eChapters

ABSTRACT

Natural sources have been exploited since the dawn of civilization for the sustenance of mankind. With the passage of time numerous medicines were discovered to treat various maladies utilizing the vast resources of land and the sea, along with the knowledge base support of folklores and folk medicines of different regions of the world, Marine natural products chemistry has gained prominence during the last four and half decades with a view to harnessing the vast potential of the sea particularly in search of drugs by virtue of modern science and technology. Products of marine algae or seaweeds have been used as medicine as well as food and feed and latterly as nutraceuticals. Advanced societies of the world consume seaweed extracts (in the form of alginates, agars and carrageenans) every day in their foods or pharmaceuticals that is complemented by the excellent safety records of commonly ingested species. In this account, I will be focusing on the health care applications of seaweeds.

Health care has two aspects e.g. healing or amelioration of disease conditions with medicines and the other being sustenance of the health system. Seaweeds have been reported to be the source of many bioactive and nutritionally important compounds e.g. antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulator, cytotoxic, anticancer, neurotoxic, blood anticoagulant, antifertility, vitamins, proteins and minerals. Status of these activities in India and elsewhere in the world has been discussed.

ABSTRACT

Indole alkaloids gramine, tyramine and tryptamine were isolated from the aerial part of Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. for the first time and their antimicrobial properties agains microbial pathogens were studied. Structures of the compounds were elucidated base upon the spectroscopic data such as ¹H-NMR, ¹³C- NMR and MS. The evaluations o the crude extract and the alkaloids for their efficacy in inhibiting the growth of huma pathogenic bacteria and dermatophytes were carried out in vitro. The crude extrac was effective in inhibiting the growth of all the tested microorganisms. Tryptamin and tyramine did not inhibit microbial growth when tested individually, but in combination the growth inhibition of Klebsiella pneumoniae was prominent. Gramin was the most effective one in inhibiting the growth of all the tested microbial pathogens

1. Introduction

Plant metabolites are the major sources of pharmaceutical food additives, fragrances and pesticides. It is estimated that the market potential for herbal drugs in the western world alone could range from US $ 4.9 billion to 47 billion by the year 2000 if the AIDS epidemic continues unchecked (Biotechnology and Development, 1991). A similar situation exists for plant based food additives, fragrances and bio-pesticides. The natural resources for plant based chemicals are limited but the consumer preference for natural products is greater. Alternative avenues for plant products have gained prominence during the past few years. In recent years, plant Biotechnology has gained considerable importance for the production of phytochemicals (Heble, 1996).

During the past three decades, several phytochemicals with biological activities have been identified from higher plants for plant tissue culture industry (Verpoorte et al., 1991). Vincristine, vinblastine, artemisinin, taxol and podophyllotoxin are in the list of approved drugs. Some products under clinical trials are forskolin, castanospermine, ginkgolides and hyperin (Heble, 1996). In recent years, there has been renewed interest in screening higher plants for novel biologically active products particularly to combat such ailment that have defined synthetics and antibiotics. This has resulted in the development therapeutics used in the treatment of cancer, hypertension, AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

Introduction

Solanum trilobatum L., an important medicinal plant, belonging to Solanaceae is widely distributed in South Asia and has been used in Indian traditional medicinal systems of Siddha and Ayurveda. The members of Solanaceae accumulate steroidal alkaloids based on a C₂₇ cholestane skeleton, e.g. solasodine and tomatidine. Recently, mixtures of solasodine glycosides have been successfully used for the treatment of certain human skin carcinomas (Cham, 1994). Solasodine glycosides have antineoplastic activity in cell culture, animals and in humans (Cham and Daunter1990). It has been demonstrated that specific endogenous lectins which are present on the plasma membranes of susceptible cells recognize and bind the sugar moiety of the solasodine glycosides and the glycosides are subsequently internalized and cause cell death (Cham and Daunter1990). Hence the present study was undertaken to isolate the solasodine from S. trilobatum.

ABSTRACT

An efficient and reliable micropropagation and mycorrhization techniques were established for a medicinal plant Solanum trilobatum L., using internodal explant. Callus formation occurred from both the cut ends of explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (3.0 mg/l). Direct shoot and multiple shoot formation were noticed from the proximal cut end of explants on BA (2.0 mg/l) alone and BA (2.0 mg/ l) + NAA (0.5 mg/l). Root formation was directly induced from the basal cut end of explants cultured on IBA (1.0 mg/l). In vitro plantlet regeneration has been achieved on BA (2.0 mg/l) + IBA (1.0 mg/l). After 4 weeks, well-developed in vitro plantlets were hardened in plastic cups filled with sterile soil and vermiculite (3:1). During acclimatization, sterile Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungal spores were added for enhance the survivability of in vitro plants in the field condition. The level of biochemical changes and increased survivability were studied in 10 weeks old plants inoculated with spores of Glomus mosseae and Gigaspora margarita.

ABSTRACT

A rapid micropropagation technique have been established for Solanum trilobatum L., a medicinal plant from internodal explant. Callus formation was observed from both cut ends of explants cultured on MS medium supplemented with 2,4-D (3.0 mg/l). Direct shoot and multiple shoot formation were noticed from explants (proximal cut end) on BAP (2.0 mg/l) alone and BAP (2.0 mg/l) + NAA (0.5 mg/l). Root formation was directly produced from the basal cut end of explants cultured on IBA (1.0 mg/l). In vitro plantlet regeneration has been achieved on BAP (2.0 mg/l) + IBA (1.0 mg/l). Regenerated plants were transferred to sterile vermiculite and soil mixture (3:1). In vitro propagated plants were grew successfully under the field conditions. In vitro propagation can be a useful tool for the conservation of this medicinal species.

ABSTRACT

Advances in biotechnology, particularly methods for culturing plant cells and tissues can provide new means for the commercial processing of even rare plants and th chemicals they produce. These new technologies will extend and enhance the usefulness of plants as renewable resources of valuable chemicals. Aristolochic acid is mainly found in the genus Aristolochia. Aristolochic acid has been shown to hav anti-tumour activity and has been recommended for its activity against various effect of snakebite and its capacity to inhibit phospholipase A2 or other enzymes Considering the importance of medicinal use of A. bracteolata and A. indica, in th present study, they were selected for in vitro development and rapid multiplication o plant through tissue culture. The study was undertaken to enhance the in vitr production of Aristolochic acid in different tissue cultures. Cell suspension culture was established from friable calli of both the species in M liquid medium. Bergmann plating technique was carried out for cell line selection fo more production of Aristolochic acid. Primary transformation was carried out by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 / pTOK233 with Gus and hpt genes to confirm the transgenic potential of A. bracteolata and A. indica. In order to enhance the productio of aristolochic acid in in vitro culture condition, the physical, chemical and biologica conditions were altered. Aristolochic acid was isolated, identified and purified from naturally growing plants as well as from tissue culture plants and all other cultur stages.

ABSTRACT

Advances in biotechnology, particularly methods for culturing plant cells and tissues, can provide new means for the commercial processing of even rare plants and the chemicals they produce. These new technologies will extend and enhance the usefulness of plants as renewable resources of valuable chemicals. Aristolochic acid is mainly found in the genus Aristolochia. Aristolochic acid has been shown to have anti-tumour activity and has been recommended for its activity against various effects of snakebite and its capacity to inhibit phospholipase A₂ or other enzymes. Considering the importance of medicinal use of A. bracteolata and A. indica, in the present study, they were selected for in vitro development and rapid multiplication of plant through tissue culture. The study was undertaken to enhance the in vitro production of Aristolochic acid in different tissue cultures. Cell suspension culture was established from friable calli of both the species in MS liquid medium. Bergmann plating technique was carried out for cell line selection for more production of Aristolochic acid. Primary transformation was carried out by Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 / pTOK233 with Gus and hpt genes to confirm the transgenic potential of A. bracteolata and A. indica. In order to enhance the production of aristolochic acid in in vitro culture condition, the physical, chemical and biological conditions were altered. Aristolochic acid was isolated, identified and purified from naturally growing plants as well as from tissue culture plants and all other culture staes

ABSTRACT

According to WHO report, over 80% of the world population relies on traditional medicine, largely plant based for their primary healthcare needs. India has 15 Agroclimatic zones, 12 ecoregions and 47,000-plant sp. and is one of the 12-mega biodiversity centres. The Indian Systems of Medicine have identified 1500 medicinal plants, of which 500 species are used in the preparation of commercial drugs. These medicinal plants contribute to 80% of the raw materials used in the preparation of drugs.

1. Introduction

The heritage of medicinal plants used in India has an ancient history. The epic of Ramayana witnessed Sanjivani Booti as life saving drug. Two important compendia on medicinal plants i.e., Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita were published between 1000 BC and 600 BC. In these Ayurvedic literatures, uses of more than 1,200 plant drugs along with their action and specific therapeutic applications are mentioned. Charaka made 50 vargas (groups) of drugs while Sushruta made 38 ganas (groups) of drugs (Singh and Gautam, 1997). India, with its diverse agro-climate, harbors large plant-diversity. Eastern Himalayas comprising Darjeeling, Sikkim and adjacent Nepal as well as Bhutan hills are very rich in florastic diversity, several of which are endangered but economically useful medicinal plants with high demand in national as well as in international market (Manandhar, 1999). A great many of these wild Himalayan medicinal plants have found their way into modern bio-pharmaceuticals and bio-cosmetics in recent times (Rai et. al., 2000). One such species is Nepalese Kutki (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Pennell) belongs to family Scrophulariaceae.

P. scrophulariiflora is better known by the name Nepali Kutki. The rhizome of this plant has been found to contain the chemicals like Kutkin, D-mannitol and vanillic acid (Yang, 1996). It is said to have effects on fever, malnutrition due to digestive disturbance, jaundice, diarrhoea and dysentery (Zhang et al., 1994). In India it is valued for their demonstrated value as an antibiotic. They are also used as an adulterant of, or as substitute for, Gentiana kurrooa. Properties that these two species share include the ability to stimulate appetite and gastric secretions (Jain, 1968). In Nepal rhizome of this species is also used as a cathartic, in case of dyspepsia, as a purgative as well as in the treatment of scorpion bites (Anon., 1993). Some of the important active photochemicals are listed in Table 1.

ABSTRACT

Three medicinal plants namely, Eryngium foetidum (Apiaceae), Centella asiatic (Apiaceae) and Hemidesmus indicus (Asclepiadaceae) were collected from Similipa Biosphere Reserve forest and used in this investigation. Ethanolic, methanolic chloroform and aqueous extracts of different parts like leaf, root and stem were prepare through standard techniques and screened for their anticandidal potencies agains Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and C. krusei. Anticandidal activity of the extracts wer tested using preliminary and secondary screening methods, like disc diffusion metho (DDM) & agar-cup-plate-method (ACPM) and poisoned food technique (PFT respectively. On an average the inhibitory tendency of the extracts can be arranged as ethanolic extracts > methanolic extacts > chloroform extracts > aqueous extracts Maximum degree of inhibition was observed against C. krusei. Among the plant Hemidesmus indicus showed better anticandidal activities in comparison to other tw plants tested.

ABSTRACT

Biodiversity is a major resource for drug development. Since ancient times mankind has exploited nature for all kind of useful products and enjoyed the colors, flavors and fragrances of flowers and leaves etc. The current global resurgence in the use of plant based drugs offers an ideal opportunity for the country to emerge as a major player in the herbal products market. Herbal medicines are chemically diverse and may contain thousands of bioactive compounds, which can be of immense value to the pharmaceutical industries. Since ages, herbal medicine has been a major part of traditional knowledge play an important role for identification of biological resources worthy of commercial exploitation. Origanum vulgare L. is a wild plant of Labiatae family grows widely in Ladakh region (11500 to 13000 ft). The local people of this region use this plant for various ailment and culinary purposes due to the potential of active ingredients. The present objective of this study is to isolate the thymol content, a major ingredient of O. vulgare and quantifying the same. The volatile oils were extracted through hydro-distillation and active compound was analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC-17A Shimadzu). Our results demonstrate that the thymol content of O. vulgare from this region is 80.28% as compared to plants grown at other low altitude regions. It is well known that plants under stress respond with biosynthesis of phytochemicals to enable them to adapt to the harsh environmental conditions. Ladakh being unique in many aspects due to its geo-climatic conditions like high elevation, extreme cold, dry weather and low humidity. Plants surviving in Ladakh therefore have unique chemical composition as compared to those grown elsewhere.

ABSTRACT

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of α-mangostin on cardiac markers against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats. Induction of rats with Isoproterenol (150 mg/kg body wt, i.p) for 2 days resulted in a marked reduction in the activities of cardiac tissue marker enzymes (LDH, CPK, GOT and GPT). Pretreatment with α-mangostin (200 mg/kg of body wt/day) orally for 6 days significantly prevented these alterations and restored the enzyme activities to near normal levels. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the protective effect of α-mangostin on isoproterenol induced experimental myocardial infarction in rats.

ABSTRACT

The Kolanthamamalai hill an offshoot of Kalakadu Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Southern Western Ghats is one of the important forest reserves of Tirunelveli District. The physiography of this range differs much from the adjacent portions of Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu state due to its discontinuity, varying altitude, ridges and their height and breadth. The altitude of the hilly rugged terrain ranges from 150 to 300m, with the highest peak being Kolanthamamalai. Field visits were made in the study area to survey and to gather information on medicinal flora. The vegetation of Kolanthamamalai hill is a mixed dry deciduous type characteristic of the high and low altitude of the mountains respectively. Lowland vegetation girdles the base of the mountain on the eastern and southern side of the hills. Along the foot hills vegetation is an open scrub with occasional trees. The low-lying areas and the seasonal watercourses are densely vegetated. The natural barriers, habitat diversity, climate and moderate rainfall have resulted in the development of unique plant diversity.

ABSTRACT

A low molecular weight antifungal protein has been purified from the leaves of a medicinal herb, Mentha viridis, L. using a combination of cold acetone precipitation, carboxymethyl cellulose column, Q-sepharose column chromatography, and preparatory native PAGE techniques. The purified protein migrated as a single band on SDS-PAGE, with a molecular weight of ca 15.5 kDa. The purified leaf protein of M. viridis inhibited mycelial growth of phytopathogens such as Fusarium solani, Fusarium sp., and Pythium aphanidermatum. The purified protein from the leaves of M. viridis inhibited the growth of human pathogens such as Candida albicans and C. tropicalis (75 mg/mL). This inhibition is concentration dependent. The purified antifungal protein of leaves of M. viridis did not show protease, chitinase, and b-1, 3 glucanase activity.

ABSTRACT

The present communication thr ows light on 118 species of flowering plants (Angiosperms) found in Dewghat forest (in Koraon forest range of Uttar Pradesh), which are traditionally used by the “Kol” tribal community and some other forest dwelling people, viz. Belbans, Bahelia, Mushahar etc. An enumeration of these plants materials is prepared with their botanical names, local / vernacular names, family names and using practices provided in this paper. This is the first ever report from the area under study on this aspect. In case of Anogeissus latifolia the leaf juice is used poisonous insect bite, grounded flower used in chronic diseases and its fruit is used asthma. The seeds of Cleome viscosa are given orally in stomach diseases. The leaves of Cassia alata used for ringworms and skin disease. The leaves juice and seed of Euphorbia thymifolia is used as a strong purgative. It leaf juice is also used for the remedy of ringworms and other skin diseases. It is an antidote for snakebite. The present study is aimed at indexing of all medicinal flora occurring in Dewghat forest (U.P.) and their uses for the benefit of the researchers to undertake studies on the prospects and potential of commercial exploitation.

ABSTRACT

Our country is well known for developing into rich and ancient traditional system of medicines based on plants. For centuries, these ancient cultures and professional practicing on traditional system viz. Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha could remain in house hold and pass through generations to generation. India is being a developing country, of late uses bioactive natural products (secondary metabolites) using in vitro culture technology of the medicinal plant species. Recently, commercial utilization of these compounds using modern techniques is in good progress. The developed western affluent world has to now depend on these compounds mostly in drug and pharmaceutical industry in recent years. Orchids as medicinal herbs, details on plant medicinal potentialities, traditional medicinal systems viz. Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha have been described.

ABSTRACT

Albizzia lebbeck is commonly called as “vagai” in Tamil belonging to family Mimosaceae, is a large deciduous tree commonly seen throughout India. Our present aim, was to study the CNS depressant activity of Albizzia lebbeck in wistar albino rats. The bark and leaves of Albizzia lebbeck were shade dried and coarsely powdered. About 500 gm of powder was extracted using petroleum ether, chloroform and alcohol by cold maceration process. The depressant activity was accessed using actophotometer. It was claimed that in indigenous system of medicine the drug has anti-inflammatory, opthalmopathy, leucoderma, leprosy, wounds, ulcers and CNS depressant activity.

ABSTRACT

Solanum trilobatum Linn. (Solanaceae) was investigated for the induction of tumor using a soil borne bacterium, Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Explants like stem segments and nodes were infected with bacterium. Tumors were induced from nodal explants within 10 days of infection. These explants were then transferred to MS basal medium and their growth was observed to be independent of exogenous supply of phytohormones. The growth rate of transformed callus was 10-fold as compared to control. They are used as a promising source of secondary metabolites of medicinal significance.

ABSTRACT

In this study, different concentrations of acetone, alcohol, benzene and chloroform extract of Wedelia chinensis were carried out against human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. High frequency of anti-bacterial activity was observed on the Escherichia coli. Moderate amount of antibacterial activity was observed on Staphylococcus aureus. Highly resistant bacterium to this plant was screened through antibacterial pour plate method, which showed on the following organisms Citrobacter diversens, Serratia marcescens and Streptococcus pyogenes. The aim of this study is main evaluation of antimicrobial activity of plant. The ethanolic extracts demonstrating antibacterial and antifungal activity could result in the discovery of antibacterial and antifungal agents.