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Acorus calamus: An overview
Abstract
Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) is a wetland perennial monocot plant, in which the scented leaves and rhizomes have been traditionally used medicinally against different ailments like, fever, asthma, bronchitis, cough and mainly for digestive problems such as gas, bloating, colic, and poor digestive function. Number of active constituents and essential oil were identified and characterized from the leaves and rhizomes of sweet flag. An over view of the pharmacological activities and insecticidal activities are summarized here.
... Nowadays also 80% of world uses traditional medicine for the treatment of disease as observed in the report given by WHO. Some of these plants also show poisonous effects when used in large quantities or in inappropriate form (Balakumbahan et al. 2010). In traditional, Ayurveda and Unani medicines, many poisonous plants are used as therapeutics by reducing its poisonous effects via various procedures. ...
... Its flowers are cylindrical, greenish brown and covered with rounded spikes and are of 3-8 cm. Its fruits are berry like, small and contain very few seeds (Balakumbahan et al. 2010). ...
... GC-MS analysis of essential oils shows major phytochemicals such as Asarone, socalamendiol, eugenol, Camphor, Elemicin, maltose, glucose, fructose, Linolenic acid, 2-Allyl-5-Ethoxy-4-Methoxyphenol, acorenone and Nonanoic Acid. These phytochemicals have many medicinal effects (Balakumbahan et al. 2010 ...
... Acorus calamus L. (Acorusaceae), commonly known as 'Sweet flag,' is a perennial, grass-like monocot aromatic medicinal plant (Balakumbahan et al., 2010;Rajput et al., 2014;Sharma et al., 2014). A. calamus is a semi-aquatic plant found in moist habitats such as at the bank of ponds, rivers, swamps throughout central Aisa, eastern Europe, and India (Sharma et al., 2014). ...
... The chemical compositions and the bioactive compounds have been reported from leaves, rhizomes, and essential oil of A. calamus (Wang, 1998;Raina et al., 2003;Yao et al., 2008;Gyawali and Kim, 2009;Balakumbahan et al., 2010;Dong et al., 2010). It is reported to contain various phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoid saponins, and volatiles (Hao et al., 2021). ...
... It is reported to contain various phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenoids, lignans, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoid saponins, and volatiles (Hao et al., 2021). A. calamus was reported to produce a large number of different monoand sesquiterpene volatiles in leaf and rhizome tissues (Raja et al., 2009;Balakumbahan et al., 2010;Dong et al., 2010). ...
Acorus calamus is a perennial aromatic medicinal plant from the Acorusaceae family, known for its pharmaceutical and medicinal value. A combined chemical, biochemical, and molecular study was conducted to evaluate the differential accumulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in rhizomes and leaves of A. calamus essential oil. Here, we performed VOC profiling and transcriptome-based identification and functional characterization of terpene synthase (TPS) genes. A total of 110 VOCs were detected from the rhizomes and leaves of A. calamus, and some VOCs showed significant differences between them. The further transcriptome-based analysis led to the identification of six putative TPSs genes. In phylogenetic analysis, three TPSs belonged to the TPS-g clade, one to each of the TPS-a, TPS-c, and TPS-e clades. The heterologous E. coli-based expression of recombinant TPSs identified three genes (AcTPS3, AcTPS4, and AcTPS5) as bifunctional linalool/nerolidol synthase. The correlation of TPS gene expression and VOC metabolite profiles supported the function of these genes in A. calamus. Our findings provide a roadmap for future efforts to enhance the molecular mechanisms of terpene biosynthesis and our understanding of Acorus-insect interactions.
... In Alzheimer's disease, loss of neurons appears in subcortical structure, cortex and hippocampus. Various compounds have been identified by phytochemical studies such as alkaloids, sterols, triterpenes, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids and lignins that have pharmacological activities including anticholinesterase and anti-amyloidogenic (Sharma et al., 2020;Sharma et al., 2014;Shukla et al., 2006;Esfandiari et al., 2018;Heneka and O'Banion, 2007;Hardy and Selkoe, 2002;Nunomura et al., 2006;Balakumbahan et al., 2010). ...
... Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are usually prescribed to treat Alzheimer's disease. These drugs help in enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and thoughts (Sharma et al., 2020;Sharma et al., 2014;Shukla et al., 2006;Esfandiari et al.. 2018;Heneka and O'Banion, 2007;Hardy and Selkoe, 2002;Nunomura et al., 2006;Balakumbahan et al., 2010). ...
... The tau and amyloid hypothesis has led to focus on tau and amyloid as treatment targets. The current therapeutic goals are to decrease amyloid levels and prevent amyloid toxicity/aggregation and tau aggregation/phosphorylation in Alzheimer's disease patients (Sharma et al., 2020;Sharma et al., 2014;Shukla et al., 2006;Esfandiari et al., 2018;Heneka and O'Banion, 2007;Hardy and Selkoe, 2002;Nunomura et al., 2006;Balakumbahan et al., 2010). Other strategies, such as hormone therapy, antioxidants, cholesterol lowering agents, antiinflammatory agents and vaccinations are also being investigated for treating Alzheimer's disease (Lahiri et al., 2002). ...
This review paper highlights the use of medicinal plants in the management of Alzheimer's disease and memory deficit. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a serious brain disorder that impacts daily living through memory loss and cognitive changes. Alzheimer's disease is also age-related neurodegenerative disorders caused by progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, resulting in neuronal cell death. Alzheimer's patients have an acetylcholine deficiency. Stressful conditions, free radicle scavanging and oxidation are often associated with loss of memory and cognitive functions, which may lead to threats of schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. However, the use of allopathic drugs has resulted in the adverse side effects on the human body and thus limits the use of such drugs. Herbal cognitive enhancer drugs have shown their potent effect in Alzheimer’s disease due to their antioxidant and neuropharmacological actions. The use of natural cognitive enhancers evidenced to improve mental functions such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention and concentration. Traditional Ayurvedic herbal system of medicine is fundamentally preventive, protective, nutritive, curative and less expensive. Therefore, the use of herbal medicine for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is a novel approach without any side effects.
... The origin of A. calamus is thought to be India, but it is also found in other parts of the world including Asia Minor, Sri Lanka, Burma, Japan, China, southern Russia, Europe, Baluchestan and Kerman provinces of Iran and northern USA (Rahamoz-Haghighi et al., 2016). It is a perennial plant and spread outside its native area in Asia (Balakumbahan et al., 2010). ...
... The margin is curly edged or undulated. Singh and Nongmaithem, 2013;Mythili et al., 2013;Balakumbahan et al., 2010;Ranjan et al., 2016;Chandra and Prasad, 2017 Leaves are few, distichously alternate, forming erect tufts at the extremities of rhizomes. Chauhan, 1999 The leaves are thick, erect, sword-shaped leaves up to 2 m long emerge from a tortuous, branched, underground rhizome with V-shaped leaf scales and are very similar in appearance to the iris but edges are crimped. ...
... There were three cytotypic forms distinguished by chromosome number: a diploid form (2n=24), an infertile triploid form (2n=36), and a tetraploid form (2n=48) (Balakumbahan et al. 2010). Probably indigenous to most of Asia, the triploid form Acorus calamus var. ...
The present investigations entitled “Evaluation of accessions and standardization of cultivation
practices of Acorus calamus Linn.” were carried out in the experimental field as well as in laboratory of the
Department of Forest Products, College of Forestry, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry,
Nauni, Solan (HP) during 2015-16 & 2016-17. In the first experiment “Morphological studies of A. calamus
under natural conditions” Acorus calamus Linn. was found to be perennial, semi-aquatic, monocot, aromatic
herb with creeping rhizomes. Rhizomes were cylindrical or somewhat compressed, creeping, horizontal,
greenish white on the outside, pinkish white and spongy inside with distinct nodes and internodes. Leaves were
linear, smooth, erect, distichously alternate, ensiform, base equitant, moderate yellow green in colour and
having a single prominent mid vein with margin almost entire. In second experiment “Evaluation of different
accessions of A. calamus (Bach)” accession C4 (Nikyar) gave maximum fresh rhizome weight (31.29 g/plant),
dry rhizome weight (15.33 g/plant), estimated fresh rhizome yield (17.37 q/ha), estimated dry rhizome yield
(8.51 q/ha), essential oil content in fresh rhizome (1.07 %) and estimated essential oil yield (18.57 kg/ha) among
all the ten accessions evaluated. No inter-accession difference in leaf shape, colour and rhizome colour were
noticed amongst the ten accessions evaluated. In third experiment “Effect of different node cuttings on growth
and yield of A.calamus” three node cutting (N3) of rhizome gave maximum fresh rhizome weight (28.13
g/plant), dry rhizome weight (13.78 g/plant), estimated fresh rhizome yield (31.25 q/ha), estimated dry rhizome
yield (15.32 q/ha) and estimated essential oil yield (16.80 kg/ha) whereas higher benefit cost ratio (1.80) was
obtained from one node cutting of rhizome which was followed by two node cutting of rhizome (0.93). In fourth
experiment “Effect of different planting time and harvesting schedules on growth and yield of A.calamus” crop
planted in July and harvested after 2nd growing season resulted in maximum fresh rhizome weight (33.85
g/plant), dry rhizome weight (15.91 g/plant), estimated fresh rhizome yield (37.61 q/ha), estimated dry rhizome
yield (17.68 q/ha) and estimated essential oil yield (26.50 kg/ha). Higher benefit cost ratio (2.14) was obtained
when crop was planted in July and harvested after 2nd growing season which was followed by planted in March
and harvested after 2nd growing season (1.81). In fifth experiment “Management of A. calamus under different
plant spacings, organic manures and fertilizers” Treatment combination of 5t Vermicompost + NPK (100:60:40)
with 20x20 cm spacing resulted in maximum estimated fresh rhizome yield (63.25 q/ha), estimated dry rhizome
yield (31.63 q/ha) and estimated essential oil yield (30.24 kg/ha) whereas higher benefit cost ratio (2.32) was
observed when plants were planted at 20x20 cm spacing and NPK (100:60:40 Kg/ha) was applied which was
followed by 30x20 cm spacing and NPK (100:60:40) Kg/ha (1.84).
... In addition, WHO has estimated that traditional medicine serves the primary health care needs of about 80% of the total world population, and 85% of this traditional medicine comes from medicinal plants. Even in the modern health care system, natural products and their derivatives or analogues represent over 50% of all the drugs in clinical use in the United States of America [1,2]. ...
... Another common wetland plant, Acorus calamus (sweet flag), is widely used for fevers, stomach cramps and colic; the rhizome is chewed for toothache, and powdered rhizome is inhaled for congestion in North America. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, it is used as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous system, and as a remedy for digestive disorders [1]. Acorus calamus is cultivated in South Africa since early colonial times across stream banks and in wetlands. ...
Background
Phytochemicals and their derivatives/analogues represent over 50% of the current medicines in worldwide clinical use. Despite a significant contribution to the total bioactive natural plant products, the aquatic plants are underestimated, and several species are extinct and in endangered list.
Objective
The aim of this review article is to draw the attention of common people and scientists towards few important contributions of the aquatic plants to natural product chemistry and drug discovery by highlighting the chemical and pharmaceutical aspects of the same.
Methods
The presented data was collected and selected from the literature obtained by online search for the ethnomedicinal properties, biological activities and bioactive chemical constituents of aquatic plants using google scholar, PubMed and Scifinder chemical abstract service.
Results
The selected literature data revealed that the extract and compounds isolated from several aquatic plants possess significant biological/pharmaceutical properties. For example, the α-asarone (24) and asiatic acid (33) isolated form Acorus calamus and Centella asiatica respectively exhibited significant neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo. The cripowellin A (59), cripowellin C (60), cripowellin B (61) and cripowellin D (62), isolated from Crinum erubescens exhibited potent antiplasmodial and antiproliferative activities with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in nano molar range (11-260 nM). Several other alkaloids from different Crinum species have also shown anticancer properties against different cancer cell lines with IC50 <5 µM. Alkaloids and resin glycosides, isolated from different Ipomoea species have displayed significant psychotropic, psychotomimetic, anticancer, and antibacterial activities with IC50 <5 µM.
Conclusion
The aquatic plants play significant role in the discovery of bioactive natural products. Although, several biological activities and bioactive compounds have been reported from these plants, further assessment, and scientific validation of most of their traditional usages still need to be done. There are several other similar species which are underestimated and not much explored. Many aquatic plants, such as Ipomoea carnea Jacq., Juncus lomatophyllus Spreng., Commelina benghalensis Linn, Gunnera perpensa L., Scirpus maritimus L. and Mentha longifolia (L.) L. may be considered for further evaluation. In addition to these, one should not undermine evaluating the potential of Crinum macowanii for COVID-19 pathogenesis, as its chemical constituent lycorine has shown significant SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory potential (EC50, 0.3 μM; SI >129). Furthermore, most of the rural communities are still using the wetland resources for their cultural, medicinal, economic, domestic, and agricultural needs. Hence, the conservation of aquatic plants and wetlands is an issue of high concern.
... Aktualnie lecznicze wykorzystanie kłączy tataraku ze względu na potencjalną toksyczność β-azaronu zostało ograniczone, pomimo że w naszym rejonie geograficznym występujące odmiany tataraku zawierają niskie stężenia β-azaronu. Za działanie przeciwdrobnoustrojowe odpowiada olejek eteryczny, którego składnikami są: αi β-azaron, a także m.in.: akoryna, spatulenol, borneol, izoazaron, kariofilen, octan geranylu, izoeugenol, eugenol, linalol, kamfora i cyneol (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18). Kłącza tataraku są też wykorzystywane w przemyśle kosmetycznym i spożywczym. ...
... Przeprowadzone przez licznych autorów badania wskazują, że olejek tatarakowy wykazuje aktywność przeciwdrobnoustrojową (7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32). Dotychczas nie badano jednak wpływu olejku tatarakowego na grzyby drożdżopodobne wyizolowane z jamy ustnej. ...
Introduction. The rhizomes and leaves of calamus (Acorus calamus L.) contain essential oil, the composition of which varies depending on the variety. Characteristic are α- and β-azarones, other ingredients are, among others: acorin, spatulenol, borneol, isoazarone, caryophyllene, geranyl acetate, isoeugenol, eugenol, linalool, camphor and cineol. Extracts and essential oil have antimicrobial properties.
Aim. Determination of sensitivity to calamus oil (Semifarm) of yeast-like fungi isolated from the oral cavity and estimation of the chemical composition of the oil.
Material and methods. Strains of yeast-like fungi isolated from the oral cavity belonged to the species: Candida albicans (7 strains), C. glabrata (6), C. guilliermondii (1), C. krusei (4), C. lusitaniae (1), C. parapsilosis (4), C. tropicalis (3), C. utilis (1), Geotrichum candidum (1), Rhodotorula rubra (2) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1). 8 reference strains were also included in the experiments. The susceptibility of fungi determined by the plate dilution method in Sabouraud agar. Concentration of the oil (Semifarm) were:
4.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.5, 0.25 i 0.12 mg/ml. The inoculum, which contained 105 CFU/drop, was applied by a Steers apparatus to the medium with appropriate concentration of the oil or without of the oil (strain growth control). The incubation carried out at 37°C for 24-48 hrs in aerobic conditions. The MICs determined as the lowest concentration of oil inhibiting the growth of yeastlike fungi on the agar. The compositon of the tested oil was determined using the GC-MS method.
Results. The results showed, that all tested strains of yeastlike fungi were susceptible to calamus oil in concentrations 0.5-≤ 0.12 mg/ml. The strains from genus of Candida albicans in 57% were susceptible to low concentrations the oil in ranges ≤ 0.12-0.25 mg/ml. The fungi from genus C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. tropicalis were less sensitive (MIC ≤ 0.12-0.5 mg/ml). The oil showed the lowest activity (MIC = 0.5 mg/ml) against strains of the species C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae and C. utilis. The tested oil contains 66 chemical compounds.
Conclusions. The yeast-like fungus strains of the genus Candida were highly sensitive to calamus oil. The oil showed the lowest activity against strains of C. guilliermondii, C. lusitaniae and C. utilis. The strains of the species Rhodotorula rubra and Saccharomyces
cerevisiae were characterized by high sensitivity to calamus oil. The GC-MS study showed that α-asarone was dominant in the oil.
... Adult albino mice (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) ...
... 22 Their effects on neurological disorders such as neuroprotective, antidepressant, as well as cardio protective, antihypertensive, immune modulatory activities are well documented. 24 26 The effect of extract in this model can therefore suggest its involvement in GABA-ergic or noradrenergic pathways. 27 On comparing the percentage protection offered by Acorus calamus against both MES and PTZ model as shown in Figure 1, a combination of the standard drug, sodium valproate at a dose of 100 mg/kg with methanolic extract of Acorus calamus leaves at a dose of 100mg/kg was evaluated in the present study showing greater effectiveness in the PTZ model than in the MES model. ...
Acorus calamus
, commonly known as sweet flag, has a long history of use in the treatment of a variety of ailments
including inflammation, chest pain, digestive disorders and some mental illnesses. Its effects on the neurological conditions have
been well documented for axinolytic and antidepressant activities. With this background, the aim of the present study is evaluate
the anticonvulsant activity of methanolic extract of Acorus calamus leaves in albino mice. The study included albino mice divided
into 8 groups of 6 mice each. Maximum electroshock induced seizures (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) tests were
performed on the animal models to evaluate the antiepileptic activity (4 groups were allocated to MES and 4 to PTZ). The
methanolic extract of Acorus calamus leaves exhibited a significant reduction in the duration of hind limb extensor phase in MES
model (7.116±0.501 seconds for control and 9.116± 0.527 seconds for extract) and delayed the latency of seizures induced by
PTZ (485.500±14.941 seconds) when compared with that of the control group (297.000±21.918 seconds). In addition, the
groups administered with the extract and sodium valproate in combination exhibited significant results in both MES and PTZ
models (T2- 92.61% and T4- 21.95 %, respectively). Preliminary phytochemical screening performed in several studies has shown
the presence of triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The anticonvulsant activity of Acorus calamus may be mediated by
its GABA potentiating activity. It can thus be concluded that the observed anticonvulsant effects could be the resultant of a
synergistic action of these phytochemicals. Further studies should be undertaken to substantiate these results on various animal
models along with a thorough phytochemical analysis and in silico studies to understand the mode of action of these
phytochemicals on various GABA receptor-mediated signaling
... A. calamus is reported to have a mixed composition of fatty acids like the myristic (1.3%), arachidic (3.2%), stearic (7.3%), palmitoleic (16.4%), palmitic (18.2%), linoleic (24.5%), and oleic (29.1%), as identified using gas chromatography. Similarly, the carbohydrates such as fructose (79.1%), maltose (0.2%), and glucose (20.7%) were indicated by paper chromatography [55]. The presence of all these phytoconstituents attribute towards the choice of A. calamus as the best treatment for AD [55]. ...
... Similarly, the carbohydrates such as fructose (79.1%), maltose (0.2%), and glucose (20.7%) were indicated by paper chromatography [55]. The presence of all these phytoconstituents attribute towards the choice of A. calamus as the best treatment for AD [55]. ...
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was first described in 1907 and got its name after Alois Alzheimer, a German psychiatrist and
neuropathologist. This disease starts slow, increasing gradually to worsen in the due course of time. AD is mainly characterized
by the associated dementia, which is a decline of cognitive effects such as memory, praxis, and orientation. The dementia
is further highlighted by the presence of psychological and behavioral symptoms. Additionally, AD is also associated with
the multiple interconnected pathways linked neuropathological changes such as the formation of neurofibrillary tangles
and amyloid- plaques inside the brain. AD therapeutics have been of prime concern over the decades, resulting in the
elucidation of promising therapeutic targets. The requirement of AD stage dependent optimized conditions has necessitated
a combinatorial approach toward treatment. The priority in AD research has remained to develop disease-modifying and
development-reducing drugs for treatment regimens followed during the early and later stages, respectively.
... The active constituents present in its rhizomes and leaves include sugars -maltose, glucose and fructose; fatty acids -myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidic; essential oils -β-asarone, acorenone, isocalamendiol; lignans -epieudesmin, galgravin; and other compounds such as eugenol, linalool and terpenes. The rhizomes are reported to relieve gastric disorders and asthma, while the leaves are known for their anthelmintic, insecticidal and anti-bacterial properties [3]. In poultry, it is used as medicated water for dipping and disinfection of sheds. ...
Traditionally, the practice of using herbal medicines for diseases of livestock and poultry has given numerous benefits to the farmers. Since poultry are reared intensively, a high incidence of diseases poses a big threat to small - scale poultry production systems. The major poultry diseases prevalent among chicken include Avian influenza, Marek's disease, Coccidiosis, Fowl typhoid, Ranikhet disease and Chronic respiratory disease . In order to control the disease occurrence and prevent huge mortality, farmers are opening up to alternatives such as ethno veterinary medicine as they provide a substitute to newer expensive poultry drugs.
... Most drugs in the past i.e., allopathic, ayurvedic and homeopathic medicines were made from plants. Medicinal plants have secondary metabolites, and these secondary metabolites are the main source of medicinal products with therapeutic effects [1] Since the discovery of traditional antibiotics (such as penicillin), many microorganisms are now resistant to one or more antibacterial drugs. Antimicrobial resistance proves to cause fatal injuries to thousands of people every year, leading to high medical costs and serious economic losses. ...
The current research investigation was conducted with the main purpose of phytochemical screening of edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus, synthesis of silver nanoparticles of aqueous (aq.) extract of Agaricus bisporus and to evaluate their antibacterial potential. The crude extract A. bisporus was prepared by maceration method by boiling continuously for 30 minutes in water bath. The silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) of A. bisporus was prepared by mixing 1ml of aq. extract of A. bisporus and 9 ml of 1mm stock solution of AgNOꝫ . The antibacterial activity assay was carried out by agar well diffusion method. Results depicted that the phytochemical analysis of aq. extract of A. bisporus disclosed the presence of secondary metabolites viz. terpenoids, saponins, steroids, alkaloids, phenols, insulin and glycosides. Antibacterial activity assay revealed that aqueous extract of A. bisporus was effective against S. aureus and B. amyloliquefacien. Furthermore, antibacterial activity assay results depicted the highest efficacy of AgNPs of A. bisporus as compared to aq. extract of A. bisporus alone. In conclusion, AgNPs of A. bisporus could be recommended to use for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.
... It is predicted that the approximate frequency of the patient with CRC could double before 2040 in Iran (Hoseini et al., 2022). It has been estimated that 80% of the world's population uses plant-derived medicine for their primary health care (Balakumbahan et al., 2010). The secondary metabolites as main sources of natural agents present in medicinal plants are a having curative nature and are effective in human health care (Rahamooz-Haghighi and Asadi 2016). ...
Edited by K. Dolezal A B S T R A C T Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, with a high mortality rate globally. Plan-tago lanceolata L. is a medicinal herb from the Plantaginaceae. P. lanceolata has various medicinal uses without significant side effects. The cytotoxic activity, biocompatibility, and in vivo toxicity of the methanolic and acetonic extracts of P. lanceolata root were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, hemolysis, Artemia salina, and mice, respectively. The phytochem-ical content was performed by GCÀMS. The root extract of P. lanceolata was cytotoxic, and IC 50 values of methanolic and acetonic root extracts were 282.94, and 119.68 mg/mL on HCT-116 at 72 h, respectively. The hemolysis degree of the methanolic root extract was <1% at 400 mg/mL. The percentage of the lethality of the nauplii was <5% at 1000 mg/mL. One week after the oral administration with 2000 mg/kg, none of the mice died. According to the GC/MS analysis, P. lanceolata extracts contained potential cytotoxic compounds, such as stearic acid (4.90%) and Linoleic acid (3.04%) in methanolic extract and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (21.04%) and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (72.60%) in the P. lanceolata root ace-tonic extract. P. lanceolata methanolic extracts were identified as a biocompatible source. However, the IC 50 of crude extracts has been obtained to be above the standard, according to the US National Cancer Institute. This study reported a good relationship between the in vitro and in vivo tests, and these tests are a useful tool for predicting and confirming toxicity in plant extracts.
... The activity of Acorus sp. could be because of individual or combined effect of bioactive compounds (Balakumbahan et al., 2010). The insecticidal property of C. papayae is known-ethanolic leaf extract is effective against field population of German cockroach, Blattella germanica. ...
The potential of aqueous and methanol extracts of ten botanicals were evaluated against the egg and adult of the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus Ehara, under laboratory conditions. The extracts showed no or negligible ovicidal action, but significant adulticidal action; among the aqueous extracts, A. squamosa (5, 7.5 and 10%), C. papaya (10%) and B. monnieri (10%) caused significantly maximum mortality, while it was methanolic extracts of A. calamus, C. papaya (1 and 2%) and A. marmelos (2%) which revealed maximum mortality with adults.
... 9 Jeringau merah memiliki kandungan metabolit sekunder yang diantaranya alkaloid, minyak atsiri, flavonoid, tanin, fenol dan saponin. 10 Menurut Penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Azizah (2013) dan Purwanti (2016) menyatakan bahwa ekstrak rimpang jeringau merah memiliki aktivitas antibakteri dan antijamur. 11,12 Berdasarkan uraian di atas literature review ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui ekstrak jeringau merah memberikan aktivitas antibakteri dan antijamur terhadap pertumbuhan Staphylococcus aureus dan Malassezia furfur. ...
Latar Belakang: Jeringau merah (Acorus sp) merupakan tanaman dengan famili Acoracea yang umumnya tumbuh liar di tempat berair seperti rawa – rawa. Rimpang jeringau merah merupakan tanaman obat yang digunakan masyarakat suku Dayak dalam mengobati infeksi. Jeringau merah mengandung senyawa flavonoid, fenol, alkaloid, terpenoid dan saponin yang memiliki aktivitas antimikroba. Oleh sebab itu, peneliti ingin mengetahui ada tidaknya aktivitas penghambatan terhadap pertumbuhan mikroba dari ekstrak jeringau merah. Tujuan dari literature review ini adalah mengidentifikasi literatur mengenai aktivitas antibakteri terhadap Staphyloccus aureus dan antijamur terhadap Malassezia furfur ekstrak Jeringau merah. Metode: Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah literature review. Artikel diperoleh berasal dari database dan search egine Google Scholar, Research Gate dan Pubmed. Kata Kunci yang digunakan adalah uji aktivitas antibakteri dan antijamur ekstrak jeringau merah (Acorus sp) terhadap pertumbuhan Staphylococcus aureus dan Malassezia furfur. Analisa yang digunakan adalah analisa SPIDER. Hasil literature review ditemukan 5 artikel yang sesuai terhadap kriteria yang diinginkan. Hasil: Diperoleh hasil mengenai aktivitas antibakteri dan antijamur, diameter zona hambat terbaik, dan perbandingan zona hambat dari ekstrak jeringau merah sebagai antibakteri dan antijamur.
... This result may be caused by the differences in the root morphology between the two species. For instance, Acorus calamus is a perennial plant with a creeping and extensively branched rhizome [50]. Its roots are inclined to gather high-moisture soil. ...
The plant dormancy period in the riparian zone affects the activity of microorganisms and their related nitrogen (N) process, which necessitates an investigation of the influence of the dormancy period on the microbial community. This study sampled two groups of soils (ashore and offshore soils) of two typical plants (Acorus calamus, Canna indica) in rhizosphere soils and bulk soils during the dormancy period to study the microbial communities. The results suggested that in ashore soils, especially in Canna indica soils, there was a lower abundance of N-related genes (4.79 × 106 copies/g) due to relatively competitive ecological niche competition because of possible sufficient substrate. Therefore, microbial communities still play a major role in the removal of N-related nutrients during plants’ dormancy period. In addition, the results also showed that during the plant dormancy period, the cell necrosis processes accounted for relatively lower proportions (15.75%, 7.54%, 21.46%, and 5.23% in ashore and offshore Canna indica and ashore and offshore Acorus calamus, respectively), suggesting an unexpected fairly strong microbial survival ability in the dormancy period compared to the commonly expected weak microbial state. This high microbial vitality provides us insight into the restoration of riparian soils during the plant dormancy period.
... It eases cough and asthma [12] . The various study on essential oil or extract of Acorus calamus reported that it posses various biological activities which are of medicinal use, some of them are-antihelminthic [13] , antibacterial [14] , antioxidant [15] , anti-seizures [16] , antifungal [17] , antimicrobial, insecticidal [18] , antidiabetic [19] , immunosuppressive [20] , analgesic effect [21,22] and anti-inflammatory [23] . Literature survey revealed that composition of volatile oil of rhizomes of Acorus calamus have been explored extensively by many researchers throughout the world. ...
... The activity of Acorus sp. could be because of individual or combined effect of bioactive compounds (Balakumbahan et al., 2010). The insecticidal property of C. papayae is known-ethanolic leaf extract is effective against field population of German cockroach, Blattella germanica. ...
The potential of aqueous and methanol extracts of ten botanicals were evaluated against the egg and adult of the spider mite Tetranychus truncatus Ehara, under laboratory conditions. The extracts showed no or negligible ovicidal action, but significant adulticidal action; among the aqueous extracts, A. squamosa (5, 7.5 and 10%), C. papaya (10%) and B. monnieri (10%) caused significantly maximum mortality, while it was methanolic extracts of A. calamus, C. papaya (1 and 2%) and A. marmelos (2%) which revealed maximum mortality with adults.
... Plants are wealthy in secondary metabolites having curative nature. In India, nearly 7500 species are widely used traditionally for the treatment of many ailments [2]. Acorus calamus is a tall perennial wet land monocot plant from the Acoraceae family. ...
Medicinal plants are widely used to treat various ailments and Acorus calamus L. is one of the medicinal plants has ethnomedicinal significance. The rhizome of A. calamus was used for the extraction of phytochemicals using various solvent. The methanol extract showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tan-nins, steroids, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids. Biological study reported higher antimicrobial array for methanolic extract of A. calamus than other solvent extracts. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis revealed the presence of alcohol, alkenes, carbonyl, aromatic, amine, methylene, venyl, phenyl, ether, cyclic ether, aromatic cyclic ether, and primary amines. Gas chromatography - mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of compounds such as asarone, n-hexadecanoic acid, 9, 15-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (z,z)- and 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z,z). The methanolic extract of A. calamus was highly effective against bacteria such as, S. epidermis (5 μg/mL), P. vulgaris (5 μg/mL) and B. cereus (5 μg/mL). A. calamus extract was active against the tested Sitophilus oryzae, the insecticidal activity was dose dependence, and activity increased with higher doses and increased with incubation times. At 125, 250, 375, 500, 625 and 750 μg/cm2 concentration, the insecticidal repellent activity was 13.8 ±1.4%, 17.4 ±2.3%, 22.3 ±1.7%, 31.8 ±2.6%, 44.1 ±1.3%, and 44.2 ±2.4, respectively after 24 h incubation. This study has demonstrated that methanolic rhizome extracts of A. calamus has significant antimicrobial, anti-biofilm and insecticidal activity against pathogenic plant bacterial pathogens and insect pests, it could be of high agricultural and pharmacological value.
... Acorus calamus has two use reports by Adi, Galo, Nyishi, Tagin (Khongsai et al. 2015, Murtem & Chaudhry 2016 while the rest of the species has single-use reports. The uses of A. calamus in respiratory disorders have been also reported by Balakumbahan et al. (2010), Kala (2020) and Kayani et al. (2014). ...
Background: In the absence of modern healthcare facilities in remote rural localities, the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh in the Eastern Himalayan region of India continue to rely on plant-based ethnomedicine for the treatment of various ailments prevalent within their biocultural landscape. This review work has been carried out to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the indigenous tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh by critically perusing the selected published literature. The exploration of ethnomedicinal knowledge of the tribal communities may provide clues for development of new drugs and can also help in the continuity and preservation of such important traditional healing practices.
Methods: We downloaded 20 published ethnomedicinal literature (between 2005 to 2019) from online databases such as iMedPub, Academia.edu, ResearchGate, Semantic Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, Publons, PubMed, etc. using keywords ‘ethnomedicine’, ‘tribes of Arunachal Pradesh’, and ‘North-East India’. The diversity of ethnomedicinal plants, types of ailments treated, herbal formulation, informant consensus and the species and family use values have been quantified using relevant statistical tools and techniques.
Results: The present review have reported 358 species of medicinal plants belonging to 100 families used by the fourteen indigenous tribal communities for treating 107 specific types of ailments which are classified under 10 broad categories of ailments, namely, cardiovascular, dermatological, gastrointestinal, general health, gynecological, musculoskeletal, odontological, orthopaedic, respiratory, and urological disorders. Asteraceae has shown the highest use reports per family (86) while Acanthacaeae demonstrated the highest family use value index (UVf) of 4.90. The highest species use report was observed under gastrointestinal disorders with an Informant consensus factor (FIC) of 0.41 while the least species use report was observed under urological disorder (FIC 0.11).
Conclusion: Plants showing higher UVf index and FIC in the present analysis should be useful for conservation priority. It will also help in prioritization for in-depth investigation of bioactive phytochemicals of potential medicinal plants effective against reported target ailment categories.
... The plant has been used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine in India since time immemorial for the preparation of tonic, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, diaphoretic, expectorant, insecticide, stimulant, aphrodisiac, rheumatism, toothache, and respiratory disease (Mukherjee et al. 2007a, b;Singh et al. 2010;Sharma et al. 2014). The extensive use of A. calamus for their potential medicinal properties was supported by several clinical data (Balakumbahan et al. 2010;Umamaheshwari and Rekha 2018). The traditional practitioners in India use the rhizome part for the treatment of cough, fever, choleraic diarrhea, flatulence, dyspepsia, piles, and asthma in children (Khare 2007). ...
Acorus calamus is a perennial; an endangered and potential medicinal plant that belongs to the Acoraceae family has a range of medicinal properties and fragrant oils, which are being used in various industries. In the current investigation, the highly proficient and reproducible method for comprehensive plantlet regeneration was established and compared the α- and β-asarone contents in between the in vivo as well as in vitro raised plantlets. Amongst the combinations of plant growth regulators (PGRs), maximum shoots per explant (7.23) were observed with KIN. Later, the shoots were subcultured on MS medium supplemented with BAP, IAA and GA3 showed a maximum percentage of responses in shoot multiplication and elongation. The elongated shoots were subcultured on MS medium fortified with IBA for root initiation and development, and successively the plantlets were acclimatized in plastic pots in the culture room and greenhouse. Quantitative analysis of α- and β-asarone was performed using HPLC from in vitro and in vivo raised plantlets. A significant difference was noted in α-asarone content of in vitro plantlets than in vivo plantlets whereas the least difference was noted in β-asarone content. The results of the present study revealed the potential reproducible protocol for largescale multiplication of A. calamus in 130 days. Further, the regeneration protocol will be a very useful platform for in vitro breeding with different PGRs to analyze the impact on improvement of bioactive molecules such as α- and β-asarone content and fragrant oils, which have huge demand in pharmaceutical and cosmetic trades and owing to their high industrial values.
... Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) is a wetland perennial monocot plant, it is consider as one of the few extra-tropical members of the Araceae family [66] . The genus Acorus derived from Acoron (coreon = the pupil of the eye) and the species calamus is derived from the Greek word Calamos (a reed). ...
Over the centuries, humanity has known and utilized some sacred oils extracted from their medicinal plants for therapeutic purpose. They are considered as good source of bioactive compounds having a wide range of vital biological activities. Aromatic oils have been a part of human history for more than 3,500 years BC and appeared with regularity throughout all major civilizations down the ages, with uses ranging from religious ritual, food flavoring, medicines, perfumery and the masking of bad odors. It is impossible to date exactly when plants were first used medicinally, since such a development would have taken place over thousands of years. During recent decades, many researchers have investigated the mechanisms of action and the therapeutic use of essential oils as physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This review, highlights on some sacred essential oils extracted from important traditional medicinal plants that possesses several pharmacological properties, considering that the safety and versatility of this these supplement should allow for its use in numerous pathological conditions.
... While in the Newar community decoction of the root of Inula cappa is used for the remedy of epilepsy and rheumatism [40]. The present results is also similar which was presented Cannabis sativa leaves are used for stomachache [41]. Zanthoxylum armatum seeds are used for the treatment of Gastritis while in India, it is used as the remedy of cholera, indigestion, flatulence, and depression [42]. ...
In Nepal, about 7000 vascular plants are noted. Some plants are medicinally important, so need to be explore for their medicinal value. Primary data for this research was collected by interviewing respondents. Secondary data was collected by reviewing early published research works on the internet. All herbaria were identified with the help of villagers, books, the internet, and by visiting of National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories (NHPL), Nepal. 35 plant species belonging to 28 families and 35 genera were documented as medicinal plants in the study area. Among these species, more plants were found to be herbs (51%) and the most useful parts were leaves (27%). Throat pain was the most common disease cured by more plant species (8 spp.). The most-used plant species were Acorus calamus, Terminalia chebula, Zanthoxylum armatum, Swertia chirayita, Phyllanthus emblica, Ageratina adenophora, Drymaria cordata, Curcuma caesia, Amomum subulatum, and Cinnamomum camphora. The Rai community of this area is rich in knowledge of traditional medicines. Elderly persons are found to be more thinkable about the curative properties of plants, methods of preparation, and diseases diagnosis than young people. Ethnomedicinal knowledge is important for various diseases in the Rai community. Conservation and preserve these plants for future generation as well for the reasons of traditional knowledge is going extinct gradually. The main purpose of this research was to find out the medicinal plants used by the Rai community of Khoksik village in Ramprasadrai Rural Municipality-8 in Bhojpur district.
... This plant also has a long history worldwide of use as an aromatic medicinal plant (Rujput et al., 2014). Scented leaves and rhizomes have been traditionally used for the treatment of numerous ailments such as fever, asthma, and cough (Balakumbahan et al., 2010). ...
The potential of two aquatic plants, e.g., Typha angustifolia and Acorus calamus, and a terrestrial plant, e.g., Pandanus amaryllifolius, was evaluated in hydroponic experiments for rhizofiltration of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn). Of the three species, T. angustifolia experienced a 100% survival rate and showed no symptoms of toxicity, with substantial values of dry biomass production (11.5–20.8 g) and Cd and Zn uptake (4941.1–14,109.4 mg plant⁻¹ and 14,039.3–59,360.8 mg plant⁻¹), respectively. The other tested plants showed lower performance; P. amaryllifolius experienced phytotoxicity effects in the 40 mg Zn L⁻¹ treatment. Based on our data, T. angustifolia is considered an excluder species for Cd and Zn as this species accumulated high Cd and Zn levels, primarily in roots, with bioconcentration factor (BCF) values > 100 and translocation factor (TF) values < 1 for all Cd and Zn treatments. All study plants exhibited lower heavy metal accumulation and uptake in most metal mixture treatments compared with Cd- or Zn-only treatments due to dilution effects. Percentage uptake of Cd by T. angustifolia increased with increasing Cd concentration (10.8–22.7%). Substantial percentage Zn uptake values were recorded at day 15 in the 40 mg L⁻¹ Zn treatment for A. calamus (89.1%). The study plants are rarely consumed on a daily basis; therefore, such levels of metal uptake should not adversely affect human health. Based on hydroponic system data, hazard quotient (HQ) values of Cd were > 1 for all treatments, indicating possible health risk from Cd via plant consumption. Although HQ values of Zn are also > 1, the maximum permissible level (MPL) (< 20,000 mg kg⁻¹) indicates that it occurs within acceptable levels. Only T. angustifolia is suggested as a suitable candidate plant in constructed wetlands and aquatic plant systems for removal of heavy metals.
Graphical abstract
... Testa is light brown, subsmooth, and slightly foveolate. Flowering is from April-September (Balakumbahan et al. 2010;eFloras 2008 ...
... Indian medicinal plants are well known for many therapeutic applications since ancient age and therefore the World Health Organization (WHO) has taken initiative and published guidelines to ensure the genuine use of plants and their parts before their use for human health (WHO 2000). A. calamus is a wetland perennial monocot plant, with scented leaves and rhizomes which traditionally used against fever, bronchitis, cough, asthma, and digestive disorder (Balakumbahan et al. 2010). A. calamus contains phytochemicals and essential oils including α and β asarone as a potential pharmaceutical agent against various biological activities such as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-ulcer, insecticidal activities (Rajput et al. 2014;Archana et al. 2015;Shahzad et al. 2015). ...
Acorus calamus is widely used as an Indian medicinal plant and extensively reported for treatments of skin, digestive and nervous disorders. A methanol extract of A. calamus (rhizome) showed maximum extraction yield of 4% (w/w) followed by 3% (w/w) in water. Total 8 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from nose, groin, wounds, axilla, throat of various patients exhibited strong β-lactamase activity and antibiotic resistance for ampicillin, oxacillin, and methicillin coded for mec A gene. Thus, all isolates belong to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) class. Methanol extract is the most potent MRSA antibacterial extract followed by water, n-butanol and chloroform. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of methanol extract varied from 1.25 to 2.50 mg/ml for all MRSA isolates which also exhibited highest MIC values of 512 µg/ml and 128 µg/ml for ampicillin and oxacillin antibiotics, respectively. Interestingly, the synergistic interaction of 128 µg/ml of A. calamus methanol extract with antibiotics (ampicillin, 64 µg/ml and oxacillin, 32 µg/ml) showed lowered MICs. All extracts of A. calamus and β-asarone showed no significant cytotoxic activity against non-cancerous 3T3 fibroblasts cells which was confirmed by MTT assay on MRSA-08 isolate. Antibacterial effect and preventive invasion properties of MRSA of methanol extract of A. calamus were found to be potent when compared with β-asarone, an active component of A. calamus. The present investigation showed a correlation of polyphenolics and flavonoid based major phytochemical constituents with bioactivities on MRSA revealed A. calamus as a potential non-toxic drug candidate for various skin diseases.
Garbhini Paricarya includes Garbhopaghatakara Bhava which is contraindicated during
pregnancy for the wellbeing of the fetus. Food is an essential factor for survival. Though it is
essential, in some instances, it may act adversely on the developing fetus during pregnancy.
The objective of this research is to review the data on Garbhopaghatakara Bhava and analyze
it with the support of modern research findings. This aims to review the Garbhopaghatakara
Bhava related to food, demonstrate its importance in Garbhini Paricarya supported with
current scientific findings. This research was conducted as a conceptual study based on
available literature in Ayurveda classics, including Brihatryi, and scientific evidence provided
by previously published research papers. Excessive consumption of all the six tastes,
unwholesome food articles including alcohol, proscribed incompatible foods, neglected
nutritional conditions, tap water treated with chemicals, modern diets full of free-radicals and
artificial additives, prenatal exposure to heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants,
polychlorinated biphenyls, bisphenol A, phytochemicals, and nutritional impairments are
negative factors that affect the fetus adversely, and result in fetal anomalies, birth
complications etc. Hence, it is important to draw attention to the Garbhini Paricarya related to
the contraindications during pregnancy, which is termed as Garbhopaghatakara Bhava. Diet
is very important throughout life, but unwholesome dietary habits and food consumption may
act as an etiology for fetal anomalies, still births, and congenital anomalies. According to
Ayurvedic teachings and modern research findings also, avoiding Garbhopaghatakara Bhava
and following Garbhini Paricarya properly may be effective in good health outcomes of the
offspring.
Keywords: Garbhopaghatakara Bhava, Garbhini Paricarya, Diet, Anomalies,
Contraindications
1 UG Scholar, Faculty of Indigenous Medicine, Gampaha Wi
In present investigation allelopathic effect of two Cassia species namely Cassia obtusifolia
and C. uniflora on jowar seeds were studied. Effect of leaf and root extract of Cassia
species studied on seed germination, seedling growth and biomass of jowar seeds. Leaf
and root extract showed inhibitory effect on seed germination, seedling growth and fresh
weight and dry weight of jowar seedlings. Significant inhibition of seed germination was
observed only after 24h in C. obtusifolia leaf (28.64% and 18.17%) and root extracts
(34.50%) at both concentrations and in leaf extract of C. uniflora at higher concentration
having percent inhibition 62.27%. Leaf extract of C. obtusifolia at both lower as well as
higher concentrations was significantly inhibitory to root length, shoot and total seedling
length. Significant inhibition of shoot length of jowar was also observed due to root extract
of C. uniflora at both higher and lower concentrations. Fresh weights of seedlings were
decreased as compared to control due to leaf extract of C. obtusifolia at lower
concentration and root at both concentrations of C. obtusifolia.
The archipelagic country of Indonesia is inhabited by 300 ethnic groups, including the indigenous people of Tengger. Based on the reported list of medicinal plants used by the Tengger community, we have reviewed each of them for their phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities. Out of a total of 41 medicinal plants used by the Tengerrese people, 33 species were studied for their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. More than 554 phytochemicals with diverse molecular structures belonging to different chemical classes including flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and volatiles were identified from these studied 34 medicinal plants. Many of these medicinal plants and their compounds have been tested for various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound healing, headache, antimalarial and hypertension. Five popularly used medicinal plants by the healers were Garcinia mangostana, Apium graveolens, Cayratia clematidea, Drymocallis arguta and Elaeocarpus longifolius. Only A. graviolens were previously studied, with the outcomes supporting the pharmacological claims to treat hypertension. Few unexplored medicinal plants are Physalis lagascae, Piper amplum, Rosa tomentosa and Tagetes tenuifolia, and they present great potential for biodiscovery and drug lead identification.
Plants and their bioactive compounds are used in medicinal practices since ancient times. The Himalayan region possesses a large number of medicinal plants, which have been used to prevent and cure several human diseases. Diabetes is a major public health problem, which affects millions of people worldwide. Due to its complexity and impact on whole body hemodynamics, there is no cure for any type of diabetes, and most of the available drugs only help manage the symptoms to a certain extent. Moreover, the development of drug with lesser or no side effects is still a challenge to the medical system. Plant products and their derived active compounds can be possible alternatives for the treatment of diabetes without much adverse effects. Therefore, analysis on such plants and their metabolites has become important. However, routine efforts to identify the plant-based active compounds are not sufficient and there is a need for more rigorous scientific validation to ensure their efficacy, safety, and consistency. In addition, analysis of the chemical structure of a bioactive compound and its relationship with biological activity (structure–activity relationship or SAR) is crucial as it allows the modification of the bioactive compound by changing its chemical structure; this can be considered as a powerful tool in the discovery of drugs, which are very selective and have less side effects. Although several plant-based medicines are being used traditionally for treating diabetes and have been scientifically validated, their mechanism of action is yet to be defined. Here, we review several plant species of the Himalayan region that can be effectively used to treat diabetes and their bioactive compounds having antidiabetic properties and discuss their structure–activity relationship and probable molecular mechanism underlying these properties.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers, with a high mortality rate globally. Plantago lanceolata L. is a medicinal herb from the Plantaginaceae. P. lanceolata has various medicinal uses without significant side effects. The cytotoxic activity, biocompatibility, and in vivo toxicity of the methanolic and acetonic extracts of P. lanceolata root were evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, hemolysis, Artemia salina, and mice, respectively. The phytochemical content was performed by GC–MS. The root extract of P. lanceolata was cytotoxic, and IC50 values of methanolic and acetonic root extracts were 282.94, and 119.68 μg/mL on HCT-116 at 72 h, respectively. The hemolysis degree of the methanolic root extract was <1% at 400 μg/mL. The percentage of the lethality of the nauplii was <5% at 1000 μg/mL. One week after the oral administration with 2000 mg/kg, none of the mice died. According to the GC/MS analysis, P. lanceolata extracts contained potential cytotoxic compounds, such as stearic acid (4.90%) and Linoleic acid (3.04%) in methanolic extract and Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (21.04%) and 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono(2-ethylhexyl) ester (72.60%) in the P. lanceolata root acetonic extract. P. lanceolata methanolic extracts were identified as a biocompatible source. However, the IC50 of crude extracts has been obtained to be above the standard, according to the US National Cancer Institute. This study reported a good relationship between the in vitro and in vivo tests, and these tests are a useful tool for predicting and confirming toxicity in plant extracts.
More than half of the population in developing nations depends on natural medication for treatment of different sicknesses and problems. Among them, Achillea millefolium from Asteraceae family is one restoratively significant plant called as “yarrow” and revealed as being utilized in folklore medication for sicknesses, for example, skin irritations, convulsive, hepatobiliary, and gastrointestinal issues. Monoterpenes are the most delegate metabolites, establishing 90% of the fundamental oils comparable to the sesquiterpenes, and a wide scope of chemical compounds have likewise been found. Distinctive pharmacological examinations in numerous in vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated the capability of A. millefolium with anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, anticancer activities, and so forth loaning help to the reasoning behind various of its conventional uses. Because of the essential pharmacological activities, A. millefolium will be a superior alternative for new medication discovery. Our chapter extensively gathers late phytochemical and pharmacological activities of A. millefolium, and should, accordingly, act as an appropriate reference for future investigation into the plant’s phytochemical profiling and by and large pharmacological assessment.Keywords
Achillea millefolium
PhytochemistryTherapeutic usesPharmacologyConstituents
Capsella bursa-pastoris L. is widely found in countries such as Cyprus, Europe, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Iraq, Iran, China, Azerbaijan, and in ethnomedical records of many other Asian countries. C. bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic—a traditional herb belongs to genus Capsella. Animal model-based preclinical studies have provided important comprehensive scientific data of its phytochemistry and phytopharmacology besides its various important uses. The main focus of this chapter aims to provide a detailed information about the traditional uses, scientific evidence-based pharmacological actions, and phytoconstituents from C. bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic based on the data available from the past 40 years. The data available shows that the plant’s crude extracts and some phytoconstituents have anti-inflammatory, smooth muscles contraction, infertility, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular, anticancer, sedative, antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase inhibition potential. The data also showed that C. bursa-pastoris (L.) has a good nutritional value due to the presence of plethora of phytoconstituents which include flavonoids, phytosterols, phenolics, etc. Other than immense pharmacological potential, C. bursa-pastoris is a rich source of nutrients also. The available scientific data on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological actions of C. bursa-pastoris suggest that this plant can be a promising target for discovery and development of novel drugs for treating wide range of human ailments due to the safe and effective nature of C. bursa-pastoris. More scientific studies need to be carried out on this plant because different traditional uses and phytoconstituents.KeywordsEthnopharmacologyPhytochemistryPharmacological actionsPhytosterolsPhenolicsFlavonoidsAnti-inflammatory
C. bursa-pastoris
By systematizing and analyzing the vigor of potent plant-derived compounds,
herbal drugs can assist the exposure of a replacement period of the healthcare
system to nurse human diseases within the future. Perception of lore and remedial
plants can play a vital role within the utilization and revelation of natural plant
resources. Acorus calamus is a tall perennial marshland monocot plant, being the
member of the family Acoraceae. A. calamus habitually known as sweet flag It is
also known by different names, including sweet sedge, sweet root, sweet rush,
sweet cane, sweet myrtle, myrtle grass, myrtle sedge, gladdon, myrtle flag, flag
root, and cinnamon sedge. This medicinal herb is perhaps native to India and
located across China, Europe, northern Asia Minor, southern Russia, Japan,
northern USA, Sri Lanka, Burma, and Japan. The rhizomes of calamus and
aromatic leaves are conventionally employed as a drug and therefore the dried
and powdered rhizome features a tangy flavor and is employed as an alternate for
nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger for its odor. The rhizomes are examined to have
carminative, expectorant, nauseate, nervine, sedative, stimulant, aromatic, anthelmintic, and antispasmodic properties, and also employed for the medicaments of
mental ailments, epilepsy, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, long-term
diarrhea, dysentery, glandular and abdominal tumors, fevers, and bronchial
catarrh. The prehistoric people of China employed it for constipation and to
reduce swelling. In Ayurvedic School of medicine from India, the rhizomes are
wont to treat various diseases like bronchitis, fever, asthma, and as a sedative.
Indigenous tribes employed it to treat a cough. As a carminative they employed it
to make a decoction from it and as an infusion for colic. Perception of lore and remedial plants can take part in vital role within the utilization and unearthing of
natural plant assets. Encyclopedic approach and association are needed to take
care of ancient documentation on medicinal plants and utilizing these assets in
benefit of citizenry. The present review gives a brief introduction about the
medicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological related aspects of the plant.
Keywords:
Acorus calamus · Expectorant · Ayurvedic · Antispasmodic · Aromatic
Medicinal plants, being a fundamental treatment system since ancient times, are abundantly found in our locality. Though these plants are immensely important, documentation of home garden medicinal plants is not done properly and the majority of people are ignorant of the medicinal use of these locally accessible plants. The main objective of the study was the documentation of valuable species, their ethnomedicinal importance and plant parts used for the treatment of different ailments. This study was conducted in Rampur municipality, Palpa district during May-June 2021. Households (30) having home-gardens near residential areas were surveyed and highlighted 56 species of medicinal plants belonging to 35 families categorized as herb, shrub, tree, climbers and grass. Reported medicinal plants were valued for the treatment of different 92 ailments such as diabetes, epilepsy, fever, asthma, ulcers, bronchitis, syphilis, kidney stone, urinary insufficiency and many others. The most preferred plant part for treatments is leaf followed by fruit and root. Some of these species like oxalis (Amilo Jhar) is considered as weed and removed from fields. Due to developmental activities and inadequate knowledge about medicinal plants, the abundancy of these species is quickly dwindling and protection of those species should be prioritized by every sector.
Herbal finishing textiles is the need of great importance eco-friendly materials and attire businesses. Textile processes and procedures are made eco-friendly. Produce the textile materials makes the texture dis- pensable to naturals on herbal materials. Around the world every one moving to Ayurveda direction choices for supportability claim to fame completes are utilizing from plants with their characteristic completes like against microbial, aroma, anti-bacterial, self-covering, protective and herbs coating. These variations of herbs have multi medicinal purpose and its application in clothing, clothing accessories etc… The herbs utilized are accessible in wealth in India.
Background and purpose: Cataract is a common disease and oxidative stress is recognized as a major cause in its development. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Phyllanthus emblica L., Acorus calamus L., and Chelidonium majus L. against cataracts according to the antioxidant properties of these plants in rats.
Materials and methods: In this study, 30 neonate rats (8-10 days) were divided into five groups; group 1 (control group) received normal saline on day 10. In other four groups, subcutaneous injections of sodium selenite (30 µmol/Kg) were done to induce cataract on day 10. In group 2 no other intervention was done. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received IP injections of Phyllanthus emblica L., Acorus calamus L. and Chelidonium majus L. extracts (400 mg/kg), respectively on day 9-12. On day 17, morphological examination of rats’ lenses were performed and on day 30 the rats were anaesthetized and their lenses were removed. The contents of glutathione and malondialdehyde were measured in lens tissue. DPPH and flavonoid content tests were also done on plants’ extracts.
Results: P. emblica, C.majus, and A.calamus had the highest amount of antioxidant compounds, glutathione level in lens tissue, reduction in cataract grade, and the highest eye protection compared to the sodium selenite group, respectively. Also, the content of malondialdehyde were the lowest in groups that received P.emblica, A.calamus, and C.majus compared to the control group.
Conclusion: P. emblica has considerable protective effect on cataract in rats.
Review Background: Herbs and spices have long been used for both food and medicinal purposes in different world civilizations. In Nepal, various herbs and spices are used for culinary purposes. In addition, a range of bioactive compounds present in herbs and spices have been associated with multiple beneficial health properties. This paper aims to illustrate the diverse availability of traditional herbs and spices used in Nepali cuisine with their traditional uses along with their major phytochemicals and pharmacological activities. Methods: Information related to traditional uses, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities were compiled from the published research articles, books, and book chapters. Results: This study documented 50 herbs and spices with their traditional uses, the phytochemicals present and their medicinal application. Numerous bioactive compounds are reported such as polyphenols, quinines, organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, polypeptides, etc. and these compounds possess diverse pharmacological activities. These herbs and spices were primarily studied for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and antipyretic activities. Conclusion: The different scientific studies highlighted in this review suggest that most of the health effects of herbs and spices are observed on various chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of culinary herbs and spices can act to improve the overall health system. There are nutraceutical potentials that may open new opportunities for herb and spices-based enterprises.
The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a major pest that has developed resistance to many groups of synthetic insecticides. Natural plant products present reliable alternatives for its management. In this study, the activities of essential oils and ethanol extracts from three medicinal plants, i.e., Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle (Gramineae), and Acorus calamus L. (Acoraceae), from Thailand against P. xylostella were evaluated. Four concentrations of the extracts (i.e., 0.625, 1.25, 2.5, and 5%) were tested. The essential oils and ethanol extracts of Cu. longa, Cy. nardus, and A. calamus exhibited different degrees of activity against P. xylostella. Of these, both the essential oil and ethanol extract of A. calamus at 5% (v/v) concentration exhibited feeding toxicity for P. xylostella larvae, resulting in 100% mortality 1 d after treatment, with a median lethal concentration of 0.528% for the essential oil and 1.074% for the ethanol extract. Furthermore, all concentrations of A. calamus ethanol extract exhibited contact toxicity to the larvae, resulting in >75% mortality 3 d after treatment. All tested extracts, except A. calamus ethanol extract at the 0.625% concentration, exhibited high repellent activity against P. xylostella larvae, while Cu. longa and Cy. nardus ethanol extracts at 5% (w/v) concentration and A. calamus essential oil at 2.5% (v/v) concentration deterred oviposition by P. xylostella adults with an effective repellency >70%. These results indicate that both essential oils and ethanol extracts of these plants have the potential to be developed as insecticides for use in integrated pest management of P. xylostella.
Components derived from herbal plants have received great attention in curing several diseases including cancer. In this present study, the sonication method was employed to synthesize Acorus calamus, Terminalia bellirica, Helicteres isora and Quercus infectoria mediated RGO (reduced graphene oxide). The characterization of biosynthesized RGO was done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Ultraviolet–Visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), etc. The absorption peaks obtained for reduced graphene oxide were at 278, 262, 268 and 263 nm for ACCARGO, TBRGO, HIRGO and QIRGO, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the prepared reduced graphene oxide was examined in opposition to human breast cancer cells, MCF-7. It is clearly evident that the RGO prepared showed significant cytotoxic activity against breast cancer cells. The RGO prepared from green route is highly efficient for the large production of RGO for biomedical applications.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and, eventually, the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Around the world, a great deal of focus on this disease is necessary as currently Alzheimer’s disease is ranked as the sixth leading cause of mortality in the United States. Dementia is seen commonly in older adults due to Alzheimer’s disease. Basically, dementia is damage to cognitive function including judgment, recall, thinking, and behavioral abilities that extend up to obstacles being faced by the patient in their daily life activities. Currently, much research into Acorus calamus has revealed that this plant has huge potential for the cure and control of the symptoms of this disease. Acorus calamus L. is a well-known traditional medicinal plant with various ethnopharmacological activities.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
The prevalence and distress caused by erectile dysfunction (ED) to both male and female partners are increasing at a steady rate. ED has now become the most treated sexual disorder for men among young and old age groups due to varying physical and psychological factors. The treatment with synthetic Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors are cost-effective but due to adverse effects such as priapism, loss of vision, heart attack and syncope, the daily life patterns of these patients are distressed and hence the need for alternative medicaments or sources are of utmost important. Therefore, the exploration of medicinal plants as PDE5 inhibitors will be worthwhile in tackling the problems as many plant extracts and fractions have been long used as aphrodisiacs and sexual stimulants which may be found to be active against PDE5 enzyme.
Aim of the study
To provide a review on the different medicinal herbs traditionally used as natural aphrodisiacs, libido or sexual enhancers which are proven for their PDE5 inhibitory effect.
Materials and methods
Ethnobotanical and scientific information was procured, reviewed and compiled from the literature search of electronic databases and search engines.
Results
A total of 97 medicinal plants exhibiting PDE5 inhibitory effect are reviewed in this paper which is supported by preclinical experimental evidence. Among them, 77 plants have been selected according to their traditional and ethnobotanical uses as aphrodisiacs and the rest are screened according to their effectiveness against predisposing factors responsible for ED and sexual dysfunction such as diabetes and hypertension or due to the presence of phytochemicals having structural similarity towards the identified natural PDE5 inhibitors.
In addition, sixteen alkaloids, sixty-one phenolics and eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been isolated or identified from active extracts or fractions that are exhibiting PDE5 inhibitory activity. Among them, isoflavones and biflavones are the major active constituents responsible for action, where the presence of prenyl group for isoflavones; and the methoxy group at C-5 position of flavones are considered essential for the inhibitory effect. However, the prenylated flavonol glycoside, Icariin and Icariside II isolated from Epimedium brevicornum Maxim (hory goat weed) are the most effective inhibitor, till date from natural sources. Traditional medicines or formulations containing extracts of Ginkgo biloba L., Kaempferia parviflora Wall. ex Baker, Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp., Eurycoma longifolia Jack and Vitis vinifera L. are also found to be inhibitors of PDE5 enzyme.
Conclusion
The review suggests and supports the rational use of traditional medicines that can be further studied for the development of potential PDE5 inhibitors. Many traditional medicines are still used in various regions of Africa, Asia and South America that are poorly characterized and experimented. Despite the availability of a vast majority of traditional formulations as aphrodisiacs or sexual stimulants, there exists a need for systemic evaluation on the efficacy as well as the mechanism of action of the herbal constituents for the identification of novel chemical moieties that can be further developed for maximum efficacy.
Reactive Oxygen Species is a phrase used to describe a number of reactive molecules and free radicals derived from molecular Oxygen. The production of Oxygen based radicals is the bane to all aerobic species where its excessive levels intern induces oxidative stress. The present study is to evaluate the anti-stress property of Acorus calamus (vacha), where the fruit flies in different groups are assayed for Stress related marker enzymes like SOD, CAT, and GPx. Where its activity in Stress induced flies (MTX treated) has increased compared to that of control flies. After incorporation of the plant sample there is reduction in level of these defensive enzymes there by vacha has increased the ability to scavenge ROS lowering the free radical concentration and reducing the expression of stress related marker enzymes in the stress induced flies. Thus, vacha may have anti-stress property i.e ability to reduce the level of ROS. INTRODUCTION: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in all aerobic cellular metabolic process.
Background: Acorus calamus (sweet flag) is a well-known traditional herb used in India. There were only limited studies done on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic extracts of A. calamus and the biological activities of phenolic and flavonoid compounds as well as alpha-asarone in the sweet flag.
Objective: The present study was designed to explore the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic of A. calamus leaf and rhizome extracts. Lastly, the correlation between the biological activities and total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) as well as total alpha-asarone content (TAC) of three different extracts (water, hexane and methanol extracts) was revealed.
Method: TAC was determined through using HPLC method, while TPC and TFC were determined through spectrophotometric method. DPPH-free radical scavenging assay (DPPH-FRS) and ferric reducing power assay (FRAP) were used to analyze antioxidant activity, whereby disc diffusion method was used to analyze the antibacterial activity.
Results: Methanol extracts had significantly (p
Background: Senile dementia is the most common kind of dementia with considerable social and economic costs. Since the nature of disease is multi-pathological, current treatments cannot cover all aspects of the disease. Recently, scientific considerations have focused on the role of natural products, especially those with traditional backgrounds. Objective: to review natural treatments of dementia in ancient Greek, traditional Chinese, Ayurveda, and Iranian traditional medicines with concentration on common herbs concurrently mentioned in two or more than two of them. Methods: Scopus database and primary sources were thoroughly searched for selective keywords. The common herbs concurrently mentioned in two or more than two of the aforementioned traditional medicines were selected to deeply investigate for their active ingredients as well as their mechanisms of actions. Results: The results showed that Acorus calamus, Nardostachys jatamansi, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Phyllanthus emblica, Semencarpus anacardium, Terminalia chebula, and Zingiber officinale had been commonly prescribed for dementia in mentioned traditional systems. According to pharmacological studies, these herbs act their anti-dementia effects via cholinergic, anti-NMDA, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-β amyloid activities. Furthermore, 16 active principles of these herbs were identified, including α- and β-asarone, desoxo-narchinol A, narchinol B, glabridin, liquiritigenin, emblicanins A and B, 3, 5, 6, 3chr('39'), 5chr('39'), 6chr('39')-hexahydroxybiphenyl-2, 2chr('39')-dicarboxylic acid, 1chr('39'),2chr('39')-dihydroxy-3chr('39')-pentadec-8-enylbenzene, 1chr('39'),2chr('39')-dihydroxy-3chr('39')-pentadeca-8,11-dienylbenzene, chebulagic acid, and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-d-glucose, Zingipain, 6-gingerol, and 6-shogaol. Conclusion: Chinese, Indian, and Iranian traditional medicine can play a complementary and alternative role in preventing and treating senile dementia. The scientific evidence supports their traditional anti-dementia claims.
From the beginning of its existence and until now, interest in herbal remedies has only grown. Not surprisingly, medicinal herbs are a source of unique combinations of biologically active components that are capable of exhibiting significant pharmacological effects. One of these medicinal plants is Acorus calamus (sweet flag), whose rhizomes have long been used in official and folk medicine, cooking and cosmetology. However, recent studies point to the considerable potential of the aerial part of Acorus calamus as a novel herbal remedy, which is associated with the presence in the leaf of the plant, in addition to essential oil, a considerable amount of substances of phenolic nature.
The aim of the research was to determine the optimal conditions for the removal of phenolic compounds from the leaves of Acorus calamus and to determine the technological parameters of raw materials.
Materials and methods. During the research, samples of raw materials collected on the territory of Kharkiv region were used, as well as methods that are given in the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.
Result. As a result of the research, the extraction conditions at which there was highest content of the extraction of biologically active substances were determined. The extractant, the degree of grinding of the raw material and the optimum extraction time were selected, which allowed to extract almost 80 % of the quantitative content of flavonoids from the raw material. The main technological parameters of Acorus calamus leaves were also determined. The obtained results will be the basis for the development of the technology of obtaining phyto-substance from the leaves of Acorus calamus.
Conclusions. The selection of optimal extraction conditions of biologically active compounds from Acorus calamus leaves was carried out. The obtained results show that in order to obtain extracts with the maximum content of biologically active substances (flavonoids), it is advisable to use raw materials with a particle size of 0.5 to 1.0 mm, as an extractant 70 % alcohol and an extraction time of 4 hours.
Asarones (2, 4, 5-trimethoxypropenylbenzenes) isolated from the essential oil ofAcorus calamus L. rhizomes, are potent growth inhibitors and antifeedants to the variegated cutworm,Peridroma saucia Hubner.cis-Asarone added to artificial diet significantly inhibited growth and feeding by first-, third-, and fourth-instar larvae, whereas thetrans isomer produced an antifeedant effect alone. Gross dietary utilization (efficiency of conversion of ingested food, ECI) was decreased when the diet was supplemented withcis-asarone or when this compound was topically applied to fourth-instar larvae. Inhibition of growth occurred even at a moderate topical dose (5 μg/larva) primarily as a result of decreased efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), even though the approximate digestibility (AD) of the food was unchanged. Oral or topical treatment withtrans-asarone also significantly inhibited larval growth, but in this case the effect can be strictly attributed to decreased consumption, as dietary utilization (ECI) was not affected. Both isomers displayed a direct antifeedant effect based on leaf disk choice tests. Thecis isomer was 7.0 and 5.5 times more potent thant thetrans isomer against fourth- and fifth-instar larvae, respectively. Our data suggest that the two asarone isomers have different modes of action.cis-Asarone is toxic in addition to having strong antifeedant activity, whereas thetrans isomer acts only as an antifeedant with no appreciable toxicity.
Asarones (2, 4, 5-trimethoxypropenylbenzenes) isolated from the essential oil ofAcorus calamus L. rhizomes, are potent growth inhibitors and antifeedants to the variegated cutworm,Peridroma saucia Hubner.cis-Asarone added to artificial diet significantly inhibited growth and feeding by first-, third-, and fourth-instar larvae, whereas thetrans isomer produced an antifeedant effect alone. Gross dietary utilization (efficiency of conversion of ingested food, ECI) was decreased when the diet was supplemented withcis-asarone or when this compound was topically applied to fourth-instar larvae. Inhibition of growth occurred even at a moderate topical dose (5 µg/larva) primarily as a result of decreased efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), even though the approximate digestibility (AD) of the food was unchanged. Oral or topical treatment withtrans-asarone also significantly inhibited larval growth, but in this case the effect can be strictly attributed to decreased consumption, as dietary utilization (ECI) was not affected. Both isomers displayed a direct antifeedant effect based on leaf disk choice tests. Thecis isomer was 7.0 and 5.5 times more potent thant thetrans isomer against fourth- and fifth-instar larvae, respectively. Our data suggest that the two asarone isomers have different modes of action.cis-Asarone is toxic in addition to having strong antifeedant activity, whereas thetrans isomer acts only as an antifeedant with no appreciable toxicity.
Antimicrobial activity of Acorus calamus rhizome and leaf extracts obtained with different solvents viz., petroleum ether, chloroform, hexane and ethyl acetate was evaluated. Extracts obtained with ethyl acetate among others were found to be highly effective. Rhizomes and leaf ethyl acetate extracts exhibited pronounced antifungal activity with diameter zone of inhibition ranged from 20-28 and 18-25 mm as well as antiyeast activity with diameter zone of inhibition ranged from 22-25 and 20-23 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the rhizome and leaf extracts for antifungal activity measured was 2-4mg/ml, except Penicillium chrysogenum whereas against yeasts was relatively higher, 4-5 and 6-8 mg/ml. MIC value for antibacterial activity was comparatively very high ~16-42 mg/ml. In addition, authentic -and -asarones were also tested for their antimicrobial potential. Both -and -asarones exhibited very strong antimicrobial activities against the fungi and yeasts than those of rhizome and leaf extracts. The study clearly suggested that A. calamus rhizomes and leaves must possess active principle -and -asarones which is believed to be responsible for their antimicrobial ac-tivities. Both rhizomes and leaf extracts, however, had no antibacterial activity except E. coli.
Exposure to continuous loud noise is a serious health problem due to excess production of oxygen free radicals. In medical research, more attention is paid to the antioxidant properties of medicinal plants to minimize the harmful effects of radicals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of both ethyl acetate and methanolic extract of Acorus calamus LINN against noise stress (30 d, 100 dBA/4h/d) induced changes in the rat brain. We measured the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, vitamin E, protein thiols and lipid peroxidation (LPO) for the evaluation of oxidative stress status in discrete regions of the rat brain like cerebral cortex, cerebellum, pons-medulla, midbrain, hippocampus and hypothalamus. The results indicated that during exposure of noisy environment ROS generation led to increase in corticosterone, LPO and SOD, but decrease in CAT, GPx, GSH, protein thiols, vitamins C and E levels. Both the ethyl acetate and methanolic extract of Acorus calamus protected most of the changes in the rat brain induced by noise-stress.
Plants have evolved a number of inducible defence mechanisms against pathogen attack, including synthesis of pathogenesis-related proteins. The aim of the study was to purify and characterize antifungal protein from leaves of Acorus calamus.
Leaf proteins from A. calamus were fractionated by cation exchange chromatography and gel filtration and the fraction inhibiting the hyphal extension of phytopathogens was characterized. The temperature stability and pH optima of the protein were determined and its presence was localized in the leaf tissues.
The purified protein was identified as a class III haem peroxidase with a molecular weight of approx. 32 kDa and pI of 7.93. The temperature stability of the enzyme was observed from 5 degrees C to 60 degrees C with a temperature optimum of 36 degrees C. Maximum enzyme activity was registered at pH 5.5. The pH and temperature optima were corroborated with the antifungal activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was localized in the leaf epidermal cells and lumen tissues of xylem, characteristic of class III peroxidases. The toxic nature of the enzyme which inhibited hyphal growth was demonstrated against phytopathogens such as Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium moniliforme and Trichosporium vesiculosum. Microscopic observations revealed distortion in the hyphal structure with stunted growth, increased volume and extensive hyphal branching.
This study indicates that peroxidases may have a role to play in host defence by inhibiting the hyphal extension of invading pathogens.
The aromatic rhizomes of Acorus calamus L. are used extensively in traditional medicine worldwide. They reportedly relieve stomach cramps, dysentery and asthma, and are used as anthelmintics, insecticides, tonics and stimulants. Alcoholic rhizome extracts of A. calamus growing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were previously found to have anthelmintic and antibacterial activity. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, the phenylpropanoid β-asarone was isolated from the rhizome. This compound was shown to possess anthelmintic and antibacterial activity. It has previously been isolated from A. calamus, and a related species, A. gramineus. Different varieties of A. calamus exhibit different levels of β-asarone, with the diploid variety containing none of the compound. Mammalian toxicity and carcinogenicity of asarones has been demonstrated by other researchers, supporting the discouragement of the medicinal use of Acorus calamus by traditional healers in South Africa.
Antibacterial activity of Acorus calamus rhizomes was evaluated in vitro. Different concentrations of petroleum ether extract (50-2000 mug) were tested and the antimicrobial activity was observed from 500 mug and the zone of inhibition increased with concentration. The maximum activity was observed at 2000 mug the highest concentration tested, beyond which the inhibition zone did not increase. Among the four types of bacteria tested, high inhibition zone was observed on Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.62 cm) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (1.62 cm). Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis showed smaller zone of. inhibition (1.34 and 1.04 cm, respectively). MIC test showed that the minimum inhibition concentration was 0.25 mg/mL for P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, B. subtilis and 0.5 mg/mL for E. coli.
The aromatic rhizomes of Acorus calamus L. are used extensively in traditional medicine worldwide. They reportedly relieve stomach cramps, dysentery and asthma, and are used as anthelmintics, insecticides, tonics and stimulants. Alcoholic rhizome extracts of A. calamus growing in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, were previously found to have anthelmintic and antibacterial activity. Using bioassay-guided fractionation, the phenylpropanoid β-asarone was isolated from the rhizome. This compound was shown to possess anthelmintic and antibacterial activity. It has previously been isolated from A. calamus, and a related species, A. gramineus. Different varieties of A. calamus exhibit different levels of β-asarone, with the diploid variety containing none of the compound. Mammalian toxicity and carcinogenicity of asarones has been demonstrated by other researchers, supporting the discouragement of the medicinal use of Acorus calamus by traditional healers in South Africa.
Dry and powdered rhizomes of Acorus calamus L. were extracted with ultrasonic bath using dichloromethane as solvent. Various concentrations (0.01-0.15 %) of the extract were determined for antifungal activity on PDA agar against Alternaria spp. isolated from leaf spot and Fusarium spp. isolated from wilt diseases of cruciferous vegetable, as well as Botrytis spp. isolated from gray mold rot of roses and Septoria spp. isolated from leaf spot of chrysanthemum. The results indicated that all of the molds examined were sensitive to Acorus calamus extract. The growth of all tested fungi was completely inhibited at the concentration of 0.10 % upward. Separation by preparative-TLC and guidance by TLC-bioassay using Cladosporium cladosporioides as a diagnostic fungus revealed an active compound that was identified as β-asarone (cis-1,2,4-trimethoxy-5-(1-propenyl)-benzene) by GC-MS.
The insecticidal activities of compounds derived from the rhizomes of Acorus gramineus against four agricultural insect pests were examined using direct contact application method. The biologically active constituents of A. gramineus rhizomes were characterized as the phenylpropenes, cis- and trans-asarones by spectroscopic analyses. Potencies varied according to insect species, compound, and dose. In a test with female adults of Nilaparvata lugens, cis-asarone caused 100, 83, and 40% mortality at 1,000, 500, and 250 ppm, respectively, whereas 67% mortality was achieved at 1,000 ppm of trans-asarone. Against 3rd instar larvae of Plutella xylostella, cis-asarone gave 83 and 50% mortality at 1,000 and 500 ppm, respectively, whereas trans-asarone at 1,000 ppm showed 30% mortality. Against female adults of Myzus persicae and 3rd instar larvae of Spodoptera litura, cis- and trans-asarones both were almost ineffective at 2,000 ppm. The A. gramineus rhizome-derived materials merit further study as potential insect-control agents or as lead compounds against N. lugens and P. xylostella.
The essential oil composition of Acorus calamus (sweet flag) leaves collected in Lithuania at different growing phases was examined by GC and GC/MS. Rhizome oils of A. calamus, having been more thoroughly investigated, were used for comparison purposes. The content of the oil in dried sweet flag rhizomes was 1.20± 0.12% and in the leaves, depending on the vegetation phase, was from 0.56–1.01%. Ninety-one constituents were positively or tentatively identified in the oils—66 in the leaves and 55 in the rhizomes. Possible formation of calacorene hydrates is suggested for the first time on the basis of mass spectral data. δ-Asarone [(Z)-asarone] was the major constituent in the leaves (27.4–45.5%), whereas acorenone was dominant in the rhizomes (20.86%) followed by isocalamendiol (12.75%). A higher content of some aliphatic and oxygenated monoterpenes was found in oils of the leaves at their earliest growth phase (May), while the β-asarone content was at its lowest level.
Thesis (M.A.)--University of Kansas, Systematics and Ecology, 1989. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 366-385).
A partially-purified fraction obtained from column chromatographic preparation of the crude methanol extract of Acorus calamus Linn. rhizomes was investigated for its antimicrobial activities on various microorganisms including bacteria, yeasts and filamentous fungi. It exhibited high activity againstfilamentous fungi: Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum gypseum, and Penicillium marneffei with IC50 values of 0.2, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively. However, it showed moderate activity against yeasts: Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (MIC 0.1-1 mg/ml) and low activity against bacteria (MIC 5->10 mg/ml). Scanning electron microscopic observation revealed that hyphae and conidia treated with this fraction were shrunken and collapsed, which might be due to cell fluid leakage.
Exposure of rats to acrylamide (ACR) caused hind limb paralysis in 58% of the animals on day 10 and decreased behavioural parameters, namely distance travelled, ambulatory time, stereotypic time and basal stereotypic movements compared with the control group. These rats also had a decrease in the reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity in the corpus striatum and an increase in striatal dopamine receptors, as evident by an increase in the binding of 3H-spiperone to striatal membranes. Treatment with the ethanol:water (1:1) extract of the rhizomes of Acorus calamus (AC-002) increased the GSH content and GST activity in the corpus striatum while insignificant changes were observed in other parameters. Rats treated with ACR and AC-002 in combination had a lower incidence of paralysis (18%) compared with those treated with ACR alone on day 10 of the experiment. The rats also showed a partial recovery in other behavioural parameters. The levels of GSH content and GST activity increased in the corpus striatum, while the dopamine receptors decreased compared with the ACR treated rats. The results suggest that the neurobehavioural changes produced by ACR may be prevented following treatment with Acorus calamus rhizomes.
Crop protection agents from nature
- L G Copping
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