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The present investigation was carried out to characterise the Ayurvedic preparation, Amrtadi churna, a polyherbal formulation comprising of three ingredients, on the basis of the pharmacognostic, physicochemical, pharmaceutical, microbiological, toxicological, spectroscopic and chromatographic parameters to confirm its identity, quality and purity. The results obtained in this evaluation demonstrated the potential to identify each and every ingredient in Amrtadi churna. The parameters documented in this paper could be used for the preparation of the monograph on quality standards for Amrtadi churna to maintain its batch-to-batch consistency. This document could also be utilised for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and high performance thin layer chromatography based rapid authentication for the formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Setebid tablet is the natural antihyperglycemic agent with powerful antioxidant action. A highperformance thin layer chromatography method was developed for simultaneous estimation of mangiferin and berberine from setebid tablets. Camag Linomat 5 sample applicator was used for application of sample. Chromatographic separation of drugs was performed over thin layered chromatography plates pre-coated with silica gel 60F254 using toluene:acetone:formic acid (3.5:5.5:1 v/v/v) as the mobile phase via a linear ascending technique in twin trough chamber. Detection and quantification were carried out at an iso-absorptive wavelength of 261 nm using thin layered chromatography scanner III. This method showed good resolution for both drugs with retention factor 0.39±0.03 and 0.80±0.03 for mangiferin and berberine, respectively. The calibration curves were linear in the range of 400-800 and 100-500 ng/spot for mangiferin and berberine and correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.9995 and 0.9991, respectively. The method was validated according to the international conference on harmonisation Q2 R1 guidelines for accuracy, precision, limit of detection, linearity, limit of quantification, robustness and specificity. The limits of detection were 26.18 and 18.50 ng/spot for mangiferin and berberine, respectively. In conclusion, the developed method was rapid, simple, reliable and specific for the identification and quantification of mangiferin and berberine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the free radical scavenging activity of an Ayurvedic preparation Panchvalkala and its individual components (stem bark of Ficus benghalensis, F. glomerata, F. religiosa, F. virens and Thespesia populnea). Being stem barks, these samples contain phenolics (ranging from 3.5% to 10.8% w/w) and tannins (1.6% to 7.0% w/w). This prompted us to study the free radical scavenging activity of Panchvalkala and its components which was evaluated in three in vitro models viz. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay. Panchvalkala and its individual components showed significant antiradical activity by bleaching 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (EC50 ranging from 7.27 to 12.08 µg) which was comparable to pyrogallol (EC50 4.85 µg). Thin layer chromatography of the methanol extracts when sprayed with 0.2% 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl in methanol revealed several bands with antiradical activity as seen by bleaching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl. All the samples showed good superoxide scavenging potential (EC50 ranging from 41.55 to 73.56 µg) comparable to ascorbic acid (EC50 45.39 µg) in a dose-dependent manner. The reduction ability, Fe3+ to Fe2+ transformation was found to increase with increasing concentrations of all the sample extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polyherbal formulation Madhumehantak churna was studied for its efficacy at two doses using the hyperglycaemia animal model of low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The low-dose Madhumehantak churna group of 1080 mg/kg/day was extrapolated from the typical 4 g thrice daily human dose used in Ayurveda. The high-dose Madhumehantak churna group was 3× the low dose, equivalent to 36 g daily in humans. These groups were compared to a negative control group (non-streptozotocin-induced, nontreated), a positive control group (streptozotocin-induced, oral hypoglycemic agent-treated) and a diabetic control group (streptozotocin-induced, non-treated). Rats were fed for 28 consecutive days and monitored for plasma blood glucose. Results showed that rats with severe plasma glucose (438 and 325 mg/dl) in both low-dose Madhumehantak churna and high-dose Madhumehantak churna group re-attained almost-normal plasma glucose levels (118 and 128 mg/dl) in 28 d, reaching similar levels as the positive control, goldstandard treated group (120 mg/dl). Madhumehantak churna presents itself as a viable option for reversing hyperglycaemia, as shown in this in vivo animal experimental study, and as a potentially more practical option for patients than oral hypoglycemic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rasamanikya (an arsenical formulation of Ayurveda) contains Haratala (arsenic trisulphide) as an integral component. Concerns are being raised on such Ayurveda formulations with heavy metals in their composition for safety aspects. Though, these are being used safely in Ayurvedic clinical practice since ages without any noticeable untoward effects; there is a need to generate scientific evidence that these are safe and non-toxic. In the present study, safety profile of Rasamanikya prepared from Kushmanda Swarasa Shodhita Haratala (arsenic trisulphide processed in juice of Benincasa hispida) was evaluated through acute and chronic toxicity studies. In acute toxicity, Rasamanikya was administered at a maximal dose of 2000 mg/kg to overnight fasted rats and observed closely for behavioral changes, signs of toxicity and mortality if any, continuously for the first six hours and thereafter periodically up to 14 days. In the chronic toxicity evaluation, the drug was administered daily at the doses of 22.5, 112.5 and 225 mg/kg along with honey and ghee as an adjuvant to rats for 90 days followed by a 30-day recovery period. Animals were sacrificed on the 91st day and hematological, serum biochemical parameters and histopathology of organs were studied. In acute toxicity, Rasamanikya at the dose of 2000 mg/kg did not produced any observable toxic effects or mortality. Safety of Rasamanikya at therapeutic and five-fold therapeutic dose level has been revealed in the chronic toxicity study. Mild to moderate pathological changes on different haematological, serum biochemical and cytoarchitecture of different organs were observed at ten-fold therapeutic dose level. Based on these observations, it can be concluded that Rasamanikya is safe at therapeutic dose levels when used judiciously along with specified adjuvants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper validation of traditional medical knowledge using current scientific techniques and reasoning is vital before complementary and alternative medicinal products are integrated into conventional clinical practice. The present study was designed to standardize a proprietary Ayurvedic polyherbal preparation, Madhuram. Concocted as a mixture of six popular antidiabetic herbs as per Ayurvedic therapeutics, this is being prescribed as a health supplement in prediabetes. Capsule contents were processed for HPTLC analysis based on markers phyllanthin, berberine, ellagic acid, gallic acid, gymnemic acid and sennoside B through sample enrichment and were quantified against reference standards. The retention factors were phyllanthin 0.35±0.03, berberine 0.32±0.02, gallic acid 0.41±0.02, ellagic acid 0.29±0.04, gymnemic acid 0.36±0.01 and sennoside B 0.41±0.01 in their respective solvent systems. The peaks for phyllanthin, berberine, gallic acid, ellagic acid, gymnemic acid in their respective chromatograms of the formulation authenticated the raw material. Sennoside B was not detected in its enriched fraction of sample. Quantitation by densiometric scanning followed by peak integration demonstrated the presence of 3.17 μg of phyllanthin, 4.92 μg of berberine, 72 μg of gallic acid, 66 μg of ellagic acid, 410 μg of gymnemic acid. The evaluation of antidiabetic poly herbal established the identity of label claim herbs. Quantification of markers characteristic of each herb has laid the groundwork for batch to batch standardization to check its content uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rasasindura is a unique, Ayurvedic mercurial preparation widely used by practitioners. This investigation is an attempt to perform acute and chronic oral toxicity evaluation of Rasasindura along with an adjuvant Guduchi Ghana (solidified aqueous extract of Tinospora cordifolia Will.) in rats. Oral acute toxicity study of test drug was carried at the limit dose of 2000 mg/kg orally in rats. For chronic toxicity, Rasasindura with adjuvant was administered at therapeutic equivalent dose (45 mg/kg, orally), therapeutic equivalent dose×5 (225 mg/kg, orally), therapeutic equivalent dose×10 (450 mg/kg, orally) for 90 days and an additional recovery group of therapeutic equivalent dose×10 for 30-day observation after the treatment period. Acute toxicity result showed that drug did not produce any signs and symptoms of toxicity or mortality up to an oral dose of 2000 mg/kg in rats. Chronic toxicity results showed that Rasasindura, even at a level as high as therapeutic equivalent dose×10 level, had no significant effect whatsoever on the ponderal and hematological parameters. Although the drug produced mild to moderate adverse changes (in kidney, liver, intestine, and stomach) at therapeutic equivalent dose×10 dose level, equivalent of which are unlikely to be ever employed in a clinical trial. The observed changes were not seen at the lower dose levels as well as in the recovery study. Hence, it is suggested that the Rasasindura, along with the adjuvant prepared as per the customary method, is safe for consumption at the therapeutic dose level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globba marantina Linn., an extra pharmacopoeial plant of Ayurveda, locally known as chhota rasna by tribal people of Orissa, belongs to the family Zingiberaceae. Ethnomedicinally roots and leaves of G. marantina is claimed to be used in the management of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cough, cold, snakebite and others. Though used traditionally, no proper scientific evaluation of this plant for its pharmacognostical characters has been reported. Hence, the present study has been performed to establish the root and leaf of the plant for its microscopical and physicochemical characters along with different qualitative tests, as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Powder microscopy of the root shows ample amount of starch grain, prismatic crystal, lignified fiber, scalariform vessel whereas that of leaf shows monocot type III stomata, ample amount of prismatic crystal, fiber and covering trichome. Surface study shows presence of more number of stomata as well as stomatal index, in lower surface, in comparison to upper surface. Physicochemical parameters shows higher moisture content in leaf sample (9.8060±0.0265% w/w) than the root sample (9.505±0.465% w/w) and water soluble extractive value of both the samples has been found more in comparison to alcohol soluble extractive value. The observed data can be helpful to identify and standardize root and leaf of G. marantina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Draksharishta is an ayurvedic polyherbal formulation is prescribed for digestive impairment, respiratory disorders and weakness. Though the formula composition and therapeutic claims of draksharishta are part of the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, the scientific methods for its quality and safety evaluation are yet to be documented. The current work is an attempt to evaluate the quality parameters of draksharishta which has been checked vis a vis herbs used in the formulation by modern scientific control procedures like macroscopic and microscopic study, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical analysis, thin layer chromatography and high performance thin layer chromatography to fix the quality standard of this formulation with reference to two marketed formulations i.e. M1 and M2, respectively. The quality control parameters were within the limit as per the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India which signifies good quality and purity of the plant materials. Thin layer chromatography profiles showed the presence of gallic acid, catechin and resveratrol and further it was confirmed by HPTLC fingerprints. The results obtained can be used by pharmaceutical companies as quality control parameters in order to have a proper quality check during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaṣāya or decoction is an Ayurvedic dosage form, prescribed based on the stage of the disease according to the principles of Ayurveda. This dosage form is traditionally prepared fresh and consumed on the same day but for the sake of convenience; the process of preparation has been modified so that it can be stored with longer shelf life, easy availability and produced in large quantities. There is a need to understand the implications of this modification in terms of chemical changes. This work attempted to check the phytochemical profile of both freshly prepared decoction and commercially available decoction with reference to some analytical parameters like pH, total soluble solids, phenols, alkaloids, potassium and to assess the changes in the thin layer chromatography profiling of the decoction. The results showed that phenols and potassium are found to be two fold higher in freshly prepared decoction, compared to commercially available decoction diluted to dosage in practice (1:4 ratio). However, the total alkaloid content was found to be approximately ten fold higher in commercially available decoction. It was observed that the thin layer chromatography profile of decoctions was extracted into petroleum ether and chloroform was similar and consistent with different batches though the bands in commercially available decoction were slightly more intense compared to freshly prepared decoction. The total soluble solids in commercially available decoction were four times higher than freshly prepared decoction. The study reveals that there are differences in the phytochemical profiles of the freshly prepared decoction and commercially available decoction of the same formulation. However, the significance of these differences can be determined only by further clinical studies. On the other hand, the study lends support to the practice of diluting the commercially available decoction to make it equivalent to freshly prepared decoction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of plant extracts and Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations in treating various ailments has been acknowledged since time immemorial. Studies based on the effect of these extracts in treatment of different diseases have also been well documented. Indian medicinal literature also emphasizes the synergistic effect of polyherbal drugs in restoring and rejuvenating immune system. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory potential of the polyherbal preparation, Triphala and its three constituents, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica of officinalis. The role of Triphala and its extract has been emphasized in stimulating neutrophil function. Under stress condition such as noise, Triphala significantly prevents elevation of IL-4 levels as well as corrects decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Under the condition of inflammatory stress its immunosuppressive activity is attributed to its inhibitory action on complement system, humoral immunity, cell mediated immunity and mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the individual constituents reportedly enhance especially the macrophage activation due to their free radical scavenging activity and the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. This study thus concludes the use of Triphala and its three individual constituents as potential immunostimulants and/or immunosuppressants further suggests them to be a better alternative for allopathic immunomodulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of metals in traditional medicines is very often seen as matter of concern these days, especially the Bhasma preparations which are always under stringent observations for containing highly reactive inorganic elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic and others. One of the Bhasma extensively used in routine Ayurvedic practice is Tamra (copper) bhasma. If it is not prepared properly or Shodhana procedure is not done properly, it acts as a poison. To indicate its toxic potential, Ashtamahadoshas (eight major ill effects) have been quoted in classics and due emphasis have been given to its Shodhana procedure. In the present study, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita and Ashodhita Tamra was subjected to oral toxicity study to ascertain the role of Shodhana process on safety proile of Tamra bhasma on subchronic administration to albino rats. Both the samples were administered to rats for 45 consecutive days at the doses of 5.5, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed on 46th day and parameters like hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. Results showed that Tamra bhasma prepared from Ashodhita Tamra has pathological implications on different hematological, serum biochemical and cytoarchitecture of different organs even at therapeutic dose level (5.5 mg/kg). Whereas, Tamra bhasma prepared from Shodhita Tamra is safe even at ive-fold to therapeutic equivalent doses (27.5 mg/kg). These observations emphasize the role of Shodhana and importance of dose in expression of toxicity of the medicinal preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Picrorhiza kurroa is a well-known herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Although it shows antioxidant, antiinflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, it is most valued for its hepatoprotective effect. The rhizomes are widely used against indigestion problems since ancient times due to improper digestive secretions. Aim of this study was to explore antioxidant study of P . kurroa leaves for a new source of naturally occurring antioxidants. Two pure compounds, luteolin-5-O-glucopyranoside (1) and picein (2) were isolated from butanol extract through column chromatography. Different extracts of P . kurroa leaves (ethanol, ethyl acetate, butanol) were quantiied for isolated compound (2) by high-performance liquid chromatography. All the extracts and isolated compounds were evaluated for its antioxidant activity using two assays, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay. The linear detection range was 1.56-200 µg/ml for picein. The limit of detection and limit of quantiication for picein were 2.34 and 7.81 µg/ml, respectively. Butanol and ethyl acetate extract showed greater antioxidant activity as compare to ethanol extract. Compound 1 and ascorbic acid showed nearly similar antioxidant activity where as 2 showed no activity at standard concentration. The IC50 values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) assay for ascorbic acid, compound 1, ethanol extract and its different fractions (ethyl acetate and butanol) were found to be 0.81, 1.04, 67.48, 39.58, 37.12 and 2.59, 4.02, 48.36, 33.24, 29.48 µg, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the practice of Ayurveda, where herbomineral formulations are said to be made biocompatible through specific processes like Shodhana and Marana, the western medical science on the contrary has raised the safety concerns of these formulations in the recent past. In the present study, comparative physico-chemical analysis of Naga bhasma, a herbo-mineral preparation having a reputation of miraculous drug commonly used to treat several health disorders, was carried out using five marketed formulations through analytical methods like differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray difraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and also subjected for particle size analysis and estimation of trace and heavy metals to access the safety of these formulation. The results revealed variable observations regarding particle size, metal form and content of lead. The presence of free lead in five different formulations indicated towards the possible risk of severe side effects to the consumer. Present findings certainly put doubt over the safety of this formulation but at the same time, variation in the results with all five formulations also indicated that these formulations were not prepared as per the mentioned Ayurvedic text. Hence, enforcement of strict regulatory guidelines is strongly warranted before launching into the market. Further, a series of biological studies need to be conducted before taking any final verdict on the safety of this formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bark of Terminalia arjuna is known for its heart-health benefits in ayurvedic literature. This has been further supported by in vivo studies on animal and human volunteers. But there is no detailed study on identification of the active ingredients such as polyphenols. Polyphenols possesses antioxidant properties and are well-known health actives, it is important to characterise polyphenols in Terminalia arjuna. Aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna bark was analysed for its composition and molecular weight distribution by dialysis. Compositional analysis revealed that it has 44% polyphenols and dialysis study showed that 70% of the polyphenols have molecular weight greater than 3.5 kDa. High performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography--mass spectrometry analysis of Terminalia arjuna, confirmed that it contains flavon-3-ols such as (+)-catechin, (+)-gallocatechin and (-)-epigallocatechin. Phenolic acids such as gallic acid, ellagic acid and its derivatives were also found in Terminalia arjuna extract. Ellagic acid derivatives were isolated and their spectral studies indicated that isolated compounds were 3-O-methyl-ellagic acid 4-O-β-D-xylopyranoside, ellagic acid and 3-O-methyl ellagic acid 3-O-rhamnoside. Hydrolysis and thiolysis studies of high molecular weight polyphenols indicated that they are proanthocyanidins. Given these results, it may be possible to attribute the heart-health effects of Terminalia arjuna to these polyphenols which may be responsible for the endothelial benefit functions like tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cissus quadrangularis L. is a promising remedy prescribed in the ancient Ayurvedic literature for bone fracture healing properties. As this activity has been extensively investigated and well established, a range of formulations containing C. quadrangularis has been marketed. This work reports the development and validation of a reliable RP-HPLC method for the analysis of phytosterols in the various extracts of the plant. The proposed method utilizes a Cosmosil C8 column (250 x 4.6 mm) with a compatible Phenomenex C8 guard column with isocratic elution of acetonitrile and water (95:5 v/v) at 25°. An effluent flow rate of 2 ml/min and UV detection at 202 nm was used for the analysis of phytosterols. The described method was linear in the range of 1-500 µg/ml, with excellent correlation coefficients. The precision, robustness and ruggedness values were also within the prescribed limits (less than 2%). The recovery values were within the range, which indicates that the accuracy of the analysis was good and that the interference of the matrix with the recovery of phytosterols was low. The phytosterols were found to be stable in a stock solution for 48 h (% RSD was below 2%) and no interfering extra peaks were observed under controlled stress conditions. The proposed method is simple, specific, precise, accurate, and reproducible and thus can be used for routine analysis of C. quadrangularis phytosterols in quality control laboratories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study is to prepare and characterize Naga bhasma on structural and elemental basis to address the role of the raw materials used during the preparation, compound form of the lead bhasma, nature (crystalline/amorphous) and crystallite/particle size of the drug. The study also covers the toxicological effect of the drug on albino rats. It was found that drug contains lead in nano-crystalline (~60 nm) lead sulfi de form (Pb2+) associated with the organic contents and different nutrient elements coming from the herbs used during the preparation. Naga bhasma prepared was found to be totally safe in histopathology study on rats at a dose of 6 mg/100 g/day. The different characterization techniques used present a role model for the quality control and standardization of such kinds of herbo-metallic medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardization of herbal drugs based on their chemical and biological activity profile is an important prerequisite for acquiring the herbal market. The main problem encountered in standardization of Ayurvedic drugs is proper identification of the source plant. The present study was aimed to establish identification characters, quality control parameters, chemical and biological parameters for roots of three plants Cissampelos pareira, Cyclea peltata and Stephania japonica (Fam. Menispermaceae) which are being used as source of Patha, in the market. All the three plant were subjected for evaluation of quality control parameters as per WHO guidelines and root extracts and total alkaloidal fractions were subjected for HPTLC and HPLC fingerprinting analysis using a marker compound Bebeerine isolated from roots of Cissampelos pareira. The parameters studied clearly indicated the significant differences among the three plant materials. The roots of Cissampelos pareira can be distinguished from other two plants by presence of high concentration of alkaloids especially the presence of high concentration of pharmacologically active alkaloid bebeerine, which was found to be present in very low concentration in Stephania japonica and absent in roots of Cyclea peltata. The roots of Cyclea peltata were found to contain high concentration of saponins and comparatively in low concentration in Cissampelos pareira where as it was found to be absent in roots of Stephania japonica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicated oils prepared using process as mentioned in Ayurveda are used for external and internal administrations to treat various disorders. Taila pak vidhi provides detailed description of such processes. Medicated oils are prepared by prolonged cooking of sesame oil with pasty mass of herbs and decoction of herbs in presence of large quantity of water. We report preliminary findings of physicochemical and chromatographic profiles of changes brought out by such processes and the role of each component. Changes observed when the processes were altered to deviate from those prescribed in Ayurveda are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive, rapid, reverse phase HPLC method is reported for analysis of Triphala Curna using gallic acid, chebulagic acid and chebulinic acid as markers. Validation data for the method has been provided. Unlike methods of recovery testing adopted for synthetic chemicals, a modified approach has been presented here for a formulation like Triphala Curna having three myrobalans in its composition. Data has been provided to demonstrate applicability of the method developed to assess the variation in the Triphala Curna preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at developing colon specific drug delivery system for sennosides and Triphala. These drugs are reputed Ayurvedic medicines for constipation in India. The proposed device explored the application of pectin and ethyl cellulose as a mixed film for colon specific delivery. This mixed film was prepared using non-aqueous solvents like acetone and isopropyl alcohol. A 32 factorial design was adopted to optimize the formulation variables like, ratio of ethyl cellulose to pectin (X1) and coat weight (X2). The rate and extent of drug release were found to be related to the thickness and the ratio of pectin to ethyl cellulose within the film. Statistical treatments to the drug release data revealed that the X1 variable was more important than X2. Under simulated colonic conditions, drug release was more pronounced from coating formulations containing higher proportions of pectin. The surface of the device was coated with Eudragit S100 to ensure that the device was more pH dependent and trigger the drug release only at higher pH. The final product is expected to have the advantage of being biodegradable and pH dependant. This type of a film effectively releases the drug while maintaining its integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf of Adhatoda vasica (Vasaka) is an important drug of Ayurveda, prescribed as an expectorant. Quinazoline alkaloids present in the leaves are established as active principles. In Ayurveda, its leaf juice (Vasa swarasa) is incorporated in many formulations. Classical method for extracting the juice (swarasa) from the leaf is an elaborate process, which involves subjecting a bolus of crushed fresh leaf to heat followed by squeezing out the juice. Commercially, to prepare the juice of Vasaka, manufacturers have been adopting different methods other than the traditional method. In an effort to evaluate these modified processes phytochemically to identify the process which gives juice of the quality that is obtained by traditional method, in terms of its alkaloid content, we prepared the leaf juice by traditional Ayurvedic method, its modification by steaming of leaf to simulate the traditional method and other methods adopted by some manufacturers. These juice samples were evaluated for the total alkaloid content by spectrophotometric method and vasicine content by thin layer chromatography densitometric method using high performance thin layer chromatography. The high performance thin layer chromatography method was validated for precision, repeatability and accuracy. The total alkaloid content varied from 0.3 mg/ml to 5.93 mg/ml and that of vasicine content varied from 0.2 mg/ml to 5.64 mg/ml in the juice samples prepared by different methods. The present study revealed that steaming of fresh leaves under 15 lb pressure yielded same quantity of juice as the traditional bolus method (25 ml/100 g leaf) and its total alkaloid content and vasicine content (4.05±0.12 and 3.46±0.06 mg/ml, respectively) were very high when compared to the other methods, though the traditional method was found to give the best quality juice with highest amount of total alkaloids (5.93±0.55 mg/ml) and vasicine (5.64±0.10 mg/ml) content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species are implicated in various inflammatory disorders. Vitex negundo is mentioned in Ayurveda as useful in treating arthritic disorders. The present work was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant potential and anti-inflammatory activity of the plant. The total methanol extract of the plant was standardized in terms of total polyphenols. The standardized extract in a dose of 100 mg/kg caused a comparable reduction in edema with that of diclofenac sodium (25 mg/kg) when evaluated for antiinflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema method. The extract also exhibited a strong free radical scavenging activity by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method and caused a significant reduction in the formation of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances when evaluated for its lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity. The results strongly suggest that radical quenching may be one of the mechanisms responsible for its antiinflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]