Phytochemical and Biological studies on Indian Medicinal Plants used for the treatment of Rheumatism and Cancer

Abstract

In the present work, tradionally folkore plants in the Indian System of Medicine were selected and the thesis deals with pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and biological studies of Canthium parviflorum (Lamk) and Merremia emarginata (Burm.f) in the treatment of rheumatism and cancer. The pharmacognostical study provides a set of diagnostic macroscopic, microscopic features and physico chemical parameters that can be used in confirming the identity of these plants and to detect adulterant and their features. Pharmacognostic studies of Canthium parviflorum Leaf A and Merremia emarginata whole plant was done for the first time and reported. The preliminary in vitro screening of the ethanolic extracts and different fractions of these plants were carried out by protein denaturation (in vitro antiarthritic study), MTT assay method (in vitro anti cancer study) and in vitro antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, p-NDA). EME, EAFME, MFME, ECP, EAFCP and MFCP were selected for in vivo biological studies. First time reported on these plants. The Phytochemical studies of the most active extracts and fractions were carried out. The qualititaive and quatitative estimation of phytoconstituents such as total phenols (Folin Ciocalteu), total flavanoids (AICI3), total tannins (Folin s Dinis), total alkaloids and vitamin C (DNPH) were determined, which were responsible for the therapeutic effects. Merremia emarginata was selected for further evaluation at molecular level. NF- kB Signaling pathway is important target of drug discovery for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders like rheumatism and cancer. The cytokines such as TNF-a and IL-1B are the inducers of NF- kB in chronic inflammation. The molecular studies confirmed that Merremia emarginata plant extract showed Potential modulatory effect through the above mechanism. First time reported. It might conclude that chlorogenic acid present in the extracts of Merremia emarginata and Canthium parviflorum were responsible for the potential modulatory effect in NF- kB signaling pathway of rheumatism and cancer.