Anthelmintic and antioxidant evaluation of Leea asiatica leaf extract
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anthelmintic and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of fractions of methanol extract of Leea asiatica leaves
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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Saikat Sen, Biplab De, N. Devanna, Raja Chakraborty
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anthelmintic and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of fractions of methanol extract of Leea asiatica leaves
Year: 2012
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Leea asiatica, a traditionally used medicinal plant in India, has been employed for the treatment of various ailments, including worm infections and oxidative stress-related disorders. This study aimed to scientifically evaluate the in vitro anthelmintic and antioxidant activities of different fractions derived from its methanol extract. The increasing resistance of helminths to synthetic drugs, coupled with the growing interest in natural remedies, underscored the need for such research. This investigation not only validates the traditional uses of L. asiatica but also contributes to the understanding of its potential pharmacological benefits.
Anthelmintic Activity and Antioxidant Evaluation
The study revealed significant anthelmintic properties of the fractions, particularly the ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, effective against Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma). The ethyl acetate fraction showcased the best paralysis activity, while the methanol fraction demonstrated superior death time results compared to other tested fractions. In terms of antioxidant capacity, the ethyl acetate fraction also stood out, exhibiting the most pronounced activity across various assays, including DPPH radical scavenging and nitric oxide radical scavenging tests. These findings affirm the traditional knowledge of L. asiatica as a remedy for helminth infections while highlighting its potential as a natural source of antioxidant compounds.
Conclusion
The study successfully supports the traditional usage of Leea asiatica as an effective anthelmintic and has identified its antioxidant properties. The demonstrated activities suggest that this plant could serve as a promising source of natural remedies for managing worm infections and oxidative stress-related conditions. Future research is warranted to explore the specific phytoconstituents responsible for these effects and to elucidate their mechanisms of action, further solidifying L. asiatica's role in natural medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the medicinal use of Leea asiatica?
Leea asiatica is traditionally used in India to treat worm infections and oxidative stress-related disorders. Its leaves are particularly utilized in various folk remedies across different regions.
What were the main findings of the study on Leea asiatica?
The study found that the methanol extract of Leea asiatica leaves exhibited significant anthelmintic activity against earthworms and also demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential as a natural remedy.
How was the anthelmintic activity of the plant assessed?
Anthelmintic activity was evaluated in vitro using Indian adult earthworms by observing the time taken for paralysis and death when treated with different fractions of the plant extract.
What methods were used to study antioxidant activity?
The antioxidant activity was assessed using various methods, including the DPPH radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide radical scavenging assay, and lipid peroxidation inhibition tests, showing significant antioxidant potential.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anthelmintic and antioxidant evaluation of Leea asiatica leaf extract�. 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:
The term 'Activity' refers to the capabilities or functions of the different fractions of the methanol extract from Leea asiatica leaves, particularly their anthelmintic and antioxidant activities. In this study, the various extracts demonstrated significant activity against worms, indicating the plant's potential as a source of natural compounds with beneficial effects.
2) Worm:
In the context of this study, 'Worm' specifically refers to the Indian adult earthworm, Pheretima posthuma, which was utilized for evaluating the anthelmintic properties of Leea asiatica. The research highlights the effectiveness of specific plant extracts in incapacitating and killing these worms, which simulates the treatment of parasitic infections in humans.
3) Drug:
The term 'Drug' denotes any chemical or substance that, when introduced to a living organism, could alter physiological function. In this study, the investigation into Leea asiatica's fractions aims to assess their potential as natural drugs against helminth infections, comparing their effects to synthetic drug standards such as piperazine citrate.
4) Water:
Water is an essential medium used in various stages of the research, including the preparation of extracts and in the assays conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the plant fractions. Its presence is crucial for maintaining physiological conditions conducive to scientific experiments.
5) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology involves the study of drugs and their effects on living systems. This research on the methanol extract of Leea asiatica encompasses phytopharmacological evaluations by examining both anthelmintic and antioxidant effects. Understanding its pharmacological properties is vital for determining potential therapeutic uses of the plant.
6) Science (Scientific):
Scientific denotes the rigorous methodical approach adopted in the research. The study employs scientific techniques to validate the anthelmintic and antioxidant efficacy of the plant extracts, ensuring the results meet established scientific standards and contribute valuable knowledge to pharmacology.
7) Raja:
Raja Chakraborty, one of the authors, contributed to this research, thereby indicating the collaborative nature of scientific inquiries in pharmacology. His involvement emphasizes the importance of expertise from various contributors in producing credible research results like those regarding the extracts from Leea asiatica.
8) Toxicity:
Toxicity signifies the degree to which a substance can harm organisms. The study evaluates the potential toxicity of the active phytochemicals in the fractions of Leea asiatica, ensuring that the desired anthelmintic and antioxidant effects are achievable without adverse toxic effects.
9) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical refers to the bioactive compounds derived from plants, which can impart health benefits. This study explores the phytochemicals present in Leea asiatica, identifying their roles in the extract's anthelmintic and antioxidant activities, contributing to the exploration of natural therapeutic agents.
10) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a biological response that can be influenced by oxidative stress. The antioxidant activities of Leea asiatica’s fractions potentially counteract inflammation through their ability to neutralize free radicals, suggesting a protective role for these extracts against inflammatory conditions.
11) Discussion:
The term 'Discussion' pertains to the section of the study where the authors interpret their findings regarding the anthelmintic and antioxidant activities of Leea asiatica, contextualizing their results with existing literature, implications for therapeutic use, and future research directions.
12) Substance:
Substance refers to any material with specific properties and effects. This research examines various substances in Leea asiatica, specifically its extracts, to determine their effectiveness in combating parasitic infections and oxidative stress, thus providing avenues for new therapeutic substances.
13) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Hygienic conditions are crucial for preventing helminth infections. The study notes that improved hygienic practices can mitigate the prevalence of parasitic diseases, thus emphasizing the role of healthy environmental and personal hygiene in conjunction with potential herbal treatments from Leea asiatica.
14) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, which underpins the research focused on Leea asiatica. The identification, authentication, and extraction of plant materials are rooted in botanical science, facilitating the exploration of the plant's pharmacological properties for potential medicinal applications.
15) Soil:
Soil is where the plant, Leea asiatica, grows and thrives. The connection between the health of soil and the quality of plant extracts emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in the study, as the active components' efficacy can be influenced by soil quality and characteristics.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Anthelmintic and antioxidant evaluation of Leea asiatica leaf extract�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Anthelmintic activity, IC50 value, Methanol extract, Nitric oxide radical, DPPH Radical Scavenging Assay, Ethyl acetate fraction, In vitro antioxidant, Petroleum ether fraction, Pheretima posthuma, Lipid peroxidation inhibition, Natural anthelmintic, Oxidative stress-related disorders, Phytochemical constituent.