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PLANT PROFILE

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is commonly known as Indian

Sarasaparilla and Anantamul.

It is an important drug of Indian System of Medicine and used in medicines since time

immemorial. During last two decades, the drug has been subjected to extensive

phytochemical, pharmacological and clinical investigations and many interesting findings

have been reported in various fields 14.

Other Names

Bengali – Anantamul.

English – Indian Sarasaparilla.

Gujarati – Upalasari.

Hindi – Anantamul.

Kannada – Namadaballi.

Malayalam – Nannari.

Marathi – Upalasari.

Sanskrit – Anantamula.

Tamil - Nannari.

Telegu – Sugandhipala.

Urdu – Aushbah.

Uriya – Onontomulo.

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Scientific classification 15

Kingdom – Plantae

Division – Magnoliophyta

Order – Gentianales

Family – Asclepiadaceae

Genus – Hemidesmus

Species – Indicus

Distribution

Upper Gangetic plain, eastwards to Bengal and the Sundribans, and from the

Central provinces to South India and Ceylon 16.

Description of the plant

It is a perennial, slender, laticiferous, twining prostrate, wiry shrub.

Stems - Numerous slender, terete stems having thickened nodes.

Leaves – Simple, opposite, very variable from elliptic-oblong to linear lanceolate,

variegated with white above, silvery white and pubescent beneath.

Flowers – Greenish purple crowded in subsessile cymes in the opposite leaf axils.

Fruits – Slender follicles, cylindrical, 10 cm long, are tapering to a point at the apex.

Seeds – Flattened, black, ovate-oblong, silvery white 17.

Roots – Dried root woody, cylindrical somewhat tortuous with transversely cracked and

longitudinally fissured bark, 0.5 to 2 cm in diameter, seldom branched, lateral

rootlets wiry, externally dark brown, internally yellowish brown in color.

Fracture outer short, inner fibrous. It has a strong central vasculature and a

pleasant vanillin like odour. The taste is acrid 8.

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Fig.1 Hemidesmus indicus (Anantamul)

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Chemical composition

The air dried roots contain vanillin (4-Hydroxy 3-methoxy benzaldehyde) and

lupeol as Marker compounds. It also contains β-sitosterol, α- and β-amyrins, tetracyclic

triterpene alcohols, small amounts of resin acids, fatty acids, tannins, saponins,

glycosides and ketone. Rutin is found in leaves 8, 17, 18.

CH2
H3C
H
CHO
CH3 CH3 H CH3

H
CH3
OMe HO H
H3C CH3
OH

Vanillin Lupeol

HO
H
H

β-Amyrin

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β-sitosterol.

H
HO
H
H

α-Amyrin

TLC Identity Test

The TLC identity test for the drug has been reported using two solvent systems.

I. Toluene : Ethyl acetate : Methanol ( 8 : 2 : 0.5 ) for Vanillin.

II. Toluene : Ethyl acetate ( 9 : 1 ) for Lupeol.

The plate developed in I shows a band ( Rf 0.56 ) corresponding to vanillin in

both reference and test solution tracks. Other bands appearing in the test sample have R f

values 0.27 and 0.48. The plate developed in II shows a band ( R f 0.60 ) corresponding to

lupeol in both reference and test solution tracks.

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Quantitative Standards

Foreign matter: NMT 2 %.

Ash: NMT 4.3 %.

Acid insoluble ash: NMT 0.3 %.

Alcohol soluble extractive: NLT 6.5 %.

Water soluble extractive: NLT 8.5 %.

Adulterants / Substitutes

The roots of Ichnocarpus frutescens ( L.) R.Br. ( Apocynaceae ), Decalepis

hamiltonii Wight & Arn. (Asclepiadaceae) and Cryptolepis buchanani Roem. & Schult.

(Asclepiadaceae) are used as substitutes of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br.

(Asclepiadaceae) 8.

Traditional uses

Traditionally it has been used in Ayurveda as antipyretic, alexiteric,

antidiarrhoeal, aphrodisiac, astringent to bowels; cures leprosy, leucoderma, itching, skin

diseases, foul odour from the body, asthma, bronchitis, “Tridosa”, diseases of blood,

leucorrhoea, “Kapha” and “Vata”. It is also used in Unani as diaphoretic, diuretic, the

stems are useful in syphilis, urinary discharges and diseases of brain. It also find

applications with other drugs in snake bite and scorpion sting, but it is not an antidote to

either snake-venom or scorpion-venom 15.

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PHYTOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Various types of Phytochemical Investigations have been carried out for

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. by taking different parts of the plant. All of these

investigations explored novel compounds from the plant some of which is summarized

below.

Phytochemical studies on the roots of Hemidesmus indicus resulted in the

isolation of six new pentacyclic triterpenes including two oleanenes identified as olean-

12-en-21 beta-yl acetate, and olean-12-en-3 alpha-yl acetate, three ursenes characterized

as 16(17)-seco-urs-12,20(30)-dien-18 alpha H-3 beta-yl actetate, urs-20(30)-en-18 beta

H-3 beta-yl acetate and 16(17)-seco-urs-12,20(30) dien-18-alpha H-3 beta-ol and a

lupene formulated us lup-1,12-dien-3-on-21-ol including a known compound, beta-

amyrin acetate, on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical means 19.

Two novel pregnane oligo-glycosides namely Denicunine and Heminine have

been isolated from chloroform-ethanol (3:2) soluble extract of the dried stems of the

plant. Chemical transformations and spectroscopic evidence viz: 1H and 13

C NMR

spectroscopy and FABMS are consistent with the structures calogenin 3-O-3-O-methyl-

β-D-fucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-oleandropyranoside and calogenin 3-O-β-D-

cymaropyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-D-digitoxopyranoside, respectively 20.

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Three new pregnane oligoglycosides, Medidesmine, Hemisine and Desmisine

isolated from the chloroform-ethanol (3:2) soluble extract of the dried stems of the plant

Hemidesmus indicus and were identified as sarcostin-3-O-cr-D glucopyranosyl (1---) 4)-

O-fl-D-digitoxopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-//-D-oleandropyranoside, calogenin-3-O /i-D-

cymaropyranosyl (1 ~ 4)-0 [3-O-methyl] fl-D-glucopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-fl-D-

glucopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-fl-D-cymaropyranoside and calogenin-3-O-fl-D

xylopyranosyl (1 ~ 4)-O-fl-D-digitoxopyranosyl (1 ---> 4)-O-fl-D-xylopyranosyl (1 --->

4)-O-fl-D-digitoxopyranoside, respectively, with the help of FAB-MS, EI-MS, 1H and

13C NMR spectroscopy, along with chemical transformations 21.

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CH3
R3
CHR1
R2
R4

OH
R5O

R1 = R2 = R3 = R4 = OH, R5 = D-Glu-D-Dig-D-Ole. (Medidesmine).

R1 = OH, R2 = R3 = R4 = H, R5 = D-Cym-3-O-MeGlu-D-Glu. (Hemisine).

R1 = OH, R2 = R3 = R4 = H, R5 = D-Dig-D-Xyl. (Desmisine).

An organic acid, isolated and purified from the root extract of an Indian

medicinal plant sarsaparilla, (Hemidesmus indicus R.Br), possessed viper venom

inhibitory activity. The compound (designated HI-RVIF) was isolated by solvent

extraction, silica gel column chromatography and thin layer chromatography, and was

homogeneous in nature. The white needle-shaped crystals were soluble in water,

methanol and chloroform and had a melting point of 155–158°C and λmax 260 nm.

Spectral analysis confirmed the presence of a benzene ring, methoxy group, and hydroxyl

group; the mol. wt of the compound was 168. HI-RVIF significantly antagonized viper

venom-induced lethal, hemorrhagic, coagulant and anticoagulant activity in experimental

rodents 22.

Two novel pregnane glycosides, Hemidescine and Emidine, have been isolated

from the dried stems of Hemidesmus indicus. Chemical and spectroscopic evidence is

consistent with the structures 20-O-aoetyl calogenin 3-O-β-D-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-

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O-β-D-oleandropyranoside and calogenin-3-O-β-D-digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-D-

digitoxopyranosyl(1→4)-O-β-D-digitoxopyranoside, respectively 23.

The hexane soluble portion of the ethanol extract of the stems of Hemidesmus

indicus afforded a new Triterpene lactone, characterized as 3-keto-lup-12-ene-21→28-

olide. Further, lupanone, Δ12-dehydrolupanyl-3β-acetate, Δ12-dehydrolupeol acetate,

hexadecanoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxy-4-

methoxybenzaldehyde were also isolated for the first time from this plant 24.

Two new pregnane glycosides, designated Indicine and Hemidine, have been

isolated from the dried stems of Hemidesmus indicus. Chemical and spectroscopic

evidence is consistent with the structures, calogenin-3-O-β-D-digitoxopyranoside and

calogenin-3-O-β-D-boivinopyranoside, respectively 25.

A new pregnane ester diglycoside named Desinine has been isolated from the

dried twigs of Hemidesmus indicus. On the basis of chemical and spectroscopic

evidence, its structure has been established as drevogenin B-3-O-β-D-

oleandropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-oleandropyranoside 26.

The distribution of flavonoid glycosides in some South Indian plants belonging

to the Asclepiadaceae has been studied and is found to be significantly in favour of

quercetin; kaempferol is present in traces only and flavone was absent from all of the

plants examined. Rutin has been isolated from the leaves of Hemidesmus indicus and

from the pericarp of the follicles of Leptadenia reticulata in significant amounts. The

seeds of L. reticulata are rich in hyperoside 27.

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PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS

Anticancer / Antitumour activity

Anticancer activity of different extracts of H. indicus has been studied by several authors.

A investigation was done to determine whether long term (16 months) treatment

with the decoction [H. indicus (roots) along with Nigella sativa (seeds) and Smilax

glabra (rhizomes)] would be successful in inhibiting in rat livers, not only DEN-

mediated expression of GST-P, but also the carcinogen mediated development of overt

tumours (OT) or histopathological changes leading to tumour development (HT). Male

Wister rats were taken for the experiments and it was found that protection against DEN-

mediated carcinogenic changes in rat liver can be achieved by long term treatment with

the DC comprised of N. sativa seeds, S. glabra rhizome and H. indicus root bark 28.

A decoction of H. indicus (roots) along with Nigella sativa (seeds) and Smilax

glabra (rhizomes) shows anticancer potential. The cytotoxicity of the decoction and the

individual plant extracts were tested on the human hepatoma HepG2 cell line. Results

from MTT and SRB assays, and [14C] – leucine and [3H] – thymidine uptake

demonstrated that the decoction had a strong dose dependent cytotoxic activity 29.

The antiproliferative activity of extracts from several medicinal plants including

Hemidesmus indicus was analysed. Antiproliferative activity was assayed on different

human cell lines, including erythroleukemia K562, B-lymphoid Raji, T-lymphoid Jurkat

and erythroleukemia HEL cell lines.The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was

employed as a suitable technique for the identification of plant extracts altering the

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binding between transcription factors and the specific DNA elements. It was found that

low concentrations of Hemidesmus indicus and some other extracts inhibit the

interactions between nuclear factors and target DNA elements mimicking sequences

recognized by the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). It was concluded that extracts

inhibiting both NF-kappaB binding activity and tumor cell growth might be a source for

anti-tumor compounds 30.

Chemopreventive potential of H. indicus on 7,12-dimethyl-benz[a]anthracene

(DMBA)-initiated and 12-O-tetradecanoyl 13-phorbol acetate (TPA) promoted murine

skin carcinogenesis has been assessed. Topical application of H. indicus resulted in

significant protection against cutaneous tumorigenesis. Topical application of plant

extract prior to that of TPA resulted in significant inhibition against TPA-caused

induction of epidermal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and DNA synthesis. The

results indicated that H. indicus is a potent chemopreventive agent in skin

carcinogenesis 31.

The effects of a decoction of H. indicus (roots) along with Nigella sativa (seeds)

and Smilax glabra (rhizomes) were examined on diethylnitrosoamine (DEN) induced

hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wister rats using the medium term bioassay system of Ito,

based on a 2 – step model of hepatocarcinogenesis. The number and area of DEN

mediated GST-P positive foci, number of cells/cm2 of foci and staining intensity of the

foci were significantly (P>0.001) reduced by the decoction. Overall results indicate that

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the decoction has the potential to protect rat liver against DEN induced

hepatocarcinogenesis 32.

The modulating effects of H. indicus on cumene hydroperoxide-mediated

cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion response in murine skin have been

demonstrated. Application of ethanolic extract of H. indicus at a dose level of 1.5 and 3.0

mg/kg body weight in acetone prior to that of cumene hydroperoxide treatment resulted

in significant inhibition of cumene hydroperoxide-induced cutaneous oxidative stress,

epidermal ornithine decarboxylase activity and enhanced DNA synthesis in a dose-

dependent manner. Enhanced susceptibility of cutaneous microsomal membrane for lipid

peroxidation and xanthine oxidase activity were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). In

addition the depleted level of glutathione, inhibited activities of antioxidants and phase II

metabolizing enzymes were recovered to significant level (P <0.05). In summary, the

data suggest that H. indicus is an effective chemopreventive agent in skin and capable of

ameliorating hydroperoxide-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion 33.

Hepatoprotective activity

The effects of ethanolic root extract of H. indicus were examined on

experimental liver damage in order to evaluate its hepatoprotective effects against ethanol

induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The liver was analyzed for the degree of lipid peroxidation

using TBARS and antioxidant status using the activities of glutathione dependent

enzymes. The degree of liver damage was analyzed using serum marker enzyme

activities. The ethanol fed rats showed elevated liver marker enzyme activities and

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reduced antioxidant levels as compared to control. Oral administration of H. indicus

resulted in decreased TBARS levels, decreased liver marker enzyme activities 34.

Evaluation of the inhibitory activity of ethanolic root extract of H. indicus and its

active principle 2-hydroxy 4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA) was done on liver fibrotic

markers and characteristics such as collagen content, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)

2 and 9 in ethanol-fed rats. The study revealed the strong inhibitory activity of H. indicus

and HMBA on the quantitative and qualitative properties of hepatic collagen and also

MMPs involved in the extracellular matrix degradation during ethanol intoxication 35.

It was proved that the active principle 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid from

H. indicus significantly inhibited the liver injury caused by ethanol administration in

experimental rats. It reduced the severity of liver damage in terms of body weight,

hepatic marker enzymes, oxidative stress, antioxidant status and histological changes in

ethanol induced hepatotoxic rats 36.

The methanolic root extract of H. indicus possesses potential antihepatotoxic

activity. Treatment of rats with paracetamol and CCl4 produced significant increase in

levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, total and direct bilirubin. Rats pretreated with methanolic

root extract of H. indicus exhibited rise in the levels of these enzymes but it was

significantly less as compared to those treated with paracetamol or CCl4 alone 37.

Oral treatment of ethanolic root extract of H. indicus (100mg/kg, for 15 days)

significantly prevented the rifampicin and isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity in male

Wister rats. The parameters were estimation of protein, isocitrate dehydrogenase, α-

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ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, NADH

dehydrogenase, cytochrome c oxidase, lipid peroxides, catalase, and superoxide

dismutase 38.

Anti snake-venom activity

A survey was carried out which covered 72 medicinal plants (including H.

indicus, roots) belonging to 53 families that are used for the treatment of snakebite in

traditional way. Traditional approach was evaluated scientifically with some selected

plant extracts and partially purified fractions which were administered orally to mice

experimentally envenomed with rattle snake venom s.c injection. H. indicus and some

other plants showed potent neutralizing effect against the venom 39.

Lupeol acetate was isolated from the methanolic root extract of Hemidesmus

indicus (L.) R.Br. (family: Asclepiadaceae) which could neutralize venom induced

action of Daboia russellii and Naja kaouthia on experimental animals. Lupeol acetate

could significantly neutralize lethality, haemorrhage, defibrinogenation, edema, PLA2

activity induced by Daboia russellii venom. It also neutralized Naja kaouthia venom

induced lethality, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity and respiratory changes in experimental

animals. Lupeol acetate potentiated the protection by snake venom antiserum action

against Daboia russellii venom induced lethality in male albino mice. Venom induced

changes in lipid peroxidation and super oxide dismutase activity was antagonized by

lupeol acetate 40.

The adjuvant effect and antiserum potentiation of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic

acid isolated and purified from root extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. (family:

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Asclepiadaceae) were explored. The pure compound potentiated the lethal action

neutralization of venom by commercial equine polyvalent snake venom antiserum in

experimental models 41.

Anti hyperlipidaemic activity

The effect of the active principle 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid (HMBA)

from H. indicus was investigated for its Anti hyperlipidaemic activity. The ethanol

induced hyperlipidaemia to male Wister rats were taken for the experiment. Treatment of

ethanol fed rats with HMBA significantly decreased plasma CHO, TG, LP, PL and FFA;

hepatic CHO, TG and PL and increased plasma LPL concentrations compared with

values in untreated ethanol fed rats (P<0.05) 42.

Renoprotective activity

The safety and efficacy of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br.(root powder) were

proved in the management of nephrotoxicity induced by aminoglycosides such as

gentamicin to Wister albino rats. The treatment with H. indicus helped in the

management of renal impairment, which was induced by gentamicin in rats. The plant

showed promise as an adjunct therapy along side aminoglycosides as it reduces

nephrotoxicity caused by aminoglycosides 43.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity

The anti-ulcerogenic property of aqueous ethanolic root extracts of H. indicus

was evaluated in animal models. Modified pyloric ligated (Shay) rat model and aspirin-

induced ulcerogenesis in pylorus ligated rat models were used for the study and analyzed

for gastric volume, ulcer score, pH, free and total acidity and sodium and potassium ion

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output. Bio-chemical estimations like total proteins, total hexoses, hexosamine, fucose,

sialic acid and pepsin were also made. Ulcer score was calculated for cysteamine-induced

duodenal ulcer model. Roots collected during flowering season were found to be more

effective than that collected during vegetative seasons 44.

Antiatherogenic activity

The antiatherogenic effect of a herbal formulation, Caps HT2, was evaluated as

antioxidant, anticoagulant, platelet antiaggregatory, lipoprotein lipase releasing, anti-

inflammatory and hypolipidaemic activity in rats. The formulation contained the

methanolic extracts of selected parts of plants, Commiphora mukul, Allium sativum,

Plumbago indica, Semecarpus anacardium, Hemidesmus indicus (seeds), Terminalia

arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum. The formulation

was found to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. The lipid peroxidation was

found inhibited (50%). The intravenous administration of the formulation (5 mg/kg)

delayed the plasma recalcification time in rabbits and enhanced the release of lipoprotein

lipase enzyme significantly (p < 0.001). The formulation also inhibited ADP induced

platelet aggregation in vitro, which was comparable to commercial heparin. The anti-

inflammatory action of the formulation was significant (p < 0.001) with acute and chronic

inflammations induced by carrageenan and formalin respectively in rats. The

hypolipidaemic effect was significant (p < 0.001) with the administration of the

formulation, in diet-induced hyperlipidaemia of rats for a period of 30 days. Oral

administration of the formulation significantly raised HDL cholesterol levels. The

atherogenic index and the reduction in body weight were significant indicating the

effectiveness against hyperlipidaemia and obesity. All these results revealed the

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therapeutic potential of Caps HT2 against vascular intimal damage and atherogenesis

leading to various types of cardiovascular problems 45.

Antileprotic activity

Anantamul, an indigenous drug, was tested for the first time on mice infected

with M. leprae. The results were interesting and encouraging. There seemed to be definite

evidence in support of the drug causing a delay in multiplication of organisms in the

mouse foot-pads 46.

Antioxidant / Anti-inflammatory / Analgesic / Antipyretic activity

The ethanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus was studied for its antioxidant

activity in rats with ethanol induced hepatotoxicity. All the results indicated that the

treatment with H. indicus extract offers protection against free radical mediated oxidative

stress in plasma, erythrocytes and liver of animals with ethanol-induced liver injury 47.

The antioxidant effect of the ethanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. root

(EHI) was studied in male Wistar rats with ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity. EHI,

administered to rats with ethanol-induced kidney injury, significantly decreased the levels

of serum urea, uric acid and creatinine as well as kidney TBARS, LOOH and CD and

significantly elevated the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, vitamin C and vitamin E in

kidney as compared to that of untreated ethanol-administered rats. The data indicated that

treatment with EHI offers protection against free radical-mediated oxidative stress in

kidney of animals with ethanol-induced nephrotoxicity 48.

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The methanolic extracts of Hemidesmus indicus (Asclepiadaceae) root (100, 200

and 400 mg/kg orally) were tested in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and brewer’s

yeast-induced pyrexia in rats to assess their anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities

respectively. The paw volumes and pyrexia in rats were reduced significantly (P < 0.05)

compared to that of control. These results indicate that the extracts possess anti-

inflammatory and antipyretic properties 49.

The methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae) roots

was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation and scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals in

vitro. The intravenous administration of this extract (5 mg/kg body weight) in rabbits

delayed the plasma recalcification time and enhanced the release of lipoprotein lipase

enzyme significantly. The extract also inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation in

vitro (50–250 μg), which was comparable to commercial heparin 50.

Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous root extract of H. indicus was studied.

For the study ROS, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α ) were

used as the major criteria for the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. To prove the

anti-inflammatory effects of herbs, polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) and

monocytes were treated with culture supernatant of P. acnes in the presence or absence of

herbs. It was found that Rubia cordifolia, Curcuma longa, Hemidesmus indicus, and

Azadirachta indica caused a statistically significant suppression of ROS from PMNL.

Thus, these herbs showed anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the capacity of P.

acnes-induced ROS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, the two important inflammatory

mediators in acne pathogenesis 51.

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Antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of H. indicus root bark was evaluated

in several in vitro and ex vivo models. Further, preliminary phytochemical analysis and

TLC fingerprint profile of the extract was established to characterize the extract which

showed antioxidant properties. The in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant potential was

evaluated in different systems viz. radical scavenging activity by DPPH reduction,

superoxide radical scavenging activity in riboflavin / light / NBT system, nitric oxide

(NO) radical scavenging activity in sodium nitroprusside / Greiss reagent system and

inhibition of lipid peroxidation induced by iron-ADP-ascorbate in liver homogenate and

phenylhydrazine induced haemolysis in erythrocyte membrane stabilization study. The

extract was found to have different levels of antioxidant properties in the various models

tested 52.

The ethanolic extract of roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (family:

Asclepiadaceae) was investigated for possible antinociceptive effect in mice. Three

models were used to study the effects of extracts on nociception, which was induced, by

acetic acid (Writhing test), formalin (Paw licking test) and hot plate test in mice. Oral

administration of the extract revealed dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in all the

models for antinociception and it blocked both the neurogenic and inflammatory pain and

the nociceptive activity was comparable with the reference drug. The results indicate that

alcoholic extract of H. indicus R.Br. possesses a significant antinociceptive activity 53.

2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid isolated and purified from the methanolic

root extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Rr. possessed potent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic

and antioxidant properties. The compound effectively neutralized inflammation induced

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by Vipera russelli venom in male albino mice and reduced cotton pellet-induced

granuloma in rats 54.

The roots of Sariva (Decalepis hamiltonii, Cryptolepis buchananii, Ichnocarpus

frutescens and Hemidesmus indicus) were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in

carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Ethanol extracts of roots of various species of

Sariva exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. Phenylbutazone was used as

standard for the study. Cryptolepis buchananii was found to be more potent than the

other three species 55.

Antimicrobial activity

The effect of the chloroform fraction composed of sterols and fatty acids isolated

from Hemidesmus indicus root extract (CHI) on Salmonella enterica serovar

Typhimurium (S. typhimurium) induced cytotoxicity in a human intestinal epithelial cell

line (Int 407) was evaluated. It was found that CHI may be capable of taming S.

typhimurium by suppressing its cytotoxic activity in an intestinal epithelial cell line 56.

Alcoholic crude extracts and some fractions from 15 traditionally used Indian

medicinal plants were investigated for their ability to inhibit the growth of extended

spectrum beta-lactamases (ESbetaL)-producing multidrug-resistant enteric bacteria. On

the basis of promising activity, 12 plants were selected to determine their efficacy in

terms of MIC. The extracts of Acorus calamus, Hemidesmus indicus, Holarrhena

antidysenterica and Plumbago zeylanica demonstrated relatively high activity as

compared to other plant extracts and were fractionated into acetone, ethyl acetate and

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methanol. Acetone fraction in most of the cases exhibited higher potency (low MIC

value) as compared to ethyl acetate and methanol fraction 57.

In search of broad-spectrum antibacterial activity from traditionally used Indian

medicinal plants, 66 ethanolic plant extracts were screened against nine different

bacteria. Of these, 39 extracts (including Hemidesmus indicus) demonstrated

activity against six or more test bacteria. Twelve extracts showing broad-spectrum

activity were tested against specific multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria,

methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and extended spectrum beta-

lactamases (ESbetaL)-producing enteric bacteria 58.

Anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity of ethanolic

extracts of four medicinal plants namely Acorus calamus (rhizome) Hemidesmus

indicus (stem), Holarrhena antidysenterica (bark) and Plumbago zeylanica (root)

were detected with inhibition zone size ranged from 11 to 44 mm and minimum

inhibitory concentration (MIC) varied from 0.32 to 3.25 mg/ml 59.

A study was carried out to elucidate the protective and therapeutic role, if any, of

glycosides from Hemidesmus indicus against S. typhimurium-induced pathogenesis.

Studies were carried out in a human intestinal cell line (Int 407) and a murine

macrophage cell line (P388D1) in order to evaluate its potency in local as well as

systemic infections. It was found that the glycosides of H. indicus root inhibited S.

typhimurium induced pathogenesis nonspecifically, by reducing bacterial surface

hydrophobicity and perhaps also by mimicking host cell receptors, thereby

blocking its attachment to host cell and further pathological effects 60.

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The antienterobacterial activity of the chloroform extract (CHI), methanol

extract (MHI) and the fatty substance separated from the methanol extract (ME1) of

Hemidesmus indicus root was demonstrated using a variety of methods and

different enterobacterial strains. The potency was found as follows (ME1) > (MHI)

> (CHI). It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial trace elements such as

copper and zinc, along with other active constituents may contribute to the

antienterobacterial activity of Hemidesmus indicus root 61.

Methanolic extract of H. indicus root (MHI) was screened for its antimicrobial

activity against S. typhimurium, E. coli and S. flexneri, in vitro and in experimentally

induced diarrhoea in albino rats, in vivo. MHI inhibited the castor oil induced diarrhoea

in rats as judged by a decrease in the amount of wet faeces in MHI-pretreated rats at a

dose of 500-1500 mg/kg. The findings suggested that MHI might elicit an antidiarrhoeal

effect by inhibition of intestinal motility and by its bactericidal activity 62.

A comparative study was carried out for the antimicrobial activity for the roots of

four species of Sariva namely Decalepis hamiltonii, Cryptolepis buchananii,

Ichnocarpus frutescens and Hemidesmus indicus. Activity was evaluated by agar

diffusion method. All the extracts (20% alcohol) showed moderate to significant activity
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Immunomodulatory activity

The immunobiological activity was investigated of certain medicinal plants

widely used in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for treatment of chronic

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infections and immunological disorders. The effect of an ethanolic extract of each drug

was studied on delayed type hypersensitivity, humoral responses to sheep red blood cells,

skin allograft rejection, and phagocytic activity of the reticuloendothelial system in mice.

Hemidesmus indicus suppressed both the cell-mediated and humoral components of the

immune system 64.

OTHER IMPORTANT REVIEWS

The enzymatic route to the biosynthesis related to 2-hydroxy-4-

methoxybenzaldehyde (MBALD) from the fragrant rootstocks of Hemidesmus indicus

was unraveled. Chitosan treatment at 200mg/L concentration to the excised roots

effectively increased phenolic accumulation in both the cortex and cork tissues reaching a

peak after 24h treatment and decreasing thereafter. The activity of phenylalanine

ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme in excised roots also increased upon chitosan elicitation,

and the maximum specific activity was recorded after 12h of elicitation. Suppression of

PAL in vivo by using a specific irreversible inhibitor aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA)

resulted in the decrease in MBALD content, indicating its formation via phenylpropanoid

pathway 65.

A study was carried out on the remediation of soils contaminated with lead using

a lead hyper accumulating plant, Hemidesmus indicus. The ability of this plant to

accumulate lead in shoots and roots was studied with pot experiments. The results

showed that the accumulation was maximum in roots for the first 1-3 weeks and later for

a contact period of three months; the accumulation rate was maximum in shoots. An

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attempt was made for the decontamination of lead from five different "Real-life" soils

using H. indicus 66.

The bark of Hemidesmus indicus was used as biomaterial for removal of lead

from aqueous streams. Batch experiments were carried out with immobilized

biomass of H. indicus (IPBFIX). The effectiveness of the IPBFIX for biosorption

of lead ions was demonstrated using the wastewater samples emanating from a non-

ferrous metal industry and the results were presented 67.

Hemidesmus indicus root in the form of suspension in water (10 mg/ml)

containing 15.5 mM NaCl, 3 mM KCl and 12 mM glucose, when injected into the ligated

jejunal sac (1 ml/sac) of rat, increased the absorption of water, Na(+) and K(+) (but not

glucose) from the sac. This bioactivity was present in the water extract (5 or 10 mg/sac)

of the root and not in the hexane extract. In contrast, the ethanol extract decreased the

absorption of water and electrolytes from the jejunal sac. The present study indicated that

H. indicus root powder or its water extract can be incorporated in oral rehydrating salt

solution (ORS) for increasing its anti-diarrhoeal efficacy 68.

Fifteen laticiferous plant species of Apocyanaceae, Asclepiadaceae,

Convolvulaceae and Euphorbiaceae were tested for their suitability as alternative

source of renewable energy and phytochemicals. Their polyphenol, oil and

hydrocarbon contents were analyzed. Among them the best species were Carissa

carandas, Ceropegia juncea, Sarcostemma brunourianum and Hemidesmus indicus

69
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Department of Pharmacognosy - PESCP 38