Phytochemical evaluation and antidiabetic activity of Ficus racemosa.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Evaluation of potent phytochemicals and antidiabetic activity of ficus racemosa linn
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.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
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.
Jayashree Sethuraman, Harini Nehru, Kumaran Shanmugam and Purushothaman Balakrishnan
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Evaluation of potent phytochemicals and antidiabetic activity of ficus racemosa linn
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201715-10140
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The research paper evaluates the antidiabetic properties and phytochemical composition of Ficus racemosa, a perennial tree in the Moraceae family, commonly used in traditional Indian medicine. This plant has a history of treating various ailments including diabetes, and the study focuses on assessing its antioxidant capacity and potential mechanisms for lowering blood glucose levels. Various assays were conducted to determine the presence of phytochemicals, investigate the plant's antioxidant properties, and explore its effects on glucose metabolism.
Phytochemical Analysis
One of the key findings of the study is the identification of several phytochemicals present in the methanol extract of Ficus racemosa leaves. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, proteins, and coumarins, among other compounds. This indicates that Ficus racemosa contains bioactive components that contribute to its medicinal properties. The identification of these compounds is significant, as they could have synergistic effects in promoting health and combating diseases, including diabetes.
Antioxidant Capacity
The study also measured the antioxidant activity of Ficus racemosa using several assays, including DPPH radical scavenging, total antioxidant capacity, and reducing power assays. Results demonstrated that the plant extract exhibited a strong antioxidant potential, which was comparable to standard antioxidants like ascorbic acid. The ability to scavenge free radicals suggests that Ficus racemosa may play a role in preventing oxidative stress, a condition often associated with chronic diseases, including diabetes. Thus, the antioxidant properties of this plant could contribute to its antidiabetic effects.
Glucose Metabolism
Another crucial aspect of the research focused on the effects of Ficus racemosa on glucose metabolism through glucose diffusion and uptake assays, as well as α-amylase inhibition. The findings indicated that the methanol extract of F. racemosa significantly inhibited glucose movement across membranes and enhanced glucose uptake in yeast cells. Additionally, the extract inhibited α-amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starches into sugars, further contributing to its potential antidiabetic action. These results suggest that F. racemosa may help in regulating blood sugar levels through multiple mechanisms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study highlights the significant antidiabetic potential of Ficus racemosa due to its rich phytochemical profile and various pharmacological activities. The findings support the traditional use of this plant in treating diabetes and suggest that further research could explore its application in modern medicine as a natural remedy for blood sugar regulation. The combined antioxidant and glucose-lowering activities reinforce the therapeutic value of F. racemosa, indicating its promising role in disease management. Future studies may pave the way for the development of herbal-based treatments for diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Ficus racemosa and its traditional uses?
Ficus racemosa is a tree in the Moraceae family, used in Indian traditional medicine to treat ailments like dysentery, diabetes, and wounds, and exhibits various pharmacological activities.
What phytochemicals are present in Ficus racemosa?
Phytochemical screening of Ficus racemosa reveals the presence of terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, and coumarins, which contribute to its medicinal properties.
How was the methanol extract of Ficus racemosa prepared?
The methanol extract was prepared by extracting 50g of powdered Ficus racemosa leaves with 90% methanol in a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 hours, followed by boiling to obtain a viscous liquid.
What assays were performed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity?
The study evaluated antidiabetic activity through glucose diffusion, glucose uptake, α-amylase inhibition, and various antioxidant assays, demonstrating the extract's potential in managing blood glucose levels.
What were the findings of the DPPH radical scavenging activity?
The DPPH radical scavenging activity of Ficus racemosa increased significantly with higher extract concentrations, indicating its potent antioxidant properties.
What conclusion was drawn from the study's results?
The study concluded that Ficus racemosa possesses significant antidiabetic activity due to its phytochemical composition and can be further explored for treating diabetes and related diseases.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Phytochemical evaluation and antidiabetic activity of Ficus racemosa.”. 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 bioactive compounds found in plants that contribute to their medicinal properties. The study focuses on the evaluation of these substances in Ficus racemosa, revealing their potential benefits in treating diseases such as diabetes. Understanding phytochemicals helps in exploring their health-promoting effects and applications in traditional medicine.
2) Activity:
In the context of this study, 'activity' refers to the biological effects exhibited by the methanolic extracts of Ficus racemosa, particularly its anti-diabetic properties. The evaluation of these activities through various assays highlights the plant's potential therapeutic roles and underlines the importance of activity measurement in pharmacological research.
3) Water:
Water is a crucial solvent used in the extraction processes of phytochemicals from plant materials. In this research, water is mentioned during the preparation of extracts and assays, indicating its role in dissolving compounds and facilitating biochemical reactions necessary for determining the efficacy of the plant extracts in various assays.
4) Table:
Tables in scientific research serve as a systematic presentation of data, summarizing key findings, results, and methodologies. In this study, tables summarize qualitative and quantitative analysis of phytochemicals, antioxidant activities, and other significant data, making it easier for readers to grasp and interpret complex information quickly.
5) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals with known antioxidant properties and various health benefits, including anti-diabetic effects. This study investigates the presence of flavonoids in Ficus racemosa, emphasizing their biological importance and potential as therapeutic agents in managing diabetes and other health conditions through natural plant sources.
6) India:
India is the geographic and cultural context of this study, where Ficus racemosa is prominent in traditional medicine. The significance of the plant within Indian ethnomedicine highlights the rich biodiversity and knowledge surrounding indigenous therapeutic practices, promoting further exploration of local flora for health applications in a global context.
7) Study (Studying):
The term 'study' indicates a systematic investigation into the properties and effects of Ficus racemosa. This research aims to evaluate the antidiabetic activity and phytochemical composition of the plant, providing scientific evidence that supports its traditional uses and contributes to the broader field of ethnopharmacology.
8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the study of drug actions and interactions. This research engages with pharmacological principles in assessing the therapeutic potential of Ficus racemosa, focusing on its ability to affect body functions and providing insights into its utility in treating ailments like diabetes through scientifically grounded methods.
9) Thanjavur:
Thanjavur is the location where the research was conducted, serving as the backdrop for collecting Ficus racemosa plants. This location is significant in traditional medicine practices in India, as it has a long history of agricultural and medicinal plant use, making it an appropriate choice for ethnobotanical studies.
10) Tamilnadu (Tamil-nadu):
Tamil-nadu is the official spelling of the state in India known for its cultural and biological diversity. Including this term reinforces the regional context of the study, emphasizing the unique medicinal practices and plant species found in the state that are integral to traditional healing systems.
11) Vallam:
Vallam is a locality within Thanjavur district that was the research site for this study. Its choice reflects local ecological conditions favorable for the growth of medicinal plants like Ficus racemosa, facilitating the study of their bioactive compounds and promoting awareness of local botanical resources.
12) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. This study explores the medicinal applications of Ficus racemosa, emphasizing the importance of plants in developing alternative and complementary therapies, particularly in managing chronic conditions like diabetes within traditional healing frameworks.
13) Disease:
Disease signifies any condition that impairs normal functioning, including chronic illnesses like diabetes, which is a primary focus of this study. Understanding how Ficus racemosa's phytochemicals interact with biological systems offers insights into developing effective disease management strategies through natural products.
14) Family:
Family in this context refers to the taxonomic classification of Ficus racemosa, belonging to the Moraceae family. Recognizing its botanical classification enables researchers to explore related species and their shared characteristics, thus enhancing the understanding of the evolutionary and medicinal significance of the plant within its family.
15) Indian:
Indian denotes the country's cultural heritage and traditional practices, particularly in herbal medicine. This study emphasizes the relevance of Indian traditional knowledge systems that utilize plants like Ficus racemosa for therapeutic purposes, thereby bridging the gap between folk medicine and modern pharmacological research.
16) Tree:
Tree signifies the botanical structure of Ficus racemosa, which is a perennial tree species. Its growth form and ecological presence contribute to its longevity and suitability for sourcing medicinal compounds, illustrating the importance of trees in providing natural resources for health and healing in traditional practices.
17) Adhatoda vasica:
Adhatoda vasica, a medicinal plant studied alongside Ficus racemosa, is recognized for its therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. Including comparative studies with other plants like Adhatoda vasica highlights the diversity of phytochemicals available in the flora, promoting a deeper understanding of their pharmacological potential.
18) Allium sativum:
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, serves as another plant of interest in the realm of phytochemicals and health benefits. Mentioning it in the study emphasizes the broader perspective of herbal research aimed at identifying various plants with antidiabetic and health-promoting properties, expanding the scope of ethnopharmacological studies.
19) Ramalingam:
Ramalingam refers to a contributor or researcher in the study, highlighting the collaborative effort in exploring the medicinal properties of Ficus racemosa. Acknowledging individuals in research publications underscores the importance of teamwork in advancing scientific knowledge and understanding the efficacy of traditional remedies.
20) Discussion:
Discussion in research refers to the section where findings are analyzed, interpreted, and contextualized within existing literature. This part of the paper is essential for understanding how Ficus racemosa's phytochemicals and activities compare to other studied plants and contribute to the body of knowledge regarding herbal medicine's role in disease management.
21) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to the methods and principles used in conducting the research. The study employs rigorous scientific techniques to evaluate Ficus racemosa's potential, reflecting the importance of evidence-based research in validating traditional claims and ensuring the reliability of data presented in medicinal studies.
22) Affection:
Affection, in the context of traditional medicine, may refer to conditions treated by plant remedies, such as bilious affections or ailments impacting digestive health, as noted in the study. This term emphasizes the holistic nature of traditional healing practices, where emotional and physical health are interconnected.
23) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that emphasizes the use of natural therapies and herbal remedies. Recognizing Ayurveda's influence in the study highlights the synergy between traditional knowledge and modern scientific research, advocating for integrating conventional practices into contemporary health paradigms.
24) Shirisha (Sirisa, Shirisa, Sirisha):
Sirisha likely refers to a researcher or co-author associated with this study. Acknowledging contributors by name emphasizes the collaborative nature of scientific research, showcasing the importance of teamwork, and promoting a positive academic environment that encourages exploration of herbal remedies and their applications.
25) Heating:
Heating refers to the process used during the extraction of phytochemicals from plant materials, particularly in preparing the methanolic extract of Ficus racemosa. This physical method is crucial in facilitating the release of active compounds, ensuring maximum yield and efficacy in subsequent bioassays.
26) Species:
Species denotes the specific classification of living organisms, which in this case includes Ficus racemosa. Understanding the unique traits and bioactive compounds of particular species informs their potential application in medicine, underscoring the importance of biodiversity in discovering new therapeutic agents.
27) Siddha:
Siddha is another traditional Indian healing system that employs herbal medicine similar to Ayurveda. Recognizing Siddha in the context of Ficus racemosa's use enhances our understanding of the diverse medicinal traditions of India, promoting greater appreciation for the contributions of indigenous knowledge to health care practices.
28) Harini:
Harini likely refers to one of the contributors or researchers in the study. Citing individuals involved in the research highlights the role of collaborative efforts in advancing the understanding of herbal medicine and encourages recognition of diverse contributions to scientific exploration and discovery.
29) Forest:
Forest represents the natural habitats where many medicinal plants thrive, including Ficus racemosa. These ecosystems are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and providing resources for traditional medicine, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to protect such environments for future health and healing purposes.
30) Powder:
Powder indicates the physical state of the plant material after processing, which is utilized for extracting active compounds. In this study, powdered Ficus racemosa leaves were subjected to extraction processes to evaluate their medicinal properties, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation in herbal medicine research.
31) Tamil:
Tamil refers to the language and culture associated with the Tamil Nadu region. This cultural context enriches the study of medicinal plants like Ficus racemosa as it reflects the traditional knowledge and practices embedded in the Tamil community, fostering a deeper understanding of regional herbal remedies.
32) Blood:
Blood signifies an essential bodily fluid in the context of health and diseases like diabetes. The study’s focus on Ficus racemosa’s anti-diabetic properties relates directly to its potential effects on blood sugar regulation, highlighting the importance of herbal remedies in managing metabolic disorders.
33) Nadu:
Nadu is a suffix often associated with the state of Tamil Nadu, reinforcing its geographic and cultural identity within India. This term further emphasizes the regional significance of traditional practices, local flora, and the medicinal uses of plants like Ficus racemosa in the Tamil Nadu region.
34) Genu:
Genu may refer to a genus in botanical classification, potentially indicating the broader category that Ficus belongs to. Understanding plant classification is vital to studying their properties and applications, as closely related species may share similar phytochemical compositions and therapeutic effects.