Toxicity studies of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R.Br.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: ACUTE AND SUB 鈥� ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES OF Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R.Br.
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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Anoop Austin, M. Jegadeesan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: ACUTE AND SUB 鈥� ACUTE TOXICITY STUDIES OF Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R.Br.
Year: 2002
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R. Br., a member of the Asclepiadaceae family, is traditionally utilized in India for various ailments, including blood diseases, respiratory disorders, and skin diseases, among others. Phytochemical constituents like 尾-sitosterol, flavonoid glycosides, tannins, and saponins have been identified in its roots. Despite its extensive use in traditional medicine, toxicity studies on this plant's root extract had not been previously conducted on animals. This study investigates the acute and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous ethanolic extracts from the roots of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens, collected in different growth phases.
Observed Toxicity Effects
Acute toxicity tests administered via oral and intraperitoneal routes determined varied effects of the root extract at different dosage levels. In oral administration, doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg showed stimulatory effects; however, dosages above 3000 mg/kg resulted in depressive effects, including sedation and abnormal secretions. The LD50 for intraperitoneal administration was calculated to be approximately 848.3 mg/kg, indicating a concerning level of toxicity at higher doses. Sub-acute studies further revealed nonspecific hepatomegaly and alterations in liver histopathology at doses of 450 mg/kg, but lower doses were deemed safer. Biochemical analyses indicated no significant changes other than alterations in aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels, suggesting reversible changes rather than severe toxicity, especially when compared to hepatotoxicity reports of other species.
Conclusion
The findings of this study highlight the potential toxicity of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens, particularly at higher dosage levels, while also suggesting that lower doses might be safe for use. The observed nonspecific histopathological changes and the absence of severe degenerative changes contrast with previous reports on related species, emphasizing the need for caution in patients with existing liver conditions. Furthermore, these results underline the importance of understanding the effects of varying biological active compounds influenced by genetic, climatic, and developmental factors in medicinal plants, warranting further research to isolate and characterize the toxic principles involved.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens used for in medicine?
Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens is traditionally used for various ailments including biliousness, blood diseases, diarrhea, and respiratory disorders. It is also applied in treating skin diseases, fever, and rheumatic conditions among others.
What types of toxicity studies were conducted on this plant extract?
The studies included acute oral toxicity, acute intraperitoneal toxicity, and sub-acute toxicity in Wistar strain albino rats. These investigations focused on gross behavioral changes, mortality rates, and the impact on vital organ systems.
What were the findings of the acute toxicity study?
In the acute oral toxicity study, no mortality was noted at 4000 mg/kg, indicating a high LD50. However, intraperitoneal studies indicated significant mortality at lower dosages, with LD50 estimated at around 848.3 mg/kg.
Were there any significant changes observed in the biochemical parameters?
Most biochemical parameters showed no significant changes compared to control, except for ASAT and ALAT. Histopathological examinations revealed nonspecific changes in the liver and spleen, suggesting some hepatotoxicity at high dosages.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淭oxicity studies of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R.Br.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) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. In this study, it is assessed through acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens. Understanding toxicity is crucial for evaluating the safety of herbal medicines before their therapeutic use in traditional medicine practices.
2) Water:
Water serves as a medium for dissolving drug extracts during the toxicity studies. It is critical for oral administration and used as a control in the experiments to ensure that observed effects are due to the extract and not the solvent. Its role highlights the importance of proper dilution protocols.
3) Blood:
Blood is vital for assessing the biochemical and hematological parameters during the toxicity studies. The study evaluates blood components like RBC and biochemical markers to gauge the physiological effects of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens. Blood analysis helps in understanding the systemic impact of potential toxins in the extract.
4) Drug:
The term drug in this context pertains to the aqueous ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens. It explores the pharmacological effects and toxicity profiles of the plant. Proper characterization of the extract is paramount for ensuring the safe therapeutic application of the herbal remedy in medical treatments.
5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the practices and substances used to treat or prevent illness. Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens is used in various traditional medicine systems for its purported benefits. The study evaluates both efficacy and safety through toxicity assessments, linking traditional knowledge with scientifically validated therapeutic use.
6) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, refers to the systematic study of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens through experimental methods. Rigorous scientific protocols to assess toxicity provide a basis for evaluating and validating the safety of using the plant in medicinal applications, bridging traditional medicine and modern research methodologies.
7) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is a symptom often linked to medical conditions that Hemidesmus indicus is believed to treat. Understanding its relation to the plant's efficacy underscores the significance of evaluating potential side effects or toxicity that may arise from its use as a therapeutic agent.
8) Discussion:
Discussion in scientific research allows interpretation of findings and their implications. The authors analyze the observed toxic effects and behaviors of subjects during the study to draw conclusions about the safety of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens. This section elucidates the impact of their research on existing knowledge.
9) Drowsiness:
Drowsiness is a possible side effect observed during toxicity studies. It indicates the sedative potential of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens, especially at higher dosages. Recognizing such side effects is critical for ensuring patient safety and guiding proper dosing regimens in its therapeutic application.
10) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of bioactive compounds found in various plants, including Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens. They possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of these compounds contributes to the therapeutic claims of the plant, warranting further investigation into their benefits and any toxicological implications.
11) Swelling:
Swelling may refer to the physiological response seen in tissues due to inflammation or toxicity. In the context of this study, observations of swelling can indicate potential organ damage or adverse reactions to Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens, emphasizing the importance of monitoring such symptoms in toxicity evaluations.
12) Siddha (Siddh膩):
Siddha is an ancient system of medicine practiced in India, emphasizing holistic healing. The study is situated within this context as Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens is traditionally utilized for its healing properties. Understanding its pharmacological effects through scientific investigation aligns with the methodological approaches in Siddha medicine.
13) Edema (Oedema):
Edema is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in tissues, which can be a sign of toxicity. In the study, edema is significant as it relates to the cardiovascular and renal health of the examined organisms. It prompts investigation of potential adverse effects of the extract on fluid balance.
14) Diet:
Diet refers to the feeding regime of experimental animals, which can influence their physiological responses. In this toxicity study, standard pelleted diets were provided to Wistar rats and Swiss mice to minimize dietary variability. Controlling diet is essential for obtaining reliable and valid results in toxicity assessments.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Toxicity studies of Hemidesmus indicus var. pubescens R.Br.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Loss of appetite, Siddha medicine, Statistical analysis, Significant change, Pharmacological activity, Acute Toxicity Studies, Traditional systems of medicine, Swiss albino mice, Wistar strain albino rats, Toxic symptoms, Haemoglobin Concentration, Ancient Science of life, Sub Acute Toxicity Studies, Biochemical parameter, Cytoprotective effect, Dose level, Urinary disorder, Gastrointestinal mucosa, Cerebral tissue, Portal tract, Weight monitoring, Haematological parameter.