Anthelmintic activity and PASS prediction of Cordia dichotoma root extract
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Evaluation of anthelmintic activity and in silico PASS assisted prediction of Cordia dichotoma (Forst.) root 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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Prasad G. Jamkhande, Sonal R. Barde
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Evaluation of anthelmintic activity and in silico PASS assisted prediction of Cordia dichotoma (Forst.) root extract
Year: 2014
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Worm infections, particularly helminthiasis, are significant global health concerns, affecting over 200 million people worldwide, especially in tropical regions. These infections lead to various health complications, including anemia and malnutrition, while the existing synthetic drugs often face challenges due to emerging drug resistance. This scenario has prompted a search for alternative medicinal sources, particularly from natural products. The plant Cordia dichotoma (Forst.), known for its rich array of secondary metabolites and traditional medicinal use, has been identified as a potential candidate for developing effective anthelmintic agents.
Anthelmintic Activity of Cordia dichotoma
The study explored the anthelmintic potential of the methanolic root extract of Cordia dichotoma against the Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma. The research involved testing various concentrations of the extract, which demonstrated significant dose-dependent effects in impairing worm motility and inducing mortality. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols, which are known to contribute to anthelmintic activity. Furthermore, the software tool PASS was utilized to predict the pharmacological activity of specific phytochemicals within the extract, confirming high probabilities of compounds like caffeic acid, lupeol, and hentricontanol acting as potential anthelmintics.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the root extract of Cordia dichotoma effectively interferes with the motility and viability of Pheretima posthuma, highlighting its potential as a natural remedy for worm infections. While the study presents promising results, further investigations are necessary to isolate the active compounds, understand their mechanisms of action, and assess their safety and efficacy in vivo. Consequently, C. dichotoma may serve as a valuable source for developing alternative anthelmintic therapies, addressing the critical issue of drug resistance in conventional treatments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the primary focus of the study on Cordia dichotoma?
The study evaluates the anthelmintic activity of Cordia dichotoma root extract against the Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma, using both experimental methods and in silico PASS predictions to identify potential active compounds.
How was the Cordia dichotoma extract prepared for testing?
The roots of Cordia dichotoma were collected, dried, powdered, and then extracted using methanol through a soxhlet apparatus. The extract underwent filtration and concentration before being tested for phytochemical content and anthelmintic activity.
What were the main findings regarding the anthelmintic activity?
The study found that the methanolic extract of Cordia dichotoma exhibited significant dose-dependent anthelmintic effects, paralyzing and killing the worms over time comparable to the standard drug albendazole.
What did the PASS predictions reveal about the phytoconstituents?
PASS predictions indicated that phytoconstituents like caffeic acid, lupeol, and hentricontanol showed high probabilities of exhibiting anthelmintic activity, suggesting they may be valuable for further research as potential anthelmintic agents.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anthelmintic activity and PASS prediction of Cordia dichotoma root 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 capability of a substance, especially in biological contexts, to produce a specific effect—such as anthelmintic effects against parasitic worms. In the context of pharmacology, it often signifies the interaction of a drug with a biological target, influencing its potential therapeutic effects.
2) Drug:
A drug is any substance used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent diseases. In this study, the focus is on natural drugs derived from plants, particularly regarding their efficacy against parasitic infections, highlighting the need for alternative therapies amid rising drug resistance.
3) Worm:
Worms, particularly parasitic species like helminths, are significant subjects in medical studies due to their impact on human and animal health. Their infections can lead to serious health issues, making effective treatments, such as those derived from natural sources, crucial for effective management.
4) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plants that can have health benefits. In the context of this study, specific phytochemicals within Cordia dichotoma are studied for their potential anthelmintic properties, showcasing the importance of exploring plant-derived compounds for therapeutic uses.
5) Substance:
A substance refers to a specific chemical entity that has a distinct set of properties. In pharmacology, examining how different substances interact with biological systems is critical for discovering new therapeutic agents and understanding their mechanisms of action.
6) Cordia dichotoma:
Cordia dichotoma is an ethnomedicinal plant known for its various therapeutic properties, including anthelmintic effects. The study focuses on its potential in treating worm infections due to its rich composition of phytochemicals that may interact with biological targets effectively.
7) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that explores the interactions between drugs and the body, encompassing the study of drug action, efficacy, and therapeutic uses. This study emphasizes the significance of pharmacological research in discovering natural remedies from plant sources.
8) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant properties and therapeutic potentials, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They are often investigated for their role in the medicinal efficacy of plants like Cordia dichotoma, contributing to their biological activity.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science is a systematic enterprise that builds and organizes knowledge through observation and experimentation. In this context, the sciences of pharmacology and botany are intertwined in researching the medicinal properties of Cordia dichotoma and its phytochemical constituents.
10) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drug action and how drugs interact within biological systems. The research highlights the pharmacological evaluation of natural plant extracts to identify effective anthelmintic agents that may serve as alternatives to synthetic drugs.
11) Medicine:
Medicine is the field concerned with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The exploration of herbal medicine, particularly through studies like this one, illustrates the ongoing relevance of traditional knowledge combined with scientific investigation for developing new therapies.
12) Soil:
Soil is a natural resource that serves as a habitat for numerous organisms, including earthworms used in this study. The health of soil ecosystems is crucial for agricultural productivity and the sustainability of plant species with potential medicinal properties.
13) Malnutrition:
Malnutrition refers to a deficiency or excess of essential nutrients, often exacerbated by parasitic infections like helminthiasis. Addressing malnutrition involves not only treating infections but also improving overall health outcomes through effective anthelmintic agents derived from plants.
14) Discussion:
Discussion in a scientific context entails analyzing and interpreting research findings, contextualizing them within existing literature. This section reflects on the implications of study results, addressing future research directions and the significance of findings in broader biological and medical frameworks.
15) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that employs natural remedies and emphasizes the use of herbs for healing. Cordia dichotoma is referenced in Ayurvedic texts, which underscores the historical significance and continued relevance of traditional medicinal knowledge.
16) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm to organisms. When evaluating natural products for therapeutic use, studies must assess the toxicity profiles of their bioactive phytochemicals to ensure safety alongside efficacy.
17) Training:
Training in this context refers to the process of learning and preparing researchers to use specific software tools, such as PASS, to predict biological activities of compounds. This methodological training is essential for deriving valid conclusions from pharmacological studies.
18) Channel:
Channel, in biological terms, often refers to pathways or openings that substances take to enter or affect cellular functions. Investigating how anthelmintic compounds affect cellular channels can reveal mechanisms of action important for understanding their therapeutic effects.
19) Zoology:
Zoology is the scientific study of animals, including their physiology, behavior, and ecology. The research utilizes earthworms in pharmacological studies as stand-ins for human intestinal parasites, highlighting the intersection of zoology and medicine in drug efficacy testing.
20) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants and their properties. It is vital for identifying and understanding the medicinal attributes of plants like Cordia dichotoma, emphasizing the importance of botany in discovering new, effective treatments in pharmacotherapy.
21) Water:
Water is crucial for life and serves as a medium for numerous biological and chemical processes. In pharmacological research, the solubility of active compounds in water influences their bioavailability and efficacy in treating conditions like helminthiasis.
Other Health Sciences Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Anthelmintic activity and PASS prediction of Cordia dichotoma root extract’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Cordia dichotoma, Traditional Indian medicine, Phytochemical analysis, Secondary metabolite, Drug resistance, Anthelmintic activity, Methanol extract, Alcoholic extract, Natural source, Dose-dependent effect, Pheretima posthuma, Synthetic drug, Biological activity spectrum, Phytoconstituent, Open access article.