A REVIEW ON KUTAJA: A CLASSICAL POTENT MEDICINAL PLANT

Indian system of medicine or Ayurveda has been recognized throughout the world in the current era due to its wide spectrum therapeutic utility mainly using plant-based medicine in various ailments. Scattered information of Medicinal plant usage is available in various literature of Ayurveda like Samhitas, Nighantus etc. to cure different ailments as well as for the prevention of diseases. According to Raja Nighantu, there are two types of Kutaja namely Sita and Asita Kutaja, which are botanically identified as Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall and Wrightia tinctoria R Br belonging to the family Apocynaceae. Acharya Charaka also opined the two varieties of Kutaja namely Pum and Sthree Kutaja which are botanically identified as Holarrhena antidysenterica Wall and Wrightia tinctoria R Br respectively. The plant Kutaja in general is used in the management of Rakthapitha, Atisara, Kushta, Jwara, Visarpa etc. Hence there is the need of compiling the scattered information present in the various literature in a systematic way to encourage further study on this drug from a different perspective and better utilization of this drug.

Adsorptive Separation of Brilliant Green Dye from Water by Tartaric Acid-Treated Holarrhena antidysenterica and Citrullus colocynthis Biowaste

Holarrhena antidysenterica (Ha) and Citrullus colocynthis (Cc) biowaste from indigenous Pakistan resources was used to remove toxic brilliant green (BG) dye from aqueous solutions in a batch mode. Tartaric acid chemical modification gave promising results than the nonmodified forms of biowaste. Surface characterization was carried out by FT-IR and SEM. The optimum conditions for (BG) dye elimination by Ha-tartaric acid modified (Ha-Ta) were 1.8 g, 45 minutes, 4.0 pH; 40°C, and 100 rpm and with Cc-tartaric acid modified (Cc-Ta) were 1.6 g, 45 minutes, 6.0 pH; 40°C, and 150 rpm dye solution shaking rate, which gave optimum results. Equilibrium data of raw and chemically modified biowaste followed the Langmuir model indicating monolayer chemisorption. Qmax values were found to be 55.24 mg/g, 112.35 mg/g, 50.50 mg/g, and 79.36 mg/g for Ha, Ha-Ta, Cc, and Cc-Ta. Kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Dye removal involved surface and intraparticle mode of diffusion. Thermodynamic studies proved the process to be spontaneous and exothermic one. The adsorbents can be effectively utilized for the removal of toxic basic dyes, such as BG from wastewaters.

http://www.plantarchives.org/SPECIAL%20ISSUE%2021-1/428%20(2631-2635).pdf

Holarrhena antidysenterica belongs to the family Apocynaceae is commonly known as kurchi in Hindi, Tellicherry bark in English is a small deciduous tree which is distributed throughout the world and in India, it is found in dry forests. In Indian traditional medicine, H. Antidysenterica is popularly used as a medication for dysentery, diarrhoea and intestinal worms. Plant parts such as bark are used to treat anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, analgesics, amoebiasis, chronic bronchitis, locally for boils, ulcers; The phytochemicals present in the plant include coumarins, ergosterol, flavonoids, phenolic acids, resins, saponins, steroidal alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids. Pharmacological studies include anti-amnesic, anti-diabetic, antibacterial activity, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, antioxidant/free radical scavenging property, diuretic activity, anti-amoebic, anthelminthic, anti-microbial properties of Holarrhena antidysenterica. This review article explored the detailed investigation of the botanical description, phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of Holarrhena antidysenterica to afford an objective for further research.

Tartaric Acid-Modified Holarrhena antidysenterica and Citrullus colocynthis Biowaste for Efficient Eradication of Crystal Violet Dye from Water

Two novel adsorbents Holarrhena antidysenterica (HA) and Citrullus colocynthis (CC) were collected from native Pakistan and treated with tartaric acid. The adsorbents were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy, and their adsorptive behavior was studied against model cationic dye crystal violet (CV). Role of biosorbent dose, time of contact, temperature studies, agitation rates, and solution pH was investigated. Optimum conditions obtained for the removal of CV dye for H. antidysenterica-tartaric acid modified (HA-TA) were as follows: 0.8 g adsorbent dose, 35 minutes contact time, 5.0 pH, 40°C temperature, and 150 rpm agitation rates as compared to H. antidysenterica that gave 1.4 g adsorbent dose, 40 minutes time of contact, 6.0 pH, 50°C temperature, and 150 rpm agitation speed. C. colocynthis-tartaric acid modified (CC-TA) removed CV dye at 0.6 g adsorbent dose, 30 minutes contact interval, 4.0 pH, 40°C temperature, and 125 rpm agitation speed in contrast to C. colocynthis which gave 0.8 g adsorbent dose, 40 minutes time of contact, 6.0 pH, 50°C temperature, and 125 rpm agitation speed, respectively. Isothermal studies for both raw and modified biosorbents were compliant with the Langmuir model indicating monolayer, chemisorption. The maximum Langmuir capacities were up to 128.20 mg/g, 136.98 mg/g, 144.92 mg/g, and 166.66 mg/g for HA, CC, HA-TA, and CC-TA. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model well fitted the dye removal data. The rate-determining steps involved both surface and intraparticle diffusion mechanisms. Adsorption of dye molecules on active surfaces was governed by electrostatic attractions and chelating abilities. Thermodynamics research revealed the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the reaction. The adsorbents serve promising candidates for the effective removal of hazardous dyes from aqueous solutions.

Comparative evaluation of phytochemicals in leaf, stem bark and root bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica, Wrightia tomentosa and Wrightia tinctoria

Various phytochemicals like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, saponins, polyphenolic compounds and steroids etc. are found in different parts of plant. These are primary and secondary metabolites formed as byproduct of various biochemical pathways and play a major role in combat and cure of various diseases. A large number of diseases which are incurable through allopathic medicines show promising response to ayurvedic medicines. Prevention of these incurable diseases achieved through use of herbal medicines. It is necessary to identify, isolate and quantify such phytochemicals which are being used in the preparation of medicines or drugs formulations. The present study deals with comparative phytochemicals analysis in leaf, stem bark and root bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica (Roth) Wall ex. A. DC., Wrightia tomentosa Roem. et Schulta and Wrightia tinctoria R. Br.

Amelioration of Dementia and Antioxidant Activity of Holarrhena antidysenterica Bark in Mice

Background: Holarrhena antidysenterica is a deciduous shrub/small-tree having bioactive alkaloids such as conessine, known for astringent, antidysenteric, anthelmintic, stomachic, febrifugal, tonic and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties. Dementia is an age related neurodegenerative syndrome with Alzheimer’s disease, the most prominent cause, which has limited therapeutic options available. Objective: The present study aimed to explore the potential benefits of H. antidysenterica in the management of dementia. Method: Aqueous and methanol extracts of powdered bark of H. antidysenterica were prepared, concentrated and conessine concentration was estimated using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) method. Methanol extract of H. antidysenterica (MEHA) was administered at doses 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) to mice (20-30 g) for 14 consecutive days. Scopolamine (Scop; 1 mg/kg) and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 250 μg/kg) were given (i.p.) before behavioural trials to induce memory impairment. Learning and memory functions in mice were evaluated. Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, glutathione (GSH) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive substances (TBARS) levels were estimated. Results: MEHA markedly increased learning and memory of mice. Scop or LPS caused a significant decline of spatial memory in mice, which was attenuated by MEHA (100 and 200 mg/kg). Furthermore, LPS conspicuously increased the lipid peroxidation and compromised antioxidant levels in mice brains. MEHA pre-treatment significantly increased GSH content and decreased TBARS level in the brain of LPS administered mice. AChE activity was significantly decreased by MEHA in the brain of mice. Conclusion: The methanol extract of H. antidysenterica may prove to be a useful remedy in the management of dementia.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF ANTAGONISTIC EFFECTS OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINES AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the major bacteria for nosocomial infections because the conditions are favourable for its growth and with multidrug resistance to various antibiotics. Homoeopathy, the system of medicines which doesn't show any adverse reaction is considered safe for administration. The homoeopathic medicines Barosma Crenata 30CH, Holarrhena Antidysenterica 30CH, Laurocerasus 6CH gave more than 75% inhibition in single-dose, whereas gave inhibition of more than 84% when administered in repetition. These medicines were also given in conjunction with different medicines in double and triple doses where inhibition was more than 83% and 87% respectively. Out of all the medicines selected for the experiments, Laurocerasus 6CH gave the most inhibition i.e. 90.91%, which gave more inhibition then Doripenem per cent inhibition (86%).