Anthelmintic Activity of Rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anthelmintic Activity of Rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn
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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S. K. Behera, T. K. Mohapatra, Vikash Dash
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anthelmintic Activity of Rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn
Year: 2010
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Helminthiasis is a significant health issue affecting a considerable portion of the global population, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The present study focuses on the anthelmintic activity of rhizomes from the plant Nymphaea rubra Linn, using traditional medicine and natural products as alternatives to conventional treatments. Various solvent extracts, including petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol, were prepared through soxhlation, and then their effectiveness was assessed against the adult Indian earthworm, Pheretima posthuma, due to its anatomical similarities to human intestinal roundworms.
2) Anthelmintic Activity of Nymphaea rubra
The research evaluated the anthelmintic activity of the different extracts of Nymphaea rubra Linn, focusing on their potential to induce paralysis and death in earthworms. The methanolic extract demonstrated notably potent activity, showing paralysis within 8 minutes and death within 27 minutes at a concentration of 20 mg/ml. Both methanol and chloroform extracts exhibited a dose-dependent effect, with chloroform extract also performing well compared to the standard drug, Albendazole. In contrast, the petroleum ether extract showed the least activity, taking significantly longer to induce paralysis and death in the test subjects. These findings suggest that Nymphaea rubra Linn could serve as a viable alternative in anthelmintic treatments.
3) Conclusion
The study concluded that Nymphaea rubra Linn possesses substantial anthelmintic properties, particularly in its methanolic extract, which outperformed the standard drug Albendazole in effectiveness. While the chloroform extract also showed promise, the petroleum ether extract was less effective. Hence, further research could be beneficial to fully explore the pharmacological basis and clinical applications of Nymphaea rubra Linn in treating helminth infections, highlighting the need for continued investigation into natural products for medicinal use.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the main purpose of the study on Nymphaea rubra?
The study aims to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn using various solvent extracts and compare their efficacy with a standard drug, Albendazole, to ascertain their potential in treating helminthiasis.
What extraction methods were used for the rhizomes?
Rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra were powdered and subjected to soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. The extracts were then concentrated under vacuum for further testing.
How were the anthelmintic effects measured in the study?
Anthelmintic effects were measured by observing the time taken for paralysis and death of adult Indian earthworms, Pheretima posthuma, after exposure to different concentrations of the plant extracts.
Which extract showed the most potent anthelmintic activity?
The methanol extract of rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn exhibited the most potent anthelmintic activity, demonstrating a quicker onset of paralysis and death compared to chloroform and petroleum ether extracts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anthelmintic Activity of Rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn�. 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:
Activity in this context refers to the effectiveness demonstrated by the extracts of Nymphaea rubra Linn in combating helminthes. The study evaluates the anthelmintic activity by measuring how efficiently these extracts can induce paralysis and death in worms, which is crucial for assessing their potential as effective treatments against parasitic infections.
2) Nymphaea:
Nymphaea rubra Linn, commonly known as the red water lily, is a key subject of the study. Its rhizomes are scrutinized for their traditional medicinal properties, particularly their antifungal and anthelmintic capabilities. Understanding Nymphaea's biological and chemical composition is essential for validating its efficacy as a natural remedy.
3) Water:
Water plays a critical role in the habitat of Nymphaea rubra, where it thrives in muddy or silty sediments. The presence of water also facilitates the extraction processes used in obtaining the rhizome samples for the study, ensuring optimal conditions for plant growth and subsequent research on its medicinal benefits.
4) Worm:
Worms, specifically the adult Indian earthworm Pheretima posthuma, are utilized as model organisms for evaluating the anthelmintic activity of Nymphaea rubra extracts. Their physiological characteristics mimic those of intestinal roundworms in humans, making them suitable for in vitro studies that contribute to understanding the potential impacts on human helminth infections.
5) Drug:
In this context, 'drug' refers to the extracts derived from Nymphaea rubra and the standard drug Albendazole used for comparison. The study aims to investigate the anthelmintic properties of these substances, ultimately evaluating their effectiveness as potential therapeutic agents against parasitic worms.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science underpins the entire research process, as it involves systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis of the anthelmintic properties of the rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra. The findings contribute to the broader scientific understanding of natural remedies and their potential applications in pharmacology and medicine.
7) Botany:
Botany, the study of plants, is fundamental to this research, as it involves the identification, collection, and study of Nymphaea rubra. Understanding the plant's morphology, habitat, and growth requirements allows researchers to evaluate its medicinal properties and support conservation efforts for such aquatic species.
8) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of science that deals with the interactions between drugs and the body. This study highlights the pharmacological analysis of various extracts from Nymphaea rubra to assess their potential medicinal benefits, specifically their action against helminthes and possible side effects on human health.
9) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response that can result from infections or injuries. The rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra have traditionally been used to treat inflammatory conditions. Exploring its extracts may provide insight into how they modulate inflammatory responses, leading to potential therapeutic applications against a range of inflammatory diseases.
10) Manjari (Mamjari):
Kanak Manjari Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences serves as the research site for this study. Its affiliation with educational bodies ensures that research adheres to academic standards, fostering an environment where traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry converge to explore the medicinal properties of local flora.
11) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological references in this study emphasize the investigation into how Nymphaea rubra extracts interact with biological systems. This includes their ability to produce physiological effects that may aid in treating illnesses, thereby providing a scientific basis for the traditional use of the plant in various medicinal applications.
12) Discussion:
The discussion section interprets the findings of anthelmintic activity, comparing the results across different extracts and with the standard drug. This critical analysis helps to contextualize the data, suggesting further research directions and cementing the relevance of Nymphaea rubra as a potential anthelmintic agent.
13) Substance:
Substance refers to the chemical compounds present in the rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra. Understanding the active ingredients is crucial for evaluating their pharmacological efficacy and safety, which informs future research on developing herbal-based treatments that could complement conventional medicinal approaches.
14) Evolution:
Evolution in this context may relate to the historical and ongoing development of medicinal knowledge regarding plants like Nymphaea rubra. It highlights the importance of both ancient and modern scientific perspectives in recognizing the plant's therapeutic potential, which is rooted in cultural practices over time.
15) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The research on Nymphaea rubra aligns with the medicinal goals of identifying natural compounds that can effectively treat helminthic infections, thus contributing to the broader field of pharmacotherapeutics.
16) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has been treated historically through various herbal medicines. The reference to leprosy highlights the potential use of Nymphaea rubra extracts beyond anthelmintic activity, suggesting a wider scope of applications in traditional medicine which merits further exploration.
17) Zoology:
Zoology, the study of animals, is integral to this research as it utilizes earthworms for testing anthelmintic activity. This choice is informed by the anatomical and physiological similarities between earthworms and intestinal parasites in humans, facilitating the investigation of potential treatments for human parasitic infections.
18) Cancer:
Cancer references the potential antiproliferative effects of Nymphaea rubra extracts. While the study primarily focuses on anthelmintic properties, the traditional use of Nymphaea may indicate broader applications in treating various diseases, prompting further investigation into its anticancer potential within pharmacological studies.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Anthelmintic Activity of Rhizomes of Nymphaea rubra Linn�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Natural product, Anthelmintic activity, Chloroform extract, Dose-dependent activity, Extraction process, Methanol extract, Petroleum ether extract, Department of Botany, Pharmacological rationale, Time taken for paralysis, Time taken for death, Research facility, Indigenous population.