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Medicinal Importance of Hemidesmus indicus: a Review on Its Utilities from Ancient Ayurveda to 20th Century

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Abstract

Hemidesmus indicus commonly known as Anantmool belongs to the family of Periplocaceae and it is used as a folk medicine and found to be an important medicinal ingredient from ancient ayurveda period to this 20 th century. This climbing vine plant is a common inhabitant of Gangetic India and West Benagl. It has several medicinal properties varying from anti-cancerous activity, chemopreventive activity, wound healing power to immuno-modulatory activity, anti-diarrheal activity, antioxidant properties; also anti-venom properties, anti-leprotic properties to diuretic activities.
ABR Vol 5 [3] September 2014 208 | P a g e ©2014 Society of Education, India
Advances in Bioresearch
Adv. Biores., Vol 5 (3) September 2014:208-213
©2014 Society of Education, India
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Medicinal Importance of Hemidesmus indicus: a Review on Its
Utilities from Ancient Ayurveda to 20th Century
Aparna Banerjee1 and Subha Ganguly2*
1Department Of Biotechnology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore, West Bengal - 721 102, India
2AICRP On Post Harvest Technology (ICAR), Department Of Fish Processing Technology, Faculty Of
Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University Of Animal and Fishery Sciences, P.O.- Panchasayar,
Chakgaria, Kolkata - 700 094, WB, India
*Corresponding Author Email: ganguly38@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Hemidesmus indicus commonly known as Anantmool belongs to the family of Periplocaceae and it is used as a folk
medicine and found to be an important medicinal ingredient from ancient ayurveda period to this 20th century. This
climbing vine plant is a common inhabitant of Gangetic India and West Benagl. It has several medicinal properties
varying from anti-cancerous activity, chemopreventive activity, wound healing power to immuno-modulatory activity,
anti-diarrheal activity, antioxidant properties; also anti-venom properties, anti-leprotic properties to diuretic activities.
KEYWO RDS: Hemidesmus indicus, Phytochemical contents, Medicinal properties
Received 12/06/2014 Accepted 16/08/2014 ©2014 Society of Education, India
How to cite this article:
Aparna B and Subha G. Medicinal Importance of Hemidesmus indicus: a Review on Its Utilities from Ancient
Ayurveda to 20th Century.. Adv. Biores., Vol 5 [3] September 2014: 208-213. DOI: 10.15515/abr.0976-
4585.5.3.208213
INTRODUCTION
Hemidesmus indicus commonly known as Anantmool belongs to the family of Periplocaceae and is
synonymously known as Periploca indica [1]. H. indicus has long been used as a folk medicine and found to
be an important ingredient in ayurvedic and unani preparations. This is a climbing vine plant found in
Up per G a n geti c plain, ea stw a rds to B enga l a nd Su ndarb a ns and f rom Central provinces to
Travancore and South India. H. indicus root is sweet, cooling and demulcent. It is used as tonic, diuretic
and aphrodisiac. Whole root and root-bark are useful in syphilis, leucoderma, hemicrania, rheumatism
and in several liver and kidney disorders. Powdered root mixed with cow’s milk treats scanty and highly
coloured urine and is used as a popular folk medicine.
Chromosome number 2n= 22 [1].
DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT
IT IS A PER EN NIA L, SLE NDE R, LATIC IFE ROUS, TWI NIN G, W I RY S HRUB.
Stems - Numerous slender stems having thickened nodes.
Leaves Simple, opposite, very variable from elliptic-oblong to linear lanceolate and 5-10 cm long. It is
dark green in colour with reticulate veins
Flowers – Greenish purple crowded in subsessile cymes with opposite axils.
Fruits – Slender and cylindrical, approximately 10 cm long
Seeds – Seeds are black, 6 to 8 cm long
Roots – Roots are cylindrical in shape, irregularly bent, slightly twisted and aromatic.
1.5 -2 cm in diameter. It is externally dark brown and internally yellowish brown in colour.
PHYTOCHEMICALS PRESENT IN THE PLANT
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ABR Vol 5 [3] September 2014 209 | P a g e ©2014 Society of Education, India
Roots- Roots of H. indicus are reported to contain chemical constituents like - essential oil containing
80% of 2-hydroxy 4-methoxy benzaldehyde, a ketone, fatty acids, saponin, tannins, resinal fractions, resin
acids, sterols, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and sarsapic acid. Hemidesmin 1, hemidesmin 2, alpha-amyrin,
beta-amyrin, lupeol and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid have been isolated and identified from roots
of H. indicus.
Stem- Gupta et al. [2] isolated and characterized a terpene lactone, 3-keto-lup-12-ene-21 to 28-olide from
hexane soluble fraction of ethanol extract of stem of H. indicus. Lupanone, delta12-dehydrolupanyl-3beta-
acetate, delta12-dehydrolupeol acetate, hexadecanoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde and 3-
hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde were also isolated. Chloroform and alcohol extract of stem yields
pregnane glycoside, emdine and hemidescine. [10] Glycosides like- indicine and hemidine were also
reported to be isolated from stem.
Leaves- Leaves of H. indicus contain cardiac glycosides, Tanins, Saponins. Coumarinolignoids like-
Hemidesmine, Hemidesminine and Flavonoids like- rutin, hyperoside are also isolated from leaves of H.
indicus
Flowers- Flavonoid glycosides identified in flowers of H. indicus, are hyperoside, rutin and isoquercitin.
Fig: Different Phytochemicals isolated from Hemidesmus indicus and its chemical structures
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF THE PLANT
Anti-cancerous activity- H. indicus have remarkable anticancer potentials against MCF7 Brest cancer cell
lines. Methanolic extract of rhizomes of H. indicus could be an excellent drug for treating breast cancer.
Cytotoxic effect against HT29colon cancer cell line is also demonstrated by rhizomes of Hemidesmus
indicus. So it can be used as a potential anticancer herb against colon cancer too. H. indicus methanolic
root extract showed a significant cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich Ascites Tumor too. [9] H. indicus
modulated many components of intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell viability and
proliferation and altered protein expression, finally leading to tumor cell death, mediated by a loss of
mitochondrial transmembrane potential and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Hemidesmus induced
mitochondrial depolarization. Hemidesmus induced a significant Ca2+ raise through mobilization of
intracellular Ca2+ stores. Moreover, Hemidesmus significantly enhanced antitumor activity of 3 commonly
Banerjee and Ganguly
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used chemotherapeutic drugs- methotrexate, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine. It indicates molecular basis of
antileukemic effects of Anantmool.[10]
Chemopreventive- H.indicus is an effective chemopreventive agent in skin and capable of betterment of
cumene hydroperoxide induced cutaneous oxidative stress and further tumor promotion [8]. Shetty et al
[6] reported that radioprotective effect on lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes protected
microsomal membrane by minimizing lipid peroxidation, which ultimately protect DNA from radiation
effect.
Immunomodulatory activity- Methanol: Iso- propyl alcohol: acetone extract of H. indicus shows an
immunomodulatory activity related to IgG secretion and Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity. Herbal
extract promotes the release of IgG by lymphocytes in vitro and also the ADA activity after 72 h of culture
[12].
Wound healing activity- Leaves of H. indicus possess marked wound healing activity and play a
promising role in the treatment of wounds especially chronic wounds and in diabetic and cancer patients.
The alcoholic extract of H. indicus formulated as 5% and 10% ointment increase the rate of wound
contraction and period of epithelisation [4].
Antiulcer activity- Austin [3] established the antiulcer activity of H. indicus. It acts by mucoprotective
action and selectively inhibiting prostaglandins. Even standard drugs, like- omeperazole, rantidine have
less mucoprotective activity than H. indicus have.
Nootropic effect- The n-butanol fraction of ethanolic H. indicus root extract significantly improved
learning power and memory at mice. Hence, H. indicus proved to be a useful memory restorative agent in
the treatment of dementia seen in the Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders [5].
Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity- Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic
widely used in the treatment of cancers including hematological malignancies, many carcinomas and soft
tissue sarcomas. However, the clinical use is restricted due to its toxicities to cardiac tissues. The Dox-
induced cardiotoxicity is shown to be mediated by lipid peroxidation, free radical formation,
mitochondrial damage and decreased activity of Na+–K+ ATPase. Antioxidant enzymes-SOD, CAT and
GPx, as well as GSH levels in heart tissue decreased drastically after doxorubicin injection. H. indicus root
extract, due to its antioxidant properties significantly reduced the oxidative stress and thereby toxicity
induced by doxorubicin [9].
Phytochemicals, like flavonoids and polyphenols, terpenoids, coumarins and glycosides have antioxidant
properties. Evaluation of antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of H. indicus root bark in in vitro and ex
vivo models is done (like radical scavenging activity by DPPH reduction, superoxide radical scavenging
activity in riboflavin/light/NBT system, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity in sodium
nitroprusside/greiss reagent system and inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by iron-ADP-ascorbate
in liver homogenate and phenyl hydrazine induced haemolysis in erythrocyte membrane stabilization
study) [13]. 70% methanolic extract of H. indicus root, which contains large amounts of flavonoids and
phenolic compounds, exhibits high antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. It also chelates iron
and has reducing power. These in vitro assays indicate that the extract contains constituents that can be a
significant source of natural antioxidant.
Hepatoprotective activity- Oral administration of 50% ethanolic extract of H. indicus significantly
prevented rifampicin and isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity.[14] CCl4 and paracetamol induced hepatic
damage can be cured upto an extent by H. indicus root extract. Biochemical parameters, like- Alkaline
phosphatase (ALP), Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), Serum glutamate pyruvate
transaminase (SGPT) were found to be in normal range only after oral administration [15]. Many
phytoconstituents present in H. indicus are reported to possess hepatoprotective property, like phenolic
compounds, glycosides, coumarins and saponins.
Anti-inflammatory effect- It is found that ethyl acetate extract of H. indicus root shows much anti-
inflammatory effect in acute and subacute inflammation. Oral administration of H. indicus root extracts
exhibited a dose dependent antinociceptive activity in all models and it blocked both neurogenic and
inflammatory pains. Comparative studies on anti-inflammatory activity of H. indicus are also done in
carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The ethanolic extracts of roots exhibited significant anti-
inflammatory activity at a dose of 350 mg/kg p.o. as compared to control [16].
Diuretic- Aqueous extract of H. indicus root caused an increase in urinary flow in rats. H. indicus along
with aminoglycosides therapy, like- Gentamicin; is able to reduce nephrotoxicity at a significant level [17].
Anti-hypergycemic effect- Upon treatment with H. indicus root extract to diabetic rats, reduced level of
glycogen content in muscle tissues was significantly improved. During diabetes, excess glucose present in
the blood reacts with hemoglobin to form glycosylated hemoglobin. So level of glycosylated hemoglobin is
directly proportional to blood glucose level. Diabetic rats showed higher levels of glycosylated
Banerjee and Ganguly
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hemoglobin indicating their poor glycemic control. Treatment with H. indicus root extract showed a
significant decrease in the glycosylated hemoglobin level, which could be due to improvement in glycemic
control [7].
Antidiarrhoeal activity- Methanolic extract of H. indicus elicited significant antidiarrhoeal activity than
standard drugs. It was found that aqueous extract of H. indicus root increase water absorption and Na+-
K+ from jejunam. He also suggested that extract can be incorporated as a oral dehydrating salt solution
(ORS) for its increasing efficacy [18].
Antivenom- H. indicus root extracts effectively neutralized Viper venom induced lethal, haemorrhagic,
coagulant, anticoagulant and inflammatory activity. Lupeol acetate isolated from the root extract of Indian
sarsaparilla H. indicus could significantly neutralize lethality, haemorrhage, defibrinogenation, edema,
PLA2 activity induced by Daboia russellii venom. It also neutralized Naja kaouthia venom induced
lethality, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity and respiratory changes in experimental animals [19]. Methoxy
benzoic acid isolated from H. indicus root particularly has antivenom potential.
Antileprotic activity- Aqueous extract of H. indicus was orally administered at 2% concentration in mice.
The mice were infected with Mycobacterium leprae from leprosy patients and it was observed that
cutaneous hypersensitivity stimulation was delayed. It also possessed immunomodulatory and
immunosuppressant activities. Phogocytosis was also decreased.[20]
Antimicrobial activity- H. indicus is traditionally used in Indian folklore medicine for the treatment of
various bacterial and fungal infections.
H.indicus showed Maximum zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and Escherichia coli. Chloroform extract of H.indicus showed promising activity against the clinical
isolates of Helicobacter pylori. H. indicus have a stronger and broader spectrum of antimicrobial activity
against pathogenic microorganisms and extracts may be used to discover bioactive natural products that
would serve as basic source for development of new antimicrobial compounds to overcome the
increasing antibiotic resistance. 95% ethanolic extract and aqueous extract both were shown to be
effective against Corynebacterium diptheriae, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus viridans, and
Streptococcus pyogenes. It was found that H. indicus demonstrated high activity against ESβL (Extended
spectrum β-lactamase) producing multidrug resistant enteric bacteria, when fractionated into acetone,
ethyl acetate and methanol. The chloroform and ethanol (95%) extracts of H. indicus showed antifungal
activity against Aspergillus niger.
Clinical trials of “RENALKA” syrup [containing extracts of Tribulus terrestris, Crataeva magna, H. indicus,
Cyperus rotundus, Vetiveria zizanoides, Asparagus racemosus and Elletaria cardamomum and Trikatu] is
done for effectiveness in curing and relieving the symptoms of UTI. The drug was found to be safe and
effective against E. coli, B. proteus, Klebsiealla and Pseudomonas [22].
Antiarthritis activity- Hemidesmus indicus root has protective activity against arthritis and the activity is
might be attributed by presence of terpens, sterols and phenolic compounds in hydroalcoholic root
extract, as well as in ethyl acetate fraction [21].
IN VITRO STUDIES WITH THE PLA NT
Studies on steroids in cultured tissues and also mature plant of H. indicus was reported.[3] Regeneration
of H. indicus by organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis, induced from callus initiation from leaf and
stem explants cultured on MS and B5 medium supplemented with 2.4-D, NAA, BA and Kinetin. Somatic
embryogenesis depended on explant type, growth regulator and callus age. Callus induced on MS medium
containing 2,4-D and Kinetin (1mg/L) developed somatic embryos on half strength MS basal medium.
Organogenesis was induced in callus cultured on MS medium containing NAA (2mg/L) and Kinetin
(0.5mg/L), and subcultured on Kintein (1.5-2 mg/L) and 10% coconut milk. Isolated shoots were then
rooted in half strength MS basal medium [3].
Rooting was achieved in MS basal medium NAA and Kinetin (1 mg/L both). Micropropagation and
production of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzaldehyde from this root cuture of H. indicus. Nodal explants of in
vitro raised shoots subcultured in same medium. These shoot cultures were rooted in quarter salt
strength of MS medium containing 9.8µM IBA [3].
Multiple shoot induction from nodal segments and shoot tip of H. indicus in MS medium was
supplemented with NAA, BA and Gibberelic acid [3].
Micrpropagation of H. indicus is achieved through axillary bud culture. Highest shoot multiplication rate
with 95% frequency was achieved in five weeks on MS medium supplemented with 1.15µM Kintetin and
0.54µM NAA. Micropropagation was also achieved in MS basal medium supplemented with Benzyl
adenine/BA (3mg/L). Addition of low concentration of ammonium nitrate increased shoot thickness and
length of internode significantly. Regeneration of H. indicus plants from root segments was derived from
seedlings. Formation of shoot bud from root segment failed to initiate from auxin and cytokinin
Banerjee and Ganguly
ABR Vol 5 [3] September 2014 212 | P a g e ©2014 Society of Education, India
individually, but shoot formation from proximal end of root segments was observed on medium with
Cytokinin and α-NAA in 2-3 weeks. Highest number of shoot was produced on medium with 6- BAP at
3mg/L and α-NAA at 0.5mg/L. Rapid elongation of shoot bud was observed on half strength MS medium.
Improvement in micropropagation of H. indicus is done by adding adenine sulphate. Excised shoot tips
and nodal segments from field grown mature plant of H. indicus were used to establish in vitro clonal
propagation. Selected nodal segments were cultured on MS with BA at a concentration of 0.1-4.0 mg/l.
Maximum number of usable shoots was found in 1.0 mg/l BA with slight concentration 0.01 mg/l NAA.
Higher concentrations of BA or NAA stimulate for considerable callusing at the cutting base which
decreased shoot proliferation [3].
Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from leaf cultures is possible on H. Indicus [3].
Phytochemical Studies
In vitro biosynthesis of antioxidants, like- lupeol, vanillin and rutin; is reported from H. indicus root
culture [23]. Production of phytochemicals, lupeol and rutin on shoot culture of H. indicus MS basal
medium is supplemented with BAP and NAA.
CONCLUSION
The present review highlights on the varying phytochemical contents in the herb, Hemidesmus indicus
which makes it as a popular choice for folk medicine and also must be considered as the source for
alternative medicine.
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cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion. J. Ethnopharmacol., 85: 33-41
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Banerjee and Ganguly
... g/ml), and ethanolic (IC 50 6.510 g/ml) extracts of the plant exhibited strong scavenging activity as compared to that of standard butylated hydroxytoluene (IC 50 7.621 g/ml) [1,25]. The antioxidant properties of H. indicus crude extracts were evaluated [27]. ...
... Another in vitro study showed that rhizomes of H. indicus exhibit cytotoxic effects on the HT-29 colon cancer cell lines. Similarly, the methanolic extract of H. indicus significantly exhibit cytotoxicity to Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) at the IC 50 of 274.83 μg [1]. Another study indicated that the decoction of the roots of H. indicus exhibits chemopreventive effects against HL-60 (Human promyelocytic leukemia) cell lines. ...
... These compounds are known to possess several pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities [31] . Indian sarsaparilla has been used to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, gastrointestinal problems, coughs, and fever (Banerjee & Ganguly, 2014) [2] . Additionally, it has been used in the treatment of diabetes (Joshi et al., 2018) [16] . ...
... These compounds are known to possess several pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities [31] . Indian sarsaparilla has been used to treat various ailments such as skin diseases, gastrointestinal problems, coughs, and fever (Banerjee & Ganguly, 2014) [2] . Additionally, it has been used in the treatment of diabetes (Joshi et al., 2018) [16] . ...
... H. indicusis known to also produce saponins, tannins, and cardiac glycosides in its leaves and flowers. Hemidesmine and flavonoids such as flavonoid glycosides, rutin, isoquercetin, and hyperoside are examples of coumarinolignoids found in H. indicus leaves (Banerjee and Ganguly, 2014). ...
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... Therefore, the alternative methods are used to inhibit the growth of microorganism by using plant extracted compounds. Several plant extracts from different parts contains various secondary metabolites such as alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, lupeol, and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic [5]. C. dentata extracts proved that more phytcompounds and these compounds are potential antimicrobial properties [6]. ...
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Jour Pl Sci Res 38 (1) 2022 Climate Change and Health and Ayush: Curcuma and COVID-19 Heat waves hit both poles at once. Planet earth is warming and climate change is affecting. “Temperature records were smashed in Antarctica last week: one weather station recorded temperatures that were 40! above normal. At the same time, it is 30! warmer than average at the North Pole. “They are opposite seasons. You don’t see the North and the South [Poles] both melting at the same time,” says ice scientist Walt Meier. (https://apnews.com/article/climate-science�colorado-arctic-antarctica-eda 9ea 8704108bdab2480 fa2cd4b6e34?utm_source= Nature+Briefing&utm_ campaign=9faf4287e9-briefing-dy-20220321&utm_ medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-9faf4287e 9-45318994). “Not a good sign when you see that sort of thing happen,” said University of Wisconsin meteorologist Matthew Lazzara. Although both Lazzara and Meier said what happened in Antarctica is probably just a random weather event and not a sign of climate change, but if it happens again or repeatedly then it might be something to worry about and part of global warming, they said. In my own experience as student in 1965-1967 period, Jaipur the pink city (the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Rajasthan) was so cool that its maximum temperature in summer was about 37o C even in May and June. The highest temperature was 42o C and within two or three days rain splashes will come. Jaipur was surrounded by hills and almost on all sides and hills were lush green after the rain. Ramgarh dam as source of water for entire city, used to overflow in rainy season and Jaipur had a population of around a lac or so in 1947. A single bus of Kamal Co used to run between stations (some 6 km from city) and walled city during early days of freedom. However, Jaipur and Udaipur (another city in the state of Rajasthan, India) or for that matter any city of the world is facing climate change but there is no concern in the present generation of politicians, scientists, medical and health practitioners as if nothing is happening. UN bodies are more of an ornamental structures. Any solutions to global warming mitigation are not spread or accepted even by those nations who will be most affected by climate change the poorest of the poor. CO26 is just another meeting and IPCC reports are just a number. Jaipur temperatures or for that matter all temperature across India are reaching 6 degrees higher than normal. It is almost 40 to 42o C in most cities of Rajasthan. The Journal of Plant Science Research is doing its part in understanding the phenomenon and providing solutions. Can you believe idea of plant-based vaccine that too from a plant commonly use as vegetable in India? Yes, this week it’s official that Medicago’s homegrown, plant-based COVID-19 vaccine has been approved by Health Canada (https://www.cbc.ca/ news/health/medicago-s-homegrown-plant-based�covid-19-vaccine-approved-by-health-canada�1.6362745?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign =8f 4263cf0e-briefing-dy-20220315&utm_ medium =email&utm_term=0_c9dfd3). The shots use Medicago’s plant-derived, virus-like particles — which resemble the coronavirus behind COVID-19 but don’t contain its genetic material — and also contain an adjuvant from GSK to help boost the immune response. Curcuma longa (Turmeric) has shown promising response to prevents many diseases including current global severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and neurodegenerative disorders. Curcuma longa (Haldi) a plant-based Ayurveda medicine and its content Curcumin has shown effectiveness in help fighting COVID-19 (see review in this issue by Singh et al.). Some of the other topics covered in this issue include peach cultivation in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India. Physical properties of soil of Aravalli hills of Rajasthan; Leaf and Sheath Blight disease of Maize Caused Rhizoctonia solani; Peptone induced pigment (a natural pigment in textile and food industry) production in Ganoderma lucidum. Algae, the principle primary producers are photosynthetic thallophytes, usually are microscopic, unicellular and colonial or multicellular. The maintenance of a healthy canal ecosystem The Journal of Plant Science Research ii Editorial depends on the abiotic properties of water and the biological diversity of ecosystem. Large scale industrialization has caused concern regarding the pollution of water. Jayasree et al. (this issue) provides ecological Study of Blue Green Algae of Canal Waters of Kerala. As Editor-in-Chief of JPSR, I feel honoured to have contributions from distinguished scientists from India and abroad. I would expect that authors follow guidelines and devote more time in articulating their ideas and discussing them in detail based on the results obtained or review of literature. The most important point in each paper remains what is the “Take home lesson”. Being UGC Care indexed journal we have added responsibility and our acceptance rate is around 70 percent. Professor Govindjee from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA, Professor Yau from USA, Professor Ogita from Japan and Professor N. K. Dube from BHU Varanasi provide support in screening the manuscripts. Our editorial, Ms. Shyaloo and Ms. Princee Singh, Prints Publications team left no stone unturned to provide you this issue. Prof. Ashwani Kumar Editor-in-chief Alexander von Humboldt Fellow (Germany)
... Hemidesmin 1, hemidesmin 2, alpha-amyrin, betaamyrin, lupeol and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid have been knwon to be isolated [22]. Likewise, from the aerial part of the plant, i.e. the stem, leaves and the flowers, metabolites like terpene lactone, 3-keto-lup-12-ene-21 to 28-olide from hexane soluble fraction of ethanol extract, 4-hydroxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde were extracted [23]. ...
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The medicinal and pharmacological aspects of plants are one such asset to the human race right through the evolution. The plants which are nutritionally rich and also loaded with some additional values like antioxidants, vitamins, proteins or some specific secondary metabolites are categorized as nutraceuticals plants. Ethanomedicinal usage of plants is not only limited to the knowledge of medicinal and aromatic plants but has been stretched to the exploration in the fungal world especially the lichens. India being a mega biodiversity country has enormous potential in this field of traditional medicines. Primitive societies were dependent on herbal remedies for the treatment and disorders since time immemorial. Either it may the use of herbal kadha (tea/ decoction/extract) or may be use of spices oils in the steam inhalation during the ongoing Corona pandemic, world has perceived the potential of Indian Ayurvedic system in the safe treatment of tough body illness through minimal usage of chemical drugs. Novel approaches like phytochemical estimation and green synthesis of nanoparticles through reducing chemistry has opened a new channel for herbal drug analysis. Hemidesmus indicus in Southern Indian medicinal flora with all forms of medicinal plants having variety of biological activities has been amongst the most used herb in form nutraceuticals.
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Glycosides are one of the important constituents in medicinal plants worldwide. According to chemical classification, Glycosides are having different types like Anthraquinones, Saponins, Flavonoids, Flavonols, Coumarins, Furanocoumarins, etc. Various plants like Digitalis, Thevetia, Senna, Senega, Brahmi, Rhuberb, Aloe, Cascara, etc fall into this category. Glycosides are basically used Purgative, Cardiotonic, anti-depressant, coloring agent, diuretic, flavoring agent, antifungal, antidiabetic, antipyretic, stomachic, anthelmintic, antirheumatic agent, etc. Different parts of these plants like rhizomes, seeds, bark, leaves, etc are used as the potent sources of glycosides. These plants are grown in worldwide. In this review article, we focussed that the basic introduction and importance of glycosides, classification, their tests, distribution of different plants and their significance.
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Hemidesmus indicus L. R. Br. is a rare and endangered plant exhibits potent medicinal properties explored for the presence of flavoring compound in the roots namely 2-hydroxy-4- methoxybenzaldehyde (HMB) having applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The objective of the study is to improve the regeneration potential and optimize the genetic transformation in Hemidesmus indicus. Present study exhibits direct regeneration of Hemidesmus indicus through leaf and nodal explants with subsequent plant regeneration using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with various plant growth regulators (auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellic acid) TRIA and with adjuvant adenine sulphate,. The caulogenic response of 78.8%, 73.3% and 71.4% was observed when the leaf explant was inoculated on MS media containing 2.3 mgL− 1 BAP + 0.2 mgL− 1 2,4-D, 0.02 mgL− 1 TRIA + 2 mgL− 1 BAP and 1 mgL− 1 KIN + 1 mgL− 1 NAA respectively with creamish yellow nodular friable callus by 4 weeks. The initiation of shoot bud was observed within three days after inoculation of nodal explant on media supplemented with 1 mgL− 1 BAP + 0.1 mgL− 1 NAA, 1 mgL− 1 BAP + 0.1 mgL− 1 NAA + 40 mgL− 1 AgNO3, 1 mgL− 1 BAP + 0.1 mgL− 1 NAA + 40 mgL− 1 AgNO3 + 40 mgL− 1 adenine sulphate respectively and incubated in the dark for 2 weeks. Shoot regeneration from the leaf explants was also observed within 4 weeks after inoculation in MS medium with 1 mgL− 1 BAP + 0.1 mgL− 1 NAA. In the present study, we also report the development of an effective and reproducible Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation system in Hemidesmus indicus. Genetic transformation was achieved by inoculating in vitro calli of Hemidesmus indicus with the A. tumefaciens strain EHA105 harboring pCAMBIA1301 with 35 S CAMV promoter driving the expression of reporter β-glucuronidase gene (GUS) and hygromycin selection marker hptII. After co-cultivation, the calli were thoroughly washed and inoculated on MS basal medium with (2.3mgL− 1 BAP + 0.2 mgL− 1 2,4-D) along with cefotaxime (250 mgL− 1) and hygromycin (30 mgL− 1) and the co-cultivated callus cultures were maintained in dark at 25 ̊C ± 2 ̊C for 4 weeks. After two rounds of subculture, the putative transformed calli were assessed by performing histochemical GUS staining assay and genomic DNA PCR to detect the exogenous GUS gene sequence. The transformation efficiency was 26% with transformed calli tolerant to hygromycin (30 mg L⁻¹) and were positive to histochemical GUS staining assay and PCR. The results indicated a successful establishment of a reliable and efficient A. tumefaciens mediated genetic transformation system. The in-vitro micropropagation is a well-known technique for the mass production of the plant and thus aid in conservation of H. indicus. Through transformation, the regulatory and the biosynthetic genes can be manipulated for enhancement of nutraceutical, pharmaceutical bioactive compounds present in H. indicus and can also be applied for generating transgenic plants with desirable traits.
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The aim of this article is to review the antiviral activity of plants traditionally used in indigenous medicine in Sri Lanka, their therapeutic potential, chemistry, and botany. Viral infections represent an increasing threat to humans worldwide. Conventional antiviral drugs are available against respiratory viruses. Naturally occurring antiviral activity of medicinal plants was used for centuries in the country’s rich traditional medicine system consisting of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Deshiya Chikitsa. Traditional physicians cure diseases, including those that originate from viruses, through herbal medicine. To complement this, about 1430 species representing 838 genera, equivalent to 45% of the entire flowering plant community, are considered medicinal. The present article attempts to review the essence of decades of discoveries on antiviral and related properties of 21 medicinal plants, Allium sativum L., Annona muricata L., Ardisia elliptica Thunb., Azadirachta indica A. Juss., Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw., Coriandrum sativum L., Coscinium fenestratum (Gaertn.) Colebr., Hedyotis corymbosa (L.) Lam., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br., Justicia adhatoda L., Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Phyllanthus embilica L., Phyllanthus debilis Klein ex Willd., Piper longum L., Piper nigrum L., Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad & Wendl., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., Tinospora cordifolia (Wild) Miers., Vitex negundo L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Among the medicinal plants commonly used in Sri Lankan traditional medicine, Justicia adhatoda showed stronger anti-influenza virus activity, inhibiting virus attachment and replication, while Terminalia chebula consisting of chebulagic and chebulinic acids, demonstrated direct antiviral activity against sexually transmitted herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2).
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Shoot cultures and callus cultures from roots and leaves of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br (Asclepiadaceae) were established on Murashige and Skoog medium with various hormonal combinations. The production of antioxidants (lupeol, vanillin, and rutin) in shoot cultures, callus cultures derived from leaf cells and root cells, was compared with root and aerial portions of the parent plant. Shoot cultures and leaf callus cultures produced more antioxidants than root callus cultures. In vitro culture of this species might ofter an alternative method for production of these important pharmaccuticals, which would reduce the collection pressure on this rare plant.
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Two novel pregnane glycosides, hemidescine and emidine, have been isolated from the dried stem of Hemidesmus indicus. Chemical and spectroscopic evidence is consistent with the structures 20-O-aoetyl calogenin 3-O-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-d-oleandropyranoside and calogenin-3-O-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-d-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-d-digitoxopyranoside, respectively.
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Two new pregnane glycosides, designated indicine and hemidine, have been isolated from the dried stems of Hemidesmus indicus. Chemical and spectroscopic evidence is consistent with the structures, calogenin-3-O-β-d-digitoxopyranoside and calogenin-3-O-β-d-boivinopyranoside, respectively.
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To investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic and its fractions from roots of Hemidesmus indicus on arthritis in in vitro models of rodents. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and thin-layer chromoatography were performed to analyze constituents of hydroalcoholic extract and its three fraction namely ethyl acetate fraction, chloroform fraction and residual fraction of root of Hemidesmus indicus. Arthritis rats models were established by Complete Freund's Adjuvant. The parameters including paw edema, body weight, arthritic index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum rheumatoid factor, serum C-reactive protein, serum nitrite level, and histopathology of synovial joints were observed. Methotrexate was taken as positive control. Rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract (450 mg/kg, p.o.), ethyl acetate (75 mg/kg, p.o.), chloroform (60 mg/kg, p.o) and residual fractions (270 mg/kg, p.o.), showed significant decrease in physical and biochemical parameters compared with arthritic model rats. Hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction of Hemidesmus indicus showed significantly higher anti-arthritic activity than chloroform and residual fraction. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that both of hydroalcoholic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction had comparable anti-arthritic activity with methotrexates. The present study suggests that Hemidesmus indicus has protective activity against arthritis and the activity might be attributed to presence of terpenoid in hydroalcoholic extract, as well as in ethyl acetate fraction.
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The study was carried out to evaluate the wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus leaves in rats. Twenty four healthy animals of Wister strain were assigned to four groups, containing six animals each. Group 1 (positive control) was provided with nitrofurantoin ointment, group 2 (solvent control) with 70% ethanol, group 3 (test dose I) with 5% w/w Hemidesmus indicus ointment and group 4 (test dose II) with 10% w/w Hemidesmus indicus ointment. The total exposure of the study was 16 days. The groups were compared for the percentage of wound healing. It was observed that the group treated with nitrofurantoin ointment showed an increase in the rate and percentage of wound contraction and period of epithelization compared to the ethanol treated group. The alcoholic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (5% and 10% ointment) increased rate of wound contraction and period of epithelization than solvent and control groups. Comparison between test dose I and test dose II showed that the percentage and rate of wound healing was increased at test dose I than test dose II. The study evaluated the wound healing activity of the alcoholic extract of Hemidesmus indicus and identified it to possess significant wound healing activity.
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Dementia is one of the age-related mental problems, and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer's disease. Nootropic agents are clinically used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities and for improving memory, mood and behavior, but the resulting side-effects associated with these agents have made their utility limited. Ayurveda emphasizes use of herbs, nutraceuticals or lifestyle changes for controlling age related neurodegenerative disorders. The present study was undertaken to assess the potential of an ayurvedic rasayana (rejuvenator) drug Hemidesmus indicus roots as a memory enhancer. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance paradigm were employed to evaluate learning and memory parameters. The chloroform and n-butanol fractions of ethanolic extract H. indicus root (3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) were screened for claimed potential in mice. The n-butanol fraction of H. indicus extract significantly improved learning and memory at all doses mice. Hence, H. indicus might prove to be a useful memory restorative agent in the treatment of dementia seen in the Alzheimer's disease.
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The hexane soluble portion of the ethanol extract of the stem of Hemidesmus indicus afforded a new triterpene lactone, characterized as 3-keto-lup-12-ene-21→28-olide. Further, lupanone, Δ12-dehydrolupanyl-3β-acetate, Δ12-dehydrolupeol acetate, hexadecanoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde were also isolated for the first time from this plant.
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The distribution of flavonoid glycosides in some South Indian plants belonging to the Asclepiadaceae has been studied and is found to be significantly in favour of quercetin; kaempferol is present in traces only and flavone was absent from all of the plants examined. Rutin has been isolated from the leaves of Hemidesmus indicus and from the pericarp of the follicles of Leptadenia reticulata in significant amounts. The seeds of L. reticulata are rich in hyperoside.
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The purpose of the present work was to evaluate anticarcinogenic and cytotoxic potential of Hemidesmus indicus methanolic root extract (HiRe) against Ehrlich Ascites Tumor. The extract showed a significant in vitro cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich Ascites Tumor (EAT) cell line. IC 50 value for EAT cell line was 274.83µg.The anticarcinogenic activity of the extract was determined by using EAT cell line induced ascites tumor model in mice and its comparison with standard anticancer drug cyclophosphamide. The treatment with methanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight) significantly increased the body weight of ascites tumor model. The life span of treated animal was increased up to 67.78%.The results were more significant in mice treated with 100 mg/kg body weight. This study revealed that Hemidesmus indicus may have a great potential to be exploited for the search of anticancer drugs.
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Objective: To investigate the effect of Hemidesmus indicus extract on activities of human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro . Materials and Methods: The total extract of the raw herb was obtained by methanol: isopropyl alcohol: acetone extraction and used at different concentrations. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were isolated, stimulated to proliferate using phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with and without different concentration of herbal extracts. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and immunoglobulin (IgG) secretion from cultured PBLs were studied with the herbal extracts and appropriate controls. Results: Hemidesmus indicus extract stimulated the cell proliferation at 1 mg/ml concentration significantly, after 72 h in culture. Viability of extract-treated PBLs was also maintained after culture. The extract increased the IgG production from cultured PBLs, when used at 1 mg/ml concentration. It also increased the ADA activity of PBLs after 72 h in culture. Conclusion: An immunomodulatory activity of H.indicus, related to IgG secretion and ADA activity, is revealed during the study. The herbal extract has shown to promote the release of IgG by lymphocytes and also the ADA activity after 72 h of culture.