Search

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ecliptae Herba, a nourishing traditional Chinese medicine, is also a folk medicine for the treatment of lung diseases., Aim of the Study: To investigate the anti-fibrosis effects and the underlying mechanism of the extract of Ecliptae Herba and its potential active components., Materials and Methods: The resulting extract (EXT) was prepared from the 80% ethanol extract of Ecliptae Herba. After intratracheally administrated with bleomycin (BLM, 5mg/kg), mice were orally treated with EXT at 2.5, 1.25, 0.625 g/kg and eclipta saponin A (ESA) at 80 mg/kg once daily for 28 day. The bodyweight, survival rate, pathological changes of lung and levels of hydroxyproline (HYP) were used to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects. The malonaldehyde (MDA), superoxidae dismutase (SOD) activity, and the protein expressions of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, 9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in lung tissue were analyzed by kits or western blot., Results: Compared with BLM group, EXT administration could significantly ameliorated the pathological changes of lung, decreased the HYP content, enhanced the SOD activity, and reduced the MDA content of lung tissues. In mechanism, EXT significantly alleviated the levels of COX-2, TGF-β1, MMP-2 and α-SMA, as well as elevated the ratio value of MMP-9/TIMP-1. Additionally, the anti-fibrosis effects of ESA, a large amount of saponins isolated from Eclipta prostrata , was also evaluated by the BLM-induced model. The results showed that ESA could block BLM-induced histological changes of lung tissue and decrease the high levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA., Conclusions: Ecliptae Herba has protective effects against the pulmonary fibrosis induced by BLM via reducing the oxidative stress, lung tissue inflammation, and the subsequent epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The active chemical constituents may be involved with triterpenoid saponins, such as ESA., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Present study deals with the hepatoprotective activity of polyherbal formulation Hepatoplus (HP) as an oral supplement to the INH and RIF induced hepatitis in experimental rats. Rats treated with INH and RIF show abnormal liver function with significant increase in serum transaminases, bilirubin and clotting time (CT) and significant decrease in total protein and Albumin, which is brings to near normal levels by HP and LIV 52 treatments. Rats treated with INH and RIF suffer from oxidative stress in the hepatocytes, due to the decrease in Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione peroxidase (GPX), Catalase (CAT), Super oxide dismutase (SOD) and significant increase in Lipid Per oxidation (LPO). HP decreases the oxidative stress and protects the liver cells membrane from LPO. 85% of DNA damage (comet tail) seen with RIF and INH treatment is reduced to 34.1% on HP application. A decrease of hepatocytes mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity is observed in INH and RIF treatment is restored by HP supplementation. Hepatic apoptotic and CYP2E1 gene expressions were also studied, BAX, p53, Caspase 3 and CYP2E1 were significantly up regulated and Bcl2 was down- regulated in INH and RIF treated rats. Concomitant application of HP prevents the modulation of these gene expressions. It is concluded that high dose of HP (100mg/kg) supplemented along with INH and RIF effectively prevents the toxicity induced by INH and RIF, as effective as 100mg/kg of LIV52.

Arsenic poisoning due to contaminated subsoil water is one of the most alarming environment hazards in West Bengal, India. Cattle are also affected by arsenic due to ingestion of arsenic contaminated water, paddy straw, crops and vegetables. Thirty milch cattle having arsenic content in the range of 3.5 to 4.5 mg/kg in hair were chosen for this experiment from cattle of five respective villages in Nadia District, West Bengal, India. The cattle were divided into three groups containing 10 animals each. Group I cattle were treated with turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) 20 g/day orally for 60 days. Group II cattle were treated with turmeric powder (10 g/day) and Amaranthus spinosus powder (10 g/day) orally for 60 days. Group III cattle were treated with turmeric powder (10 g/day) and Eclipta alba powder (10 g/day) orally for 60 days. Ten apparently healthy milch cows with no history of exposure to arsenic were selected and kept as control group (group IV). Arsenic content in hair, faeces, urine and milk; different biochemical and haematological parameters and DNA fragmentation percentage assay were carried out before commencement of the treatment, after 30 days and after 60 days of treatment. The test drugs were found significantly (p < 0.05) effective to eliminate arsenic from the body and lead to significant improvement in different biochemistry, pathology and DNA fragmentation assay. These drugs also give protection from possible damage caused by arsenic exposure.

Objective: To establish an HPLC method for determination of four flavonoids in rat plasma after oral Ecliptae Herba extract., Methods: HPLC separation was carried out in a Neocleodur 100-5 C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with mobile phase A (consisting of methanol-0.2% phosphoric acid = 50:50) and mobile phase B (acetonitrile)with gradient elution at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 350 nm and the column temperature was maintained at 40 degrees C., Results: There were good linear relationships between concentration and peak area ratio of luteolin, apigenin, scutellarein and diosmetin in the ranges of 0.02-50 microg/mL with the recovery rates of 71.5%-90.2%., Conclusion: This method is rapid, accurate and reproducible for determination of luteolin, apigenin, scutellarein and diosmetin in rat plasma and study on pharmacokinetics of Ecliptae Herba extract.

Cancer is the final outcome of a plethora of events. Targeting the proliferation or inducing programmed cell death in a proliferating population is a major standpoint in the cancer therapy. However, proliferation is regulated by several cellular and immunologic processes. This study reports the inhibition of proliferation by augmenting immune surveillance, silencing acute inflammation, and inducing p53-mediated apoptosis of skin cancer by 3 promising medicinal extracts. We used the well-characterized model for experimental skin carcinogenesis in mice for 32 weeks to study the chemopreventive effect of the methanolic extracts of Trigonella foenumgraecum, Eclipta alba, and Calendula officinalis. All 3 extracts reduced the number, incidence, and multiplicity of tumors, which was confirmed by the pathologic studies that showed regressed tumors. There was a significant reduction in the PCNA+ nuclei in all treatment groups 32 weeks after the initiation. Mechanistic studies revealed that proliferative population in tumors is diminished by the restoration of the endogenous antioxidant defense, inhibition of the stress-related signal-transducing element NFκB, reduction of inflammation, enhancement of immunosurveillance of the genetically mutated cells, along with silencing of the cell cycle progression signals. Finally, all 3 medicinal extracts induced stable expression of p53 within the tumors, confirmed by the CFDA-Cy3 apoptosis assay. Results of our study confirm that these extracts not only limit the rate of proliferation by inhibition of the processes integral to cancer development but also induce stable cytoplasmic expression of p53-mediated apoptosis, leading to fewer and regressed tumors in mice., (© The Author(s) 2013.)

Ecliptaalba (Bhringraj) is an important traditional Indian medicinal plant reported to have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, hepatoprotective and anthelmintic effect well documented in literature. In the present study ethanolic leaf extract of eclipta alba (EEEA) was evaluated for its haemostatic activity by their ability to affect the screening test or modify the experimentally induced prolongation of test time on the basis of its folklore claim in normal, aspirin and heparin treated rabbits. The parameters recorded were BT, CT, PT and APTT & platelet count in all the three groups. The study was carried out in 3 parts in different doses 200,400,600 & 800mg/kg. Part-A-study of the haemostatic effect of Ethanolic extract of E. alba (EEEA) in graded doses on normal rabbits. Part-B-study of EEEA in aspirin treated rabbits. Part-C-study of EEEA in heparin treated rabbits. Tranexamic acid was used as the standard drug. Statistical analysis was performed using one way ANOVA & student t test. In normal rabbits EEEA high doses 800mg/k & 600mg/kg exhibited significant reduction in BT & CT (p<0.01). The same doses were found to decrease the aspirin induced increase in BT & heparin induced increase in CT in a significant manner (p<0.01). As decrease in CT might be due to liberation of some active principles from leaves of Ecliptaalba which demonstrated to have anti-haemorrhagic activity against snake bite not affecting any coagulation factor. No significant effect on PT, APPT and platelet count was observed. EEEA exhibited definite haemostatic effect in the above 3 sets of study. Phytochemical analysis and isolation of active principle is essential to carry on beneficial effects from laboratory bench to bedside of patients.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Eclipta alba, traditionally known as bhringraj, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 1000 years in India. It is used for the treatment of infective hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver enlargement and other ailments of liver and gall bladder in India. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-hepatitis C virus activity present in the Eclipta alba extract, perform bioassay based fractionation and identify anti-HCV phytochemicals from the active fractions., Materials and Methods: Identification of active compounds was performed by bio-activity guided fractionation approach. Active isolates were separated by the combination of silica gel chromatography and preparative scale reverse phase HPLC. Eclipta alba extract and its isolates were examined for their ability to inhibit HCV replicase (HCV NS5B) activity in vitro and HCV replication in a cell culture system carrying replicating HCV subgenomic RNA replicon. The purified isolates were also examined for their binding affinity to HCV replicase by fluorescence quenching and their cytotoxicity by MTT assay., Results: Eclipta alba extract strongly inhibited RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activity of HCV replicase in vitro. In cell culture system, it effectively inhibited HCV replication which resulted in reduced HCV RNA titer and translation level of viral proteins. Bioassay-based fractionations of the extracts and purification of anti-HCV phytochemicals present in the active fractions have identified three compounds, wedelolactone, luteolin, and apigenin. These compounds exhibited dose dependent inhibition of HCV replicase in vitro, and anti-HCV replication activity in the cell culture system, Conclusion: Eclipta alba extract and phytochemicals isolated from active fractions display anti-HCV activity in vitro and in cell culture system. The standardized Eclipta alba extract or its isolates can be used as an effective alternative and complementary treatment against HCV., (Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.)

Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to neuronal damage induced by cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible cerebroprotective and antioxidant effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Eclipta alba against global cerebral ischemia in the rat. Adult Wistar albino rats were treated with extract of Eclipta alba (250 and 500mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 10 days. The global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury was induced by occluding bilateral common carotid arteries (BCCA) for 30min, followed by 4h reperfusion. Quercetin (20mg/kg, i.p.) was used for the reference compound. After that, animals were sacrificed by decapitation, brain was removed, various biochemical estimations, cerebral edema, assessment of cerebral infarct size, and histopathological examinations were carried out. BCCA caused significant depletion in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutahione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione ruductase (GR) and significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) in brain. Pretreatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Eclipta alba significantly reversed the levels of biochemical parameters and significantly reduced the edema and cerebral infarct size as compared to the ischemic control group. Eclipta alba at higher dose markedly reduced ischemia-induced neuronal loss of the brain. Reduction of cerebral edema, an early symptom of ischemia, is one of the most important remedies for reducing subsequent chronic neural damage in stroke. The results of the study show that Eclipta alba pretreatment ameliorates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and enhances the antioxidant defense against BCCA occlusion induced I/R in rats; so it exhibits cerebroprotective property. HPLC fingerprint of hydroalcoholic extract of Eclipta alba was performed for conforming the coumestan present in the plant extract., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Er Zhi Wan (EZW), a Chinese medicinal preparation, has been used clinically for treating menopausal syndrome for its kidney-invigorating function, which contains simply two herbs, Ecliptae Herba (EH) and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF). Although this herbal extract has been used for many years, there is no scientific basis about its effectiveness on menopausal symptom. Here, we aimed to evaluate the estrogenic activities of EZW and to study the compatibilities of two herbs including different processed-LLF in single and mixed preparation of EZW. Moreover, the weight ratio of EH to LLF in EZW was determined according to their estrogenic activities., Materials and Methods: The extractions of LLF, processed-LLF and EH were prepared separately by extracting the powders with water, 50% alcohol or 95% alcohol. Steamed-LLF and EH were extracted separately, or together, in preparing EZW extracts. A promoter-reporter construct (pERE-Luc) containing three repeats of estrogen responsive elements (ERE) was stably transfected into MCF-7 cells, and this stable breast cancer cell line was used to determine the estrogenic property. The cell proliferation was measured by MTT assay., Results: The results showed that EZW could significantly induce the expression of luciferase driven by an estrogen responsive element in a pERE-Luc vector. The proliferation of MCF-7 cells was not altered by this herbal treatment. The best preparation of EZW was from: (i) LLF was firstly steamed over water and then dried to make steamed-LLF; and (ii) steamed-LLF and EH were extracted separately by 95% alcohol and then mixed together according to a weight ratio of 1:1., Conclusions: Under the optimized extracting method, EZW possessed robust effect in activating the estrogenic activity, but which did not alter the proliferation of cultured MCF-7 cells. Thus, EZW is an effective and safe estrogenic herbal extract., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The in-vitro free radical scavenging efficacy of the combined ethanolic Biherbal extract (BHE) from equal quantities of the leaves of Eclipta alba and seeds of Piper longum was investigated. This was compared with its individual preparation of ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba (EAE) and ethanolic extract of Piper longum (PLE). The 1, 1, diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), super oxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power from BHE, EAE, and PLE were investigated employing various established in vitro systems. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also determined. The results revealed that BHE has notable activity in quenching of DPPH, super oxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals when compared to its individual preparation of EAE and PLE. The BHE at 1000μg/ml showed maximum scavenging of DPPH (88.75%) super oxide (84.78%) nitric oxide (89.02%) and hydroxyl (82.82%) against the scavenging of EAE and PLE which showed DPPH (81.77%,83.54%) super oxide (79.88 ± 1.84, 80.88 ± 1.44%) nitric-oxide (76.14 ± 1.80, 77.2 ± 1.18%) and hydroxyl (79.86%, 74.64%) radicals respectively at the same concentration. A linear correlation between BHE and reducing power was also observed. The quantitative estimation of the extract revealed the considerable amount of phenols and flavonoids. The results of this study strongly indicate that the BHE has more potent antioxidant potential action than its individual preparation EAE or PLE.

Objective: To determine the adulticidal and repellent activities of different solvent leaf extracts of Eclipta alba (E. alba) and Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) against malarial vector, Anopheles stephensi (An. stephensi)., Methods: Adulticidal efficacy of the crude leaf extracts of E. alba and A. paniculata with five different solvents like benzene, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and chloroform was tested against the five to six day old adult female mosquitoes of An. stephensi. The adult mortality was observed after 24 h under the laboratory conditions. The repellent efficacy was determined against An. stephensi mosquito species at three concentrations viz., 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 mg/cm(2) under laboratory conditions., Results: Among the tested solvents the maximum efficacy was observed in the methanol extract. The LC(50) and LC(90) values of E. alba and A. paniculata against adults of An. stephensi were 150.36, 130.19 ppm and 285.22, 244.16 ppm, respectively. No mortality was observed in controls. The chi-square values were significant at P<0.05 level. Methanol extract of E. alba and A. paniculata was produce maximum repellency against An. stephensi., Conclusions: From the results it can be concluded the crude extract of E. alba and A. paniculata was an excellent potential for controlling An. stephensi mosquitoes., (Copyright © 2011 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Eclipta alba is traditionally used as hepatoprotective agent. The study was designed to explore its antiproliferative activity on liver and other related cancer., Aim of the Study: The present study was designed to assess and establish the role of Eclipta alba as anti-cancer agent using HepG2, C6 glioma and A498 cell lines as model system., Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of the Eclipta alba hydroalcoholic extract (EAE) was determined using MTT assay. The expression level of NF-kB was analysed by western blotting and RT PCR. Gelatin zymography was done for gelatinase matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and 9) analysis., Results: EAE inhibited the cell proliferation in dose dependent manner in HepG2, A498 and C6 glioma cell lines with an IC50 of 22±2.9, 25±3.6 and 50±8.7 μg/ml, respectively. The expression of MMP (2 and 9) was down-regulated with EAE treatment. DNA damage was observed following 72h of extract treatment, leading to apoptosis. Additionally, the expression level of NF-kB was evaluated with western blotting and RT-PCR and was found to be down-regulated/inactivated., Conclusions: The data establish the existence of anti-proliferative, DNA damaging and anti-metastasis properties in EAE which is yet unexplored and hold high therapeutic impact., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Parturient females display impulsive behavior represented in the form of aggressive bouts when exposed to conspecifics. Prolonged aggression during the postpartum period could affect maternal care. Eclipta alba is traditionally known to induce neuropsychiatric alterations, however its ability to circumvent maternal aggression has not been elucidated. The present study was aimed to investigate the ability of the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba to suppress maternal aggression. In the single dose study, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba was administered to parturient females 30 minutes prior to maternal aggression testing against intruder males. In the multiple dose study, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg of the extract were administered for 15 and 30 days and maternal aggression was quantified. Administration of the extract for 15 and 30 days in dose schedules of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed agonistic encounters by the dams and therefore had beneficial anti-aggressive activity.

The case of a 64 year old female patient is presented who has treated herself for 9 months with various Indian Ayurvedic herbal products for her vitiligo and experienced a causally related severe hepatotoxicity (ALT, 601 U/L; AST, 663 U/L; Bilirubin, 5.0 mg/dL). After discontinuation, a rapid improvement was observed. Causality assessment with the updated CIOMS (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences) scale showed a probable causality (+8 points) for Bakuchi tablets containing extracts from Psoralea corylifolia leaves with psoralens as ingredients, as the primary candidate causing the hepatotoxic reaction. The degree of probability was lower with +6 points for other used herbs: Khadin tablets containing extracts from Acacia catechu leaves; Brahmi tablets containing Eclipta alba or Bacopa monnieri; and Usheer tea prepared from Vetivexia zizaniodis. The case is the first report of Indian Ayurvedic herbal products being potentially hepatotoxic in analogy to some other herbs.

Alopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. Eclipta alba Hassk. is a well-known Ayurvedic herb with purported claims of hair growth promotion. In the reported work attempts were undertaken to evaluate petroleum ether and ethanol extract of E. alba Hassk. for their effect on promoting hair growth in albino rats. The extracts were incorporated into oleaginous cream (water in oil cream base) and applied topically on shaved denuded skin of albino rats. The time (in days) required for hair growth initiation as well as completion of hair growth cycle was recorded. Minoxidil 2% solution was applied topically and served as positive control for comparison. Hair growth initiation time was significantly reduced to half on treatment with the extracts, as compared to control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also significantly reduced. Quantitative analysis of hair growth after treatment with petroleum ether extract (5%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase (69 +/- 4) which were higher as compared to control (47 +/- 13). The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were better than the positive control minoxidil 2% treatment.

The occurrence of aggression for prolonged periods of time could have a hazardous impact on the health and social wellbeing of the individual. Aggression can ensue due to exposure to an intimidating situation. Aggression is prominently seen when a disturbance occurs in the fine balance of neurotransmitters such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, gamma- aminobutyric acid, dopamine and their receptor subtypes. The present study investigated the ability of 100 and 200mg/kg of aqueous extract of Eclipta alba to circumvent aggression. Foot shock induced aggression and water competition test were utilized as models for screening of antiaggressive activity. Eclipta alba significantly minimized dominance (p<0.05) which is correlated to the level of aggression particularly with 200mg/kg in the water competition test. A tangible behavioral submission was observed with 100 and 200mg/kg and of Eclipta alba in the foot shock induced test.

Background: Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth-promoting potential. Aim In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth-promoting activity., Methods: The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded., Results and Conclusions: Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control. The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth-promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.

The plant Eclipta prostrata is used in the traditional medical practices of India to treat hepatic diseases and hyperlipidemia. The total alcoholic extract of the plant when tested for antihyperlipidemic potential, exhibited a dose-dependent activity in albino rats when compared to standard drugs. The activity was assessed by studying the lipid profiles of serum, liver and heart of the control and drug-treated animals. The results lend support to the traditional use of Eclipta prostrata in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

The present study deals with the investigation of standardized and phytochemically evaluated aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant Eclipta alba for sedative, muscle-relaxant, anxiolytic, nootropic and anti-stress activities. The hydrolyzed fraction of the aqueous extract was also subjected to similar studies in rats. The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts were administered in a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg, p.o., while the hydrolyzed fraction was administered in a dose of 30 mg/kg, p.o. The findings indicated nootropic activity of the aqueous extract (300 mg/kg, p.o.) and its hydrolyzed fraction (30 mg/kg, p.o.). The effect of the extracts on stress-induced alterations was evaluated. The aqueous extract and the hydrolyzed fraction provided protection against cold restraint induced gastric ulcer formation and also normalized the white blood cell count in the milk induced leukocytosis challenge model. The hydroalcoholic extract on the other hand demonstrated a significant effect only in the milk induced leukocytosis challenge model. The results point towards the potential neuropharmacological activity of the plant Eclipta alba as a nootropic and also having the property of attenuating stress induced alterations. Further neurochemical investigations can unravel the mechanism of action of the plant drug with respect to nootropic activity and help to establish the plant in the armamentarium of nootropic agents.

This study evaluated the anti-giardial activity of chloroform, methanol and water extracts of 12 medicinal plants (39 extracts), commonly used as self medication by AIDS patients in southern Thailand. The plant extracts and a standard drug, metronidazole, were incubated with 2x10(5) trophozoites of Giardia intestinalis per millilitre of growth medium in 96-well tissue culture plates under anaerobic conditions for 24 h. The cultures were examined with an inverted microscope and the minimum inhibitory concentration and the IC50 value for each extract was determined. The chloroform extracts from Alpinia galanga, Boesenbergia pandurata, Eclipta prostrata, Piper betle, Piper chaba, Zingiber zerumbet, and the methanol extracts from B. pandurata and E. prostrata were classified as "active", i.e. with an IC50 of <100 microg/ml, whereas the chloroform extract from Murraya paniculata was classified as being "moderately active". This study shows that extracts from some medicinal plants have potential for use as therapeutic agents against G. intestinalis infections.

A variety of analgesics are used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain in different disease states. A narcotic or a non-narcotic analgesic that does not cause respiratory depression and addiction is needed. In Ayurveda a large number of indigenous drugs have been mentioned possessing analgesic properties (e.g. Guggul, Erand, Rasna, Bhringaraj, Methika, Palandu and Prasikayavani). The present experimental research work was undertaken to determine the analgesic activity of the total ethanol extract of Eclipta alba, and also the isolated alkaloids of Eclipta alba in albino mice by using standard experimental models such as the tail clip method, the tail flick method and the acetic acid induced writhing response. The results from this study show that both the ethanol extract as well as the total alkaloids produce good analgesic activity in all the different models of analgesia used. The total alkaloidal fraction was the most efficacious in all models tested., (Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The butanolic and purified butanolic extracts (PBEs) of Eclipta prostrata were evaluated for their anti-venom potential. Inhibition of lethal, hemorrhagic, proteolytic, and phospholipase A2 activities of Calloselasma rhodostoma (Malayan pit viper (MPV)) venom by these extracts were determined. Demethylwedelolactone was identified as their major constituent. The butanolic extract, at 2.5 mg per mouse, was able to completely neutralize the lethal activity of 2LD50 of MPV venom, but increasing the dose diminished the effect. The PBE, at 1.5-4.5 mg per mouse, was able to neutralize the lethality of the venom at around 50-58%. Both extracts partially inhibited the hemorrhagic activity but displayed very low anti-phospholipase A2 activity and did not inhibit proteolytic activity of MPV venom.

An attempt has been made to assess the immunomodulatory activity of methanol extracts of whole plant of E. alba (1.6% wedelolactone) and C. asiatica (0.18% of asiaticoside) at five dose levels (dose-response relationship) ranging from 100 to 500 mg/kg body wt. using carbon clearance, antibody titer and cyclophosphamide immunosuppression parameters. In the case of E. alba, the phagocytic index and antibody titer increased significantly and the F ratios of the phagocytic index and WBC count were also significant. Regression analysis showed linearity in patterns of the dose-response relationship, greatest in the case of the phagocytic index, moderate in the WBC count and lowest in the antibody titer. For C. asiatica, significant increases in the phagocytic index and total WBC count were observed and the F ratio of the phagocytic index was also significant. Regressed values revealed maximum linearity in the case of the phagocytic index, moderate linearity in the total WBC count and lowest linearity in the antibody response.

Wedelolactone (WL) and demethylwedelolactone (DWL) isolated from Eclipta alba were tested in the trypsin inhibition bioassay (in vitro). Both compounds showed potent activity. IC(50) values of WL and DWL were found to be 2.9 and 3.0 microg/mL respectively., (Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)