Paederia foetida Linn. As a potential medicinal plant : A Review

Abstract

Over the past decade, herbal and ayurvedic drugs have become a subject of world importance, with both medicinal and economical implications. A regular and
widespread use of herbs throughout the world has increased serious concerns over their quality, safety and efficacy. Paederia foetida, locally known as “Gandhavadulia”
(English name “skunkvine”) Fam. Rubiaceae has a diverse pharmacological and phytochemical importance. Thus, a proper scientific evidence or assessment has
become the criteria for acceptance of herbal health claims. This review article explores the traditional knowledge or claims along with pharmacognostical,
phytochemical, pharmacological and future aspects of this plant. Over many centuries humans have been mining the bounties of nature for discovering new
phytoconstituent that have been used for the treatment of number of diseases; many such treatments are useful even today as modern day medicine. Emerging
evidence also suggests that search is still continuing for harnessing active compounds from nature in combating human illnesses and it also leads the path to search
out new active natural and novel semisynthetic or synthetic compounds.

Full text

Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.3.Issue 12. December 2010
Chauhan Khushbu et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2010, 3(12),3135-3137
3135-3137
Review Article
ISSN: 0974-6943 Available online through
www.jpronline.info
*Corresponding author.
Khushbu R. Chauhan
Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad.
Tel.: + 91-982-527-2089;268-252-0029
E-mail:khushbupharmacy@ddu.ac.in
INTRODUCTION
During the past decade, the indigenous or traditional system has gained impor-
tance in the field of medicine. a large number populations depend on the tradi-
tional practitioners, who are dependent on medicinal plants to meet their pri-
mary health care needs. Although, modern medicines are available, herbal medi-
cine retained their image for historical and cultural reasons. Since the usage of
these herbal medicines has increased, issues and moto regarding their quality,
safety and efficacy in industrialized and developing countries are cropped up.[1]In
order to make sure the safe use of these medicines, a necessary first step is the
reviewing the whole plant for its potential as a medicinal plant. Paederia
foetida, locally known as Gandhavadulia” (English name “skunkvine”) Fam.
Rubiaceae. The name derives from the distinct odor of carbon bisulphide when
the leaves are crushed. In fact the Species name, foetida , is Latin for “stinky”
or “foul smelling”. The decoction of the whole plant is traditionally used in
Ayurveda medicine for the treatment of various diseases. In Ayurveda, it is
considered as alterative, antiarthritic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic. expectorant
and stomachic It is also used in asthma, bowel complaints, diarrhea, diabetes,
seminal weakness etc. The dried fruits are used. The extract is applied for
toothache also. [2] It also enters in to the preparation of Dasmularishta. It is also
reported to be used in gout, vesical calculi, diarrhoea, dysentery, piles, inflam-
mation of the liver and emetic.[3,4]
Classification:[5]
Kingdom:Plantae Subkingdom : Tracheobionta Superdivision: Spermatophyta
Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Asteridae
Order: Rubiales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus : Paederia L. Species: Paederia foetida L.
Other Names:[6]
Taxonomic name: Paederia foetida L.
Synonyms: Paederia chinensis Hance, Paederia scandans (Lour.) Merr.,
Paederia tomentosa Blume, Apocynum foetium Burm. f.
Local name: Biri, Berihara, Prasarini
Ayurvedic name:Gandhaprasarani
Common names: Chinese fever vine, skunk vine, stinkvine
Distribution:
In India, Paederia foetida Linn. is of medicinal value. It is widely distributed in
Paederia foetida Linn. As a potential medicinal plant : A Review
Chauhan Khushbu*, Patel Anar, Patel Mayuree, Macwan Carol, Solanki Roshni, Adeshara Subodh.
Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad-387001.
Received on: 09-06-2010; Revised on: 15-08-2010; Accepted on:13-09-2010
ABSTRACT
Over the past decade, herbal and ayurvedic drugs have become a subject of world importance, with both medicinal and economical implications. A regular and
widespread use of herbs throughout the world has increased serious concerns over their quality, safety and efficacy. Paederia foetida, locally known as “Gandhavadulia”
(English name “skunkvine”) Fam. Rubiaceae has a diverse pharmacological and phytochemical importance. Thus, a proper scientific evidence or assessment has
become the criteria for acceptance of herbal health claims. This review article explores the traditional knowledge or claims along with pharmacognostical,
phytochemical, pharmacological and future aspects of this plant. Over many centuries humans have been mining the bounties of nature for discovering new
phytoconstituent that have been used for the treatment of number of diseases; many such treatments are useful even today as modern day medicine. Emerging
evidence also suggests that search is still continuing for harnessing active compounds from nature in combating human illnesses and it also leads the path to search
out new active natural and novel semisynthetic or synthetic compounds.
Key words: Paederia foetida, skunkvine, Rubiaceae, iridoid glycosides.
thickets at low and medium altitudes.[7] It is usually found in Himalayas from
Dehradun eastwards upto an altitude of 1800m and also in Assam, Bihar, Orissa,
and Bengal. It contains bitter taste with having foul smell. P. foetida may grow
high into the trees in a variety of habitats, from mesic hammocks to xeric sand
hill communities, although it appears to prefer sunny floodplains and bottom-
lands. P. foetida can even grow under water. [8] It has been observed that P. foetida
occurs frequently in tree gaps, and other disturbed areas. [9]
Life History: [10]
Fast-growing; shows wide-ranging adaptability to different light, soil, and salt
conditions. [10] Able to establish and grow above the frost line, though some
leaves may turn yellow-red or drop following a freeze. Flowers and fruits mostly
in summer and fall; seeds may be dispersed by birds. May also be spread by
accidental transport of rooted fragments.
Botanical Description: [11, 12]
A climbing, herbaceous, hairy or smooth slender vine. Perennial twining vine
from woody rootstock; stems to 7 m (23ft) or more, climbing, or prostrate and
rooting at the nodes. Leaves opposite phyllotaxy (rarely in whorls of 3), ovate
to oblong-ovate, 6 to 10 cm long, 3.5 to 5 cm wide, with conspicuous stipules;
petioles commonly to 6 cm (2.4 in) long; blades entire, oval to linear-lan-
ceolate, 2-11 cm (1-4.3 in) long, hairy or glabrous, often lobed at base; leaves
and stems with disagreeable odor, especially when crushed (Figure 1 (a)). Flowers
small, grayish pink or lilac, in broad or long, “leafy,” curving clusters, terminal
or at leaf axils; corolla densely hairy, tubular with 5 (usually) spreading lobes
(Figure 1 (a)). Fruit a shiny brown, nearly globose capsule, to 0.7 cm (0.3 in)
wide, with 2 black, roundish seeds, these often dotted with white raphides (Figure
1(c)).
Figure 1: Macroscopy of Paederia foetida Linn.
a. Leaves and flowers of Paederia foetida Linn.
b. Growing over native vegetation,
c. Mature fruits of Paederia foetida Linn.

Journal of Pharmacy Research Vol.3.Issue 12. December 2010
Chauhan Khushbu et al. / Journal of Pharmacy Research 2010, 3(12),3135-3137
3135-3137
Figure 2: Microscopy of Paederia foetida Linn.
Figure 2 (a): T S of Paederia foetida (Linn.) leaf; [T–Trichomes; M –
Mesophyll; C –Collenchyma; PAR – Parenchyma; VB– Vascular Bundle;
LE – Lower Epidermis; UE –Upper Epidermis ]
Figure 2 (b): T S of Paederia foetida (Linn.) leaf; Lamina [M – Mesophyll;
LE – Lower Epidermis; UE – Upper Epidermis]
Figure 2 (c): T S of Paederia foetida (Linn.) leaf shows Trichomes.
Figure 2 (d): T S of Paederia foetida (Linn.) leaf; Midribs [VB – Vascular
Bundle; PAR – Parenchyma; P – Phloem; X – Xylem]
Table 1: Proximate Analysis of dried leaves Paederia foetida Linn.
Parameters Values
Physical contents 11.5
Moisture (%) 10
Ash (%) 1.5
Acid insoluble (%) 1
Water soluble (%)
Extractive value
Alcohol (%) 21.717
Water (%) 11.5
Note: May be confused with the closely related, also naturalized, sewer vine,
P.cruddasiana Prain, but its fruits are oval, flattened, with distinctly winged
seeds.
MICROSCOPY: [13]
The leaf is distinctly dorsi-ventral with prominent midrib and lamina. Epider-
mal trichomes are sparsely seen both on the upper and lower epidermis. Meso-
phyll composed of single layered palisade cells and 3-4 layered spongy tissue; in
margin of the leaf mesophyll replaced by thickwalled cells (Fig. 2 (a &b)).
Trichomes are present on both surfaces elongate to produce uniseriate tri-
chomes (Fig.2 (c)). Midribs composed of single layered epidermis covered with
cuticle; ground tissue consisting of 2-5 layered of collenchyma towards upper
and lower side and rest parenchyma; a large median crescent-shaped vascular
bundle consisting usual elements with xylem towards upper side and phloem
towards lower side (Fig.2 (d)).
PROXIMATE ANALYSIS: [13]
Physico-chemical analysis and extractive value of dried leaves Paederia foetida
L. are given in Table 1. Preliminary qualitative chemical tests showed that plant
is credited with carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, tannins, phenolics, fla-
vonoids, steroids, mucilage and saponins.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:
The major classes of chemical constituent present in this plant are iridoid
glycosides, sitosterol, stigmasterol, alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, amino
acid and volatile oil.[3,4] This aromatic climbing plant is a leafy vegetable that can
be eaten raw or steamed [4]. This popular plant is used as a remedy for diarrhoea
and dysentery in Bangladesh [14] and to inhibit intestinal motility [15]. Iridiod
glycosides, paederolone, paederone, paederine and paederenine were the
phytochemicals identified in this plant [15]. Previous studies [16,17] also identified a
number of steroids and terpenoids and 77 constituents in the volatile oils of the
leaves, stems and flowers of P. foetida, some at high levels. Upon distillation, a
volatile oil is obtained with the offensive odor of the fresh crushed leaves two
alkaloids are obtained: a- and b-Paederine. The leaves yield an indole. Leaves are
rich in carotene and vitamin C.[18] Plant yields friedelan-3-1, beta-sitosterol and
epifriedelinol. Leaves yield iridoid glycosides, asperuloside, paederoside and
scandoside; sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, ursolic acid, palmitic acide and
methyl mercaptan. The methyl mercaptan is responsible for the foetid odor of
the plant.[19]
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY:
In Folkloric it was used for rheumatism. The leaves, boiled and mashed, applied
to the abdomen for urinary retention. Decoction of leaves also used for urinary
retention and for urinary bladder stones. Decoction-soaked cloths applied to the
forehead for fevers and taken internally at the same time. Bark decoction used
as emetic. Decoction of leaves used for antirheumatic baths. Pounded leaves
applied to the abdomen for flatulence. Decoction of roots for expelling gas.
Fruit used for toothaches and to blacken the teeth. Decoction of whole plant
used for abdominal pain, abscesses, arthritis. In many Asia traditional therapies,
used for diarrhea and dysentery. In Bangladesh, used for diarrhea. Poultice of
leaves used to relieve distention and flatulence Roots and bark used as emetic,
and in the treatment of piles and liver inflmmation. Fruit used for toothache. In
India used for rheumatism and stiffness of the joints. Poultice of leaves applied
to abdomen to relieve distention and flatulence. Juice of the root is used for
piles, liver and spleen ailments. In Ayurveda, used for asthma, bowel problems,
diarrhea, diabetes, rheumatism and seminal weakness. Extract applied to tooth-
aches.[20]
PHARACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES:
• Antidiarrheal:
Study showed P. foetida reduced the purging index in a dose-dependent manner
in magnesium sulfate-induced diarrhea, reducing gastrointestinal motility and
enhanced morphine-induced reduction of motility. Results showed PF has an-
tidiarrheal activity by inhibiting intestinal motility supporting its use in tradi-
tional medicine.[21]
• Antiinflammatory:
Study of the butanol fraction of a methanol extract of the defatted leaves of P.
foetida showed significant inhibition of granulation tissue formation in cotton-
pellet implanted rats, decreased liver aspartate transaminase activity and pres-

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ence of disease-modifying antirheumatic activity. Resuts showed some rationale
for its ethnomedical anti-inflammatory use. [22]
• Antispasmodic:
Ethanolic extract exhibited antispasmodic activity on isolated guinea-pig ileum.
[21]
• Anthelmintic:
Juice of leaves showed potent anthelmintic effect against bovine helminths–
Strongyloides spp, Trichostrongylus and Haemonchus spp.[21]
• Antitussive Activity :
Study showed the ethanolic extract of P foetida had a cough suppressant effect,
with decrease in cough intensity and frequency. The effect was less than codeine
but similar to non-narcotic dropropizine. The effect could be related to its
demonstrated antiinflammatory activity.[23]
• Antioxidant Activity :
Study showed that P. foetida had high antioxidant activity, with fresh samples
having higher phenolic contents and better antioxidant activity than the dried
samples. It suggests PF could be a significant source of natural antioxidant
compounds.
[24]
• Hepatoprotective Activity :
Study showed the methanol extract to have moderate hepatoprotective activ-
ity. [25]
SUMMARY:
In the present review we have made an attempt to explore and provide the
maximum information of botanical, pharmacognostical with history and culti-
vation, ethnopharmacological, ethno formulation and preparations, phytochemi-
cal, nutritional, pharmacological and toxicological information on Paederia
foetida Linn., a medicinal herb used in the Indian system of medicine. Various
chemical constituent present in this plant are iridoid glycosides, sitosterol,
stigmasterol, alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, amino acid and volatile oil are
having diverse pharmacological activities. This data provides that Paederia
foetida Linn. as a potential medicinal plant.
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Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared