Ethnobotanical and Antioxidant Study of Gardenia gummifera from Kerala

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant activity of medicinal plant gardenia gummifera linn. f. (rubiaceae) from attappady, palakkad district, kerala
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

S Manorama and S Sindhu


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Ethnobotanical, phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant activity of medicinal plant gardenia gummifera linn. f. (rubiaceae) from attappady, palakkad district, kerala

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

An ethnobotanical survey conducted in Attappady, Palakkad District, Kerala, by S Manorama and S Sindhu revealed significant traditional knowledge about medicinal plants used by local healers. This study focuses on the medicinal plant Gardenia gummifera from the Rubiaceae family, detailing its phytochemical properties and in-vitro antioxidant activity, aiming to harness its potential in developing new therapeutic agents.

Ethnobotanical Survey

The ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the villages of Agali, Mukkali, and Anavay in the Attappady hills. The researchers employed questionnaires and personal interviews with local traditional healers, collecting information about the various plants they use for medicinal purposes. Key findings indicated that herbs were the most utilized plant form, followed by shrubs, trees, and climbers. The study documented 50 ethnomedicinal plant species across 32 families, highlighting the rich traditional knowledge preserved by the local tribal communities.

Phytochemical Analysis

Gardenia gummifera's leaf extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening using acetone and ethanol. The analysis confirmed the presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds, including tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, steroids, and phytosterols, among others. Notably, saponin, carbohydrates, coumarins, and proteins were not detected. These findings suggest the plant's potential for therapeutic applications due to its diverse and abundant phytochemical constituents.

Antioxidant Activity

The in-vitro antioxidant activity of Gardenia gummifera was evaluated using the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The results demonstrated that the water extract of Gardenia gummifera exhibited significantly higher phenolic content and free radical scavenging activity compared to ethanol and acetone extracts. This indicates the plant's substantial antioxidant potential, which could be harnessed for developing natural antioxidant therapies.

Conclusion

The study underscores the importance of documenting traditional knowledge and exploring indigenous medicinal plants like Gardenia gummifera. The plant's phytochemical richness and potent antioxidant activity validate its traditional use and open avenues for developing new natural therapeutic agents. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the bioactive compounds of Gardenia gummifera to fully realize its potential in modern medicine.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is the primary focus of this study?

The study focuses on the ethnobotanical, phytochemical, and in vitro antioxidant activity of Gardenia gummifera Linn. F. from Attappady, Palakkad District, Kerala.

Which areas were surveyed for ethnobotanical data?

The ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Agali, Mukkali, and Anavay villages in the Attappady hills, Palakkad District, Kerala.

What medicinal properties does Gardenia gummifera have?

Gardenia gummifera has several medicinal properties including thermogenic, cardiotonic, carminative, antispasmodic, stimulant, diaphoretic, antihelmintic, antiseptic, and expectorant activities.

What phytochemical compounds were found in Gardenia gummifera?

Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinones, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, steroids, phytosteroids, fats, gum, mucilage, and phytosterol, but not saponin, carbohydrate, coumarin, or proteins.

Which method was used to determine the total phenolic content?

The total phenolic content of Gardenia gummifera extracts was determined using a method from Macdonald et al. with slight modifications and measured at 765 nm.

What was the conclusion of the study regarding Gardenia gummifera?

The study verified the traditional use of Gardenia gummifera for human ailments and partly explained its use in herbal medicine as a rich source of phytochemical and antioxidants, suggesting its potential as a useful drug source.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethnobotanical and Antioxidant Study of Gardenia gummifera from Kerala”. 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:
Refers to antioxidant or biological activity, especially in the context of Gardenia gummifera, which exhibits significant DPPH free radical-scavenging activity, indicating its potential therapeutic benefits.

2) Science (Scientific):
Science: Ethnobotany encompasses the scientific study of the relationships between plants and cultures, including their medicinal, technological, and ceremonial uses, as outlined in the present study.

3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid: A type of phytochemical present in Gardenia gummifera, known for antioxidant activities and potential health benefits, found in high concentrations in the plant's extracts.

4) Medicine:
Medicine: Refers to the traditional and ethnobotanical use of various plants, including Gardenia gummifera, utilized by local healers to treat ailments like skin diseases, cardiac issues, and infections.

5) Knowledge:
The ethnobotanical knowledge collected from local traditional healers and the use of plants like Gardenia gummifera for medicinal purposes, representing invaluable data for biodiversity and drug development.

6) Botany:
Botany: The scientific field concerned with plant study, under which the ethnobotanical and phytochemical evaluation of Gardenia gummifera was carried out by the research department of Kongunadu Arts and Science College.

7) Water:
Water: Used as a solvent in the extraction of bioactive compounds from Gardenia gummifera, demonstrating higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity compared to ethanolic and acetone extracts.

8) Discussion:
Discussion: The section where the findings of the study, such as the ethnobotanical survey results and phytochemical analysis of Gardenia gummifera, are elaborated upon, highlighting the plant's medicinal properties.

9) Swelling:
Swelling: A medical condition treated by various plants listed in the study, including the use of Asparagus recemous (Satavari) which is used to treat burning sensations and other skin conditions.

10) Scorpion:
Refers to scorpion bites, one of the ailments treated with Mangifera indica stem extract as recorded in the ethnobotanical study.

11) Drug:
Drug: Potential therapeutic agents derived from plants such as Gardenia gummifera, which exhibit phytochemical properties and antioxidant activities that could be harnessed for medical treatments.

12) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation: A condition mentioned as treatable using plants like Asparagus recemous (Satavari), highlighting the diverse medicinal applications of plants in the study.

13) Substance:
Substance: Refers to bioactive compounds like tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids found in Gardenia gummifera, which contribute to its potential medicinal properties.

14) Shatavari (Śatāvarī, Satāvarī):
Satavari: The local name for Asparagus recemous, a plant listed in the study known for its medicinal uses, including treating burning sensations and enhancing overall health.

15) Debility:
Debility: A condition of physical weakness treated traditionally using Gardenia gummifera, showcasing its cardiotonic and stimulant properties.

16) Kurumba:
Kurumba: One of the tribal communities in Attappady whose traditional medicinal knowledge was documented in the ethnobotanical survey of plants like Gardenia gummifera.

17) Kasturi (Kastūrī, Kastūri):
Refers to Curcuma aromatic (Kasturi manjal), a medicinal plant identified in the study for treating skin diseases, sprains, bruises, and promoting wound healing.

18) Naranga (Nāraṅga, Narāṅga, Nara-anga, Naramga):
Naranga: The local name for Citrus limon, a plant used in traditional medicine for treating skin disorders, as documented among other ethnomedicinal plants.

19) Habitat:
Habitat: Refers to the natural environment of Gardenia gummifera, commonly found in diverse habitats within the Attappady hills, a region rich in biodiversity.

20) Itching:
Itching: A common skin condition treated using several plants documented in the study, like Lantana camara and Lowsonia inermis, used by local healers for their therapeutic properties.

21) Sindhu (Simdhu):
Refers to S Sindhu, one of the co-authors involved in this study on the ethnobotanical and phytochemical properties of Gardenia gummifera.

22) Camara (Cāmara, Camará):
Refers to Lantana camara, a plant species used in traditional medicine for treating eczema and other skin itches as documented in the study.

23) Bitter:
Bitter: Describes the resin of Gardenia gummifera, which has therapeutic properties including being antispasmodic and cardiotonic, used to treat various ailments.

24) Culli (Cullī, Cuḷḷi):
Chulli: The local name for Sebastiania chamaelea, an ethnomedicinal herb used to treat skin itches, as recorded in the survey of traditional uses within the Attappady region.

25) Kapha:
One of the doshas in traditional Indian medicine, imbalance of which is treated using herbal remedies including Gardenia gummifera, known for its use against kapha-related disorders.

26) Veppu:
Veppu: The local name for Azadirachta indica (Neem), a widely-used medicinal plant known for its broad range of applications including treating scars and skin ailments.

27) Acrid:
Acrid: A taste descriptor for Gardenia gummifera resin, which has medicinal properties such as being carminative and antispasmodic, traditionally used in various treatments.

28) Kara (Kārā, Kāra, Kaṟa, Kaṟā):
Kara: The local name for Catunaregam spinosa, a plant used for treating scabies and as a leach repellent, mentioned in the traditional medicinal practices of the studied communities.

29) Nila (Nīlā, Nīḷa, Nīla):
Refers to Naregamia alata, also known as Nila Naragam, an herb used in traditional medicine for treating contagious skin disorders and itching.

30) Pala (Palā, Pāla):
Pala: Refers to Alstonia scholaris, a tree used in traditional remedies for skin louse infestations, among other medicinal uses documented in the ethnobotanical study.

31) Worm:
Refers to worm infestation, a condition treated using Gardenia gummifera leaf extract, which is employed in traditional medicine for its vermifuge properties.

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ethnobotanical and Antioxidant Study of Gardenia gummifera from Kerala’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

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