Adaptogenic effects of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds, Kerala's ginseng.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Adaptogenic activity of seeds of trichopus zeylanicus gaertn, the ginseng of kerala
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Avinash K. Sharma, P. Pushpangadan, C. L. Chopra, S. Rajasekharan, L. Sarada Amma
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Adaptogenic activity of seeds of trichopus zeylanicus gaertn, the ginseng of kerala
Year: 1989
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Trichopus zeylanicus Gaertn., commonly referred to as the "Ginseng of Kerala," is a rare, perennial plant belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family, found primarily in the Agasthyar hill forests of Kerala, India. Local tribes, particularly the Kani tribe, have utilized its seeds as a health tonic, attributing benefits such as increased energy, stamina, and overall vitality. Prior to recent investigations, minimal scientific research existed on its medicinal properties. The current study evaluates the adaptogenic activity of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds, revealing their potential to enhance resistance against various stressors in animal models.
Potent Antistress and Antifungal Properties
The alcoholic extract derived from Trichopus zeylanicus seeds demonstrated significant adaptogenic properties in both rats and mice. The research revealed that this extract significantly increased swimming performance and endurance, particularly in both normal and adrenalectomized mice, suggesting a protective effect against stress-induced fatigue. Additionally, the seeds were effective in reducing the incidence of ulceration in rats subjected to various stressors, such as restraint, cold exposure, and aspirin administration. The findings also indicated an inhibition of milk-induced leucocytosis, highlighting the extract鈥檚 role in modulating immune responses. The mechanism of action appears to be independent of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, suggesting a broader range of adaptogenic effects.
Conclusion
The study substantiates the traditional claims surrounding Trichopus zeylanicus, showcasing its antifatigue, antistress, and anti-ulcer properties. With no observed mortality in mice after doses up to 3 g/kg and a promising safety profile, the seeds demonstrate potential as a natural adaptogen and therapeutic agent. Future research should focus on the immunomodulating properties of Trichopus zeylanicus and its other parts to fully comprehend its medicinal potential. The results contribute to the understanding of adaptogenic substances and emphasize the relevance of indigenous knowledge in modern pharmacological research.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Trichopus zeylanicus and where does it grow?
Trichopus zeylanicus is a rare, perennial wild plant from the Agasthyar hill forests of Kerala, India. It is known for its potential health benefits, including increased energy and vitality, and is consumed by the local Kani tribe.
What are the adaptogenic properties of T. zeylanicus seeds?
The seeds of T. zeylanicus exhibit significant adaptogenic activity, enhancing resistance to various stressors. They improve swimming endurance in mice, reduce gastric ulcers, and prevent stress-induced biological changes, showcasing their potential as a therapeutic agent.
What methods were used to test the efficacy of T. zeylanicus seeds?
The study employed various tests, including the swimming endurance test, milk-induced leucocytosis, and gastric ulcer models in rats. These methodologies helped assess the antistress and antifatigue effects of the seeds' extracts.
Were there any observed side effects from T. zeylanicus extracts?
No significant behavioral changes or mortality were noted at doses up to 3 g/kg in mice. However, a 4 g/kg dose resulted in 10% mortality, indicating a potential risk at higher dosages.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淎daptogenic effects of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds, Kerala's ginseng.鈥�. 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) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore or lesion that develops on the lining of the stomach or intestines, often as a result of increased gastric acid production or stress. In this study, the anti-ulcer properties of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds were examined, demonstrating their potential to reduce ulcer formation induced by various stressors in rats.
2) Milk:
Milk is a liquid produced by mammals, often used in animal studies to induce physiological responses, such as leucocytosis, an increase in white blood cells. In the research, the impact of Trichopus zeylanicus seed extract on milk-induced leucocytosis was assessed, highlighting its importance in evaluating immune response and adaptogenic effects.
3) Drug:
A drug is a chemical substance used to treat, cure, or prevent disease and can also alter physiological functions. The study investigates the effects of the alcoholic extract of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds (TZSE) as a potential adaptogenic drug to enhance resistance to stress and mitigate symptoms associated with gastric ulcers.
4) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the physiological effects or responses elicited by a substance, particularly the adaptogenic and anti-stress effects of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds. The study aimed to determine how the extract influences various biological activities, such as swimming endurance and ulcer prevention in animal models.
5) Water:
Water is an essential solvent and medium for biological processes. In the study, water is used to prepare suspensions of the Trichopus zeylanicus seed extract, facilitating the administration of the extract to animals. Its role underscores the importance of hydration and solvent properties in pharmacological experiments.
6) Coca:
Coca refers to the plant Erythroxylum coca, known for its stimulant properties due to the presence of cocaine. The text compares the adaptogenic effects of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds to those of coca leaves, emphasizing the stimulating effects of both plants in traditional medicine and potential therapeutic avenues for stress relief.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. The research on Trichopus zeylanicus includes pharmacological evaluations, assessing the herbal extract's adaptogenic properties, anti-stress mechanisms, and potential therapeutic benefits for conditions like ulcers and fatigue under various stressful conditions.
8) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can be harmful or lethal to organisms. In the study, the acute toxicity of Trichopus zeylanicus seed extract was evaluated, revealing no significant behavioral changes or mortality at doses up to 3 g/kg, indicating a favorable safety profile for further use.
9) Discussion:
Discussion pertains to the interpretation and implications of study findings. This section of the research articulates the antifatigue and antistress properties of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds, examining their significance in pharmacodynamics and potential as a natural adaptogen compared to traditional treatments like coca and ginseng.
10) Science (Scientific):
Science encompasses systematic knowledge gained through observation and experimentation. The study exemplifies the application of scientific methods to explore the biological activities of Trichopus zeylanicus, reinforcing the importance of evidence-based research in understanding traditional remedies and their potential contributions to health and wellness.
11) Incision:
Incision refers to a surgical cut made in the skin or tissues during procedures, including experiments involving adrenalectomy in the study. This method allowed for assessing the effects of Trichopus zeylanicus extract in altered physiological states, providing insights into its adaptogenic capabilities in response to surgical stress.
12) Sharada (艢膩rad膩, 艢膩rada, 艢arad膩, S膩rad膩, S膩rada, Sarada, Sara-da):
Sarada refers to one of the authors in the study, L. Sarada Amma, who contributed to the research conducted on the adaptogenic properties of Trichopus zeylanicus. Academic contributions of individuals like Sarada are vital for collaborative scientific efforts and enhance the credibility and breadth of research findings.
13) Sharman (艢arma, Sarm膩, Sarma, Sharma, 艢arman):
Sharma refers to one of the lead researchers, Avinash K. Sharma, associated with the study of Trichopus zeylanicus. His contributions underscore the role of dedicated scientists in advancing our understanding of herbal medicines and the development of therapeutic agents through meticulous research and experimentation.
14) Blood:
Blood is a vital fluid in the body responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste. In the study, blood samples were collected to measure leucocyte counts, illustrating the impact of Trichopus zeylanicus extract on immune response and stress-induced alterations in blood parameters, key to evaluating adaptogenic effects.
15) Diet:
Diet refers to the habitual intake of food by an organism. In the study, animals were maintained on a standard rodent pellet diet to control variables and ensure consistent nutritional intake, thereby isolating the effects of Trichopus zeylanicus seed extract in evaluating its adaptogenic and pharmacological activities.
16) Hand:
Hand signifies the method of examination in the study, particularly regarding the evaluation of gastric lesions. A hand lens was used to inspect the gastric tissues for ulceration following treatment with Trichopus zeylanicus, indicating the practical techniques employed in experimental research to assess biological outcomes.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Adaptogenic effects of Trichopus zeylanicus seeds, Kerala's ginseng.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Acute toxicity, Anti-ulcer activity, Adaptogenic activity, Alcoholic extract, Gastric ulceration, Trichopus zeylanicus, Milk induced leucocytosis, Anti-stress properties, Pylorus-ligated rats, Cold Stress Induced Ulcer.