Search

SUMMARY: Background and Aims: Owing to the global trend towards improved ‘quality of life’, there is considerable evidence of an increase in demand for medicinal plants. The WHO guidelines define basic criteria for the standardization of herbal medicines. The present work is an effort in this direction to prove the safety and efficacy of Hemidesmus indicus Linn. in the management of nephrotoxicity induced by aminoglycosides such as gentamicin. Methods and Results: Simple, quality control methods using high performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) phytochemical fingerprint, proximate analysis, and the stability of the H. indicus root powder were developed. From the toxicity study using albino Swiss mice, it was observed that the drug (H. indicus) was relatively safe up to 7 g/kg bodyweight dose. Efficacy was evaluated against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in albino Wister rats. The study examined animals from the following groups: no treatment, gentamicin treated, gentamicin treated recovery, and gentamicin and plant treated. Animals from all groups were killed on day 13 of the study; those from gentamicin treated group were killed on the seventh day. Assessment of the drug efficacy drug was conducted by using haematological and histological examination. Conclusion: The treatment with H. indicus helped in the management of renal impairment, which was induced by gentamicin in rats. This is evident from the results obtained for various kidney function tests for gentamicin, along with the results from the plant treated group, and is in comparison with the results found for the gentamicin recovery group. A histological examination of kidneys also supports the findings from haematological evaluations. The plant shows promise as an adjunct therapy along side aminoglycosides as it reduces nephrotoxicity caused by aminoglycosides.

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 amount required for 50% inhibition of lipid peroxide formation was 217.5 micro g/ml. The concentrations needed to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide radicals were 73.5 and 287.5 micro g/ml, respectively. The intravenous administration of this extract (5mg/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 micro g), which was comparable to commercial heparin.

The roots of Decalepis hamiltonii and Hemidesmus indicus are aromatic and possess the crystalline compound 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde as the major compound (>90%) in their volatile oils. A gas chromatographic procedure was developed for the assay of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde in both fresh and dried roots of different origin. Benzyl butyrate was used as the internal standard. Among the methods tried, steam hydrodistillation was suitable for extraction of the volatile oils. The quantity of this aromatic compound varied from 0.03 to 0.54%.

Summary Propionibacterium acnes , an anaerobic pathogen, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acne by inducing certain inflammatory mediators. These mediators include reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the present 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 ROSfrom PMNL. Sphaeranthus indicus caused a smaller, still significant suppression of ROS. Aloe vera had no effect on ROSproduction. In the case of proinflammatory cytokine-induced monocytes, maximum suppression was shown by Azadirachta indica and Sphaeranthus indicus , followed by Hemidesmus indicus , Rubia cordifolia , and Curcuma longa. Aloe vera showed insignificant inhibitory activity. Thus, these herbs shows anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the capacity of P. acnes- induced ROSand pro-inflammatory cytokines, the two important inflammatory mediators in acne pathogenesis.

Two novel pregnane glycosides, denicunine (1) and heminine (4), have been isolated from the dried stem of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (family: Asclepiadaceae). Chemical transformations and spectroscopic evidence viz: 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and FABMS are consistent with the structures calogenin 3-O-3-O-methyl-beta-D-fucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-oleandropyranosi de and calogenin 3-O-beta-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-digitoxopyranoside+ ++, respectively.

The present investigation explored the possible venom neutralizing effect of a pure compound (2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid) isolated and purified from the methanolic root extract of Hemidesmus indicus R.Rr. 2-OH-4-MeO benzoic acid possessed potent anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antioxidant properties. The compound effectively neutralized inflammation induced by Vipera russelli venom in male albino mice and reduced cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. The compound produced a significant fall in body temperature in yeast-induced pyrexia in rats but did not change the normothermic body temperature. The compound effectively neutralized viper venom-induced changes in serum phosphatase and transaminase activity in male albino rats. It also neutralized free radical formation as estimated by TBAPS and superoxide dismutase activities. The antisnake venom activity of the pure compound is partly mediated through the above physiological process.

Peptic Ulcers are the most common condition experienced by most of the people due to urbanized lifestyle. Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. is a herbal drug mentioned for its treatment in the ancient Indian traditional medicine . To compare the Prophylactic and Curative effects of aqueous and Alcoholic extracts of Hemidesmus indicus in Drug induced ulcers. Aqueous and Alcoholic extracts of the drug were studied for their ulcer healing activity in Wistar Albino rats. Ninety Wistar albino rats were divided into nine groups with one control, four prophylactic and four curative groups. Ulcers were induced with Indomethacin in a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight twice in a gap of 15 hours. Aqueous extract was given in a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight and alcohol in a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. It was found that both have potential ulcer healing activity with alcoholic extract marginally better than aqueous extract. It can thus be concluded that Hemidesmus indicus R. Br is a effective drug in peptic ulcers.

Seers of Ayurveda recorded their clinical findings from drugs of vegetable, animal, and mineral origin. Ayurvedic therapeutics contains single, simple as well as poly-herbal formulations for the management of arthritic disorders such as Āmavāta , Vātarakta , and Sandhigatavāta 0. In this paper, in addition to scientifically validated pharmacological studies, information about herbs from classical as well as ethno botanical sources are compiled, analyzed, and presented. Rāsnā ( Pluchea lanceolata (DC) Oliv. and Hiern), Gudūcī ( Tinospora cordifolia (Thunb.) Miers), Źunthi (Zingiber officinalis Roxb), Guggulu ( Commiphora mukul (Stocks) Hook), Aśvagandhā ( Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal), Śatāvarī ( Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Balā ( Sida cordifolia L.), Erandamūla ( Ricinus communis L.), Punarnavā ( Boerhavia diffusa L.) are a few prominent drugs in classical Ayurvedic literature recorded for joint disorders. Plants like Azadirachta indica A. Juss (seed oil and stem bark), Cardiospermum halicacabum L.(leaf) Drynaria quercifolia (rhizome), Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br, Dodonaea viscosa Jacq, and Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br were found to have multiple modes of administration for arthritis in ethno medicine.

Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. pubescens (W. & A.) H k. f. was evaluated for hepatoprotective property against paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. In this study, methanol extract of the leaves of H. indicus var. pubescens at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight were administered p.o. along with paracetamol at the dose 1 g/kg b.w for 7 days. . On the 8 th day, serum biochemical estimations were carried out to measure the serum levels of SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total proteins, albumin and total bilirubin. Histopathological examination of liver sections was also performed to study the extent of damage to hepatic parenchyma. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was carried out to find out the presence of various phytoconstituents. HPTLC fingerprint profiles of the detected phytoconstituents were also obtained. Daily administration of paracetamol caused profound hepatic damage as evidenced by the significant elevation of liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin and triglycerides. Hepatotoxicity also caused a significant fall in serum levels of total proteins, albumin and high density lipoprotein. There was significant depletion of hepatic levels of glutathione. These biochemical aberrations were corrected in the animals pretreated with HILM 200 and 400 mg/kg. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of vital phytoocnstituents in the extract which could have contributed to the hepatoprotective effect of the plant. The findings of the study prove that H. indicus var. pubescens possess significant hepatoprotective properties.

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 degrees C and lambda max 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, haemorrhagic, coagulant and anticoagulant activity in experimental rodents.

A procedure for rapid in vitro propagation of the aromatic and medicinal plant Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R.Br. (Family Asclepiadaceae) from nodal explants is described. The highest shoot multiplication rate of 8.2 ± 0.4 shoots/explant with a 95% frequency was achieved in S weeks culture period on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1.15 μM kinetin and 0.054 μM α-naphthaleneacetic acid. Excised shoots were rooted on the same basal medium supplemented with 1.15 μM kinetin and 7.35 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Shoots derived from subcultures exhibited better rooting response than those from primary cultures. After a hardening phase of 2 weeks, there was a 70% transplantation success in the field.

The essential oil of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus R.Br, from southern India was investigated by GC and GC/MS. More than 20 components have been identified including 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde (95.8%) as the significantly dominating compound. Additional aroma-active components, responsible for the typical coumarin-like, green (direction of violet-leaf), sweet (direction of heliotropin and Lilial) and vanillα-like odor impression, such as vanillin and salicylic acid derivatives as well as (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal were found only in very low concentrations (less than 1.0%).

BackgroundAlthough cancers are characterized by the deregulation of multiple signalling pathways, most current anticancer therapies involve the modulation of a single target. Because of the enormous biological diversity of cancer, strategic combination of agents targeted against the most critical of those alterations is needed. Due to their complex nature, plant products interact with numerous targets and influence several biochemical and molecular cascades. The interest in further development of botanical drugs has been increasing steadily and the FDA recently approved the first new botanical prescription drug. The present study is designed to explore the potential antileukemic properties of Hemidesmus indicus with a view to contributing to further development of botanical drugs. Hemidesmus was submitted to an extensive in vitro preclinical evaluation.Methodology/principal findingsA variety of cellular assays and flow cytometry, as well as a phytochemical screening, were performed on different leukemic cell lines. We have demonstrated that Hemidesmus modulated many components of intracellular signaling pathways involved in cell viability and proliferation and altered the protein expression, eventually leading to tumor cell death, mediated by a loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. ADP, adenine nucleotide translocator and mitochondrial permeability transition pore inhibitors did not reverse Hemidesmus-induced mitochondrial depolarization. Hemidesmus induced a significant [Ca(2+)](i) raise through the mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores. Moreover, Hemidesmus significantly enhanced the antitumor activity of three commonly used chemotherapeutic drugs (methotrexate, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine). A clinically relevant observation is that its cytotoxic activity was also recorded in primary cells from acute myeloid leukemic patients.Conclusions/significanceThese results indicate the molecular basis of the antileukemic effects of Hemidesmus and identify the mitochondrial pathways and [Ca(2+)](i) as crucial actors in its anticancer activity. On these bases, we conclude that Hemidesmus can represent a valuable tool in the anticancer pharmacology, and should be considered for further investigations.

AIM: The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant property of Hemidesmus indicus (L.) R. Br.var. pubescens (W. & A.) Hk.f. leaf, by in vivo methods. METHODS: The protective effect of methanol extract of H. indicus var. pubescens leaves (at doses 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) on CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity was studied in albino Wistar rats and the effects were compared with that of standard antioxidant silymarin. The parameters evaluated were hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, reduced glutathione, total proteins and malondialdehyde (MDA). RESULTS: All three doses exhibited significant increase in the levels of SOD, peroxidase and a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation; reduced glutathione and catalase levels were significantly increased only with 600mg/kg dose of the extract. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that leaf of H. indicus var. pubescens possesses equipotent antioxidant effects with the standard antioxidant silymarin. Further work is required to isolate and evaluate the active principle(s) and elucidate the exact mechanism of action.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world. The rate of asthma increases as communities adopt western lifestyles and become urbanised. According to WHO estimates, 300 million people suffer from asthma and 255 000 people died of asthma in 2005. It is estimated that there may be an additional 100 million persons with asthma by 2025. Over the past decade, herbal and Ayurvedic drugs has become a subject of world importance, with both medicinal and economical implications. Traditionally, a number of herbs that is good for the respiratory organs are good for asthma like Picrorrhiza kurroa, Adhatoda vasica, Albizzia lebbek, Solanum xanthocarpum, Tylophora indica, Cedrus deodara, Boswellia serrata, Phyllanthus urinaria, Aquilaria agallocha, Calotropis procera, Elettaria cardamomum, Ocimum sanctum, Piper longum, Tamarindus indica, Hemidesmus indicus, Balanites roxburghii, Centella asiatica etc. A regular and widespread use of herbs throughout the world has increased serious concerns over their quality, safety and efficacy. Thus, a proper scientific evidence or assessment has become the criteria for acceptance of herbal health claims. The aim of the review is to collect the available information’s on plants with antiasthmatic activity and providing information on the available local remedies for asthma as well as promoting further significant studies on the biological activity of the plants.

Background: A decoction (hot-water extract) comprised of Nigella sativa (seeds), Hemidesmus indicus (roots), and Smilax glabra (rhizome) has been reported to prevent chemically-induced hepatocarcinogenic changes in rats and to exert significant cytotoxic effects on human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. However, the decoction used in previous studies to determine cytotoxicity was not standardized. Further, during preparation of pharmaceuticals for clinical use, it is more convenient to use an ethanolic extract. Therefore this study was carried out to (a) develop standardized aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the plant mixture (N. sativa, H. indicus, and S. glabra) used in the preparation of the original decoction, and (b) compare the cytotoxic effects of these two extracts by evaluating cytotoxicity to the human hepatoma (HepG2) cell line. Methods: Aqueous and ethanolic extracts have been standardized by evaluating organoleptic characters, physicochemical properties, qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical constituents, and analysis of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) profiles. Cytotoxic potentials of the above standardized extracts were compared by evaluating their effects on the survival and overall cell activity of HepG2 cells by use of the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2yl) -2, 5 – biphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assays. Results: Results from MTT and SRB assays demonstrated that both extracts exerted strong dose-dependent in vitro cytotoxicity to HepG2 cells. The standardized aqueous extract showed a marginally (though significantly, P

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzoic acid isolated from the roots of Hemidesmus indicus on plasma glucose, plasma, erythrocyte and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation and membrane-bound Ca(2+) ATPase activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In our study, diabetic rats had increased levels of blood glucose and lipid peroxidation in plasma, erythrocytes and erythrocyte membrane and decreased level of plasma insulin and decreased activity of low affinity Ca(2+) ATPase in erythrocytes. Restoration of plasma insulin and glucose in diabetic rats indicates the effect of HMBA on insulin, glucose and lipid peroxidation. HMBA also restored diabetes-induced alterations in the activity of membrane-bound Ca(2+) ATPase. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that HMBA mediated normalization of membrane-bound ATPase in erythrocytes is due to improved glycemic control and antioxidant activity.

Piper longum.L (Long pepper) and Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Indian Sarsaparilla) are two important medicinal plants found in the Indian forests (Kirtikar & Basu, 1935). P. longum (Piperaceae) is a unisexual perennial climber, fruits of which are used as a spice and contains alkaloids like Piperine and Piplartine, while H. indicus (Asclepiadaceae) has different steroids as active substances mainly stored in its woody root and other parts of the plant body and is used as a substitute for Sarsaparilla. An in vitro study has been reported in Hemidesmus on the levels of active substances in the whole plant as well as in the cultured tissues (Heble and Chadha, 1978). As there is an increasing demand for multiplying and conserving medicinal plants, in vitro studies are indispensable to meet the requirements. In this paper we are describing protocols for the multiplication of these two plants through shoot tip culture, direct and indirect organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.

Objective To evaluate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous extract of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus on blood glucose, serum electrolytes, serum marker enzymes, liver microsomal P-450 enzymes, and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods Effect of H. indicus extract on blood glucose was studied with fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic and nondiabetic rat models. The effect of the extract on serum electrolytes, serum levels of key glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems and lipid peroxidation in the liver and kidney of diabetic rats. One way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test was used for statistical analysis. Results Oral administration of H. indicus aqueous extract to fed, fasted and glucose-loaded diabetic rats decreased blood glucose level significantly at 5 h and restored serum electrolytes, glycolytic enzymes and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent enzyme systems by preventing the formation of liver and kidney lipid peroxides at the end of 12 weeks of the study period. Conclusion From the studies, it can be concluded that the aqueous extract of the roots of H. indicus at a dosage of 500 mg/kg/day exhibits significant antidiabetic activity. It restores the concentrations of electrolytes, glucose metabolizing enzymes, hepatic microsomal protein and hepatic cytochrome P-450-dependent mono-oxygenase enzyme systems to near normal level and also corrects the related metabolic alterations in experimentally induced diabetic rats. H. indicus administration also decreased liver and kidney lipid peroxidation products. On the basis of our findings, H. indicus could be used as an antidiabetic and antioxidant agent for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

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 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. In vitro efficacy was expressed in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of plant extracts. MIC values ranged from 0.32-7.5 mg/ml against MRSA and 0.31-6.25 mg/ml against ESbetaL-producing enteric bacteria. The overall activity against all groups of bacteria was found in order of Plumbago zeylanica > Hemidesmus indicus > Acorus calamus > Camellia sinensis > Terminalia chebula > Terminalia bellerica > Holarrhena antidysenterica > Lawsonia inermis > Mangifera indica > Punica granatum > Cichorium intybus and Delonix regia. In addition, these extracts showed synergistic interaction with tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin against S. aureus and/or Escherichia coli. The ethanolic extracts of more than 12 plants were found nontoxic to sheep erythrocytes and nonmutagenic, determined by Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium test strains (TA 97a, TA 100, TA 102 and TA 104). Based on above properties, six plants-Plumbago zeylanica, Hemidesmus indicus, Acorus calamus, Punica granatum, Holarrhena antidysenterica and Delonix regia-were further subjected to fractionation-based study. Ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol fractions of more than six plants indicated that the active phytocompounds were distributed mainly into acetone and ethyl acetate fractions, whereas they were least prevalent in methanol fractions as evident from their antibacterial activity against MDR bacteria. Gram-positive and Gram-negative MDR bacteria are almost equally sensitive to these extracts/fractions, indicating their broad-spectrum nature. However, strain- and plant extract-dependent variations in the antibacterial activity were also evident. Time-kill assay with the most promising plant fraction Plumbago zeylanica (ethyl acetate fraction) demonstrated killing of test bacteria at the level lower than its MIC. Further, identification of active constituents in each fraction and their additive and synergistic interactions are needed to exploit them in evaluating efficacy and safety in vivo against MDR bacteria.

A decoction comprised of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus root bark and Smilax glabra rhizome is being recommended for cancer patients by a family of traditional medical practitioners of Sri Lanka. Previous investigations have demonstrated that a short term (10 weeks) treatment with the decoction can significantly inhibit diethylnitrosamine (DEN) mediated expression of Glutathione S-transferase P form (GST-P) in rat liver. The objective of the present investigation was to determine whether long term (16 months) treatment with the decoction 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).

Objective: To investigate the effect of Hemidesmus indicus extract on activities of human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro . Materials and Methods: The total extract of the raw herb was obtained by methanol: isopropyl alcohol: acetone extraction and used at different concentrations. Human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) were isolated, stimulated to proliferate using phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with and without different concentration of herbal extracts. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity and immunoglobulin (IgG) secretion from cultured PBLs were studied with the herbal extracts and appropriate controls. Results: Hemidesmus indicus extract stimulated the cell proliferation at 1 mg/ml concentration significantly, after 72 h in culture. Viability of extract-treated PBLs was also maintained after culture. The extract increased the IgG production from cultured PBLs, when used at 1 mg/ml concentration. It also increased the ADA activity of PBLs after 72 h in culture. Conclusion: An immunomodulatory activity of H.indicus, related to IgG secretion and ADA activity, is revealed during the study. The herbal extract has shown to promote the release of IgG by lymphocytes and also the ADA activity after 72 h of culture.

A decoction comprised of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus root and Smilax glabra rhizome is used to treat cancer patients in Sri Lanka. However, the anti-carcinogenic properties of this decoction have not been experimentally confirmed. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the above decoction could protect against chemically induce hepatocarcinogenesis.

The hexane soluble portion of the ethanol extract of the stem of Hemidesmus indicus afforded a new triterpene lactone, characterized as 3-keto-lup-12-ene-21→28-olide. Further, lupanone, Δ 12 -dehydrolupanyl-3β-acetate, Δ 12 -dehydrolupeol acetate, hexadecanoic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde were also isolated for the first time from this plant.

Summary Tissue cultures have been established from shoot tip, stem and roots of the plant Hemidesmus indicus . Stem tissue cultures exhibited organogenetic potential whereas shoot tip and root cultures grew as unorganised callus under different hormonal stimuli. All the cultures contained phytosterols but 16-dehydropregnenolone was detected only in stem callus. Leaves, stem and roots of the plant H. indicus contained cholesterol, campesterol, sitosterol and 16-dehydropregnenolone. Roots contained maximum concentration of 16-dehydropregnenolone (0.04%) followed by stem (0.006%). The leaves contained trace amounts of this steroid.

Seventy five medicinal plants of the traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of Sri Lanka have been screened chemically for alkaloids and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Of these, Crotolaria juncea L. was found to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids with biological effects consistent with pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity. Feeding trials in rats with three plants lacking pyrrolizidine alkaloids, namely Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) Ait. F. and Terminalia chebula Retz. produced hepatic lesions which included central vein abnormalities while Terminalia chebula and Withania somnifera (L.) dunal produced marked renal lesions.

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.

The immunobiological activity was investigated of certain medicinal plants widely used in the Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine for treatment of chronic 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. Picrorhiza kurroa was found to be a potent immunostimulant, stimulating both cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Tylophora indica, Aconitum heterophyllum and Holarrhena antidysenterica appeared to stimulate phagocytic function while inhibiting the humoral component of the immune system. Tinospora cordifolia and Ocimum gratissimum appeared to improve the phagocytic function without affecting the humoral or cell-mediated immune system. Hemidesmus indicus suppressed both the cell-mediated and humoral components of the immune system.

Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. (Asclepiadaceae) is a well known drug in Ayurveda system of medicine. In the present study, 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 of root bark of H. indicus 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 models tested. In scavenging DPPH and superoxide radicals, its activity was intense (EC50 = 18.87 and 19.9 microg/ml respectively) while in scavenging NO radical, it was moderate. It also inhibited lipid peroxidation of liver homogenate (EC50 = 43.8 microg/ml) and the haemolysis induced by phenylhydrazine (EC50 = 9.74 microg/ml) confirming the membrane stabilization activity. The free radical scavenging property may be one of the mechanisms by which this drug is effective in several free radical mediated disease conditions.

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.