3 Review of Literature(13 37) of Hemidesmus indicus
Transcript of 3 Review of Literature(13 37) of Hemidesmus indicus
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PLANT PROFILE
Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is commonly known as Indian
Sarasaparilla and Anantamul.
It is an important drug of Indian System of Medicine and used in medicines since time
immemorial. During last two decades, the drug has been subjected to extensive
phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical investigations and many interesting findings
have been reported in various fields 14.
Other Names
Bengali – Anantamul.
English – Indian Sarasaparilla.
Gujarati – Upalasari.
Hindi – Anantamul.
Kannada – Namadaballi.
Malayalam – Nannari.
Marathi – Upalasari.
Sanskrit – Anantamula.
Tamil - Nannari.
Telegu – Sugandhipala.
Urdu – Aushbah.
Uriya – Onontomulo.
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Scientific classification 15
Kingdom – Plantae
Division – Magnoliophyta
Order – Gentianales
Family – Asclepiadaceae
Genus – Hemidesmus
Species – Indicus
Distribution
Upper Gangetic plain, eastwards to Bengal and the Sundribans, and from the
Central provinces to South India and Ceylon 16.
Description of the plant
It is a perennial, slender, laticiferous, twining prostrate, wiry shrub.
Stems - Numerous slender, terete stems having thickened nodes.
Leaves – Simple, opposite, very variable from elliptic-oblong to linear lanceolate,
variegated with white above, silvery white and pubescent beneath.
Flowers – Greenish purple crowded in subsessile cymes in the opposite leaf axils.
Fruits – Slender follicles, cylindrical, 10 cm long, are tapering to a point at the apex.
Seeds – Flattened, black, ovate-oblong, silvery white 17.
Roots – Dried root woody, cylindrical somewhat tortuous with transversely cracked and
longitudinally fissured bark, 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter, seldom branched, lateral
rootlets wiry, externally dark brown, internally yellowish brown in color.
Fracture outer short, inner fibrous. It has a strong central vasculature and a
pleasant vanillin like odour. The taste is acrid 8.
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Fig.1 Hemidesmus indicus (Anantamul)
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Chemical composition
The air dried roots contain vanillin (4-Hydroxy 3-methoxy benzaldehyde) and
lupeol as Marker compounds. It also contains β-sitosterol, α- and β-amyrins, tetracyclic
triterpene alcohols, small amounts of resin acids, fatty acids, tannins, saponins,
glycosides and ketone. Rutin is found in leaves 8, 17, 18.
Vanillin Lupeol
β-Amyrin
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β-sitosterol.
α-Amyrin
TLC Identity Test
The TLC identity test for the drug has been reported using two solvent systems.
I. Toluene : Ethyl acetate : Methanol ( 8 : 2 : 0.5 ) for Vanillin.
II. Toluene : Ethyl acetate ( 9 : 1 ) for Lupeol.
The plate developed in I shows a band ( Rf 0.56 ) corresponding to vanillin in
both reference and test solution tracks. Other bands appearing in the test sample have R f
values 0.27 and 0.48. The plate developed in II shows a band ( R f 0.60 ) corresponding to
lupeol in both reference and test solution tracks.
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Quantitative Standards
Foreign matter: NMT 2 %.
Ash: NMT 4.3 %.
Acid insoluble ash: NMT 0.3 %.
Alcohol soluble extractive: NLT 6.5 %.
Water soluble extractive: NLT 8.5 %.
Adulterants / Substitutes
The roots of Ichnocarpus frutescens ( L.) R.Br. ( Apocynaceae ), Decalepis
hamiltonii Wight & Arn. (Asclepiadaceae) and Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schult.
(Asclepiadaceae) are used as substitutes of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br.
(Asclepiadaceae) 8.
Traditional uses
Traditionally it has been used in Ayurveda as antipyretic, alexiteric,
antidiarrhoeal, aphrodisiac, astringent to bowels; cures leprosy, leucoderma, itching, skin
diseases, foul odour from the body, asthma, bronchitis, “Tridosa”, diseases of blood,
leucorrhoea, “Kapha” and “Vata”. It is also used in Unani as diaphoretic, diuretic, the
stems are useful in syphilis, urinary discharges and diseases of brain. It also find
applications with other drugs in snake bite and scorpion sting, but it is not an antidote to
either snake-venom or scorpion-venom 15.
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PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Various types of Phytochemical Investigations have been carried out for
Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. by taking different parts of the plant. All of these
investigations explored novel compounds from the plant some of which is summarized
below.
Phytochemical studies on the roots of Hemidesmus indicus resulted in the
isolation of six new pentacyclic triterpenes including two oleanenes identified as olean-
12-en-21 beta-yl acetate, and olean-12-en-3 alpha-yl acetate, three ursenes characterized
as 16(17)-seco-urs-12,20(30)-dien-18 alpha H-3 beta-yl actetate, urs-20(30)-en-18 beta
H-3 beta-yl acetate and 16(17)-seco-urs-12,20(30) dien-18-alpha H-3 beta-ol and a
lupene formulated us lup-1,12-dien-3-on-21-ol including a known compound, beta-
amyrin acetate, on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical means 19.
Two novel pregnane oligo-glycosides namely Denicunine and Heminine have
been isolated from chloroform-ethanol (3:2) soluble extract of the dried stems of the
plant. Chemical transformations and spectroscopic evidence viz: 1H and 13C NMR
spectroscopy and FABMS are consistent with the structures calogenin 3-O-3-O-methyl-
β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-oleandropyranoside and calogenin 3-O-β-D-
cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-digitoxopyranoside, respectively 20.
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Three new pregnane oligoglycosides, Medidesmine, Hemisine and Desmisine
isolated from the chloroform-ethanol (3:2) soluble extract of the dried stems of the plant
Hemidesmus indicus and were identified as sarcostin-3-O-cr-D glucopyranosyl (1---) 4)-
O-fl-D-digitoxopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-//-D-oleandropyranoside, calogenin-3-O /i-D-
cymaropyranosyl (1 ~ 4)-0 [3-O-methyl] fl-D-glucopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-fl-D-
glucopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-fl-D-cymaropyranoside and calogenin-3-O-fl-D
xylopyranosyl (1 ~ 4)-O-fl-D-digitoxopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-fl-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --->
4)-O-fl-D-digitoxopyranoside, respectively, with the help of FAB-MS, EI-MS, 1H and
13C NMR spectroscopy, along with chemical transformations 21.
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R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = OH, R5 = D-Glu-D-Dig-D-Ole. (Medidesmine).
R1 = OH, R2 = R3 = R4 = H, R5 = D-Cym-3-O-MeGlu-D-Glu. (Hemisine).
R1 = OH, R2 = R3 = R4 = H, R5 = D-Dig-D-Xyl. (Desmisine).
An organic acid, isolated and purified from the root extract of an Indian
medicinal plant sarsaparilla, (Hemidesmus indicus R.Br), possessed viper venom
inhibitory activity. The compound (designated HI-RVIF) was isolated by solvent
extraction, silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, and was
homogeneous in nature. The white needle-shaped crystals were soluble in water,
methanol and chloroform and had a melting point of 155–158°C and λmax 260 nm.
Spectral analysis confirmed the presence of a benzene ring, methoxy group, and hydroxyl
group; the mol. wt of the compound was 168. HI-RVIF significantly antagonized viper
venom-induced lethal, hemorrhagic, coagulant and anticoagulant activity in experimental
rodents 22.
Two novel pregnane glycosides, Hemidescine and Emidine, have been isolated
from the dried stems of Hemidesmus indicus. Chemical and spectroscopic evidence is
consistent with the structures 20-O-aoetyl calogenin 3-O-β-D-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-
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O-β-D-oleandropyranoside and calogenin-3-O-β-D-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-D-
digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-D-digitoxopyranoside, respectively 23.
The hexane soluble portion of the ethanol extract of the stems 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 24.
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 25.
A new pregnane ester diglycoside named Desinine has been isolated from the
dried twigs of Hemidesmus indicus. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic
evidence, its structure has been established as drevogenin B-3-O-β-D-
oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-oleandropyranoside 26.
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 27.
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PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Anticancer / Antitumour activity
Anticancer activity of different extracts of H. indicus has been studied by several authors.
A investigation was done to determine whether long term (16 months) treatment
with the decoction [H. indicus (roots) along with Nigella sativa (seeds) and Smilax glabra
(rhizomes)] would be successful in inhibiting in rat livers, not only DEN- mediated
expression of GST-P, but also the carcinogen mediated development of overt tumours
(OT) or histopathological changes leading to tumour development (HT). Male Wister rats
were taken for the experiments and it was found that protection against DEN-mediated
carcinogenic changes in rat liver can be achieved by long term treatment with the DC
comprised of N. sativa seeds, S. glabra rhizome and H. indicus root bark 28.
A decoction of H. indicus (roots) along with Nigella sativa (seeds) and Smilax
glabra (rhizomes) shows anticancer potential. The cytotoxicity of the decoction and the
individual plant extracts were tested on the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Results
from MTT and SRB assays, and [14C] – leucine and [3H] – thymidine uptake
demonstrated that the decoction had a strong dose dependent cytotoxic activity 29.
The antiproliferative activity of extracts from several medicinal plants including
Hemidesmus indicus was analysed. Antiproliferative activity was assayed on different
human cell lines, including erythroleukemia K562, B-lymphoid Raji, T-lymphoid Jurkat
and erythroleukemia HEL cell lines.The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was
employed as a suitable technique for the identification of plant extracts altering the
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binding between transcription factors and the specific DNA elements. It was found that
low concentrations of Hemidesmus indicus and some other extracts inhibit the
interactions between nuclear factors and target DNA elements mimicking sequences
recognized by the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). It was concluded that extracts
inhibiting both NF-kappaB binding activity and tumor cell growth might be a source for
anti-tumor compounds 30.
Chemopreventive potential of H. indicus on 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene
(DMBA)-initiated and 12-O-tetradecanoyl 13-phorbol acetate (TPA) promoted murine
skin carcinogenesis has been assessed. Topical application of H. indicus resulted in
significant protection against cutaneous tumorigenesis. Topical application of plant
extract prior to that of TPA resulted in significant inhibition against TPA-caused
induction of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and DNA synthesis. The
results indicated that H. indicus is a potent chemopreventive agent in skin
carcinogenesis 31.
The effects of a decoction of H. indicus (roots) along with Nigella sativa (seeds)
and Smilax glabra (rhizomes) were examined on diethylnitrosoamine (DEN) induced
hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wister rats using the medium term bioassay system of Ito,
based on a 2 – step model of hepatocarcinogenesis. The number and area of DEN
mediated GST-P positive foci, number of cells/cm2 of foci and staining intensity of the
foci were significantly (P>0.001) reduced by the decoction. Overall results indicate that
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the decoction has the potential to protect rat liver against DEN induced
hepatocarcinogenesis 32.
The modulating effects of H. indicus on cumene hydroperoxide-mediated
cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion response in murine skin have been
demonstrated. Application of ethanolic extract of H. indicus at a dose level of 1.5 and 3.0
mg/kg body weight in acetone prior to that of cumene hydroperoxide treatment resulted
in significant inhibition of cumene hydroperoxide-induced cutaneous oxidative stress,
epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and enhanced DNA synthesis in a dose-
dependent manner. Enhanced susceptibility of cutaneous microsomal membrane for lipid
peroxidation and xanthine oxidase activity were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In
addition the depleted level of glutathione, inhibited activities of antioxidants and phase II
metabolizing enzymes were recovered to significant level (P <0.05). In summary, the
data suggest that H. indicus is an effective chemopreventive agent in skin and capable of
ameliorating hydroperoxide-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion 33.
Hepatoprotective activity
The effects of ethanolic root extract of H. indicus were examined on
experimental liver damage in order to evaluate its hepatoprotective effects against ethanol
induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The liver was analyzed for the degree of lipid peroxidation
using TBARS and antioxidant status using the activities of glutathione dependent
enzymes. The degree of liver damage was analyzed using serum marker enzyme
activities. The ethanol fed rats showed elevated liver marker enzyme activities and
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reduced antioxidant levels as compared to control. Oral administration of H. indicus
resulted in decreased TBARS levels, decreased liver marker enzyme activities 34.
Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of ethanolic root extract of H. indicus and its
active principle 2-hydroxy 4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA) was done on liver fibrotic
markers and characteristics such as collagen content, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
2 and 9 in ethanol-fed rats. The study revealed the strong inhibitory activity of H. indicus
and HMBA on the quantitative and qualitative properties of hepatic collagen and also
MMPs involved in the extracellular matrix degradation during ethanol intoxication 35.
It was proved that the active principle 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid from
H. indicus significantly inhibited the liver injury caused by ethanol administration in
experimental rats. It reduced the severity of liver damage in terms of body weight,
hepatic marker enzymes, oxidative stress, antioxidant status and histological changes in
ethanol induced hepatotoxic rats 36.
The methanolic root extract of H. indicus possesses potential antihepatotoxic
activity. Treatment of rats with paracetamol and CCl4 produced significant increase in
levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total and direct bilirubin. Rats pretreated with methanolic
root extract of H. indicus exhibited rise in the levels of these enzymes but it was
significantly less as compared to those treated with paracetamol or CCl4 alone 37.
Oral treatment of ethanolic root extract of H. indicus (100mg/kg, for 15 days)
significantly prevented the rifampicin and isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in male
Wister rats. The parameters were estimation of protein, isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-
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ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH
dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase, lipid peroxides, catalase, and superoxide
dismutase 38.
Anti snake-venom activity
A survey was carried out which covered 72 medicinal plants (including H.
indicus, roots) belonging to 53 families that are used for the treatment of snakebite in
traditional way. Traditional approach was evaluated scientifically with some selected
plant extracts and partially purified fractions which were administered orally to mice
experimentally envenomed with rattle snake venom s.c injection. H. indicus and some
other plants showed potent neutralizing effect against the venom 39.
Lupeol acetate was isolated from the methanolic root extract of Hemidesmus
indicus (L.) R.Br. (family: Asclepiadaceae) which could neutralize venom induced
action of Daboia russellii and Naja kaouthia on experimental animals. Lupeol acetate
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. Lupeol acetate potentiated the protection by snake venom antiserum action
against Daboia russellii venom induced lethality in male albino mice. Venom induced
changes in lipid peroxidation and super oxide dismutase activity was antagonized by
lupeol acetate 40.
The adjuvant effect and antiserum potentiation of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic
acid isolated and purified from root extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. (family:
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Asclepiadaceae) were explored. The pure compound potentiated the lethal action
neutralization of venom by commercial equine polyvalent snake venom antiserum in
experimental models 41.
Anti hyperlipidaemic activity
The effect of the active principle 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA)
from H. indicus was investigated for its Anti hyperlipidaemic activity. The ethanol
induced hyperlipidaemia to male Wister rats were taken for the experiment. Treatment of
ethanol fed rats with HMBA significantly decreased plasma CHO, TG, LP, PL and FFA;
hepatic CHO, TG and PL and increased plasma LPL concentrations compared with
values in untreated ethanol fed rats (P<0.05) 42.
Renoprotective activity
The safety and efficacy of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br.(root powder) were
proved in the management of nephrotoxicity induced by aminoglycosides such as
gentamicin to Wister albino rats. The treatment with H. indicus helped in the
management of renal impairment, which was induced by gentamicin in rats. The plant
showed promise as an adjunct therapy along side aminoglycosides as it reduces
nephrotoxicity caused by aminoglycosides 43.
Anti-ulcerogenic activity
The anti-ulcerogenic property of aqueous ethanolic root extracts of H. indicus
was evaluated in animal models. Modified pyloric ligated (Shay) rat model and aspirin-
induced ulcerogenesis in pylorus ligated rat models were used for the study and analyzed
for gastric volume, ulcer score, pH, free and total acidity and sodium and potassium ion
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output. Bio-chemical estimations like total proteins, total hexoses, hexosamine, fucose,
sialic acid and pepsin were also made. Ulcer score was calculated for cysteamine-induced
duodenal ulcer model. Roots collected during flowering season were found to be more
effective than that collected during vegetative seasons 44.
Antiatherogenic activity
The antiatherogenic effect of a herbal formulation, Caps HT2, was evaluated as
antioxidant, anticoagulant, platelet antiaggregatory, lipoprotein lipase releasing, anti-
inflammatory and hypolipidaemic activity in rats. The formulation contained the
methanolic extracts of selected parts of plants, Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum,
Plumbago indica, Semecarpus anacardium, Hemidesmus indicus (seeds), Terminalia
arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum. The formulation
was found to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The lipid peroxidation was
found inhibited (50%). The intravenous administration of the formulation (5 mg/kg)
delayed the plasma recalcification time in rabbits and enhanced the release of lipoprotein
lipase enzyme significantly (p < 0.001). The formulation also inhibited ADP induced
platelet aggregation in vitro, which was comparable to commercial heparin. The anti-
inflammatory action of the formulation was significant (p < 0.001) with acute and chronic
inflammations induced by carrageenan and formalin respectively in rats. The
hypolipidaemic effect was significant (p < 0.001) with the administration of the
formulation, in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia of rats for a period of 30 days. Oral
administration of the formulation significantly raised HDL cholesterol levels. The
atherogenic index and the reduction in body weight were significant indicating the
effectiveness against hyperlipidaemia and obesity. All these results revealed the
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therapeutic potential of Caps HT2 against vascular intimal damage and atherogenesis
leading to various types of cardiovascular problems 45.
Antileprotic activity
Anantamul, an indigenous drug, was tested for the first time on mice infected
with M. leprae. The results were interesting and encouraging. There seemed to be definite
evidence in support of the drug causing a delay in multiplication of organisms in the
mouse foot-pads 46.
Antioxidant / Anti-inflammatory / Analgesic / Antipyretic activity
The ethanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus was studied for its antioxidant
activity in rats with ethanol induced hepatotoxicity. All the results indicated that the
treatment with H. indicus extract offers protection against free radical mediated oxidative
stress in plasma, erythrocytes and liver of animals with ethanol-induced liver injury 47.
The antioxidant effect of the ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. root
(EHI) was studied in male Wistar rats with ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity. EHI,
administered to rats with ethanol-induced kidney injury, significantly decreased the levels
of serum urea, uric acid and creatinine as well as kidney TBARS, LOOH and CD and
significantly elevated the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, vitamin C and vitamin E in
kidney as compared to that of untreated ethanol-administered rats. The data indicated that
treatment with EHI offers protection against free radical-mediated oxidative stress in
kidney of animals with ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity 48.
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The methanolic extracts of Hemidesmus indicus (Asclepiadaceae) root (100, 200
and 400 mg/kg orally) were tested in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and brewer’s
yeast-induced pyrexia in rats to assess their anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities
respectively. The paw volumes and pyrexia in rats were reduced significantly (P < 0.05)
compared to that of control. These results indicate that the extracts possess anti-
inflammatory and antipyretic properties 49.
The methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) roots
was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in
vitro. The intravenous administration of this extract (5 mg/kg body weight) in rabbits
delayed the plasma recalcification time and enhanced the release of lipoprotein lipase
enzyme significantly. The extract also inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in
vitro (50–250 μg), which was comparable to commercial heparin 50.
Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous root extract of H. indicus was studied.
For the study ROS, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-(TNF-) were used
as the major criteria for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. To prove the anti-
inflammatory effects of herbs, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and monocytes
were treated with culture supernatant of P. acnes in the presence or absence of herbs. It
was found that Rubia cordifolia, Curcuma longa, Hemidesmus indicus, and Azadirachta
indica caused a statistically significant suppression of ROS from PMNL. Thus, these
herbs showed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the capacity of P. acnes-induced
ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the two important inflammatory mediators in acne
pathogenesis 51.
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Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of H. indicus root bark was evaluated
in several in vitro and ex vivo models. Further, preliminary phytochemical analysis and
TLC fingerprint profile of the extract was established to characterize the extract which
showed antioxidant properties. The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant potential was
evaluated in different systems viz. radical scavenging activity by DPPH reduction,
superoxide radical scavenging activity in riboflavin / light / NBT system, nitric oxide
(NO) radical scavenging activity in sodium nitroprusside / Greiss reagent system and
inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by iron-ADP-ascorbate in liver homogenate and
phenylhydrazine induced haemolysis in erythrocyte membrane stabilization study. The
extract was found to have different levels of antioxidant properties in the various models
tested 52.
The ethanolic extract of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (family:
Asclepiadaceae) was investigated for possible antinociceptive effect in mice. Three
models were used to study the effects of extracts on nociception, which was induced, by
acetic acid (Writhing test), formalin (Paw licking test) and hot plate test in mice. Oral
administration of the extract revealed dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in all the
models for antinociception and it blocked both the neurogenic and inflammatory pain and
the nociceptive activity was comparable with the reference drug. The results indicate that
alcoholic extract of H. indicus R.Br. possesses a significant antinociceptive activity 53.
2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid isolated and purified from the methanolic
root extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Rr. possessed potent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic
and antioxidant properties. The compound effectively neutralized inflammation induced
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by Vipera russelli venom in male albino mice and reduced cotton pellet-induced
granuloma in rats 54.
The roots of Sariva (Decalepis hamiltonii, Cryptolepis buchananii, Ichnocarpus
frutescens and Hemidesmus indicus) were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in
carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Ethanol extracts of roots of various species of
Sariva exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. Phenylbutazone was used as
standard for the study. Cryptolepis buchananii was found to be more potent than the
other three species 55.
Antimicrobial activity
The effect of the chloroform fraction composed of sterols and fatty acids isolated
from Hemidesmus indicus root extract (CHI) on Salmonella enterica serovar
Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) induced cytotoxicity in a human intestinal epithelial cell
line (Int 407) was evaluated. It was found that CHI may be capable of taming S.
typhimurium by suppressing its cytotoxic activity in an intestinal epithelial cell line 56.
Alcoholic crude extracts and some fractions from 15 traditionally used Indian
medicinal plants were investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth of extended
spectrum beta-lactamases (ESbetaL)-producing multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria. On
the basis of promising activity, 12 plants were selected to determine their efficacy in
terms of MIC. The extracts of Acorus calamus, Hemidesmus indicus, Holarrhena
antidysenterica and Plumbago zeylanica demonstrated relatively high activity as
compared to other plant extracts and were fractionated into acetone, ethyl acetate and
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methanol. Acetone fraction in most of the cases exhibited higher potency (low MIC
value) as compared to ethyl acetate and methanol fraction 57.
In search of broad-spectrum antibacterial activity from traditionally used Indian
medicinal plants, 66 ethanolic plant extracts were screened against nine different bacteria.
Of these, 39 extracts (including Hemidesmus indicus) demonstrated activity against six
or more test bacteria. Twelve extracts showing broad-spectrum activity were tested
against specific multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESbetaL)-producing enteric
bacteria 58.
Anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity of ethanolic
extracts of four medicinal plants namely Acorus calamus (rhizome) Hemidesmus indicus
(stem), Holarrhena antidysenterica (bark) and Plumbago zeylanica (root) were detected
with inhibition zone size ranged from 11 to 44 mm and minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) varied from 0.32 to 3.25 mg/ml 59.
A study was carried out to elucidate the protective and therapeutic role, if any, of
glycosides from Hemidesmus indicus against S. typhimurium-induced pathogenesis.
Studies were carried out in a human intestinal cell line (Int 407) and a murine
macrophage cell line (P388D1) in order to evaluate its potency in local as well as
systemic infections. It was found that the glycosides of H. indicus root inhibited S.
typhimurium induced pathogenesis nonspecifically, by reducing bacterial surface
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hydrophobicity and perhaps also by mimicking host cell receptors, thereby blocking its
attachment to host cell and further pathological effects 60.
The antienterobacterial activity of the chloroform extract (CHI), methanol
extract (MHI) and the fatty substance separated from the methanol extract (ME1) of
Hemidesmus indicus root was demonstrated using a variety of methods and different
enterobacterial strains. The potency was found as follows (ME1) > (MHI) > (CHI). It was
concluded that the presence of antimicrobial trace elements such as copper and zinc,
along with other active constituents may contribute to the antienterobacterial activity of
Hemidesmus indicus root 61.
Methanolic extract of H. indicus root (MHI) was screened for its antimicrobial
activity against S. typhimurium, E. coli and S. flexneri, in vitro and in experimentally
induced diarrhoea in albino rats, in vivo. MHI inhibited the castor oil induced diarrhoea
in rats as judged by a decrease in the amount of wet faeces in MHI-pretreated rats at a
dose of 500-1500 mg/kg. The findings suggested that MHI might elicit an antidiarrhoeal
effect by inhibition of intestinal motility and by its bactericidal activity 62.
A comparative study was carried out for the antimicrobial activity for the roots of
four species of Sariva namely Decalepis hamiltonii, Cryptolepis buchananii, Ichnocarpus
frutescens and Hemidesmus indicus. Activity was evaluated by agar diffusion method.
All the extracts (20% alcohol) showed moderate to significant activity 63.
Immunomodulatory activity
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The immunobiological activity was investigated of certain medicinal plants
widely used in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for treatment of chronic
infections and immunological disorders. The effect of an ethanolic extract of each drug
was studied on delayed type hypersensitivity, humoral responses to sheep red blood cells,
skin allograft rejection, and phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system in mice.
Hemidesmus indicus suppressed both the cell-mediated and humoral components of the
immune system 64.
OTHER IMPORTANT REVIEWS
The enzymatic route to the biosynthesis related to 2-hydroxy-4-
methoxybenzaldehyde (MBALD) from the fragrant rootstocks of Hemidesmus indicus
was unraveled. Chitosan treatment at 200mg/L concentration to the excised roots
effectively increased phenolic accumulation in both the cortex and cork tissues reaching a
peak after 24h treatment and decreasing thereafter. The activity of phenylalanine
ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme in excised roots also increased upon chitosan elicitation,
and the maximum specific activity was recorded after 12h of elicitation. Suppression of
PAL in vivo by using a specific irreversible inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA)
resulted in the decrease in MBALD content, indicating its formation via phenylpropanoid
pathway 65.
A study was carried out on the remediation of soils contaminated with lead using
a lead hyper accumulating plant, Hemidesmus indicus. The ability of this plant to
accumulate lead in shoots and roots was studied with pot experiments. The results
showed that the accumulation was maximum in roots for the first 1-3 weeks and later for
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a contact period of three months; the accumulation rate was maximum in shoots. An
attempt was made for the decontamination of lead from five different "Real-life" soils
using H. indicus 66.
The bark of Hemidesmus indicus was used as biomaterial for removal of lead
from aqueous streams. Batch experiments were carried out with immobilized biomass of
H. indicus (IPBFIX). The effectiveness of the IPBFIX for biosorption of lead ions was
demonstrated using the wastewater samples emanating from a non-ferrous metal industry
and the results were presented 67.
Hemidesmus indicus root in the form of suspension in water (10 mg/ml)
containing 15.5 mM NaCl, 3 mM KCl and 12 mM glucose, when injected into the ligated
jejunal sac (1 ml/sac) of rat, increased the absorption of water, Na(+) and K(+) (but not
glucose) from the sac. This bioactivity was present in the water extract (5 or 10 mg/sac)
of the root and not in the hexane extract. In contrast, the ethanol extract decreased the
absorption of water and electrolytes from the jejunal sac. The present study indicated that
H. indicus root powder or its water extract can be incorporated in oral rehydrating salt
solution (ORS) for increasing its anti-diarrhoeal efficacy 68.
Fifteen laticiferous plant species of Apocyanaceae, Asclepiadaceae,
Convolvulaceae and Euphorbiaceae were tested for their suitability as alternative source
of renewable energy and phytochemicals. Their polyphenol, oil and hydrocarbon contents
were analyzed. Among them the best species were Carissa carandas, Ceropegia juncea,
Sarcostemma brunourianum and Hemidesmus indicus 69.
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Department of Pharmacognosy - PESCP 38