Seasonal monitoring of epicatechin, gallic acid in Saraca asoca bark.

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Journal name: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
Original article title: Monitoring seasonal variation of epicatechin and gallic acid in the bark of Saraca asoca using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method
The Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (JAIM) is an open-access publication promoting collaboration between Ayurveda, traditional medicine, and biomedicine, publishing research on integrative health sciences
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Original source:

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Author:

Pushkar M. Ketkar, Shraddha U. Nayak, Sandeep R. Pai, Rajesh K. Joshi


Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine:

(A monthly peer-reviewed publication)

Full text available for: Monitoring seasonal variation of epicatechin and gallic acid in the bark of Saraca asoca using reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method

Year: 2015 | Doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.146568

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-ND 4.0


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Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Seasonal monitoring of epicatechin, gallic acid in Saraca asoca bark.”. 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) Ritu (Ṛtu):
Ritu, in the context of Ayurveda, refers to the six distinct seasons that influence the growth, phyto-constituents, and therapeutic efficacy of medicinal plants. Understanding Ritu is crucial for optimal plant collection, ensuring that harvests are made at a time when the active compounds are at their highest concentration, enhancing their medicinal potential.

2) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes balance in bodily systems and the use of natural substances. It provides guidelines on harvesting medicinal plants according to season (Ritu) for maximum potency. This holistic approach considers not just physical health but also lifestyle, nutrition, and spiritual aspects.

3) Study (Studying):
This study seeks to investigate the seasonal variations of polyphenolic compounds in the bark of Saraca asoca, thereby providing scientific insights into how climatic factors affect plant chemistry. By analyzing epicatechin and gallic acid levels across different Ritu, the study contributes valuable data for pharmacological applications of this vulnerable medicinal plant.

4) Performance:
In this context, performance refers to the capacity of Saraca asoca to synthesize and accumulate specific polyphenolic compounds over different seasons. The varying levels of epicatechin and gallic acid highlight the plant's biochemical 'performance' in response to environmental conditions, contributing to its medicinal value and efficacy in treatments.

5) Shishira (Śiśira, Sisira):
Shishira, or winter, is one of the six Ritus mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. During this season, the study found the highest concentration of epicatechin in Saraca asoca bark. This seasonal specificity highlights the plant's biochemical adaptations and influences the timing of harvest to optimize therapeutic applicability.

6) Vasanta (Vasantā, Vasamta):
Vasanta, or spring, represents one of the Ritus affecting the chemical profiles of medicinal plants. Although the study observed the bark yielding lower amounts of gallic acid during this season, understanding Vasanta's role is important for comprehensive Ayurvedic practices, allowing practitioners to select the best harvest times for medicinal efficacy.

7) Hemanta (Hemamta):
Hemanta is the early winter season, noted in the study as yielding the highest concentration of gallic acid in Saraca asoca. The distinct availability of this compound during Hemanta underscores the importance of timing in harvesting medicinal plants according to Ayurvedic principles to ensure maximum therapeutic potency.

8) Grishma (Grīṣma):
Grishma, or summer, is one of the Ritus explored in the study. It reflected the lowest levels of polyphenolic compounds in Saraca asoca bark, indicating the season's impact on phytochemical accumulations. Recognizing Grishma's influence informs the seasonal strategy for effectively utilizing this plant’s therapeutic potential.

9) Sharada (Śāradā, Śārada, Śaradā, Sāradā, Sārada, Sarada, Sara-da):
Sharada, or autumn, is traditionally considered an optimal season for harvesting medicinal plants in Ayurveda. However, contrary to Ayurvedic texts, this study revealed lower concentrations of epicatechin and gallic acid during Sharada. This finding emphasizes the need for ongoing research to reconcile traditional knowledge with empirical data.

10) Tree:
In the context of this study, a 'tree' refers to the source of Saraca asoca where the bark is harvested. The health, age, and environmental conditions of the tree directly influence the phytochemical profiles of its bark, reinforcing the importance of plant characteristics in medicinal efficacy and harvesting strategies.

11) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulate describes the process by which Saraca asoca synthesizes and gathers polyphenolic compounds such as epicatechin and gallic acid during specific seasons. Understanding accumulation is crucial for determining the best times to harvest for medicinal use, ensuring that these bioactive compounds reach their peak concentrations.

12) Medicine:
Medicine, in this study, refers to the therapeutic applications derived from Saraca asoca and its bioactive compounds. The research highlights how seasonal variations in the plant's phytochemistry can influence its effectiveness in treating various ailments, thereby linking traditional knowledge with contemporary scientific exploration.

13) Activity:
Activity in the context of this study refers to the pharmacological actions of the bioactive compounds identified in Saraca asoca, particularly their medicinal effects. The examination of seasonal variations aids in understanding how these activities may fluctuate, directly affecting therapeutic applications and potential clinical benefits.

14) Varsha (Varṣā, Varṣa, Vārṣa):
Varsha, or monsoon, is one of the six Ritus analyzed in the study. It provides insights into how rainfall and corresponding climatic conditions can influence the phytochemical composition of Saraca asoca bark, guiding practitioners on optimal harvesting times based on the plant's seasonal chemical profile.

15) Summer:
Summer, referred to as Grishma in Ayurveda, often influences the levels of active constituents in plants. The study indicates lower levels of key polyphenolic compounds during this season. This knowledge is important for understanding how environmental changes impact the medicinal qualities of Saraca asoca and similar plants.

16) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the medical properties and effects of compounds like epicatechin and gallic acid found in Saraca asoca. The study underscores the importance of these compounds in therapeutic applications and the need to understand their variation due to seasonal changes, aiding in more effective use in medicinal contexts.

17) Saraca asoca:
Saraca asoca, also known as Ashoka, is a significant medicinal plant whose bark was the focus of this study. Its therapeutic properties, particularly in gynecological disorders, are enhanced by understanding its seasonal phytochemical variations, making it crucial for both traditional and modern medicinal practices.

18) Samhita (Saṃhitā, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to ancient Ayurvedic texts that detail medicinal plants and their uses. These texts advocate for seasonal harvesting (Ritu), guiding practitioners in maximizing the efficacy of herbs like Saraca asoca. They form the backbone of Ayurvedic knowledge, emphasizing the importance of traditional wisdom in contemporary medicine.

19) Autumn:
Autumn, or Sharada, is noted for its significance in Ayurvedic plant collection. It is traditionally regarded as an optimal time for harvesting due to favorable climate conditions. However, this study challenges that notion with findings on compound concentrations, updating the understanding of seasonality in medicinal plants.

20) India:
India is the geographical and cultural context for the study, rich in diverse flora and traditional medicinal practices such as Ayurveda. Understanding local plants like Saraca asoca within this cultural framework enhances knowledge on their applications, sustainable harvesting, and conservation of vulnerable species.

21) Water:
Water serves as a key component in extraction processes used in this study. It also represents the essential need for plants like Saraca asoca to thrive, influencing their growth and the accumulation of bioactive compounds. The relationship between water availability and plant chemistry is crucial in medicinal applications.

22) Table:
Table refers to the organized presentation of data within the study, showcasing the different Ritus and corresponding yields of polyphenolic extracts. Tables facilitate comprehension of complex information and allow for easy comparison of seasonal effects on the active compounds in Saraca asoca bark.

23) Noise:
Noise pertains to the method of analysis, particularly in determining limits of detection and quantification for epicatechin and gallic acid. Accurate measurement relies on minimizing noise to ensure clear, reliable data in experiments. Understanding noise helps improve analytical methods for studying plant-based compounds.

24) Drug:
The term drug pertains to the biochemical substances derived from plants like Saraca asoca which are used for therapeutic purposes. Understanding the varying concentrations of these substances throughout different Ritus is essential to developing effective medicinal formulations in both traditional and modern healthcare practices.

25) Sushruta-samhita (Suśruta-saṃhitā):
Sushruta-samhita is another foundational Ayurvedic text, offering surgical and therapeutic insights. It emphasizes the importance of seasonal plant collection and medicinal properties, providing a scholarly basis for understanding the interactions between natural compounds and human health, guiding the applications of herbs like Saraca asoca.

26) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the capacity of compounds in Saraca asoca to inhibit the growth of bacteria. This study contributes to understanding the antibacterial properties of its phytochemicals, revealing the potential of seasonal variations in enhancing the effectiveness of natural remedies in combating infections.

27) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical denotes the chemical compounds produced by plants, particularly those with medicinal properties. This study analyzes specific phytochemicals, epicatechin and gallic acid in Saraca asoca, emphasizing the importance of understanding their seasonal fluctuations for broader applications in herbal medicine and pharmacology.

28) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic approach applied in this study to explore the seasonal variations in the medicinal plant Saraca asoca. Utilizing scientific methods bridges traditional knowledge from Ayurveda with modern research, providing empirical evidence that can inform and enhance medicinal practices.

29) Substance:
Substance refers to the individual chemical components, such as epicatechin and gallic acid, extracted from Saraca asoca. The study's focus on these substances illustrates their significance in contributing to the plant's pharmacological effectiveness, reinforcing the importance of understanding their concentrations in different seasons.

30) Relative:
Relative in this context pertains to the comparison between various seasonal yields of epicatechin and gallic acid in Saraca asoca. Understanding the relative differences in compound concentrations among the seasons is essential for establishing optimal harvesting times and maximizing the therapeutic potential of the plant.

31) Habitat:
Habitat describes the natural environment where Saraca asoca grows. Differences in habitat can influence the plant's chemical composition and the availability of bioactive compounds, making the study of habitat essential for understanding variations in medicinal properties across locations and seasons.

32) Sharad (Śarad):
Sharad, synonymous with autumn, signifies a key season for evaluating the chemical composition of Saraca asoca. While traditionally favored for plant harvesting, findings in this study challenge its presumed efficacy, necessitating further exploration into how seasonal effects shape the therapeutic qualities of the plant.

33) Ashoka (Asoka, Aśoka, Aśokā, Asokā):
Ashoka is commonly known as Saraca asoca, the focal plant of this study celebrated for its role in traditional medicine, particularly for gynecological issues. Understanding its seasonal variations enhances our knowledge about its application in Ayurveda, contributing to the preservation and effective use of this vulnerable species.

34) Cancer:
Cancer describes the disease for which many medicinal plants, including Saraca asoca, are investigated for their therapeutic properties. By studying polyphenolic compounds through seasonal variations, this research explores the potential of these compounds in contributing to cancer treatment and highlights their roles in broader healthcare.

35) Nature:
Nature represents the broader context of the study, emphasizing how environmental factors such as seasonality affect the biochemical composition of plants. Recognizing this connection enriches the understanding of medicinal plants like Saraca asoca, which are deeply intertwined with natural ecosystems and traditional healing practices.

36) Powder:
Powder refers to the processed form of Saraca asoca bark used in the study for extract preparation and HPLC analysis. This form enables the efficient extraction of active compounds, demonstrating the importance of preparation methods in maximizing bioactive substance yields for medicinal applications.

37) Indian:
Indian refers to the cultural and geographical context of this study, which is rooted in traditional Ayurvedic medicine that utilizes local flora like Saraca asoca. Understanding the Indian perspective enriches the appreciation of the interplay between cultural practices and the development of herbal medicine.

38) Shri (Śri, Śrī, Śṝ, Sṛ, Sṝ):
Shri is an honorific title used in Indian culture, commonly applied to respected figures and institutions. In the context of this study, it acknowledges the significance of individuals and organizations, emphasizing their contributions to Ayurvedic education and research concerning Saraca asoca and its medicinal applications.

39) Bile:
Bile in this context may refer to the compound's role in metabolism, including the binding of bile acids by phytochemicals in Saraca asoca, which could influence cholesterol levels. Studying the interaction between these compounds and bile has implications for developing therapeutic applications related to metabolic health.

40) Ghat (Ghaṭ, Gham):
Ghat refers to the Western Ghats region, where Saraca asoca is primarily found. Recognizing the importance of specific geographical regions offers insights into the environmental conditions that affect the growth and chemical profile of medicinal plants, enhancing the overall approach to conservation and herbal remedies.

41) Diet:
Diet pertains to the nutritional context in which herbal medicines like Saraca asoca can be utilized. Understanding the interaction between diet and the pharmacological effects of active compounds is crucial for creating effective health interventions and maximizing the benefits of traditional medicinal practices.

42) Pain (Paiṇ):
Pain signifies one of the key symptoms that Saraca asoca is noted for treating, particularly in gynecological contexts. Understanding the plant's efficacy in alleviating pain highlights the importance of seasonal research, as seasonal variations may influence the concentration and activity of its bioactive compounds.

43) Hand:
In this context, 'hand' may symbolize the manual processes involved in collecting, processing, and preparing the medicinal bark of Saraca asoca. Emphasizing traditional practices ensures a connection between Ayurveda and modern methods, advocating for an integrated approach to herbal medicine that honors both cultural heritage and scientific advancement.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Seasonal monitoring of epicatechin, gallic acid in Saraca asoca bark.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Ayurveda, Saraca asoca, Shishira-ritu, Hemanta-ritu, Seasonal variation, Chemical composition, Pharmacological activities, High performance liquid chromatography, CNS depressant, Sharada Ritu, Polyphenolic compound.

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