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Phytochemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Leucas cephalotes Roth. Spreng Whole Herb

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Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2010, 2(4): 284-296
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ISSN 0975-5071
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Phytochemical Investigation and Antimicrobial Activity of Leucas
Cephalotes Roth. Spreng Whole Herb
Katara Antariksh
1*
, Pradhan Chandan Kumar
1
, Tyagi Amit Kumar
2
,
Singh Pradeep
3
1
Ram-Eesh Institute of Voc. & Tech. Education, Greater Noida, India.
2
Meerut College, CCS University, Meerut, India.
3
Teerthankar Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, TMU, Moradabad, India.
______________________________________________________________________________
ABSTRACT
Leucas cephalotes Roth. Spreng (Lamiaceae) is the well known herb in the Ayurvedic and
Modern systems of medicine, to cure various disorders. Commonly known as Dronpushpi or
Guma is mainly a rainy season weed found through out India, The plant is authentified by
Taxonomist Dr. Anjula Pandey and specimen (NHCP/NBPGR 2009-9/900) has preserved in
NBPGR, Pusa Campus, Delhi. Powdered plant material analyzed for the two major attributes,
Pharmacognostic parameters and Phyto-chemical characterization followed by the quantitative
analysis of Tannins and Flavonoids. Antimicrobial activity on the Toluene and Methanolic
extract was also performed in which Methanolic extract have shown the 59% and 41% zone of
inhibition on the bacterial strains and on the fungal strains resp. when compared to the
standards.
Key words: Dronpushpi/Guma, Pharmacognosy, Florescence analysis and Antimicrobial
activity.
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INTRODUCTION
Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. Syn. Phlomis cephalotes Hindi- Guma, Sanskrit- Dronapushpi
(family- lamiaceae) is an erect, scabrous or pubescent, stout annual herb, 30-100 cm high and
found as a common weed throughout the India.[1] Leaves are yellowish-green; de ovate or ovate
lanceolate, subacute, more or less pubescent. Stem is light greenish yellow, surface rough, hairy,
quadrangular with four prominent furrows. Roots are cylindrical, zig-zag, smooth, long with
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numerous wiry. Inflorescence is sessile, white, crowded in dence, globose, surrounded by
numerous foliaceous bracts. Fruits are schizocarpic carcerule, nutlets smooth and brown. Seeds
are oblong, trigonous, smooth, dark brown. [2]
Basically Guma is a rainy season weed and commonly found ascending up to 600 - 1,800 m. in
Himalayas, mainly in the hilly regions of Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan and Bangladesh. [3] In
the East Asia this plant is found in Afghanistan to Western China in open areas at elevation of
1,700 m. [4] The other species of leucas genus are Leucas aspera (willd.) spreng., L. linifolia
spreng., L. lanata Benth., L. stelligera Wall., L. urticaefolia R. Br. L. Biflora (Vahl.) Benth., L.
ciliata Wall ex Benth., L. indica (L.) R. Br., L. Zeylanica (L.) R. Br. are commonly found in the
Asian Countries. [5, 6]
A decoction of the plant is used in the treatment of malarial fever and a domestic medicine for
Snake bite. The dried inflorescences are smoked and the smoke exhaled through the nose to treat
nose bleeds. [7, 8] Dried leaves along with tobacco (1:3) are smoked to treat bleeding as well as
itching piles and fresh leaves eaten as a potent herb. [1, 3, 9] The juice of leaves used topically in
psoriasis, skin eruptions, scabies and internally for the treatment of urinary complaints. The
flowers are administered in the form of syrup or with honey as a domestic remedy for cough and
colds.[6, 10] Whole herb of Dronapushpi was found to be hepatoprotective in CCl
4
induced
hepatotoxicity in mice and rats, juice of this plant act as an antibilious in herbal therapy for
Jaundice. [11, 12] The whole plant powder in the proportion of 70% in the herbal composition is
patented to cure Epileptic convulsions and Cerebral function disorders. [13] This plant has
antipyretic action and also considered to be stimulant, expectorant, aperient, diaphoretic,
insecticidal and emmenagogue. [6, 14]
Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng whole herb contains new labdane, norlabdane and abietane
type diterpenes and protostane type triterpenes, together with common triterpene, five sterols and
eight flavones. [15] A rarely found Laballenic acid (octadeca-5, 6-dienoic acid) and others luaric
acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and tridecanoic acid from the seed oil. [16] A major compound β-
sitosterol and its glucoside also isolated from this plant. [17]
The volatile compounds of inflorescence and seeds were found caryophyllene oxide 26.56%;
delta-fenchene 12.02%; α-cardinal 2.13%; 1-hepten-3-ol 6.53%; menthol 6.30%; deca hydro
naphthalene 5.15% and trans-caryophyllene 4.05%. [18]
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Collection of Plant Material
The plant material was collected from waste lands of Industrial area of Distt. Haridwar,
Uttrakhand. The plant was authentified as Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. F- Lamiaceae by the
Dr. Anjula Pandey (Taxonomist), National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Pusa
Campus, New Delhi. A voucher specimen (Specimen No: NHCP/NBPGR 2009-9/900) is
preserved in Herbarium section of Taxonomic Deptt. of NBPGR, New Delhi.
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Pharmacognostic parameters:
Morphological Characters:
The macroscopy of a drug includes its visual appearance to the naked eye. Macroscopic identity
of a medicinal plant material is based on shape, size, colour, taste, surface characteristic, texture,
fracture characteristic and appearance of cut surface. [19]
Microscopical Characters:
The fresh whole herb was boiled with chloral hydrate for several minutes for completely
clarified. The size, shape and relative positions of the different cells and tissues, chemical nature
of the cell walls and of the cell contents are determined in Microscope. [19]
Foreign Matter Analysis:
The 100 gms sample was weighed then spread in a thin layer and foreign matter was sorted into
groups either by visual inspection, using a magnifying lens or with the help of a suitable sieve
according to the requirements. The remainder of the sample was sifted through a sieve no. 250;
dust regarded as mineral admixture. The portions of sorted foreign matter were weighed. [19]
Crude Fiber Determination:
2 gm of powder drug was taken in a beaker; add 50 ml of 10% v/v HNO
3
. Boil with constant
stirring. Strain through fine cotton cloth on Buchner funnel and residue washed with boiling
water. Transfer the residue from cloth to a beaker and 50 ml of 2.5% v/v NaOH solution was
added and heat to boil, maintain at boiling point with constant stirring. Strain and washed the
residue with hot water, transfer in cleaned & dried crucible for quantitative determination. Weigh
the residue. [20]
Phytochemical Investigation:
The diff. extracts of the whole plant were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening for
the detection of various phytoconstituents:
1. Tests for Alkaloids
a)
Dragendroff’s test: Dragendroff’s Reagent (potassium bismuth iodide) gives reddish brown
precipitate.
b)
Mayer’s test: Mayer’s Reagent (Potassium mercuric iodide) gives cream precipitate.
c)
Wagner’s test: Wagner’s Reagent (Iodine in potassium iodide) gives reddish brown
precipitate.
d)
Hager’s test: Hager’s Reagent (Saturated picric acid solution) gives yellow precipitate
indicated.
2. Tests for Glycosides
a) Keller-killiani Test (for deoxy sugar): 1 ml of glacial acetic acid containing traces of FeCl
3
and 1 ml of conc. H
2
SO
4
were added. A reddish-brown colour formed at the junction of two
layers and the upper layer turned bluish green.
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b) Legal test (for cardinolides): Conc. Ethanolic extract was made alkaline with few drops of
10% NaOH and then add freshly prepared Sod. Nitroprusside solution. Blue colouration
observed.
c) Baljet test: Picric acid is added to the extract and made alkaline, gives a stable orange color.
d) Borntrager’s test: Dil. HCl is added to powdered drug and heated for 5 mins then filtered
and add equal volume of CHCl
3
, shake well and collect the lower org. layer of CHCl
3
, add NH
3
half of its volume, shake well, lower ammonical layer turned rose pink colour.
3. Tests for Saponins
a) Foam Test: Powdered drug residue was taken in a test tube and shaken vigorously with a
small amount of NaHCO
3
and water. Characteristic honeycomb like froth obtained.
4. Tests for Steroids
a) Salkowaski reaction: Residue of extract taken in 2 ml of CHCl
3
and 2 ml of conc. H
2
SO
4
added from the side of the test-tube and then shaken for few minutes. Red colour developed in
the CHCl
3
layer.
5. Tests for Tannins and Phenolic Compounds
a) Ferric chloride reagent: FeCl
3
sol. added to test sol. Dark green or deep blue colour is
obtained.
b) Lead acetate test: A 10% w/v solution of basic lead acetate in distilled water was added to
test sol. Precipitation occurred.
c) Gelatin solution test: 1% w/v solution of gelatin in water, with 10% sodium chloride and
then added to test sol. White precipitate is obtained.
6. Tests for Flavonoids
a) Shinoda Test: Test residue dissolved in 5 ml ethanol (95% v/v) and reacted with few drops
of conc. HCl and 0.5 g of Mg metal. The pink, crimson or magenta colour is developed.
b) Ammonia Test: Filter paper strips were dipped in the alcoholic extract and ammoniated.
Strips turned yellow.
7. Tests for Amino Acids & Proteins
a) Ninhydrin test: 0.1% w/v solution of Ninhydrine in n-butanol and then added to test sol. A
violet or purple colour is developed.
b) Cysteine test: To the 5 ml of test sol., 2 ml of 40% w/v NaOH and 2 drops of 10% w/v lead
acetate solution, resulting solution is boiled for few minutes to obtain black precipitate.
c) Biuret test: Residue taken in water and add 4% NaOH solution then add few drops of 1%
CuSO
4
sol. Violet or pink colour is obtained.
d) Xanthoprotein test (for tyrosine and tryptophan): Test sol. added with 1ml of conc.
H
2
SO
4
, white precipitate is observed, boil and add NH
4
OH and precipitate turns yellow.
e) Millon’s test (Mercuric Nitrate solution): Aq. residue taken with 5 ml of Million’s reagent.
White precipitate gently warmed to turns pink or red.
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8. Tests for Sugars
a) Molisch test: Test solution with few drops of α-naphthol and then conc. H
2
SO
4.
Violet colour
ring was formed at the junction of two layers.
b) Fehling’s test: Fehling A and Fehling B solution were mixed in equal amount and boiled
then added with test solution and again heated. Yellow to brick red colour.
c) Benedict’s test: Test solution and Benedict’s reagent was mixed and heated in water bath for
5-10 minutes. Yellow to red or green colour.
d) Tollen’s phloroglucinol test for galactose: 2.5 ml of conc. HCl and 4 ml of 0.5 %
phloroglucinol added to test sol. then heated on water bath. Yellow to red colour. [21]
Fluorescence Analysis
Fluorescence analysis of the drug was conducted on the powder to observe diff. types of
fluorescent characteristics. Subsequently, powdered sample was treated with 1-N Sodium
hydroxide in Methanol, 1-N Sodium hydroxide in water, 50% Sulphuric acid, 50% nitric acid,
Different solvents and observed under day light, short wavelength UV and long wavelength UV
light. The observations shown in Table no. 03. [22]
Quantitative Determination:
Any estimation method applied to plant tissue should allow determination of a particular
compound or of a group of compounds in weight percent.
Total Flavonoids Content:
10 g of the powdered crude sample was extracted repeatedly with 100 ml of 80% aqueous
methanol at room temperature. The whole solution was filtered through Whatman filter paper No
42 (125 mm). The filtrate was later transferred into a crucible and evaporated into dryness over a
water bath and weighed to a constant weight. [20]
Total Tannins Content:
1 gm of sample/crude powdered drug was extracted with 100 ml of water by shake for one hour
and left for overnight, allowed the solid material to settle and filtered the liquid through a
Whatman no. 1 filter paper , the first 20 ml of filtrate was discarded and then 10 ml of the filtrate
taken in to conical flask. To it 750 ml of water and 25 ml of Indigo suphuric acid sol. was added
and titrated with 0.1 N KMnO
4
solution. The flask was shaken vigorously till a golden yellow
end point was reached. A blank determination was also performed and percentage calculated.
Each ml of KMnO
4
solution is equivalent to 0.004157 gm of total tannins. [23]
Antimicrobial activity
The fresh whole plant of Leucas cephalotes were collected and shade dried at room temperature
for 2 weeks. Dried part then stored at 20°C before using them individually to solvent extraction
procedures. The antimicrobial activity was tested against different bacterial and fungal strains
which were obtained from Arbro Industrial Testing Lab., Kirti Nagar, New Delhi. The microbial
strains with their laboratory registration number were: Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Shigella
flexineri (MTCC 1457), Candida albicans (MTCC 227). The Cup Plate method was used to test
the antimicrobial activity in present investigation ie adopted from Rose & Miller 1939. The
antibacterial activity of plant extract was tested on Assay Medium no. 11 (No. 11) (Himedia-
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M004) and antifungal activity was tested on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) (Himedia-
MU063). The No. 11 & SDA plates were prepared by pouring a few ml of molten media into
sterile Petri plates. The plates were allowed to solidify for 5 min and appropriate amount of
inoculum’s suspension (0.1 %) was swabbed uniformly on agar medium. A sterile disc was
placed on the surface of medium and an appropriate concentration of extracts (5 mg/disc) was
loaded on it. The extract was allowed to diffuse for 5 min and the plates were kept for incubation
at 37°C for 18-20 h. Inhibition zones formed around the disc were measured with transparent
ruler in millimeter (mm). Gentamycin (10 µg/ml), Amikacin (10 µg/ml) and Nystatin (100
µg/ml) were used as standard for antibacterial and antifungal activity testing resp. [24, 25]
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Pharmacognostic Parameters:
Macroscopy:
Macroscopic characters are useful in the identification of Organoleptic features such as colour,
odour, taste, size, shape, touch and fracture were analyzed on the different plant parts. Stems
were usually stout, slightly fibrous and light green, odourless and slightly bitter in taste. Leaves
were ovate, serrate, dark green, odourless and having pungent taste. Flowers were white in
colour, sessile, globose, surrounded by foliaceous bracts, odoureless and tasteless. Roots are
tapering, tourtuous, fibrous nature, odourless and having characteristic taste. These characters
shown in Table No. 01 and Figure No. 1 & 2.
Microscopy:
The TS of stem, leaf and root were observed and different histological parameters determined
under microscope.
A: Transverse Section of Stem (Figure. 3)
TS of Stem found to be quadrangular and having outlined ridges covered with thick cuticle and
with cortex parenchymal cells forms 3 to 7 rows. Vascular bundles are bicollatoral and found
with in the ridges. Xylem fully developed, contains trachides and parenchyma. Phloem contains
narrow circles surrounded by xylem vessels and fixing towards the pith cells. Pericyle and
endodermis is present and outer layer consist diff. types of trichomes such as single cell, double
cell, covering and glandular trichomes. Pith cells are collenchymatous and contain prismatic
shaped crystals.
B: Transverse Section of Leaf (Figure. 4)
TS of midrib of leaf contain diff. types of trichomes in a big mass ie glandular, non-glandular
and multilayered with the single layered palisade cells. Vascular bundles are bicollatoral,
mesophyll cells are parenchymatous and central part is collenchymatous. Midrib contains deep
groove on upper side and wide ridges on lower side.
C: Transverse Section of Root (Figure. 5)
TS of root contain out line of thick walled epidermis cells in 1-3 layers, very few simple
trichomes are present, cortex parechymatous cells with 8-10 layered, tangentially elongated.
Endodermis elongated 4-6 layered parenchymatous cells, phloem consist of sieve tubes,
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companion cells and parenchyma, secondry xylem is present with xylem vessles, fibres and
parenchyma. Centered pith contains xylem parenchyma to distal end of the root.
Phytochemical Analysis:
The diff. extracts subjected to various phytochemical tests, to identify the active constituents,
which show in table no. 2. By this analysis, Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts found to have
more active constituents compare to other extracts. Phytochemicals such as Carbohydrate,
Proteins & amino acids, Glycosides, Flavonoids, Tannins & Phenols and Steroids are commonly
found in most of the extracts.
Quantitative Determination:
Qualitative phytochemical investigations show that whole plant of Leucas cephalotes contains
tannins & flavonoids in excess amount. Therefore the quantitative amount of tannins &
flavonoids estimated. The percentage amounts of these are shown in table no. 5. From the
quantitative analysis we found presence of Flavonoids & Tannins in whole herb of Guma. These
are main Phytoconstituents are responsible for various therapeutic effects of Leucas cephalotes
whole herb.
Antimicrobial screening
The results of antimicrobial activity experiments are presented in Table 2. In these experiments,
the Methanolic extract of whole herb showed highest activity against Bacillus cereus and
Shigella flexineri but found negative against Candida albicans. Another Toluene extract of the
plant found totally negative against all the strains.
Figure 1: Leucas Chephalotes whole herb
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Figure 2: Leucas Chephalotes roots
Microscopic characterization
Figure 3. T. S. of stem
(ct, cortex; end, endodermis; gt, glandular trichome; ph, phloem; pi, pith; pr, pericycle; t,
trichome; xy, xylem; vb, vascular bundles)
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Figure 2. T. S. of leaf midrib
(col, collenchymas; le, lower epidermis; gt, glandular trichome; ph, phloem; pr, pericycle; t,
trichome; vb, vascular bundles xy, xylem)
Figure 3. T. S. of root
(ct, cortex; end, endodermis; e, epidermis; ph, phloem; pi, pith; pr, pericycle; t, trichome; xy,
xylem; pxy, primary xylem)
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Table 1. Observations of morphological characters
S.
No. Parameters Whole plant Parts
Stem Leaf Root Flowers
1. Colour Externally-
Light green
Internally-
Cream
Dark
Green Externally-
Light
Brown
Internally-
Cream
White
2. Odour No No No No
3. Taste Slightly
Bitter Pungent Charactersti
c Tasteless
4. Size 0.3-0.5 in
diameter 3.5-6.6
long; 1.2-
2.4 wide
7.5-14.2 cm
long ; 0.3-
0.6 cm
thick
Small
5. Shape Stout Ovate;
Serrate Tapering;
Tortuous Sessile;
Globose
6. Touch Plain Smooth Smooth
Plain Smooth
7. Fracture Slightly
Fibrous _ Fibrous _
Table 2. Quantitative Observations
Parameters Result
Foreign Matter 0.336%
Crude Fiber 26.91%
Total Flavonoids 8.07%
Total Tannins 0.1%
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Table 3. Observations of Fluorescence Analysis
S.No.
Materials /
Treatments Observations Under UV Cabinet
Day Light At Short
Wavelength At Long
Wavelength
1. Drug Powder Brownish
green Green Dark Green
2. Drug powder rubbed
on filter paper Light Brown Light green Green
3. Powder treated with
1 N NaOH in
Methanol
Yellowish
green Light green Yellow
4. Powder treated with
1 N NaOH in Water Brownish
green Florescent green Green
5. Powder treated with
1 N HCl Solution Colourless Colourless Light green
6. Powder treated with
50% HNO
3
Yellow Light florescent
green Dark green
7. Powder treated with
50% H
2
SO
4
Light
brownish
green
Light florescent
green Light green
8. Methanolic Extract Yellowish
green Florescent green Yellow
9. Water Extract Brown Florescent green Light flor.
green
10. Chloroform Extract Green Yellowish Brown
Green
11. Pet. Ether Extract Yellow Florescent green Orange
Table 4. Phytochemical Analysis
Phytochemicals Extracts
PE T CH Et. Mt W
Alkaloids - - - - - -
Glycosides - - - + + +
Saponins - - - - - -
Steroids + + + + + -
Tannins & Phenols - - - + + +
Flavonoids - - - + + +
Amino acid & Proteins - - - + + -
Carbohydrates - - + + + +
Legends: + Positive, - Negative, PE Pet ether, T Toluene,
CH Chloroform, Et Ethanol, Mt Methanol, W Water.
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Table 5. Observations of Antimicrobial Activity
a
an average of triplicate, - Negative.
CONCLUSION
This plant has a great importance for the Ayurvedic and Modern systems of formulations in
which some have been patented for there better acceptability and therapeutic profile. Present
study of the Phytochemical & pharmacognostical investigation may serve as new standards to
the region specific sample of the plant and key structure for validation of crude plant material
and regarding to its future work on Standardization. The positive Antimicrobial activity shows
that whole herb extract can be useful for the formulation development against the specific
microbial infections.
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S.No Micro Organism Standards
ZONE OF INHIBITION
(mm)
a
Methanol
Extract
(In DMSO)
Toluene
extract
(In DMSO)
Std Test Test
1 Bacillus cereus
(ATCC 11778) Amikacin 17.0 10.0 -
2 Shigella flexineri
(MTCC 1457) Gentamycin 28.0 11.5 -
3 Candida albicans
(MTCC 227) Nystatin 23.0 - -
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... Verma et al. studied the fatty acid content of all parts of L. cephalotes by GC/MS and reported the presence of caprylic acid, capric acid, lauric acid, azelaic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, tricosanoic acid, lignoceric acid, pentacosanoic acid, cerotic acid, montanic acid, melissic acid [93]. Many biological/pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that, potentially, L. cephalotes has many valuable applications such as anti-inflammatory [92,[94][95], analgesic [94], antioxidant [96][97], antimicrobial [98][99][100][101], antifilarial [102], antifertility [103], antiplasmodial [104], hepatoprotective [105], and antidiabetic remedy [93,106]. Millingtonia hortensis L.f.: M. hortensis, a member of the family Bignoniaceae, is widely distributed and cultivated in many Asian countries. ...
... Lamiaceae Whole plant Antidote, jaundice, inflammation, asthma, fever, cough, malaria, anemia and sexual weakness in male [11,89] Anti-inflammatory [92,[94][95], analgesic [94], antioxidant [96][97], antimicrobial [98][99][100][101], antifilarial [102], antifertility [103], antiplasmodial [104], hepatoprotective [105], and antidiabetes activities [93,106] 12. Millingtonia hortensis L.f. Bignoniaceae Flowers, leaves and roots ...
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Promising sources of novel bioactive compounds include plants growing in several third-world countries where the local flora is still largely uninvestigated. A paradigmatic example is represented by medicinal plants growing in Myanmar, especially in Chin State, in northwestern Myanmar. This is one of the least developed areas of the country where the people still use natural remedies derived from a rich biodiversity. This review mainly covers the investigations done on phytochemical constituents and biological activities of 20 medicinal plants, namely Alangium chinense, Anemone obtusiloba, Anneslea fragrans, Antidesma bunius, Croton oblongifolius, Embelia tsjeriam-cottam, Ficus heterophylla, Gaultheria fragrantissima, Hydnocarpus kurzii, Leea macrophylla, Leucas cephalotes, Millingtonia hortensis, Myrica nagi, Olax scandens, Pimpinella heyneana, Pterospermum semisagittatum, Ruellia tuberosa, Smilax zeylanica, Stemona burkillii, and Tadehagi triquetrum, that have long been used in the Chin State for curing various diseases. These plants have been selected on the basis of their medicinal uses not only in Myanmar but also in the related Ayurvedic healing system. Moreover, besides their medicinal importance, most of them grow in the Chin State more abundantly than in other regions of Myanmar. Although the efficacy of some of these plants have been verified scientifically, the chemical constituents and biological activities of most of them still need to be investigated to confirm the claimed therapeutic effects.
... The dried leaves were ground into powder using a homogenizer. The pulverised plant material was extracted by Soxhletation technique using methanol and further partitioned with the solvents, n-hexane, chloroform, and ethanol, dried, weighed and percentage yield was calculated (9)(10)(11). ...
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In the present study, the shade-dried and powdered leaves of Physalis minima Linn. were subjected to Soxhlet extraction with methanol, concentrated, and further partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform, and ethanol. The in-vitro anti-oxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay and the cytotoxic potential by MTT assay in HeLa cell lines. The results of the study revealed that among the three fractions, the chloroform fraction of the methanolic extract showed better antioxidant activity (IC50 = 38.6 µg/mL) compared to standard Ascorbic acid (IC50 = 42.6 µg/mL). Moreover, the results of the MTT assay carried out in HeLa cell lines showed that the chloroform fraction exhibited a promising cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 59.66 µg/mL). Further, the chloroform fraction when subjected to apoptosis assay using acridine orange -ethidium bromide dual staining displayed the morphological characteristics of apoptotic event including nuclear fragmentation and chromatin condensation with orange red and reddish nuclei. The results of our study support the protective effect of chloroform fraction of methanolic extract of leaves of Physalis minima Linn., in the treatment of cervical cancer.
... [9] Preliminary Phytochemical Studies Qualitative chemical tests for alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, carbohydrates, proteins, and glycosides were carried out to ensure the existence and type of secondary metabolites in the aqueous extract of T. cordifolia and Guduchi satva. [10] ...
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Tinospora cordifolia stems (T. cordifolia), commonly known as Guduchi, is an effective Ayurveda drug used for diabetes management and various other disorders and ailments. Guduchi satva is classical Ayurvedic medicine being used for the treatment of diabetes and a variety of other disorders. The present study was conceded to determine the aqueous extract of T. cordifolia and Guduchi satva formulation for their relative identification of secondary metabolites using physicochemical parameters, fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) fingerprint, and GCMS profiling. In vitro enzyme inhibition assay on α amylase and α glucosidase were also evaluated for both the extracts, in which Guduchi satva possess enhanced inhibition of enzymatic activity over the aqueous extract of T. cordifolia. The phytochemical and FTIR investigations were confirmed for the presence of alkaloids, tannins, carbohydrates, flavonoids, steroids, aromatic, hydroxy, and nitrogen-containing compounds. The gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis revealed the existence of stigmasterol (1.2%), stigmastane3, 6 dione,-5a (2.2%), betulin (8.4%), eicosanoic acid (1.09%), glycerol 1 palmitate (20.72%), ascorbyl palmitate (0.92%) and triamcinolone acetonide (0.89%) in both the extracts and effective in diabetes management.
... The flowers are given in the form of syrup or with honey as a domestic remedy for bronchial asthma, colds, cough 39 . Luteolin which is a flavonoid exhibited potent antiviral activity against SARS coronavirus 40 , Japanese encephalitis virus 41 . ...
... Anisofolin A exclusively reported in the owers of Leucas species found to have promising anti-mycobacterium activity against M. tuberculosis H37Ra, antimalarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) 38 . The owers are given in the form of syrup or with honey as a domestic remedy for bronchial asthma, colds, cough 39 . Luteolin which is a avonoid exhibited potent antiviral activity against SARS coronavirus 40 , Japanese encephalitis virus 41 . ...
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A recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus, COVID‐19, in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China and its ensuing worldwide spread have resulted in lakhs of infections and thousands of deaths. As of now, there are no registered therapies for treating the contagious COVID‐19 infections, henceforth drug repositioning may provide a fast way out. In the present study, a total of thirty-five compounds including commonly used anti-viral drugs were screened against chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) using SwissDock. Interaction between amino acid of targeted protein and ligands was visualized by UCSF Chimera. Docking studies revealed that the phytochemicals such as cordifolin, anisofolin A, apigenin 7-glucoside, luteolin, laballenic acid, quercetin, luteolin-4-glucoside exhibited significant binding energy with the enzyme viz. - 8.77, -8.72, -8.36, -8.35, -8.13, -8.04 and -7.87 Kcal/Mol respectively. Therefore, new lead compounds can be used for drug development against SARS‐CoV‐2 infections.
... The fluorescence characteristics of leaf powder were studied both in visible light and UV light (254 nm and 365 nm) after treatment with various reagents and is represented in Table 2 [10][11][12]. ...
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Objective: Now-a-days, the herbal medicines are much efficient for the treatment of various disorders as they have minimal side effects in comparison to the allopathic medicines. Cassia angustifolia, commonly called Senna belongs to the family Leguminosae and is a well-known laxative throughout the world. Senna is mostly found in Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Ramnathpuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and amino acid are the important chemical constituents of C. angustifolia. The objectives of the present study are to investigate various pharmacognostic, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological properties of C. angustifolia.Methods: The powdered drug was used for estimating the loss on drying, ash values, fluorescence studies, chemical tests, and extractive values. Macroscopic and microscopic studies were also performed.Results: The transverse section (T.S). of leaf showed isobilateral structure along with paracytic stomata, nonlignified unicellular trichomes with warty walls, and fibrovascular bundle. The fluorescence characteristics of leaf powder were studied both in visible light and ultraviolet (UV) light (254 nm and 365 nm) after treatment with various reagents. Senna is composed of carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and amino acid. It was reported that the total ash value was 11.23±0.25 w/w. The acid insoluble ash value was 1.4±0.1% w/w. Water soluble, ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, and chloroform extractive values were 16.6±0.26% w/w, 3.7±1.75% w/w, 0.83±0.05% w/w, 1.6±0.1% w/w, and 3.2±0.25% w/w, respectively.Conclusion: The main pharmacological activities of Bauhinia variegata are anthelmintic, antiulcer, antitumor, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antigoitrogenic, and hepatoprotective. The present investigation provides the information on its pharmacognostic, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological properties.
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Herbal medicines are gaining popularity worldwide for human healthcare because of their therapeutic potential. However, adulteration and use of unauthentic raw herbals as substitutes have become a major issue for the local communities and industry for reasons of safety and efficacy. Therefore, the authentication of medicinal plants before their use in herbal medicines is a need of time. Hence, the present study was designed with an aim, to authenticate the therapeutic Lamiaceous taxa by using pollen traits observed under scanning electron microscopy. Pollen micro-morphological studies solve the problem through discrimination and correct identification of the Lamiaceae species from the adulterants. Based on pollen features, Lamiaceae were further divided into two sub-families Lamioideae (tricolpate) and Nepetoideae (hexa-colpate). The pollen grains of Lamioideae were found as small to medium-sized, tricolpate, radially/bilateral symmetrical, sub-spheroidal and oblate shape. Besides, exine patterns bireticulate, reticulate and micro-reticulate, colpus surface sculpturing as psilate, gemmate, scabrate, and verrucate have also been reported. A significant variation was found in the pattern of the reticulum, thickness, and the number of secondary lumina per primary lumen. Similarly, Nepetoideae has a hexa zono-colpate pollen but tri and tetra zono-colpate pollen have also been observed. Hence, this study contributes to the authentication and correct identification of medicinally important Lamiaceae taxa by using scanning electron microscopic techniques and can help to solve the adulteration problem.
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Backgrounds Leucas cephalotes is a common ethnomedicinal plant widely used by traditional healers for the treatment of Malaria and other types of fever. Oleanolic acid and its derivatives have been reported for various types of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-HIV and anti-HCV activity. Methods L.cephalotes plant extracts were prepared by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) method and oleanolic acid was isolated by preparatory thin-layer chromatography. The compound was identified and characterize by using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS), Fourier transform infra-Red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The structure of the compound was elucidated by proton nuclear magnetic resonance ( ¹ HNMR) and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance ( ¹ CNMR) and the purity checked by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The MTT assay was used to determine the toxicity of plant extract and oleanolic acid using a microplate reader at 595 nm. The anti-dengue activity of plant extract and oleanolic acid was tested in vitro and in silico using real-time RT-PCR. Results The optimum yield of the extract was obtained at 40 °C temperature and 15Mpa pressure. The maximum non-toxic dose (MNTD) of plant extract and oleanolic acid were found as 46.87 μg/ml and 93.75 μg/ml, respectively in C6/36 cell lines. UV spectrophotometer curve of the isolated compound was overlapped with standard oleanolic acid at 232 nm. Superimposed FT-IR structure of the isolated compound was indicated the same spectra at 3433, 2939, 2871, 1690, 1500,1463, 1387, 1250, 1209, 1137 and 656 position as per marker compound. HPTLC analysis showed the retention factor of L. cephalotes extract was 0.19 + 0.06 as similar to the standard oleanolic acid chromatogram. The NMR structure of the isolated compound was identified as similar to the marker oleanolic acid structure. DSC analysis revealed the purity of isolated oleanolic acid was 98.27% with a melting point of 311.16 °C. Real-time RT PCR results revealed that L. cephalotes supercritical extract and isolated oleanolic acid showed 100 and 99.17% inhibition against the dengue − 2 virus when treated with MNTD value of plant extract (46.87 μg/ml) and the test compound (93.75 μg/ml), respectively. The molecular study demonstrated the binding energy of oleanolic acid with NS1and NS5 (non-structural protein) were − 9.42 & -8.32Kcal/mol, respectively. Conclusions The SFE extract L. cephalotes and its active compound, oleanolic acid inhibiting the activity of dengue-2 serotype in the in vitro and in silico assays. Thus, the L.cephalotes plant could be an excellent source for drug design for the treatment of dengue infection.
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Zizyphus nummularia (Burm. F.) (Family: Rhamnaceae) used as a folk medicine. The study was designed to lay down the various physicochemical and phytochemical standards which will be helpful to ensure the purity, safety, and efficacy of this medicinal plant. In the lime light of fewer and less potent antioxidant extracts, it is screened for antioxidant potency also. All physico-chemical properties were found within the measurable amount. Preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and steroids. Total phenolic content and flavonoid content was found to be 10.7±0.1 and 2.57±0.1 respectively. Extract also found to posses significant antioxidant activity which can be correlated with phenolic content. IC50 of 0.042 mg/mL was found during DPPH radical scavenging activity. 2.75 mmol AA/ mg extract was found to be as total antioxidant capacity along with a concentration of 383.4 μg/ml during reducing power activity. The study would help in the authentication stem bark useful for laying down pharmacopoeial standards and help in finding improved antioxidant agents from the extract. It is found to be posse's significant antioxidant property, possibly by adsorbing and neutralizing free radicals.
Published by The Controller of Publications, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • Anonymous
Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Vol ΙΙΙ, Part-Ι, First ed., Published by The Controller of Publications, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, 2001, pp. 35-37.
Plant and People of Nepal Timber Press
  • Np Manandhar
NP Manandhar. Plant and People of Nepal Timber Press, Oregon, 2002.
Dronpushpi or Guma (Leucas cephalotes) A Useful Weed pankaj.oudhia@usa.net, www.celestine-india.com/pankajoudhia
  • P Oudhia
P. Oudhia. Dronpushpi or Guma (Leucas cephalotes) A Useful Weed pankaj.oudhia@usa.net, www.celestine-india.com/pankajoudhia, 2001.