Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. (uses and bioactivities)

Eclipta prostrata has been long used by humans as traditional medicine and hair fertilizer. This study aims to explain the relationship between utilization and bioactivity of E. prostrata. The method used is a literature review of articles published online on Google Scholar using the keywords E. prostrata, uses E. prostrata, and bioactivity of E. prostrata. Ethnobotanically, E. prostrata is used to treat liver disorders, liver tonic, respiratory disorders (asthma, cough), hepatitis, snake venom poisoning, and gastritis. In the field of beauty E. prostrata is used to nourish hair and treat baldness. The E. prostrata has bioactivity to treat neurodegeneration, asthma, anti-cancer, overcoming baldness, anti-diabetes mellitus, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, anti-osteoporosis, and anti-hypercholesterolemia. The bioactivity of E. prostrata is related to the content of its secondary metabolite compounds. Echinocystic acid and ecclalbasaponin II from E. prostrata are associated with anti-cancer activity.

In vivo study of Rasa Bhasma on CCL4 induced Hepato-toxicity in Albino rats

India stands 27th in rank with 25.8% of death rate due to Liver diseases in 2016. In spite of scientific advancement in the field of Hepatology, Bio-medical science is clueless in finding out an effective drug against Hepatic Disorders. Detailed description on liver disorders and their management are given by all the three prominent Acharyas of Ayurveda. Rasa Bhasma is one such preparation that can be used to treat Hepatic Disorders. In present work an attempt has been made to evaluate the efficacy of Rasa Bhasma in the management of liver disorders. 24 animals were allocated into 4 groups having six animals in each group namely Group I (Normal/Control), Group II (Intoxicated Control) Toxicated Group, Group III (lower dose of Rasa Bhasma) and Group IV (Higher dose of Rasa Bhasma). All the four group were assessed for various biochemical Parameters viz. Alkaline phosphatase, SGOT (Serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase)/AST, SGPT (Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase)/ALT, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin and Total Proteins. Finally, the animals from all the four groups were sacrificed for Histo-pathological studies. The results were expressed as mean ± SE and One way ANOVA by using statistical software SPSS version 16.0. Results revealed that the values of Group 4 are closer to the Normal Group1 than Group 3 meaning Rasa Bhasma in Higher dose is more effective than that in lower dose. Therefore, it can be concluded that Rasa Bhasma is a potent Herbo-mineral formulation for protection of hepatic cells.

An Overview of Some Plant Based Products With Hepatoprotective Activity

In folk medicine there are various medicinal amalgamation possessing hepatoprotective activity. This activity is of significance because several toxins cause liver injury. Hence, many pharmaceutical companies are targeting herbal medicines for the treatment of liver abnormalities and towards evolving a safe and effective formulation with desired route of administration. In current review we have focused on the studies showing hepatoprotective effect using marine compounds and plant derived compounds. Liver disorder, a global health problem, usually include acute or chronic hepatitis, heptoses, and cirrhosis. It may be due to toxic chemicals and certain antibiotics. Uncontrolled consumption of alcohol also affects liver in an unhealthy way. To cure liver disorders several formulations of medicinal plants are being used. It is observed that hepatoprotective effect of plant is mostly due to flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, and glycoside. A single drug cannot be useful for all the types of liver disorders. Several plant extracts for liver illness results from poisonous chemicals, viruses, extra alcohol consumption, and repeated administration of medication. By using standards of protection and efficacy, manufacture of plant products need to be ruled out. Current review provides an understanding of ethnopharmocology, toxicology of several medicinal plants manifesting hepatoprotective potential. Despite of varied database analysis new discoveries and their probabilities, evidences on viral hepatitis treatment or liver cirrhosis is inadequate. Further information about phytotherapy, toxicology, quality control studies shall be endorsed. Further in depth studies are required to discover quality trait like SAR, MOA, safety and toxicity and therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents in clinical settings.

NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE – AN AYURVEDIC VIEW

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a distinct hepatic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumu- lation in liver cells and histologically it resembles alcohol-induced liver damage. The prevalence of NAFLD is up to 30% in developed countries and 10% in developing nations, making NAFLD the most common liver condition in the world. The liver can be compared with Yakrit (Liver) mentioned in Ayurvedic classics as an important Ko- shtanga (organ of the gastrointestinal system). But NAFLD as such could not be correlated to any of the Yakrit Rogas (Liver disorders) mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. Understanding the Nidana (aetiology) and Samprapti (pathogenesis) of the disease, NAFLD can be considered as a Santarpanajanya Vyadhi (disease due to over nour- ishment). Here initially Agnivikruti (deranged digestive fire) occurs which leads to the formation of Ama (Free radicals) which results from the vitiation of Kaphadosha and further results in unequal formation and deposition of Dushta Vasa (triglycerides) in Yakrit. Hence Agnideepana (stimulating digestive fire), Amapachana (antioxidation), Lekhana (scraping), Srotosodhana (clearing of channels of circulation), Kapha Medohara (antihyperlipidemic) and Vataanulomana (normalising the movement of Vata) is aimed primarily in the management of NAFLD Keywords: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Ultrasonography, Liver Function Test, Santarpanajanya Vyadhi

Lipid Lowering and Hepatoprotective Activity of Premna Tomentosa Leaf Extract (EPT) against Alcohol Induced Toxicity in Rats

The present study aims to determine the hepatoprotective and lipid lowering property of ethanolic leaf extract of Premna tomentosa (EPT) in alcohol induced hepatotoxicity. Chronic ethanol consumption is a significant danger factor in deciding liver disorders and other metabolic conditions through various mechanisms, including the regulation of the lipid metabolism. Medicinal plants are accepted to be a significant wellspring of new chemical substances with expected remedial impacts. Premna tomentosa (Verbenaceae) is a popular medicinal plant used extensively for the treatment of various ailments widely used in liver disorders. In the present research study, the male albino Wister rats were grouped (I-V) each consisting of 6 animals. In-vivo administration of 40 % ethanol (1 ml/100 gm b w/day) for 60 days resulted in a significant elevation in Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL levels whereas the levels of HDL was found to be decreased when compared with the control rats. Liver tissues disclose central vein and sinusoidal capillary dilation, interface hepatitis, cytoplasmic vacuolization and mononuclear cell infiltration which confirms the intensity of liver damage due to chronic alcohol ingestion. Simultaneous EPT supplementation (500mg/kg and 750 mg/kg bw) to alcohol -intoxicated rats, reduced the levels of Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins consequential as analogized with the unsupplemented alcohol- treated rats. Liver of rats pre-treated with ethanolic extract of Premna tomentosa (500 mg and 750 mg) manifest reduced formation of interface hepatitis, vascular congestion, and fatty degeneration and exhibits more hepatoprotection compared with the rats pre-treated in Liv 52. The blood parameters were amplified by the histopathological perusal of the liver. The lipid -lowering property by the derivatives of cinnamic acid showed anticholesteremic activity. The results confirm the Hepatoprotective and lipid -lowering ability of Premna tomentosa in alcohol-treated rats.

Regenerative Medicine of Liver: Promises, Advances and Challenges

Liver tissue engineering is a rapidly developing field which combines the novel use of liver cells, appropriate biochemical factors, and engineering principles, in order to replace or regenerate damaged liver tissue or the organ. The aim of this review paper is to critically investigate different possible methods to tackle issues related with liver diseases/disorders mainly using regenerative medicine. In this work the various regenerative treatment options are discussed, for improving the prognosis of chronic liver disorders. By reviewing existing literature, it is apparent that the current popular treatment option is liver transplantation, although the breakthroughs of stem cell-based therapy and bioartificial liver technology make them a promising alternative.