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Nirmali (Strychnos Potatorum linn.) A Precious Plant- A Review

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Nirmali (Strychnos Potatorum linn.) A Precious Plant- A Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

Priyanka
Assistant Professor, Department of Agadtantra evum Vidhi Vaidyaka, Haridwar Ayurved Medical College & Research Centre, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Ramesh Chandra Tiwari
Professor & H.O.D, PG Department of Agadtantra, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Ved Bhushan Sharma
Assistant Professor, PG Department of Agadtantra, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Rishikul Campus, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Nirmali (Strychnos Potatorum linn.) A Precious Plant- A Review

Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i6.1118

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Nirmali, scientifically known as Strychnos potatorum Linn, is a notable medicinal plant belonging to the Loganiaceae family. It is recognized in Ayurvedic texts, specifically by Acharya Charak, and is classified as a Vishagna plant, signifying its non-toxic nature. The plant is prevalent in India's deciduous forests and is valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. The seeds of Nirmali play a crucial role in water purification and are used in various medical applications, showcasing the plant's importance in traditional knowledge and modern pharmacology.

Antimicrobial Properties of Nirmali

One of the significant attributes of Nirmali is its antimicrobial activity. Research indicates that the alcoholic extract of Strychnos potatorum exhibits antibacterial properties against a range of pathogens, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Notable tested organisms include Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with the extract significantly reducing the growth of these microbes. This suggests that Nirmali could serve as a natural alternative in combating infections, further emphasizing its role in promoting health and wellness.

Antidiabetic Activity of Nirmali

Another essential therapeutic aspect of Nirmali is its antidiabetic activity. Experimental studies conducted on Wistar albino rats demonstrated that the plant extract resulted in a decrease in blood glucose levels while increasing total serum protein. It also positively affected cholesterol levels and the activity of liver enzymes, indicating its potential role in managing diabetes and related metabolic disorders. This property highlights Nirmali's pharmacological significance and its potential incorporation into treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nirmali (Strychnos potatorum) is a multifaceted medicinal plant with a rich history in Ayurvedic medicine. Its various health benefits, including antimicrobial and antidiabetic properties, reinforce its reputation as a valuable natural resource. The extensive phytochemical constituents found in Nirmali not only contribute to its therapeutic efficacy but also underscore the need for further research to explore its full potential in modern medicinal applications. As such, Nirmali stands out as a truly remarkable plant that holds promise for future studies and health interventions.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is Nirmali and its significance in Ayurveda?

Nirmali, scientifically known as Strychnos potatorum, is a medicinal plant mentioned in Ayurveda. It is known for its various pharmacological properties, including being alexipharmic and lithotriptic, and is used in traditional treatments for various ailments.

What are the phytochemical constituents found in Nirmali?

Nirmali contains numerous phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, and tannins. These compounds are associated with various health benefits and pharmacological effects, including anti-diabetic and anti-microbial activities.

What are some health benefits of Strychnos potatorum seeds?

Strychnos potatorum seeds have several health benefits, including antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerogenic, and hepatoprotective properties. They also show contraceptive efficacy and possess antioxidant activities, making them valuable in traditional medicine.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Nirmali (Strychnos Potatorum linn.) A Precious Plant- A Review�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Powder:
The powder of Strychnos potatorum is creamish-yellow in color, slightly oily, and shows fragments of testa, trichomes, endosperm cells, and oil globules. The powder is used to orally administer the plant's medicinal properties in various treatments such as anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects.

2) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds in plants, such as those found in Strychnos potatorum. The seed extract's phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, lignins, phenols, glycosides, sterols, and saponins.

3) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are one category of phytochemicals found in Strychnos potatorum that contribute to its pharmacological properties. These compounds are noted for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.

4) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological properties of Strychnos potatorum include antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, metal binding, contraceptive efficacy, and anti-ulcerogenic activities. These effects are attributed to various phytochemical constituents in different parts of the plant.

5) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is one of the oldest healthcare systems, and much of its knowledge is linked to ancient Vedic literature. Strychnos potatorum, known as Nirmali in Ayurveda, is used in various treatments because of its medicinal properties.

6) Family:
Strychnos potatorum belongs to the Loganiaceae family. This classification helps in understanding its botanical characteristics and potential similarities with other medicinal plants in the same family.

7) Animal:
Animal experimentation has been conducted using extracts of Strychnos potatorum to study its pharmacological properties, such as antidiabetic activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and contraceptive efficacy in laboratory rats and mice.

8) India:
Strychnos potatorum is native to India, particularly found in Bengal, Central, and Southern India's deciduous forests. Its widespread availability in India makes it significant in traditional Indian medicine systems like Ayurveda.

9) Hair:
The seed of Strychnos potatorum is covered in short, appressed silky hairs. These hairs can be observed in the macroscopic examination of the seeds, which are used in various medicinal preparations.

10) Medicine:
The study of Strychnos potatorum contributes to the field of medicine, offering treatments for a variety of ailments. Its pharmacological activities have made it valuable in traditional and modern medical practices.

11) Chandra:
[see source text or glossary: Chandra]

12) Disease:
Strychnos potatorum can treat diseases such as leukoderma, eye diseases, poisoning, hallucinations, and diabetes. Its various pharmacological activities have shown potential in managing different health conditions.

13) Aureus:
The antimicrobial activity of Strychnos potatorum has been tested against Staphylococcus aureus, showing significant inhibition of this gram-positive bacterium. This highlights its potential use in treating bacterial infections.

14) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
[see source text or glossary: Sharma]

15) Edema (Oedema):
The anti-inflammatory effect of Strychnos potatorum was studied using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema models in rats. Results showed a dose-dependent reduction in inflammation, demonstrating its effectiveness.

16) Drug:
According to WHO, a drug alters physiological systems or pathological states for the benefit of the recipient. Strychnos potatorum is used as a drug in traditional medicine to treat various conditions with its multiple pharmacological properties.

17) Southern India:
Strychnos potatorum is found in the deciduous forests of Southern India up to 1200 meters. Its natural habitat contributes to its local usage in traditional medical practices in these regions.

18) Tuberculosis:
The antimicrobial activity of Strychnos potatorum has been evaluated against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, indicating its potential efficacy in treating this significant infectious disease.

19) Purification:
The seeds of Strychnos potatorum have been historically used for the purification of water. This property is one of the traditional uses of the plant, showcasing its multifaceted benefits.

20) Sutrasthana (Sutra-sthana):
Nirmali (Strychnos potatorum) is mentioned in the 4th chapter of Sutrasthana in Charak Samhita, highlighting its importance and traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine.

21) Science (Scientific):
Scientific studies have validated many pharmacological activities of Strychnos potatorum, including its anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects, thus bridging traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry.

22) Knowledge:
Much of the knowledge about Strychnos potatorum comes from ancient Vedic literature and Ayurveda, where it is used in different treatments. Modern scientific research continues to build on this traditional knowledge.

23) Substance:
A drug is a substance used to alter physiological systems or pathological states for the benefit of the recipient. Strychnos potatorum’s various pharmacological activities make it a valuable substance in treating multiple health conditions.

24) Samhita:
Charak Samhita, one of the foundational texts in Ayurveda, mentions Nirmali (Strychnos potatorum) in the context of medicinal plants with multiple health benefits, highlighting its historical and therapeutic significance.

25) Mineral:
Agad Tantra, one of the eight divisions of Ayurveda, deals with poisons from the mineral, plant, and animal kingdoms. Strychnos potatorum, categorized under Vishagna (non-toxic) plants, offers various medicinal benefits.

26) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Agad Tantra is an Ayurvedic division focusing on identifying and treating poisons from various sources including plants like Strychnos potatorum, which are considered non-toxic and therapeutically beneficial.

27) Bengal (Bemgal):
Strychnos potatorum is naturally found in the deciduous forests of Bengal. Its availability and use in this region underline its cultural and traditional medicinal importance.

28) Forest:
Strychnos potatorum grows in the deciduous forests of India, including Bengal, Central and Southern regions. Its forest habitat supports its growth and collection for medicinal uses.

29) Bitter:
The seeds of Strychnos potatorum are described as slightly bitter. This bitter quality is part of the macroscopic description and might relate to its therapeutic effects.

30) Purity:
In pharmacognosy, the assessment for purity of Strychnos potatorum seeds includes metrics like foreign matter, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash, ensuring its efficacy and safety in medicinal use.

31) Nature:
The multiple benefits of Strychnos potatorum, including its use in treating various ailments, make it a true miracle of nature. The plant's diverse pharmacological properties reflect its natural medicinal potential.

32) Thirst:
The fruits of Strychnos potatorum are useful in treating thirst along with other conditions like eye diseases, poisoning, and hallucinations. This usage is part of its traditional medicinal benefits.

33) Cotton:
Anti-inflammatory effects of Strychnos potatorum seeds were studied using the cotton pellet granuloma model, showing their efficacy in reducing inflammatory responses.

34) Indian:
Strychnos potatorum plays a significant role in the Indian traditional medicine system, particularly Ayurveda, due to its wide range of medicinal properties and natural presence in Indian forests.

35) Vidhi:
[see source text or glossary: Vidhi]

36) Campu:
[see source text or glossary: Campu]

37) Ayus (Ayush):
AYUSH refers to the traditional and alternative medicine systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. Strychnos potatorum is a notable plant used in the AYUSH system for its various medicinal properties.

38) Ulcer:
Strychnos potatorum seeds exhibit anti-ulcerogenic potential, showing effectiveness in models with aspirin plus pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers. This property includes both anti-secretory and mucoprotective actions.

39) Blood:
In antidiabetic activity studies with Strychnos potatorum, blood glucose levels significantly decreased in the test subjects, demonstrating its potential to manage blood sugar levels.

40) Veda:
Much of the knowledge about Strychnos potatorum and its uses comes from Vedic literature, which extensively documents Ayurvedic remedies and medicinal plants.

41) Genu:
[see source text or glossary: Genu]

42) Tree:
Strychnos potatorum is described morphologically as a medium-sized, glabrous tree with specific features such as fluted stems and black, corky bark, making it identifiable in its natural habitat.

43) Hind:
The anti-inflammatory effect of Strychnos potatorum was studied using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema models in rats, which demonstrated its efficacy in reducing inflammation.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Nirmali (Strychnos Potatorum linn.) A Precious Plant- A Review�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Ayurvedic remedies, Antioxidant activity, Antimicrobial properties, Hepatoprotective activity, Antidiabetic activity, Anti-inflammatory effect, Pharmacological features, Agad Tantra, Ancient Vedic literature, Contraceptive efficacy, Antinociceptive effect, Pharmaceutical extract, Phytochemical constituent.

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