J ism-v1 n2-82-87

Abstract

Enicostemma littorale is growing widely throughout the Indian spacialy in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan.. In the Traditional system of medicine (TCM) like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani, medicinal uses have been described as it is works in disease of every system. Swertiamarin, gentiocrucine, enicoflavine, apigenin, genkwanin, isovitexin, swertisin saponarin, ophelic acid, heptacosane, oelic acid, gentianine, and alkaloids are mainly believed to be responsible for its wide therapeutic actions. It is used as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and hepatoprotective agent. The present article attempts to provide comprehensive information on pharmacological properties of Enicostemma littorale for further research.

Key Words: Pharmacological properties, Enicostemma littorale, Ayurved

Introduction Krimi, Raktavikara, Shotha, Premaha, Madhumeha, Twagvikara, Vishamajwara,In the Traditional system of medicine (TCM) spicily in

Ayurveda there is several medicinal plants are mention. The Medoroga, Visha Atisara.ayurvedic materia-medica call as Nighantu described lots of Karma – Deepana, Amapachana, Saraka, Yakriduttejaka, useful medicinal plants with their properties, action and Krimighna, Raktashodhaka, Shothahara, Premehaghna, morphology. Mamajjaka (Enicostemma littorale) is one of Kusthaghna, Lekhana, Vishaghnafamous traditional medicinal plants used in Madhumeha

Botanical Nameespecially in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan. It is

Enicostemma littorale used as a substitute for Chirayata [1] (Swertia chirayita Roxb. Lyons.). In the view of history Mamajjaka Syn. Enicostemma hyssopifolium and Enicostemma (Enicostemma littorale) was not mentioned in Vedic Kala azillare and Samhita Kala. In Nighantu Kala, first time Mamajjaka Taxonomy(Enicostemma littorale) is mentioned in Shodhal Nighantu

Kingdom : Plantae(12th cenctury) in Lakshmanadi Varg only.

Subkingdom : TracheobiontaSynonyms [2]:

Superdivision : SpermatophytaNagajihva, Mamajjaka, Nahi, Tiksnapatra, Vitikshnika,

Division : MagnoliophytaKrimihrit, Ksharakarma.Class : Magnoliopsida

Subclass : AsteridaeAyurvedic Properties [3]: Order : GentianalesRasa – TiktaFamily : GentianaceaeGuna – Laghu, RukshaGenus : EnicostemaVeerya – UshnaSpecies : Enicostema Vipaka – Katulittorale Doshaghnata – KaphapittashamakaVernacular Name [4]Rogaghnata (Therapeutic indication) – Amadosha,

Vibandha, Yakritdaurbalya, Hind : Chota Chirayata

Pharmacological Profile of Enicostemma littorale: A Review

Bhavesh Vaghela* Hariom Gupta** Leena Shukla **** Assistant Professor, Dept. of Dravuyaguna, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Limda, Vadodara.

** Associate Professor, Dept. of Dravuyaguna, Govt. Ayurved collage, Vadodara.*** Professor, Dept. of Dravuyaguna, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Limda, Vadodara.

Journal of Indian System of Medicine, August, 2013 Vol.1, Number 2, 84

Guj : Mamijava Materials and methods:

Beng : Nagajivha. Available Ayurvedic Lituratures were studied for batter understanding of Enicostemma littorale. Information Mal : Vellarukuregarding Enicostemma littorale drugs from various

Mar : Kadavinayi MamjavaNational and International jouranals, Ayurvedic texts and

Tam : Vallari also electronic search (using Pubmed, SciFinder, Scirus, Tel : Chevvu-kurti Google Scholar, JCCCNSTIRC and Web of Science) was

also used for availability and necessity for comprehensive Distribution [5]understanding of the subject.

Distributed in open areas throughout the greater part of India Pharmacological properties of e. Littoraleexcept some states like W. Bengal etc., up to an altitude of

500 m and also found in Coastal areas. Distributed in Sri Antimicrobial activity of E. littoraleLanka, Malaya, Tropica Africa and West Indies. Tanna et al. reported the antifungal activity of Enicostemma Morphologycal /Botanical Description [6,7] littorale blume. The chloroform extract shows pronounced

activity against Aspergillus niger and negligible activity Perennial, glabrous, erect or procumbent herb 16-30 cm against Candida albicans at the concentration of 100, 200 high; stem Quadrangular, 10 to 50 cm in length, branching µg/mL. The ethyl acetate extract shows slight activity against from the base, internode short 0.8 to 1.5 cm long. A. niger and moderate activity against C. albicans. The subquandragular or ubterete. Leaves Green in colour, ethanol extract shows pronounced activity against A. niger exstipulate, opposite decussate, lanceolate, 3 to 6 by 0.5 to and C. albicans [11].0.7 cm, sessile, apex obtuse, 3nerved, venation pinnate,

upper surface rough, lower glabrous. Flowers Small whorled Antihelminthic activity of E. littoraleand in clusters, white; calyx 3 to 4 mm long obtuse with Mishra and Shukla reported that Enicostemma littorale narrow membranous margins; corolla, tubular, 6 to 8a mm exhibits antihelminthic effects. Petroleum ether and long, elliptic, acute; stamens 5, anthers included; stigma ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Enicostemma littorale bilobed; capsule ellipsoid, 4 to 6 mm long and slightly Blume were prepared and evaluated separately for finding an narrowed athther base contains numerous seeds. The drug antihelminthic effect on adult Indian earthworm. The results has no marked odour but all parts have bitter taste. Root - indicated that an ethanolic extract of Enicostemma littorale Thin slender, tapering, rough secondary root filiform, 5 to 15 was more potent than the petroleum ether extract [12].cm in lengh, 0.3 to 2.5 cm in diameter, light yellow

Anti Diabetic activity of E. littoraleexternally, creamish white internally.

Prince and Srinivasan studied the effect of an aqueous Flowering and Fruiting: July-November

Enicostemma littorale whole plant extract on antioxidant Collection: October-November defense in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. It was observed that Doses : Powder – 1-3 gm; Decoction – 50-100ml an administration of insulin (6 units/kg) to alloxan induced

diabetic rats for 45 days brought back all the parameters to Part Used: Whole Plantnear normal status. E. littorale extract at the dose of 2 g/kg

Formulations:was more effective [13].

Mamajjak Ghanavati [8], Vayuchhya surendra Tail[9]. Vishwakarma et al. repoted the effect with hot and cold

Chemical Constituents [10]aqueous extracts of Enicostemma littorale for three weeks in

Swertiamarin, gentiocrucine, enicoflavine, apigenin, STZ induced type 1 diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats genkwanin, isovitexin, swertisin saponarin, 5-O- with hot aqueous extract of E. littorale reduced the food, g lucosy l swer t i s in , 5 -O-g lucosy l i soswer- t i s in , water intake and glucose and AUC glucose levels and gentiocrucine, swertiamarin tetraacetate, 3-acyl-3,4- decreased the serum glucose, serum cholesterol and dehydrogentiopi-croside, ophelic acid, nhexacosanol, triglyceride levels. Swertiamarin was found to be a major heptacosane, nonacosane, myristic acid, stearic acid, oelic component in hot extract of E. littorale while it was absent in acid, gentianine, betulin, alkaloids (plant) cold extract. The result suggested that E. littorale possesses Aims and objectives: potential antidiabetic activity and improves lipid profile at a

dose of 0.5 g/kg [14].To review the various Pharmacological activities of Enicostemma littorale. Main aim is to prove the action which Gohil TA et al. repoted the effect of Aqueous extracts of mention in Ayurveda by modern parameters or investigation. Aegle marmelos and Enicostemma littorale reduces


Bhavesh Vaghela et.al. Pharmacological Profile of Enicostemma littorale, JISM, Vol-1, Num-2, pp 84-87

hyperglycaemic conditions in diabetic wistar rats. After 15 that the extract was able to reduce all the elevated days reported that the administration of aqueous extracts of biochemical parameters since it has hepatotoxin A. marmelos and E. littorale for 15 days prevented detoxication property. Enicostemma littorale possesses a hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia induced by a diet high chemical compound called swertiamarin which has in fructose [15]. antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties against D-GalN

induced hepatotoxicity given at 100 and 200 mg/kg body Bhatt et al studied the protective effects of Enicostemma weight orally for 8 days, which might be due to its in vitro littorale was investigated for hypoglycemic and antioxidant antioxidant activity [22]. The present investigation indicates effect in alloxan induced diabetic neuropathy in male that the ethanolic extract of E. littorale exhibits significant Charles foster rats. This study provides an experimental hepatomodulation against oxidative stress induced liver evidence for the preventive effect of E. littorale on nerve injury in rats through antioxidant potential and free radical function and oxidative stress in animal model of diabetic scavenging activities along with reduction of fat metabolism neuropathy [16]. [23].

Anti-oxidant activity of E. littoraleGupta et al. studied the hepatomodulatory response of

Thirumalai et al. investigated the hyperlipidaemic condition ethanol extract of Enicostemma littorale were examined for

and antioxidant effects on patically injured male albino rats oxidative stress induced liver injury by carbon tetrachloride

(ethanol induced) by treating with aqueous leaf extract of (CCl4) in albino wistar male rats. The hepatic marker levels

Enicostemma littorale at a dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight. Total Bilirubin, Total Protein, Albumin etc. in serum were

He reports that an aqueous leaf extract of E. littorale blume also restored to normal level dose-dependently after the

has potent restorative effect on hyperlipidaemic and supplementation of E. littorale extract in comparison to

oxidative stress [17].respective controls [24].

Mukundray et al. repoted the role of Enicostemma littorale as Antihyperlipidaemic activity of E. littorale: The aerial part of

a promising antioxidant therapy in gentamicin iduced the Enicostemma littorale reduces the serum cholesterol

nephrotoxicity in rats. E. littorale extract was used in level in hepatoma bearing rats which induces hypercholeste-

antioxidant therapy to counteract mitochondrial and post-rolaemia. A component of plant enhances cholesterol

mitochondrial oxidative stress generated in kidney upon acyltransferase by esterification of free cholesterol in the

gentamicin treatment, thus prevented nephrotoxicity [18].HDL [25]. Treatment with this extract decreases the

Antiulcer and anti-inflammatory activity of E. littorale activities of erythrocyte CAT, SOD and LPO levels, with an Roy et al. repoted the aerial parts of Enicostemma littorale increase in reduced glutathione levels, liver and kidney against aspirin, ethanol and pyloric ligation induced ulcers in cholesterol levels were also decreased in E. littorale treated rats and bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation were rats when compared to cholesterol fed untreated rats [26].examined for antiulcer and anti-inflammatory effects. It was Discussionreported that the methanolic extract of E. littorale possesses

The World Health Organization has estimated more than 80 antiulcer activity. And its anti-inflammatory activity may be

% of the world's population in Developing countries depends attributed to the antioxidant potential [19].

primarily on herbal medicines for their basic healthcare Antitumour activity of E. littorale needs. Kavimani et al. repoted the antitumour activity of methanolic In recent years, ethno-botanical and traditional uses of extract of Enicostemma littorale has been evaluated against natural compounds, especially those of plant origin, have Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice. received much attention as they are well known for their After 14 days of inoculation, methanolic extract of E. efficacy and are generally believed to be safe for human use. littorale is able to reverse the changes in the haematological It is best to use the classical approach in the search for new parameters, protein and PCV consequent to tumour molecules to manage a variety of diseases. A thorough inoculation [20]. review of the ublished literature on Enicostemma littorale Hepatoprotective activity of E. littorale shows that It is a popular remedy in a variety of ethnic

groups, as well as Ayurvedic and traditional practitioners for Paracetamol induced hepatic injury is commonly used as an the treatment of a range of ailments. Researchers are experimental model for the study of hepatoprotective effects exploring the therapeutic potential of this plant as it is likely of medicinal plant extracts and drugs. It produces to have more therapeutic properties than are currently hepatotoxicity by altering liver microsomal membranes in known.experimental animals. The study by Gite et al[21]. revealed



aqueous extract improves the antioxidant status in alloxan 1. CONCLUSIONSinduced diabetic rat tissues. Acta Pol Pharm Drug Res. 2005,

The recent article proved an effective role of from Vol-62, issue-5, P-363–367.Enicostemma littorale due to derived phytochemical

[4] Vishwakarma SL, Rakesh SD, Rajani M, Goyal RK. Evaluation compound from E. littorale. These phytochemical of effect of aqueous extract of Enicostemma littorale Blume in compounds are either separated from whole plant or specific streptozotocin- induced type 1 diabetic rats. Indian Journal of part of plant. It also showed anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, Export Biology, 2010, Vol-48, P-26–30.

hepatomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, [5] Gohil TA, Patel JK, Vaghasiya JD, Manek Antihyperglycemic and antihyperinsulinemic effect of aqueous extract of Aegle hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antitumor, hypolipidemic and marmelos leaf and Enicostemma littorale. Indian Journal of antihelminthic activities of E. littorale. This review may Pharmacy. 2008, Vol-40, Issue-2, P-66–91.focus scientists to develop clinical studies which might be of

[6] Bhatt NM, Barua S, Gupta S. Protective effect of Enicostemma great scientific contribution for the society. The importance littorale Blume on rat model of diabetic neuropathy. Asian of medicinal plants in traditional Ayurvedic practices Journal of Infected Disease, 2009, Vol-5, issue-2, P-106–112.

provides clues to new areas of research and in biodiversity [7] Thirumalai T, Therasa VS, Elumalai EK, David E.

conservation.Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effect of Enicostemma littorale

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