Impact of Shodhana an Ayurvedic purification process on cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of Croton tiglium Linn

BACKGROUND

Croton tiglium Linn. (CT) which is commonly called Jaypal is used in Ayurvedic preparations like Ichhabhedi Ras, Asvakancuki Rasa. Due to its toxic contents, seeds of Croton tiglium are purified before use, by the process mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts called Shodhana meaning purification.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the present study is to study the impact of Ayurvedic Purification process on cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Croton tiglium Linn.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Croton tiglium Linn. Seeds were processed for Shodhana by soaking in water, heating with milk (Snehan) and later grinding in Lemon Juice (Bhavana). Aqueous and Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared before and after purification i.e. Shodhana. Cytotoxicity of the Croton tiglium was studied against Chinese Hamster Ovary cell line by MTT assay. Ames test was performed to study the mutagenicity of the extracts in Salmonella typhi TA 98, 100 and 102 strains. Phytoconstituents were studied by using LCMS analysis.

RESULTS

The results indicated decrease in cytotoxic concentration (IC50) of Croton tiglium seeds after purificationa from 3.03 mg/mL to 0.99 mg/mL in aqueous extract and 18.56 mg/mL to 5.45 mg/mL. Genotoxicity study by Ames test indicated Croton tiglium Linn. Croton tiglium Linn. Seeds are non-genotoxic in strains like S. typhi, TA 98, 100 and 102. There was change in Phytochemical profile before and after shodhana.

CONCLUSION

Although both the concentrations are practically non-toxic, the decrease in cytotoxic concentration indicates Purification process as described in classical ayurvedic texts i.e. Shodhana has definitely increased the potency of the seeds of Croton tiglium Linn.

In silico evaluation of the compounds of the ayurvedic drug, AYUSH-64, for the action against the SARS-CoV-2 main protease

Background

Outbreak of Corona Virus Disease in late 2019 (COVID-19) has become a pandemic global Public health emergency. Since there is no approved anti-viral drug or vaccine declared for the disease and investigating existing drugs against the COVID-19.

Objective

AYUSH-64 is an Ayurvedic formulation, developed and patented by Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, India, has been in clinical use as anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic drug for few decades. Thus, the present study was undertaken to evaluate AYUSH-64 compounds available in this drug against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus (SARS-CoV-2) Main Protease (M^pro; PDB ID: 6LU7) via in silico techniques.

Materials and methods

Different molecular docking software's of Discovery studio and Auto Dock Vina were used for drugs from selected AYUSH-64 compounds against SARS-CoV-2. We also conducted 100 ns period of molecular dynamics simulations with Desmond and further MM/GBSA for the best complex of AYUSH-64 with M^pro of SARS-CoV-2.

Results

Among 36 compounds of four ingredients of AYUSH-64 screened, 35 observed to exhibits good binding energies than the published positive co–crystal compound of N3 pepetide. The best affinity and interactions of Akuammicine N-Oxide (from Alstonia scholaris) towards the M^pro with binding energy (AutoDock Vina) of −8.4 kcal/mol and Discovery studio of Libdock score of 147.92 kcal/mol. Further, molecular dynamics simulations with MM-GBSA were also performed for M^pro– Akuammicine N-Oxide docked complex to identify the stability, specific interaction between the enzyme and the ligand. Akuammicine N-Oxide is strongly formed h-bonds with crucial M^pro residues, Cys145, and His164.

Conclusion

The results provide lead that, the presence of M^pro– Akuammicine N-Oxide with highest M^pro binding energy along with other 34 chemical compounds having similar activity as part of AYUSH-64 make it a suitable candidate for repurposing to management of COVID-19 by further validating through experimental, clinical studies.

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Main protease (M^pro) is a molecular drug target for the 2019-nCoV of epidemic disease of COVID-19.

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Docking strategies implemented to identify AUSH-64 having dual role as immunomodualtor and inhibition against M^pro of SARS-CoV-2.

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Molecular dynamics stability analysis revealed that 2019-nCoV M^pro – Akuammicine N-Oxide is stable.

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Akuammicine N-Oxide may represent potential treatment options against M^pro of 2019-nCoV.

Glutathione-redox status on hydro alcoholic root bark extract of Premna integrifolia Linn in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model

BACKGROUND

Premna integrifolia Linn. is a medicinal plant of an Ayurvedic importance and proved to have an anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and hypo-lipidemic activity. Glutathione (GSH) redox status is an important parameter to assess the antioxidant activity of any neutraceuticals.

OBJECTIVE

In order to assess the anti-oxidant potential of hydro alcoholic extract (HAE) of P. integrifolia, this study was aimed to evaluate the GSH redox status in high fat diet induced experimental atherosclerosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study comprises sixty Wistar rats and they were divided into six groups: the first group served as control, the second group was fed with high fat diet and the third, fourth and fifth groups were fed with high fat diet along with various concentrations of HAE of 200, 400 and 500 g/kg.b.wt respectively and the sixth group was administered high fat diet along with 10 mg/kg b.wt of atorvastatin for 30 days. GSH-dependent enzymes like GSH-peroxidase (GPx), GSH-reductase (GR) and glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) were estimated in hemolysate, kidney, heart and liver of experimental rats.

RESULTS

Analysis of GSH levels showed a significant decrease in hemolysate, heart and kidney (p < 0.05) and liver (p < 0.01) in high fat-fed rats when compared to control. Activities of GPx, GR and G6PD in hemolysate and heart (p < 0.001), liver and kidney (p < 0.05) in high fat-fed rats when compared to control. Dose-dependent increase was observed in rats treated with various concentrations of HAE.

CONCLUSION

The HAE of root bark of P. integrifolia is proved to have a protective role on antioxidant defense in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis model. As a whole P. integrifolia increases the GSH content in a dose-dependent manner and in turn altered the redox cycle.

Beneficial effect of standardized extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber and its active constituents on experimental constipation in rats

The tubers of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Elephant foot yam), principally consumed as crop food and vegetables, are used in ethno-medicinal practices in mitigation of constipation and piles. Hence, present study evaluated the effect of tubers of A. paeoniifolius and its active constituents glucomannan and betulinic acid on experimentally-induced constipation. The tuber and its extracts were standardized as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and physicochemical constants were found within the pharmacopoeial limit. HPTLC fingerprint profile of extracts has been developed using suitable mobile phase. Methanolic extract was subjected to column chromatography. The isolated phytoconstituents were characterized by FT-IR, NMR and MS and identified as betulinic acid and β-sitosterol. Functional constipation was induced in rats by oral administration of loperamide (3 mg/kg) for first 3 consecutive days. The rats were orally treated with methanolic and aqueous tuber extracts in the doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg, glucomannan (300 mg/kg) and betulinic acid (1.5 mg/kg) for 7 days. The parameters viz. number of stools, wet weight of stools and moisture content of stools and intestinal transit were studied. Treatment with tuber extracts, glucomannan and betulinic acid showed significant (p < 0.05) increase in fecal parameters and intestinal transit in constipated rats. The effects were comparable to standard laxative drug, sodium picosulfate (5 mg/kg, orally). The results indicated that tuber extracts and its active constituents showed laxative effect and relieved constipation. It is concluded that tuber of A. paeoniifolius exhibited beneficial effect in functional constipation possibly through its laxative action. The study validates its ethno-medicinal use in correction of constipation. The principal constituents, betulinic acid and glucomannan in tuber extracts might have played important role in relieving the constipation.

Tissue distribution of mercury and copper after Aarogyavardhini Vati treatment in rat model of CCl4 induced chronic hepatotoxicity

Background

Aarogyavardhini Vati is a classical Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation. It contains mercury and copper compounds as principal minerals along with other minerals and herbal ingredients. Aarogyavardhini Vati is indicated in chronic liver ailments. However, safety concerns are often raised regarding the use of mercury containing ayurvedic drugs in disease conditions due to the risk of mercury and copper toxicity.

Objective

This study was performed to address the safety concerns regarding mercury and copper toxicity from Ayurvedic herbomineral formulations by investigating accumulation of these minerals in tissues and subsequent toxicity in chronic hepatotoxicity rat model.

Materials and methods

Quantification of mercury and copper in Aarogyavardhini Vati was done. Chronic hepatotoxicity was induced in the Wistar rats by repeated administration of CCl₄ for 8 weeks. Animals were treated with Aarogyavardhini Vati for various durations. Post treatment of 8 weeks, serum biochemical marker estimations was done. Estimation of mercury and copper from the liver, kidney and brain tissues was done after animal sacrifice. Histopathology evaluation of visceral organs was also performed.

Results

Treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati exhibited significant accumulation of mercury in the kidney but not in the brain and liver. Similarly, no significant accumulation of copper was observed in liver, kidney, and brain due to the treatment of Aarogyavardhini Vati. Serum biochemical and histopathological changes were not affected by the treatment with Aarogyavardhini Vati.

Conclusion

Aarogyavardhini Vati did not show any biologically significant potential to cause toxicity due to its mercury and copper content when administered for prolonged duration to rats with chronic hepatotoxicity.

Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of kanchnar guggulu, an Ayurvedic formulation

OBJECTIVE

Kanchnar guggulu is a compound Ayurvedic formulation used in clinical practice for the treatment of benign and malignant tumors. The present study investigates its cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities.

METHODS

The hydro-alcoholic (50%) extract of kanchnar guggulu was prepared. Its antimitotic activity was assessed in an Allium cepa assay, while its antiproliferative effects were studied in a yeast proliferation model. Methotrexate was used as a standard anticancer agent.

RESULTS

In the Allium assay, all concentrations of the extract (1, 2 and 3 mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.02 mg/mL) significantly inhibited the division of A. cepa root cells, decreasing root growth and mitotic index compared to control; this effect was concentration-dependent for kanchnar guggulu extract. In the antiproliferative studies, treatment with the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu (1, 5 and 10 mg/mL) and methotrexate (0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/mL) resulted in marked reduction of dividing Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells and inhibition of cell viability compared to control. The cytotoxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of kanchnar guggulu, shown by its antimitotic and antiproliferative effects, may be due to the presence of flavonoids and phenolics.

CONCLUSION

Kanchnar guggulu exhibited a cytotoxic effect by inhibiting cell division (antimitotic) and reducing cell proliferation. These results substantiate its potential for the treatment of cancer and support its traditional use in the treatment of cancer.

Experimental and histopathological observation scoring methods for evaluation of wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita

Introduction:

Jatyadi ghrita is a classical Ayurvedic formulation indicated in the treatment of various types of ulcers.

Aim:

The study was designed to explore the wound healing properties of Jatyadi Ghrita in diabetes - induced rats.

Materials and Methods:

In the present study, diabetes mellitus was induced to 6 to 8-week-old male Wistar rats by injecting streptozotocin cut 65 mg/kg body weight intravenously by 15 min prior to the administration of Nicotinamide at 230 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. Animals having diabetes were used for grouping namely, diabetic control (DC), Ghrita control (GC), positive control (PC), i.e., mupirocin HCl, Jatyadi Ghrita treatment and one group of non-DC. Full-thickness excision wound was created and diameter was recorded. Daily clinical observations were recorded. A wound scoring method was developed. Wound diameter and score were recorded on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14 and 15. Photographs were taken at the same time interval points. Body weight and feed consumption were recorded weekly. Animals were sacrificed at regular intervals to collect the wound area tissue for histopathology analysis. Obtained data was analyzed statistically.

Results and Observation:

It was observed that there was no significant difference in diameter and percent change in wound healing as compared to any control. However, clinical score and histopathological changes in Jatyadi Ghrita group were improved from the second day of the study as compared to control.

Conclusion:

This indicates that the drug has similar wound healing activity as compared to the modern drug mupirocin HCl.

Gastrokinetic activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tuber in rats

AIM

The tuber of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Family-Araceae), commonly called suran or jimikand, has medicinal and food value. It is used in ethnomedicinal practices for correction of gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation and hemorrhoids. The present study evaluated the effect of A. paeoniifolius tuber on gastrointestinal motor functions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The tuber was collected in December 2011, and its methanolic extract was standardized with the major phenolic compound, betulinic acid, by high-performance liquid chromatography. Rats were orally administered methanolic (APME) or aqueous (APAE) extract (250 and 500 mg/kg, each) of tuber for 7 days. Metoclopramide (MET) (3 mg/kg, orally) was used a reference prokinetic drug. The gastrointestinal parameters viz. number of feces, wet and dry weight and moisture content of feces, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit were evaluated. The isolated tissue preparations were used to check the effect of the extracts on fundus and intestinal contractility. The glucomannan and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS

The pre-treatment of extracts significantly increased the number of feces, wet and dry weight of feces, moisture content, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit. Results were comparable to MET. Further, APME and APAE showed a contraction of fundus and ileum in isolated preparations. APME and APAE were also found to have fair amount of glucomannan, total phenolics, and flavonoids. The results indicate the gastrokinetic potential of the tuber extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of glucomannan and betulinic acid present in the extracts.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the tuber of A. paeoniifolius exhibits gastrokinetic activity and substantiates its traditional use in gastrointestinal motor disturbances.

Mahayograj guggulu: Heavy metal estimation and safety studies

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to estimate the heavy metal profile and determine the safety of Mahayograj guggulu, an Ayurvedic herbo-mineral preparation.

DESIGN

Mahayograj guggulu, manufactured by Shree Baidynath Ayurved Bhawan Pvt. Ltd., Gwalior Road, Jhansi - 284 003 (of batch number-07 and manufacturing date October 2004) was procured from the local market. Heavy metal concentrations were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. A total of 40 Charles Foster strain albino rats of either sex with an average body weight of 160-250 g were divided into four groups (Groups I, II, III and IV), with 10 animals in each group. Group I served as the control, while Group II, III and IV rats received Mahayograj guggulu at a dose of 54 (dose equivalent to human therapeutic dose), 270 (five-times the dose equivalent to the human therapeutic dose) and 540 (10-times the dose equivalent to human therapeutic dose) mg/kg, p.o. for 120 days. The effect of drug administration was noted on the ponderal, biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters. In addition, urine examination was also carried out. At the end of the study, only six rats per group were sacrificed as per the IAEC advice.

RESULTS

Mahayograj guggulu was found to be safe at all dose levels tested. No significant behavioral changes were noted in any of the groups studied. The effect on food and water consumption and fecal and urine output remained unaffected in all groups during the study period. No major alterations were observed in hematology, serum biochemistry, necropsy and histopathology at the therapeutically advocated dose level. Heavy metal content measurement indicated levels of 25.8 µg/g for lead, 0.07 µg/g for mercury and 5.19 µg/g for arsenic.

CONCLUSIONS

The test drug is well tolerated as no changes of a serious nature could be observed in any of the parameters assessed.