Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry

V. Ravichandiran ¹, Sankaradoss Nirmala ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels University. P.V. Vaithiyalingam Road, Velan Nager, Old Pallvaram, Chennai.600117, IN

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is chronic metabolic disorders that affect human body in terms of physical, psychological and social health. It is defined as a group of disorders characterized by hyperglycemia, altered metabolism of lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is expected to reach up to 4.4 % in the world by 2030. Plants are indispensible sources of medicine since time immemorial. Studies on natural products are aimed to determine medicinal values of plants by exploration of existing scientific knowledge, traditional uses, and discovery of potential chemotherapeutic agents. Phytochemicals are used as templates for lead optimization programs, which are intended to make safe and effective drugs. . In this regard, plants provide the best option for search of desired safe and effective medications. Since ancient times, plants have been an exemplary source of medicine. Various plants have been found to possess significant anti-diabetic property after their preclinical and clinical evaluation. This present review presents the profiles of plants with hypoglycaemic properties reported in the earlier literatures. Use of these plants may delay the development of diabetic complications and can correct the metabolic abnormalities through variety of mechanisms. Moreover, during the past few years many phytoconstituents responsible for anti-diabetic effects have been isolated from plants. . Moreover, during the past few years some of the new bioactive drugs isolated from hypoglycaemic plants showed antidiabetic activity with more efficacy than oral hypoglycaemic agents used in clinical therapy.

Keywords

Diabetes, Phytoconstituents, Plants, Natural Medicine.

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Malarkodi Velraj ¹, Ranjit Singh ², B. Rathore ², V. Ravichandiran ², S. Jayakumari ², Sanjay Ragala ²

Affiliations
1 Vels University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, Old Pallavaram, Chennai-116, IN
2 Vels University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacognosy, Old Pallavaram, Chennai-116, IN

Abstract

Madhuca indica J.F.G. mel belongs to the family "Sapotaceae". It is a much valued herbal medicine used for Rheumatism, Ulcers, itches, bleeding, spongy gums, tonsillitis and diabetes mellitus. The present study report its anatomical, microscopical, quantitative characters, powder microscopy, histochemical, fluorescence analysis, physiochemical standards, preliminary phytochemical standards and thin layer chromatography. The study revealed important diagnostic character which can be used for identification of the plant.

Keywords

Madhuca indica, Transverse Longitudinal Section, Radial Longitudinal Section.

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Malarkodi Velraj ¹, Mahendra Singh ², V. Ravichandiran ², S. Jayakumari ², A. Vijayalakshmi ², Sanjay Ragela ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Pharmacognosy, Vels College of Pharmacy, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, IN
2 Department of Pharmacognosy, Vels College of Pharmacy, Pallavaram, Chennai-600 117, IN

Abstract

In the present study, coarse powder of Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott. fruit was extracted successively using hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and 50% ethanol. The ethyl acetate and 50% ethanolic extracts were investigated for its antioxidant activity by using nitric oxide and DPPH radical scavenging methods. The IC₅₀ value was also calculated. Ascorbic acid was used as a standard. Both 50% ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract were found to exert concentration dependent free radical scavenging activity but former extract was more effective than the later on. The highest free radical scavenging activity by Scindapsus officinalis fruit extracts was observed at concentration of 1000 μg/ml.

Keywords

Scindapsus officinalis (Roxb.) Schott., Antioxidant, Free Radicals, IC₅₀ Value.

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Malarkodi Velraj ¹, A. Vijayalakshmi ², S. Jayakumari ², S. Ramamoorthy ², V. Ravichandiran ², J. Srikanth ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacognosy, Vels School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels University, Pallavaram, Chennai–117, Tamil Nadu, IN
2 Department of Pharmacognosy, Vels School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vels University, Pallavaram, Chennai-117, Tamil Nadu, IN
3 Department of Pharmacology, Sri Ramachandra College of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra University, Porur, Chennai-600116, Tamilnadu, IN

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Albizzia lebbeck leaves in various animal depression models. The alcoholic extract (70% v/v ethanol) of Albizzia lebbeck leaves (200 and 400 mg/kg. p.o) was administered once daily for seven successive days to separate groups of young male swiss albino mice. The immobility periods of control and treated mice were recorded in two behavioral despair models forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST) and the effect of extract on locomotor function of mice was studied using actophotometer. The antidepressant-like effect of tested drug was compared to that of imipramine (15 mg/kg. p.o) and fluoxetine (20mg/kg.p.o). The leaf extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg significantly decreased the duration of immobility time in a dose dependent manner in both FST and TST.

The extract did not show significant effect on locomotor activity of mice. The efficacy of tested extract was found to be comparable to that of imipramine and fluoxetine. Our results suggested that the ethanolic extract of Albizzia lebbeck leaves exerts antidepressant-like effect.

Keywords

Albizzia lebbeck, Depression, Forced Swim Test, Tail Suspension Test.

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