Pharmacological Evaluation of Some Indigenous Medicinal Plants of Kolli Hills

Abstract

The scientific data from present study was summarised below; 1. Cucurbitain E was isolated and characterised for the first time from ethanol extract of aerial parts of Trichosanthes lobata. 2. Ethanol extract of aerial parts of Trichosanthes lobata showed marked anti-inflammatory in dose dependent manner 3. Potential hepatoprotective property of ethanol extract of aerial parts of Trichosanthes lobata may be attributed to the antioxidative activity, which was further confirmed from in vivo study. 4. The presence of plumbagin was confirmed and quantified in ethanol root extractof Plumbago indica by HPTLC. 5. Significant anti-inflammatory activity was exhibited by ethanol root extract of Plumbago indica. 6. Serum marker enzymes revealed that ethanol root extract of Plumbago indica offered hepatoprotection by preserving the structural integrity of the hepatocellular membrane against paracetamol. Based on our results and the scientific data obtained, we conclude that ethanol extract of aerial parts of Trichosanthes lobata and ethanol root extract of Plumbago indica possess anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity. Thus, a valid scientific evidence for the traditional use of these two plants in inflammatory and liver disorders was established. IMPACT OF STUDY AND RECOMMENDATION: Scientific documentation for the traditional use of the whole plant of Trichosanthes lobata and the roots of Plumbago indica was carried out and traditional use in the treatment of inflammation and liver disorders was validated. The following studies are recommended for EETL and EERPI to justify its clinical use in future venture. 1. Clinical pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy studies are need to be performed to establish EETL and EERPI to assess the risk benefit ratio before bring into clinical use. 2. The encouraging results of in vitro anti-cancer study can be reinforced by performing further anticancer study after the fractionation of the both extracts to confirm better anticancer activity.