Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of a Traditional Tribal Drug Source Achyranthes Aspera Linn Variety Rubrofusca

Abstract

From time immemorial plants have been an exemplary source of medicine for Mankind. WHO also currently encourages, recommends and promotes the inclusion of herbal drugs in the National Health Care programmes of all countries. In the present dissertation attempts are made to find a long lasting safe and effective herbal remedies that are more specific in their action with less side effects for liver diseases and Diabetes syndrome. Ethno botanical survey was conducted in the Western Ghats. An interview was also conducted with Tribals living in these regions like Kanis, Palliyans. During this interview valuable information were collected on various uses of different Tribal plants. Of these plant KADALDI was selected for assessing anti-diabetic and Hepatoprotective potential as the tribal used this plant drug for various ailments such as liver disorders in urinary problems and in controlling diabetes and cholesterol Phytochemicaly it yielded 2 compounds, compound one is designated as cholesteryl palmit oleate and compound two is designated as phthalic ester. Pharmacologically water and ethanol extract showed significant Hepato-protective potential and anti-diabetic activity with antioxidant potential. There was no change in Gross behaviour changes. The drug is not toxic up to the dose level of 3g/kg body weight, and then the drug is subjected to standardization studies. With the help of the Botanical and chemical standards determined in the present dissertation the drug could be identified unequivocally even in powder form. This is the first report on the Pharmacopoeial standards and biological assay of this tribal drug source Achyranthes aspera variety-rubrofusca. Identification and authentication is the primary pre requested for success in herbal research. Hepato-protective and anti-diabetic potentials of ethanol and water extracts of the plant powder presented and discussed will be a mile stone in the standard herbal drug development for liver disease and diabetes a metabolic disorder.