Antitumour Activity of Poochendurappattai in Albino Rats in Albino Rats
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Antitumour Activity of Poochendurappattai in Albino Rats in Albino Rats
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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Muzaffer Alam, S Joy, T. Susan, P. Brindha, A. Saraswathy
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Antitumour Activity of Poochendurappattai in Albino Rats in Albino Rats
Year: 2000
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Poochendurappattai, scientifically known as Plectranthes urtricifolius Hook.f, belongs to the Labiatae family and has historical significance in Siddha medicine. This traditional remedy is commonly formulated into Arakkutthailam, which comprises 24 ingredients aimed at treating various health issues, including blood ailments, pain, respiratory conditions, gum inflammation, cough, and fevers. Phytochemical investigations of Poochendurappattai have revealed the presence of compounds such as royaleanones, known for their anticancer properties. The study aimed to evaluate the antitumour activity of Poochendurappattai using a water extract in albino rats affected by methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma.
Antitumour Activity of Poochendurappattai
The study's findings indicated significant antitumour effects at doses of 10 mg and 20 mg/kg body weight, showing a regression of tumor weight by 63% after treatment. The rats were divided into control and treated groups, with the latter receiving varying doses—from 5 mg to 50 mg—of the extract. The results demonstrated that the lower doses (10 mg and 20 mg) were effective early in the treatment, although at higher doses (50 mg), no antitumour activity was observed. The initial regression at these lower doses is attributed to the action of the drug on an actively developing tumor, while the lack of effect at higher doses may suggest the drug’s poor permeability into the tumor at elevated concentrations. The presence of royaleanones is posited as a contributing agent to the observed anticancer activity through its possible mechanisms as an antimetabolite.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of Poochendurappattai as a traditional treatment with promising antitumour activity, corroborating the use of this herb in Siddha medicine. The observed antitumour effects, particularly at specific doses, suggest the need for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and the roles of phytochemical components like royaleanones. Such findings may provide a foundation for integrating traditional remedies with modern medical practices in cancer treatment, thereby promoting a holistic approach to healthcare.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the antitumour activity of Poochendurappattai?
Poochendurappattai extract showed significant antitumour activity in albino rats. At doses of 10 mg and 20 mg/kg body weight, there was a 63% regression in tumour weight, indicating its potential efficacy against fibrosarcoma.
What compounds are present in Poochendurappattai?
Phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of royaleanones, n-octacosanol, compesterol, betulinic acid, and oleanolic acid. Royaleanones are specifically noted for their anticancer properties, which may contribute to the extract’s observed antitumour activity.
How was the extract of Poochendurappattai prepared?
A 10 g coarsely powdered bark of Poochendurappattai was boiled in 50 ml of water for half an hour. The extract was then filtered, dried on a water bath, yielding a reddish-brown dried mass of 9.6%.
What methodology was used for the antitumour screening?
Wistar strain male rats were inoculated with fibrosarcoma and divided into groups receiving varying doses of the extract. Tumour weight was measured at different intervals to assess the regression percentage in comparison to the control group.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Antitumour Activity of Poochendurappattai in Albino Rats in Albino Rats”. 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:
In the context of scientific studies, 'activity' refers to the measurable effect of a substance, in this case, the antitumor efficacy of the poochendurappattai extract. The study records the degree of tumor regression in various dosage groups, highlighting the extract's potential to affect biological functions and contribute to cancer treatment.
2) Drug:
A 'drug' is a substance used to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. In this study, poochendurappattai extract is examined for its therapeutic properties, specifically its antitumor effects in albino rats. Its efficacy as a natural drug for cancer treatment is a critical focus of the research.
3) Siddha (Siddhā):
Siddha is an ancient system of medicine originating in South India, emphasizing natural therapies and holistic healing. Poochendurappattai is identified as a component in Siddha medicine, showing the cultural significance and traditional practices in the treatment of ailments, including the use of plant extracts for their health benefits.
4) Ayurveda (Āyurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, aims at achieving balance between body, mind, and spirit. Although not the focus of this study, Ayurveda encompasses herbal treatments akin to poochendurappattai, demonstrating the historical and cultural frameworks within which various medicinal approaches, like Siddha, are situated.
5) Water:
Water serves as a solvent and medium in the preparation of herbal extracts, like that of poochendurappattai. The use of water ensures the extraction of bioactive compounds, facilitating their delivery and bioavailability in therapeutic applications, which is crucial for evaluating the efficacy of any medicinal plant.
6) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds derived from plants, which contribute to their therapeutic effects. The study identifies several phytochemicals in poochendurappattai, including royaleanones, providing a biochemical basis for the observed antitumor activity and highlighting the importance of understanding plant chemistry in developing natural treatments.
7) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section interprets the experimental results, analyzing the significance of the findings related to poochendurappattai’s antitumor effects. This part synthesizes data, explores mechanisms of action, and contextualizes the research within broader scientific inquiries, emphasizing critical thinking in evaluating treatment potentials.
8) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. The research on poochendurappattai exemplifies the application of scientific methods in exploring herbal medicine, providing empirical evidence of its therapeutic properties in treating tumors.
9) Cancer:
Cancer is a class of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. This study directly addresses cancer research by assessing the antitumor activity of poochendurappattai extracts on induced fibrosarcoma in rats, highlighting the significance of natural compounds in combating malignancies and contributing to cancer therapy.
10) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. This research contributes to pharmacological knowledge by evaluating how poochendurappattai interacts with cancer cells, elucidating its potential mechanisms of action and encouraging further exploration of herbal remedies within the pharmacological landscape.
11) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical substances to treat cancer, often employing agents that target rapidly dividing cells. The findings from this study could inform alternative or complementary approaches to conventional chemotherapy, extending the potential of natural compounds in enhancing cancer treatment strategies.
12) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, often linked to tumor progression. The study notes anti-inflammatory activity associated with poochendurappattai, suggesting that its therapeutic properties may extend beyond antitumor effects, implicating potential roles in managing inflammation related to cancer pathology.
13) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing illness. The investigation of poochendurappattai extracts situates it within medicinal research, emphasizing the importance of herbal remedies as viable treatment options in traditional and modern medical practices, thus enriching the field.
14) Arogya (Ārogya):
Arogya translates to health and well-being in Sanskrit and is a concept central to traditional Indian medicine. This term reflects the holistic approach of Siddha and Ayurveda, underpinning the belief in restoring balance as a pathway to maintain health, relevant to the therapeutic exploration of poochendurappattai.
15) Dasa (Dāsa, Daśā, Dasā, Daśa, Dāśa, Daśan, Dasha, Dashan):
Dasan refers to a person, often a devotee or follower, in a spiritual context. Here it can denote a connection to traditional wisdom in medicinal practices. Although an indirect term in this context, it bridges cultural practices with healing methodologies, demonstrating the importance of tradition in herbal medicine.
16) Blood:
Blood is often a focal point in health-related discussions as it is integral to physiological functions and disease processes. In the framework of Siddha medicine, the use of poochendurappattai in treating blood disorders illustrates the interconnectedness of plant-based therapies with systemic health considerations.