can mitigate the body's inflammatory response and offer insights into treatment strategies.
6) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. The study assesses the safety profile of Taxus baccata extracts through acute toxicity testing, ensuring that potential therapeutic agents do not pose significant risks when used.
7) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to methodologies based on empirical evidence and systematic investigation. This research employs scientific techniques to explore the properties of Taxus baccata, validating traditional uses with empirical data and enhancing knowledge within the field of herbal medicine.
8) Water:
Water is essential for life and often acts as a solvent in biological and chemical processes. In this study, water is used as a medium during the extraction and preparation of Taxus baccata bark extracts, highlighting its fundamental role in phytochemistry.
9) Kola:
Kola refers to various plants, often recognized for their stimulating properties. Mentioning Kola in the context of traditional medicine underlines the importance of synergistic plant knowledge in ethnopharmacology, positioning Taxus baccata within a wider repertoire of herbal remedies.
10) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drug action and interaction within biological systems. This research focuses on the pharmacological activities of Taxus baccata extracts, particularly their anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to the understanding of herbal medicine in pharmacology.
11) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that explores drug action and effects. The study of Taxus baccata aims to contribute insights into pharmacology by evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of its extracts, thereby guiding future drug development.
12) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical evaluation and interpretation of research findings in scientific literature. In the paper, the discussion section analyzes the results of the activity of Taxus baccata extracts to place them within the context of existing research and therapeutic potential.
13) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The study may investigate the presence of flavonoids in Taxus baccata and their role in the observed anti-inflammatory activity, linking phytochemistry to health outcomes.
14) Medicine:
Medicine is the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. This study seeks to enhance medical knowledge by evaluating natural extracts from Taxus baccata, exploring their potential applications and benefits as medicinal agents.
15) Cancer:
Cancer encompasses a variety of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The historical reference to Taxus baccata is significant as its extracts, particularly paclitaxel, are known for their anti-cancer properties, thus highlighting the plant's medicinal relevance.
16) Ganga (Gamga, Ganga°):
Ganga often refers to the sacred river in India, and its inclusion may denote traditional medicinal practices connected to geographical regions. This context underscores the ethnobotanical significance of herbs like Taxus baccata in local medicinal customs.
17) Gupta:
Gupta, as a surname, may refer to an author or contributor in the study. In academic research, recognizing all contributors is essential for attribution and maintaining the integrity of collaborative scientific work.
18) Roman (Roma):
Roman refers to the historical context of ancient Rome, where traditional uses of medicinal plants, including Taxus baccata, were documented. This background emphasizes the longstanding relationship between humans and medicinal plants throughout history.
19) Sugar:
Sugar refers to simple carbohydrates that serve as energy sources. In this study, sugar derivatives are mentioned as potential compounds extracted from Taxus baccata, indicating the diverse range of phytochemicals present in the plant.
20) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body, carrying oxygen and nutrients. The study's examination of anti-inflammatory activity indirectly connects to blood interactions, as inflammation involves blood vessel responses and mediator release affecting overall health.
21) Diet:
Diet pertains to the kinds of food consumed by an individual. This study's context may allude to the importance of incorporating medicinal plants into diets for health benefits, linking traditional practices with modern nutritional perspectives.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Taxus Baccata Linn. Bark Extract’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Traditional medicine, Anti-inflammatory activity, Acute toxicity study, Institutional animal ethics committee, Carrageenan-induced paw edema, Aspirin, Experimental animal, Himalayan pharmacy institute, Pharmacology studies, Medicinal agent, Extraction of bioactive compounds, Phytochemical qualitative screening, Taxus baccata (L), Dried and powdered bark, First phase of inflammatory reaction, Delayed phase of inflammation, Bio-molecular mechanism.