Phytochemical and pharmacological activities of tribulus terrestris l.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Phytochemical and pharmacological activities of tribulus terrestris l.
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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Dr. R. Manonmani and Dr. M. Revathi
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Phytochemical and pharmacological activities of tribulus terrestris l.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr20237-27974
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Tribulus terrestris L. is a prominent shrub from the Zygophyllaceae family, renowned for its traditional medicinal uses in various cultures. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical constituents, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activities of extracts from the leaves of T. terrestris using ethanol, chloroform, and aqueous solvents. Prior research has highlighted the shrub's reputation as a folk medicine for numerous ailments, prompting a scientific investigation to substantiate its efficacy and potential applications in herbal medicine.
Phytochemical Constituents
Phytochemical screening of the T. terrestris extracts revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds. The qualitative analysis showed that all extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, among other secondary metabolites. Quantitatively, the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined, with the ethanol extract (EAI) exhibiting the highest levels—212.36 mg/g and 85.69 mg/g, respectively. This indicates that the extracts are rich in phenolic compounds, which are pivotal in imparting antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, further endorsing the use of T. terrestris in traditional medicine.
Antioxidant Activity
The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, which measures the ability to inhibit free radicals. The EAI demonstrated the most significant protective capacity, with an IC50 value of 25.11 µg/ml, signifying robust antioxidant potential. In contrast, the aqueous extract (AAI) displayed a higher IC50 value of 50.11 µg/ml, indicating a weaker efficacy in scavenging free radicals. These findings point towards the potential of ethanol extracts to serve as natural antioxidants, potentially replacing synthetic variants which may pose health risks.
Antimicrobial Activity
The antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was evaluated through the agar diffusion method across several concentrations (125, 250, and 500 µg/ml). The results depicted that both EAI and chloroform extract (CAI) exhibited substantial antibacterial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with clearly defined zones of inhibition. Notably, AAI showed no antimicrobial activity, even at the highest concentration tested. The relative effectiveness of the extracts further emphasizes the potential therapeutic applications of Tribulus terrestris in combating microbial infections.
Conclusion
This study corroborates the traditional use of Tribulus terrestris as a medicinal plant by demonstrating significant phytochemical content, potent antioxidant activities, and measurable antibacterial effects. The findings underscore the importance of this shrub in herbal medicine and justify further research into isolating its active compounds for potential therapeutic applications. Overall, T. terrestris presents a promising avenue for the development of natural health products contributing to the prevention and treatment of various ailments.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main focus of the study on Tribulus terrestris?
The study investigates the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Tribulus terrestris, aiming to support its significance in traditional medicine.
What extracts were prepared for the experiments conducted?
Ethanol, chloroform, and aqueous extracts of Tribulus terrestris leaves were prepared to examine their phytochemical properties and bioactivity.
How was the antioxidant activity measured in the study?
Antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH radical scavenging assay, determining the IC50 values across different extract concentrations.
Which extract showed the highest total phenolic content?
The ethanol extract of Tribulus terrestris exhibited the highest total phenolic content, measured at 212.36 mg/g gallic acid equivalent.
What was the result of the antimicrobial activity study?
The ethanol extract showed significant antibacterial activity, while the aqueous extract demonstrated no inhibition against bacteria at 500 µg/ml.
What phytochemicals were identified in Tribulus terrestris extracts?
The extracts contained a variety of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical and pharmacological activities of tribulus terrestris l.”. 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) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are natural compounds produced by plants, often with significant health benefits. They can exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities among others. Research into phytochemicals helps elucidate their role in traditional medicine and supports the search for natural remedies for modern diseases.
2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects, such as antioxidant or antimicrobial effects, that extracts of plants can have on living organisms. The evaluation of these activities can help establish the efficacy of plant materials in treating various health conditions, driving interest in herbal remedies and natural products.
3) Tribulus terrestris:
Tribulus terrestris is a plant species belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its potential therapeutic properties, including the treatment of various ailments. Studying its phytochemical composition and biological activities is essential for understanding its medicinal benefits and applications.
4) Table:
In scientific research, tables are used to present data in an organized manner, allowing for easier comparison and interpretation. The tables included in the study provide clear information on phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial activities of the extracts from Tribulus terrestris, facilitating a better understanding of its properties.
5) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are types of phytochemicals that play a crucial role in plant pigmentation and protection. They are noted for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The measurement of flavonoid content in Tribulus terrestris is essential for validating its use in traditional medicine.
6) Medicine:
Medicines are substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. The investigation of traditional remedies, such as those derived from Tribulus terrestris, contributes to the understanding of their efficacy and potential integration into modern healthcare systems as alternative or complementary therapies.
7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial refers to the ability of a substance to inhibit the growth of bacteria or kill them. The antibacterial activity of plant extracts, such as those from Tribulus terrestris, is essential for identifying natural alternatives to synthetic antibiotics, which are facing increased resistance levels.
8) Container:
A container, in the context of this study, refers to the receptacle used for extracting and storing plant materials. The type of container may affect the extraction process, and using appropriate containers is crucial for preserving the integrity of phytochemicals during research.
9) Powder:
In this context, powder refers to the processed form of dried plant material used for extracting phytochemicals. The grinding of plant leaves into powder is a common method in herbal preparations, facilitating easier extraction of active compounds for evaluation in pharmacological studies.
10) Sugar:
In plant studies, reducing sugars often refer to simple carbohydrates that can be analyzed to understand the nutritional and biological properties of the extracts. The presence of sugars can influence the overall efficacy and acceptability of herbal remedies in traditional and modern medicine.
11) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil Nadu is a state in southern India known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional medicine practices. The study of plants like Tribulus terrestris in Tamil Nadu reflects the local biodiversity and the historical use of plants for treating various ailments within the region's culture.
12) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus is a Gram-positive bacterium significant in clinical microbiology due to its role in various infections. Testing extracts from Tribulus terrestris against this bacterium provides insights into the antimicrobial efficacy of the plant and its potential role in treating bacterial infections.
13) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, focusing on their structure, properties, and biochemical processes. The exploration of Tribulus terrestris in a botanical context is essential for understanding its classifications, growth habits, and ecological significance, along with its pharmacological potentials.
14) Water:
Water is a solvent commonly used in extracting phytochemicals from plant material, often compared with other solvents like ethanol and chloroform. The effectiveness of water in extracting active components from Tribulus terrestris is investigated to establish optimal methods for traditional and medicinal use.
15) Tamil:
Tamil refers to both the language spoken in Tamil Nadu and the cultural aspects of the Tamil people. The tradition of utilizing medicinal plants like Tribulus terrestris is deeply rooted in Tamil culture, reflecting the historical reliance on natural remedies for health and wellness.
16) Nadu:
Nadu, in the context of Tamil Nadu, refers to a region defined by its distinct cultural and historical identity. The state's practices of herbal medicine using local flora, including plants like Tribulus terrestris, highlight the significance of regional biodiversity in traditional health systems.
17) Food:
Food encompasses the substances consumed by living organisms for nutritional support. The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of plants like Tribulus terrestris have implications for food safety and preservation, potentially providing natural alternatives to synthetic additives in the food industry.
18) Human body:
The human body refers to the complex biological system in which various processes maintain life. Understanding the effects of phytochemicals from plants like Tribulus terrestris on the human body enables the exploration of their roles in health promotion and disease prevention within contemporary medicine.
19) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. Examining the pharmacological effects of extracts from plants such as Tribulus terrestris supports the development of new therapeutic agents derived from natural sources, emphasizing the integration of traditional knowledge with modern science.
20) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific research refers to the section where findings are interpreted and contextualized within existing literature. In this study, the discussion highlights the significance of the results related to the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Tribulus terrestris, guiding future studies and applications.
22) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. Investigating the traditional uses of plants like Tribulus terrestris in treating leprosy reflects the historical reliance on herbal medicine in managing long-standing conditions, guiding future research into effective therapies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Phytochemical and pharmacological activities of tribulus terrestris l.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Tribulus terrestris, Medicinal plant, Traditional medicine, Herbal medicine, Antibacterial activity, Antioxidant activity, Phytochemical screening, Folk medicine, Zone of inhibition, Aqueous extract, Anti-microbial activity, Secondary metabolite, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Chloroform extract, Total flavonoid content, Total phenol content, Ethanol extract, DPPH radical scavenging activity, DPPH radical, Biologically active compound.