Biochemical screening of anti-diabetic plants in SE Rajasthan, India.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: In vivo preliminary biochemical screening of ethno anti-diabetic plants deployed in south-east rajasthan (india)
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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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The study conducted by Asha Arora and Vinita Paliwal focused on the preliminary biochemical screening of various ethnomedicinal plants with hypoglycemic activity utilized in South-East Rajasthan, India. This research aimed to validate traditional knowledge and methods with scientific procedures. A survey identified 25 plants based on their fidelity levels, which led to the execution of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on Wistar rats. The efficacy of these plants was compared with glibenclamide (GBS), a standard diabetic medication, to understand their potential in managing diabetes using the body’s glucose handling capabilities.
Efficacy of Ethnomedicinal Plants
Several plants demonstrated significant hypoglycemic effects during the study, notably Aerva lanata, Andrographis paniculata, Catharanthus roseus, Citrullus colocynthis, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, and Gymnema sylvestre. These plants showed a reduction in blood glucose levels comparable to the reference drug GBS when subjected to OGTT. The glucose levels validated the plants' roles in controlling hyperglycemia, observed through the percent variation in glucose levels concerning both initial time and reference drug outcomes. The effectiveness of these plants presents a promising lead for their potential use in diabetes management.
Influence of Ethnomedicinal Use and Plant Fidelity
The study highlights the significance of fidelity level as a metric of a plant's therapeutic value within tribal communities. High fidelity levels indicate frequent medicinal use by different ethnic groups, thereby suggesting a tradition of reliance on specific plants for treating diabetes. Interestingly, however, some plants with high fidelity levels did not exhibit significant hypoglycemic activities in vivo, such as Aloe barbadensis. This discrepancy suggests that while traditional usage supports a plant's therapeutic potential, further pharmacological validation is essential.
Mechanisms of Hypoglycemic Activity
The research suggested various biochemical mechanisms by which the tested plants exert anti-hyperglycemic effects. These may include stimulating pancreatic beta-cell activity, enhancing insulin sensitivity, inhibiting intestinal glucose absorption, or increasing peripheral glucose utilization. This diverse range of mechanisms emphasizes the complex interactions within the body's glucose regulation and establishes a foundation for further investigation into how these plants can be designed into effective treatments for diabetes.
Conclusion
The findings articulate the potential of traditional ethnomedicinal plants as viable alternatives or supplements in managing Type II diabetes. With certain plants demonstrating significant hypoglycemic effects, the study supports the incorporation of such herbs into modern therapeutic frameworks. However, it simultaneously underscores the necessity for rigorous scientific validation to confirm the efficacy and safety of these plants before they can be developed into standardized treatments. The research advocates for a synergistic approach, merging traditional knowledge with modern scientific rigor to harness the full therapeutic potential of ethnomedicinal practices.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Asha Arora and Vinita Paliwal
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: In vivo preliminary biochemical screening of ethno anti-diabetic plants deployed in south-east rajasthan (india)
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the aim of the ethno-medicinal survey in Rajasthan?
The aim was to evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of various plants used traditionally in South-East Rajasthan for treating diabetes, selecting 25 plants based on their fidelity level for further screening.
How was the biochemical screening conducted for selected plants?
The screening was conducted using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) on Wistar rats, with different plant extracts administered before glucose loading. Blood glucose levels were measured at specific intervals.
What reference drug was used in this study for comparison?
Glibenclamide (GBS) was used as a reference drug to evaluate and compare the efficacy of the plant extracts in reducing blood glucose levels after glucose loading.
Which plants showed significant hypoglycemic effects according to the study?
Plants like Aerva lanata, Andrographis paniculata, Catharanthus roseus, Citrullus colocynthis, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba, and Gymnema sylvestre exhibited significant hypoglycemic effects based on the OGTT results.
What methodology was used for assessing blood glucose levels?
Blood samples taken at intervals were analyzed using the glucose oxidase and peroxidase (GOD/POD) method, allowing for comparison of glucose levels pre- and post-treatment with the plant extracts.
What conclusion can be drawn about the use of traditional plants?
Not all widely cited ethno-medicinal plants showed hypoglycemic effects. Only specific plants, such as Andrographis paniculata and Gymnema sylvestre, were recommended for further clinical research.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Biochemical screening of anti-diabetic plants in SE Rajasthan, India.”. 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) Drug:
A drug refers to any substance used in the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. In the context of this research, it refers specifically to those substances derived from plants that may have hypoglycemic properties, potentially serving as alternatives or complements to conventional medications for diabetes management.
2) Blood:
Blood plays a crucial role in the study as it is the medium through which glucose levels are measured. The research's effectiveness in evaluating the hypoglycemic potential of various plants is assessed by observing changes in blood glucose levels following the administration of glucose and plant extracts.
3) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a state in India where the study was conducted. Its ethnobotanical resources and traditional medicinal practices provide a rich source for investigating indigenous plants used for managing diabetes, highlighting the importance of local knowledge and its relevance in modern pharmacological research.
4) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects observed after administering plant extracts, specifically regarding their ability to lower blood glucose levels. This study assesses the hypoglycemic activity of various ethno-medicinal plants, providing insights into their potential therapeutic use in diabetes.
5) Costus:
Costus refers to the genus of plants studied in the research, specifically Costus speciosus. This plant is evaluated for its anti-hyperglycemic properties, contributing to the understanding of how various flora can be leveraged for medicinal purposes within the local context of diabetes management.
6) Phyllanthus emblica:
Phyllanthus emblica, also known as Indian gooseberry, is one of the plants assessed for its potential anti-diabetic properties. Its usage in traditional medicine makes it relevant for this study, providing empirical data on its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels in vivo.
7) Dalbergia sissoo:
Dalbergia sissoo, commonly known as Indian rosewood, is another plant evaluated in the context of hypoglycemic effects. Its selection indicates the significance of traditional uses of plants, as this species is often mentioned in local medicinal practices for managing diabetes symptoms.
8) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the study of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. This research contributes to the field of complementary and alternative medicine by validating the efficacy of traditional remedies derived from plants used in the management of diabetes mellitus.
9) Sissoo:
Sissoo is a common name for Dalbergia sissoo, which is included in the study as a potential anti-diabetic plant. Its significance lies in local herbal practices, drawing attention to the need for scientific validation of traditional medicines based on local biodiversity.
10) India:
India's diverse ethnobotanical practices and rich herbal heritage provide a unique backdrop for the research. The study aims to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological evaluation, highlighting the significance of indigenous plants in healthcare contexts.
11) Table:
In this research, tables are used to present data systematically, summarizing findings on blood glucose levels in various experimental groups. This format aids in comparing the efficacy of different plant extracts on glucose regulation, enhancing transparency and clarity in the results.
12) Study (Studying):
The study aims to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of selected ethno-medicinal plants through in vivo experiments. This research underscores the importance of documenting and scientifically analyzing traditional knowledge to discover potential alternative therapies for diabetes management.
13) Sugar:
Sugar refers to glucose, a vital energy source for the body and a key measure in diabetes studies. The research focuses on the regulation of blood sugar levels following the administration of plant extracts, thereby assessing their medicinal value in controlling diabetes.
14) Asparagus racemosus:
Asparagus racemosus, known as Shatavari, is evaluated in the study for its potential anti-diabetic effects. Its inclusion reflects the research's aim to explore a range of plants that have traditional uses in managing diabetes and their pharmacological validation.
15) Udaipur (Udaypur):
Udaipur is the city where the research was conducted, located in Rajasthan, India. This locality is significant due to its rich biodiversity and traditional practices, making it an ideal site for studying ethno-medicinal plants used in diabetes management.
16) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. This research aims to explore the pharmacological properties of various plants to validate their medicinal claims and identify potential treatments for diabetes.
17) Aegle marmelos:
Aegle marmelos, known as bael, is one of the plants investigated for its hypoglycemic properties. Its traditional use in herbal medicine illustrates the importance of understanding how specific plants can be scientifically assessed for health benefits.
18) Field:
Field studies involve the observation of plants in their natural habitat, guiding the selection of specimens for analysis. This aspect of the research emphasizes the ethnobotanical methodology used to document local knowledge and practices regarding diabetes management.
19) Asha (Asa, Asa, Asa, Asa, Asa, Asa, Asa):
Asha, one of the authors of the research, signifies the scholarly contribution to the field of ethno-pharmacology. Her involvement in the study highlights the collaborative efforts in exploring traditional knowledge and its integration into modern science.
20) Line:
Line often refers to a lineage or continuity in research. In this context, it may suggest the ongoing exploration of traditional practices through scientific inquiry, bridging the gap between historical use of plants and contemporary pharmaceutical application.
21) Climatic diversity:
Climatic diversity in Rajasthan influences the availability of various plant species utilized in traditional medicine. This aspect is significant for understanding the variability in the effectiveness of different plants in managing diabetes symptoms across different environments.
22) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation refers to the process of converting traditional medicinal practices into clinically validated treatments. The study seeks to explore how indigenous knowledge can be effectively transformed into reliable pharmaceutical options for diabetes control.
23) Calculation:
Calculation pertains to the statistical analysis performed on the data collected during the study. Accurate calculations are essential to determine the significance of the results and validate the hypoglycemic efficacy of the various plant extracts tested.
24) Observation:
Observation is a critical aspect of scientific research, involving monitoring the effects of treatments on biological subjects. In this study, careful observation of blood glucose levels after plant extract administration provides insight into their potential therapeutic effects.
25) Performance:
Performance refers to the efficacy outcomes observed during the study. By evaluating how different plants affect blood glucose levels, the research assesses the performance of traditional medicines in regulating diabetes.
26) Discussion:
The discussion section interprets the results obtained, providing insights into the implications of the findings. It contextualizes the study within the broader field of pharmacology and traditional medicine, highlighting both the potential and limitations of the investigated plants.
27) Developing:
The term developing refers to nations or regions focused on improving their healthcare systems and enhancing accessibility to medicinal treatments. This research is particularly relevant in developing areas where traditional medicine plays a significant role in local health management.
28) Science (Scientific):
Scientific inquiry involves systematic investigation based on observations and experiments. The research utilizes scientific methodologies to validate the efficacy of traditional medicines, emphasizing the importance of rigorous testing and evidence in healthcare.
29) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding of plant properties and their applications in medicine. This study aims to document and explore local knowledge of ethno-medicinal practices, ensuring that valuable insights are integrated into scientific research.
30) Channel:
Channel may refer to the mechanisms through which glucose levels in the body are regulated. Understanding these channels is essential in explaining how certain plant extracts exert their effects on blood sugar levels.
31) Quality:
Quality relates to the standards of the plants and extracts used in the study. Ensuring high quality of herbal materials is crucial for achieving reliable results and validating the hypoglycemic effects observed during the experiments.
32) Forest:
Forests are vital ecosystems that house a diverse range of plant species. This study underlines the importance of forested areas in providing plant resources that can be explored for their medicinal properties, particularly in regions like Rajasthan.
33) Family:
Family refers to the taxonomic classification of plants. Understanding the botanical family of each species studied helps contextualize their potential medicinal properties and effects, contributing to the comparative analysis among different plants.
34) Animal:
Animal models, specifically Wistar rats in this study, are utilized for testing the effects of plant extracts. The use of animal subjects is critical for exploring the physiological responses and validating the hypoglycemic effects observed before potential human application.
35) Powder:
Powder refers to the form in which plant materials are prepared for extraction. The grinding of plant parts into powder facilitates the extraction of active compounds, which are then analyzed for their biological activity and medicinal potential.
36) Botany:
Botany is the study of plants, including their biology, taxonomy, and ecology. This research contributes to the field of botany by documenting the therapeutic uses of local flora in Rajasthan, linking botanical knowledge with clinical applications.
37) Water:
Water is essential for the preparation of aqueous extracts from plant materials. The role of water in this research highlights its importance as a solvent in extracting phytochemicals that may be responsible for the hypoglycemic properties of the tested plants.
38) Mina:
Mina refers to one of the tribal groups in Rajasthan. This ethnic diversity enriches the study by providing insights into the traditional knowledge systems related to the use of plants for managing diabetes within different cultural contexts.
39) Beta:
Beta often relates to beta cells in the pancreas, responsible for insulin production. This research considers the implications of plant extracts on the activity of such cells, providing insights into their potential to enhance insulin sensitivity or secretion.
40) Bhil:
Bhil is another ethnic group residing in Rajasthan, known for its traditional medicinal knowledge. This study recognizes the contributions of various tribal communities, including the Bhils, in using local plants for health management, particularly diabetes.
41) Food:
Food plays a significant role in the management of diabetes. The study examines how certain plants, traditionally consumed or used as food, can contribute to blood sugar regulation and overall health, reflecting the integrated approach to diet and medicine.
42) Wall:
Wall could metaphorically represent the barriers between traditional and scientific knowledge. The research aims to break down these barriers by validating traditional practices through scientific methods, fostering a collaborative approach to health care and medicinal plant research.
43) Post:
Post refers to the time period after the glucose load, during which blood glucose levels are measured. The timing of these observations is critical for assessing the effectiveness of the plant extracts in regulating blood sugar levels.