Phytochemical study of Alstonia scholaris leaves and pathogens.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Phytochemical study on the leaves of alstonia scholaris and their effects on pathogenic organisms
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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Anuradha Varshney, M.M. Goyal
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Phytochemical study on the leaves of alstonia scholaris and their effects on pathogenic organisms
Year: 1995
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as Devil tree, is recognized for its medicinal properties and diverse bioactive compounds. This study focuses on the phytochemical composition of its leaves and their potential antibacterial effects against various pathogenic organisms. The tree is utilized in traditional medicine for treating ailments such as malaria, ulcers, asthma, and other chronic conditions. The research highlights the extraction and isolation of significant compounds like hydrocarbons, triterpenes, and sterols from the leaves, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic efficacy.
Impact of Bioactive Compounds on Pathogenic Bacteria
The antibacterial activity of various compounds isolated from Alstonia scholaris was tested against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using the marble cup method. The results demonstrated that long-chain hydrocarbons exhibit notable antibacterial activity, while esters and alcohols were found to be inactive. Notably, 伪-amyrin and lupeol showed activity against most of the tested bacteria, except for Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The introduction of acetyl groups in the compounds appeared to diminish their antibacterial effectiveness in certain cases, suggesting that the chemical structure influences the medicinal potential of these bioactive constituents.
Conclusion
The findings of the study indicate that hydrocarbons, triterpenes, and sterols identified in Alstonia scholaris possess significant antibacterial properties, affirming the plant鈥檚 traditional use in treating various infections. The research suggests that specific compounds like 尾-sitosterol not only contribute to antibacterial activity but may also have anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects similar to conventional medications. Overall, Alstonia scholaris holds promise as a source of natural antimicrobial agents, potentially aiding in the development of cost-effective treatments for diseases like dysentery and urinary tract infections.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Alstonia scholaris and its medicinal uses?
Alstonia scholaris, commonly known as the Devil tree, has a variety of medicinal properties. It is used for ailments like malaria, chronic ulcers, and asthma. The bark acts as an astringent and is also used for digestive issues and as a tonic.
What chemical compounds were studied in Alstonia scholaris leaves?
The leaves of Alstonia scholaris were found to contain hydrocarbons, triterpenes, and phytosterols. Specific compounds like 伪-amyrin, lupeol, and sterols were isolated and tested for their antibacterial activities against various pathogenic bacteria.
How effective are the compounds from Alstonia scholaris against bacteria?
Compounds isolated from Alstonia scholaris exhibited varying antibacterial activity. Hydrocarbons and sterols showed effectiveness against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, particularly 伪-amyrin and lupeol, while esters and alcohols were largely inactive.
What were the findings regarding the antibacterial activity of steryl acetates?
Steryl acetates like sitosteryl acetate and stigmasteryl acetate exhibited antibacterial activity. However, introducing an acetyl group sometimes reduced the effectiveness against certain bacteria, indicating the importance of structure in their antibacterial properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淧hytochemical study of Alstonia scholaris leaves and pathogens.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) Activity:
Activity refers to the capability of compounds or substances to produce a physiological effect. In this study, the activity of various extracts and compounds isolated from Alstonia scholaris against specific pathogenic bacteria was assessed, highlighting the potential of these compounds as effective antimicrobial agents.
2) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibacterial describes the property of a substance to inhibit the growth of bacteria. The research investigates the antibacterial effects of various phytochemicals derived from Alstonia scholaris, demonstrating their effectiveness against several gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, which is crucial for developing new antimicrobial treatments.
3) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical section of scientific research where findings are analyzed, interpreted, and contextualized. This section in the study examines the antibacterial activity results, compares them with existing research, and draws conclusions about the therapeutic potential of the compounds found in Alstonia scholaris.
4) Bitter:
Bitter refers to one of the basic tastes perceived by humans and often indicates the presence of certain bioactive compounds. In Alstonia scholaris, the milky juice is described as bitter, suggesting its potential medicinal value. Bitter compounds frequently possess therapeutic properties, impacting digestive and metabolic functions.
5) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a break in the skin or mucous membrane, often resulting in inflammation and pain. The milky juice of Alstonia scholaris is applied to ulcers, signifying its historical use in traditional medicine for healing wounds and injuries, which supports the need for further scientific validation.
6) Phytochemical:
Phytochemical pertains to the bioactive compounds produced by plants which have health benefits. The study explores various phytochemicals such as alkaloids, triterpenes, and sterols present in Alstonia scholaris, showcasing their role in antimicrobial activity, contributing to the understanding of plant-derived medicines.
7) Saptaparna (Saptapar峁嘺, Saptapar峁嚹�, Sapta-parna):
Saptaparna is the Sanskrit name for Alstonia scholaris, reflecting its cultural and historical significance in Sanskrit literature and traditional medicine. The name indicates the plant鈥檚 traditional usage and medicinal properties, reinforcing the importance of indigenous knowledge in the exploration of medicinal plants.
8) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses substances used to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases. The research highlights the potential of Alstonia scholaris extracts as a cost-effective source of antimicrobial agents, emphasizing the significance of medicinal plants in developing new treatment modalities in modern healthcare.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. The research employs scientific methods to explore the phytochemical components of Alstonia scholaris, contributing to the broader field of natural products research and the development of new therapeutic agents.
10) Gupta (Gupt膩):
Gupta refers to Dr. D.K. Gupta, who is acknowledged in the study for providing research facilities. Acknowledgment of academic support is essential in scientific literature, as it highlights collaboration and mentorship, which are fundamental to advancing research and fostering innovation in the scientific community.
11) Acrid:
Acrid describes a sharp or bitter taste or smell often associated with certain compounds. The acrid nature of Alstonia scholaris' bark is emphasized in its medicinal properties, suggesting therapeutic effects, particularly as an anthelmintic and in remedying digestive issues, thereby enhancing understanding of its application.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Phytochemical study of Alstonia scholaris leaves and pathogens.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Alstonia scholaris, Milky juice, Dysentery treatment, Medicinal value, Antibacterial activity, Phytochemical study, In vitro, Chronic ulcer, Urinary tract infection, Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria, Column chromatography, Antipyretic activity, Long chain hydrocarbons, Indigenous plant, Antimicrobial medicine, Acetyl derivative.