Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Effects of Telfairia occidentalis Seeds
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanolic Extract of Telfairia occidentalis Seeds
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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Olukemi Adetutu Osukoya, Daniel Adegbenro, Sunday A Onikanni, Oluwafemi A Ojo, Amos Onasanya
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Activities of the Methanolic Extract of Telfairia occidentalis Seeds
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The seeds of Telfairia occidentalis, commonly known as fluted pumpkin or ugu, are recognized for their diverse biological properties and are widely utilized in traditional medicine throughout Africa and Asia. Traditionally, these seeds are consumed as herbal decoctions for their therapeutic benefits, particularly as a blood tonic and for treating ailments such as convulsions, pain, malaria, and anemia. This study aims to scientifically evaluate the antioxidant and antinociceptive (pain-relieving) properties of methanolic extracts from Telfairia occidentalis seeds to validate their traditional medicinal uses.
Antioxidant Potential and Antinociceptive Activity
One of the key findings of this research is the significant antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract, as evidenced by its high percentage inhibition of 147.3% in the DPPH radical scavenging assay. This suggests a strong ability to neutralize free radicals, which are often implicated in oxidative stress and various health issues. Furthermore, the extract demonstrated notable antinociceptive effects in both neurogenic and inflammatory phases during formalin-induced pain tests conducted on albino rats. The methanolic extract led to a significant reduction in licking behavior, indicative of pain relief, with the most substantial effects noted at higher doses of the extract.
Conclusion
The promising results from the study indicate that Telfairia occidentalis seeds possess significant antioxidant and pain-relieving properties, supporting their traditional use in herbal medicine. The presence of phytochemicals identified through screening, such as flavonoids and phenolics, likely contributes to these bioactivities. Given these findings, further exploration for isolation and characterization of specific secondary metabolites may lead to enhanced understanding and new therapeutic applications based on this plant. Thus, Telfairia occidentalis holds potential as a natural remedy for oxidative stress-related conditions and pain management.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the medicinal properties of Telfairia occidentalis seeds?
The seeds of Telfairia occidentalis are known for their antioxidant and analgesic properties. Traditionally, they are used to treat several ailments, including pain, malaria, and convulsions.
How was the antioxidant activity of Telfairia occidentalis tested?
Antioxidant activity was evaluated using methods like DPPH scavenging activity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content assays. The results indicated significant antioxidant properties.
What methods were used to assess antinociceptive activity?
The antinociceptive activity was analyzed using the formalin-induced paw licking test in albino rats, examining the effect of different doses of the seed extract on pain response.
What phytochemicals are present in Telfairia occidentalis seeds?
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, and anthraquinones, all of which contribute to the medicinal properties of the seeds.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antinociceptive and Antioxidant Effects of Telfairia occidentalis 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) Activity:
The term 'Activity' pertains to the effectiveness or function of a substance, particularly in the field of pharmacology. In the study, it refers to the antinociceptive and antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of Telfairia occidentalis seeds, highlighting how the extract interacts biologically to relieve pain and combat oxidative stress.
2) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites characterized by their polyphenolic structures, known for their antioxidant properties. In this study, the presence of flavonoids in Telfairia occidentalis seeds contributes to its potential therapeutic effects against pain and oxidative damage, making them significant for further pharmacological exploration.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds derived from plants that have health-promoting properties. They play crucial roles in traditional medicine and contribute to various physiological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. The study identifies various phytochemicals present in Telfairia occidentalis seeds, supporting its traditional use in medicine.
4) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. It encompasses fields such as biology and chemistry, which are integral in understanding the pharmacological and biological activities of natural substances like Telfairia occidentalis. This research contributes to the scientific validation of herbal remedies.
5) Water:
Water plays a vital role as a solvent in biological and chemical processes. In this study, it is essential for the extraction of phytochemicals from Telfairia occidentalis seeds and serves as a medium for various assays evaluating antioxidant and antinociceptive activities, underscoring its significance in laboratory experiments.
6) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing ailments. This study focuses on the use of Telfairia occidentalis, often utilized in traditional medicine, and seeks to scientifically verify its medicinal properties, including its potential role in pain relief and antioxidant activity.
7) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used for medical purposes, including treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of diseases. The research investigates the potential of Telfairia occidentalis seed extract as a natural drug candidate, exploring its mechanisms of action and therapeutic benefits in pain management and oxidative stress reduction.
8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the branch of medicine related to the study of drug action. This study involves pharmacological evaluations of Telfairia occidentalis seeds, examining how its active compounds may influence biological systems, particularly in providing pain relief and exhibiting antioxidant properties, essential for potential therapeutic applications.
9) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a range of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Oxidative stress is linked to cancer development, and the antioxidant properties of phytochemicals like those found in Telfairia occidentalis seeds could offer protective effects, making such studies relevant in cancer prevention and treatment research.
10) Sugar:
Sugar, particularly in the context of health, refers to simple carbohydrates that can impact metabolic processes. This study includes tests for reducing sugars in Telfairia occidentalis, which can provide insights regarding its nutritional profile and potential effects on health, especially concerning diabetes and energy metabolism.
11) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding and information about a subject. In the context of this study, it refers to the scientific validation of traditional uses of Telfairia occidentalis, enhancing the corpus of information regarding herbal medicine and fostering evidence-based practices in treating and managing health issues.
12) Triphala (Tri-phala):
Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation comprised of three fruits, known for its health benefits, including digestive and detoxification support. Though not directly associated with Telfairia occidentalis, mentioning Triphala may highlight comparisons in herbal medicine and the search for effective natural treatments with documented pharmacological activity.
13) Guggulu:
Guggulu, also known as Commiphora mukul, is a resin used in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory and medical properties. It represents another herbal compound studied for its healing properties, linking to the broader context of exploring the efficacy of herbal remedies like Telfairia occidentalis in contemporary medicinal applications.
14) Channel:
In a biological context, a channel refers to protein structures that facilitate the transfer of ions or molecules across membranes. Understanding how the compounds in Telfairia occidentalis seeds interact with ion channels could elucidate mechanisms behind its antinociceptive effects, demonstrating molecular pathways relevant in pain transduction.
15) Mishra (Misra):
Mishra is a common surname in India, often associated with individuals in relevant fields such as pharmacology or traditional medicine. In research, it may refer to authors or contributors who have studied similar herbal remedies, fostering a connection to wider research communities and collaborative explorations of phytotherapy.
16) Ghana:
Ghana is a country in West Africa where traditional medicine practices are prevalent. The mention of Ghana may indicate regional herbs like Telfairia occidentalis, which may have historical significance in local healing traditions, driving interest in validating these ancient practices through modern scientific methods.
17) Blood:
Blood is a bodily fluid critical for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste. Traditional uses of Telfairia occidentalis include its purported benefits as a blood tonic, potentially supporting hematological health, and the study seeks to understand its medicinal properties that may benefit circulatory and overall health.
18) Soup:
Soup is a popular dish often made with various ingredients, including vegetables and proteins. In this study, Telfairia occidentalis is noted for its role in culinary applications, particularly soups, which are culturally significant in regions where the plant is consumed for both nutrition and health benefits.
19) Triphalaguggulu (Triphala-guggulu):
Triphala-guggulu is a compound Ayurvedic formulation combining the benefits of Triphala and Guggulu. It serves as a reference point for comparing dosages and therapeutic effects of traditional herbal blends, emphasizing the need for methodical investigation into their health impacts, similar to the study of Telfairia occidentalis.
20) Discussion:
Discussion in academic research refers to the interpretation and analysis of findings in context to existing literature. Here, it connects the results from the Telfairia occidentalis study to broader implications for herbal medicine, revealing potential pathways for future research in phytochemistry and pharmacotherapy.
21) Mutation:
Mutation signifies changes in DNA sequences that can lead to alterations in cellular functions and may contribute to disease processes like cancer. Understanding the antioxidant properties of Telfairia occidentalis seeds might reveal their role in mitigating mutagenic effects, illustrating their potential protective health benefits.
22) Diet:
Diet encompasses the sum of food and drink consumed by an organism. The nutritional value of Telfairia occidentalis as a seed high in protein and fat positions it as beneficial for a balanced diet, linking dietary practices to health outcomes, particularly in community food systems in West Africa.
23) Worm:
Worms refer to various parasitic organisms affecting human health. Traditional medicine often employs plants like Telfairia occidentalis for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. The study of its phytochemicals may contribute to understanding its efficacy in treating worm infestations, affirming its role in ethnomedicine.
24) Post:
Post refers to events or actions occurring after a certain reference point, often used in contexts like publication or discussion. In research, noting post-study evaluations facilitates the exploration of findings, guiding future inquiries into the effects of Telfairia occidentalis on health and well-being within its application scope.