Substituting Rauwolfia serpentina roots with small branches for therapy.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Substitution of roots with small branches of rauwolfia serpentina for therapeutic uses - a phytochemical approach
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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*Bhavana Srivastava
Research Officer, National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development, Gwalior, India.
Vikas Chandra Sharma
Senior Research Fellow, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi, India.
R. Singh
Assistant Director, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi, India.
P. Pant
Assistant Director, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi, India.
A. D. Jadhav
Research Officer (S-4), Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Substitution of roots with small branches of rauwolfia serpentina for therapeutic uses - a phytochemical approach
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Rauwolfia serpentina, commonly known as Sarpagandha, is a significant medicinal plant in Ayurveda, primarily utilized for various health conditions, including cardiac disorders, psychiatric illnesses, and cancer. The traditional medical practice often leads to the overharvesting of the plant's roots, endangering its sustainability. This study investigates the viability of using small branches of R. serpentina as a substitute for its roots, aiming to promote conservation while ensuring a consistent supply of medicinal material.
Phytochemical Analysis for Conservation
The research explored the phytochemical similarity between the roots and small branches of R. serpentina through various extraction methods, including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol extracts. The analysis conducted showed multiple parallels in the chemical constituents of both plant parts. Notably, while both parts contained many of the same active phytochemicals, small branches demonstrated higher total phenolic and flavonoid content than the roots. This finding suggests that small branches may retain comparable medicinal properties and could serve as a suitable alternative in therapeutic applications.
HPTLC Profiling for Quality Control
High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) was employed to compare the chemical profiles of the extracts from both roots and small branches. The results revealed numerous similarities in the chromatographic patterns, indicating that both parts contain overlapping active compounds. This HPTLC profiling establishes a foundation for the identification and quality control of R. serpentina in its various forms, facilitating proper standardization required for its therapeutic use. The HPTLC profiles serve as a valuable resource for ensuring batch-to-batch consistency in the commercial supply of R. serpentina.
Conclusion
The findings of this investigation highlight the potential of using small branches of R. serpentina as an alternative to the roots, thus aiding in the conservation of this important medicinal plant. The study not only supports sustainable harvesting practices but also encourages further research to confirm the pharmacological effectiveness of small branches. Such approaches are essential to prevent the extinction of valuable plant species while ensuring their continued availability in traditional and modern medicine.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of the study on Rauwolfia serpentina?
The study aims to assess the feasibility of using small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina as a substitute for its roots. This could help conserve the plant species and ensure availability for therapeutic uses in traditional medicine.
What methods were used for the analysis of Rauwolfia serpentina?
The analysis included physicochemical and phytochemical assessments. Techniques like high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and various extraction methods were employed to compare the active constituents in the roots and small branches.
What were the key findings regarding small branches of Rauwolfia?
Results showed that small branches contain similar phytochemicals to the roots, with comparable total phenolic and flavonoid contents. The findings support the potential use of small branches in place of roots for medicinal purposes.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for 鈥淪ubstituting Rauwolfia serpentina roots with small branches for therapy.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) Phytochemical:
A phytochemical is a compound produced by plants ('phyto' means plant). In this study, the phytochemical profile of roots and small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina was analyzed to understand their potential for therapeutic uses.
2) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of plant secondary metabolites with various bioactivities. In the study, total flavonoid content in the roots and small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina was assessed to evaluate their potential as therapeutic agents.
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that utilizes a variety of medicinal plants including Rauwolfia serpentina. The study aimed to find alternatives to roots of this plant used in Ayurvedic practices to preserve the species.
4) India:
India is the country where the study was conducted, examining the medicinal properties of Rauwolfia serpentina, a plant utilized in traditional Indian systems like Ayurveda and Siddha.
5) Srivastava (Sri-vastava, Shrivastava, Shri-vastava):
Bhavana Srivastava is one of the authors of the study, which analyzed the potential of using small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina instead of its roots for therapeutic purposes.
6) Medicine:
Medicine refers to the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The study explores the use of parts of Rauwolfia serpentina in traditional medicine to find sustainable alternatives to the roots.
7) Bhavana (Bha-vana):
Bhavana Srivastava is the lead author of the research article that investigated the possibility of using small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina for therapeutic uses to conserve the plant.
8) Gwalior:
Gwalior is a city in India where Bhavana Srivastava works and where plants for the study were collected. It is home to the National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development.
9) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological refers to the science of drugs and their effects on living systems. This study aimed to confirm the pharmacological activities of small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina to validate their use as substitutes for roots.
10) Siddha:
Siddha is another traditional system of medicine practiced in India. The study was carried out at the National Research Institute for Ayurveda Siddha Human Resource Development in Gwalior, combining insights from both Ayurveda and Siddha.
11) New Delhi:
New Delhi is the location of the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, an institution involved in this study aiming to find new ways to utilize Rauwolfia serpentina for medicinal purposes.
12) Habitat:
Habitat refers to the natural environment where a species lives. The study highlights that uprooting Rauwolfia serpentina for medicinal use is damaging its natural habitat, hence the need for sustainable harvest methods.
13) Cancer:
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Rauwolfia serpentina roots are cited for their use in treating various ailments, including cancer. The study seeks less destructive alternatives to roots for such treatments.
14) Delhi:
[see source text or glossary: Delhi]
15) Mental disorder:
Mental disorder is a range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. In Ayurveda, Rauwolfia serpentina roots are used for mental disorders, prompting the study to find sustainable parts of the plant for these treatments.
16) Bhutabadha:
Bhutabadha is an Ayurvedic term referring to a disorder influenced by spirits or external forces. Rauwolfia serpentina is traditionally used in such conditions, and the study seeks to replace root usage to sustain the plant population.
17) Discussion:
Discussion in a research context involves interpreting the results. The study's discussion indicates that small branches may have similar active compounds as roots and suggests further pharmacological testing.
18) Apasmara:
Apasmara is an Ayurvedic term for epilepsy. The study mentions Rauwolfia serpentina roots' utility in treating apasmara, aiming to replace root use with small branches to conserve the plant.
19) Visucika (Vishucika):
Visucika is an Ayurvedic term that refers to gastrointestinal disorders like cholera. The roots of Rauwolfia serpentina were traditionally used to treat this, and the study explores using small branches as an alternative.
20) Yonishula (Yonisula):
Yonisula is an Ayurvedic term for vaginal pain. The study indicates that Rauwolfia serpentina roots are used in such treatments and explores using small branches to reduce the depletion of the species.
21) Krimiroga (Krmiroga, Krimi-roga):
Krmiroga in Ayurveda refers to parasitic diseases. Rauwolfia serpentina roots are used for such conditions, hence the study's aim to find less harmful alternatives for medical purposes.
22) Chandra:
Vikas Chandra Sharma is one of the co-authors of the article, contributing to the research on substituting Rauwolfia serpentina roots with small branches for therapeutic uses.
23) Disease:
Disease refers to any condition that impairs normal functioning. The study focuses on Rauwolfia serpentina, a plant used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases, seeking alternatives to using its roots.
24) Unmada:
Unmada is an Ayurvedic term for insanity or madness. The study highlights the traditional use of Rauwolfia serpentina roots for unmada and explores sustainable alternatives for medicinal purposes.
25) Bhrama:
Bhrama in Ayurveda refers to dizziness or vertigo. The study mentions the use of Rauwolfia serpentina roots for treating such conditions, aiming to find sustainable parts of the plant for these treatments.
26) Anidra:
Anidra is an Ayurvedic term for insomnia. The study addresses the traditional use of Rauwolfia serpentina roots for insomnia, exploring the use of small branches to conserve the plant.
27) Family:
Family in botany is a rank in the classification of organisms. Rauwolfia serpentina belongs to the family Apocynaceae, and the study seeks sustainable parts of this plant for medicinal use.
28) Sharman (Sarma, Sharma, Sarman):
Vikas Chandra Sharma is a co-author of the research article investigating alternatives to the roots of Rauwolfia serpentina for conservation and therapeutic purposes.
29) Powder:
Powder refers to the form in which plant materials were prepared for analysis in the study. Both roots and small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina were pulverized into coarse powder for extraction and further testing.
30) Indian:
Indian refers to the nationality related to the study and Rauwolfia serpentina, a plant used in Indian traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and Siddha, as the research seeks sustainable medicinal practices.
31) Jvara:
Jvara is an Ayurvedic term for fever. The study highlights the use of Rauwolfia serpentina roots in treating fever and explores utilizing small branches as a sustainable alternative.
32) Vrana:
Vrana in Ayurveda refers to wounds or ulcers. The study notes the use of Rauwolfia serpentina roots for treating these conditions, investigating the potential of small branches for similar therapeutic applications.
33) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. AYUSHDHARA is the journal featuring the study on utilizing small branches of Rauwolfia serpentina to conserve the plant and sustain its therapeutic uses.
34) Blood:
Blood refers to one of the conditions that Rauwolfia serpentina is traditionally used to treat, specifically high blood pressure. The study explores using small branches instead of roots for such treatments.
35) Shula (Sula):
Sula in Ayurveda refers to pain. The study mentions using Rauwolfia serpentina roots for treating pain and evaluates the potential of small branches as substitutes to conserve the plant.
36) Tree:
[see source text or glossary: Tree]
37) Fear:
[see source text or glossary: Fear]
38) Drug:
Drug refers to any substance used to treat or prevent diseases. The study explores the phytochemical and pharmacological properties of parts of Rauwolfia serpentina to create sustainable medicinal drugs.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: 鈥�Substituting Rauwolfia serpentina roots with small branches for therapy.鈥�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Therapeutic use, Natural habitat, Ayurvedic literature, Antimicrobial activities, High performance thin layer chromatography, Phytochemical analysis, Pharmaceutical industries, Physicochemical analysis, Phyto-chemical analysis, Total phenolic content, Total flavonoid content, Medicinal purpose, Plant authentication, Rauwolfia serpentina, Conservation of plants.