ABSTRACT
Objectives: Phytochemical and safety evaluation of Hemidesmus indicus (Linn.) of Apocynaceae family was performed to establish justification of its therapeutic significance in traditional medicine.
Material and methods: Phytochemical analysis of leaf, stem and root was done according to standardized protocols. For determination of no-observed-adverse-effect-level female rats were randomized into 5 groups of 6 animals each administered with root extract at 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/ kg for 7 days. Blood was collected by retro orbital puncture for serum biochemical parameters. Choleretic activity was done by intraduodenal administration of H. indicus root extract (400 mg/kg).
Results: H. indicus revealed presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenoids, carbohydrate, glycosides, proteins, flavonone, flavone and flavonol, polyphenolic contents and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Root extract showed highest amount of phytochemicals in comparison to leaf and stem. No significant difference was observed in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, triglycerides and cholesterol after treatments. Choleretic activity of H. indicus showed insignificant upsurge in bile flow and bile solids.
Conclusions: H. indicus possess phytochemicals responsible for its antioxidant and choleretic activity. Furthermore, administration of H. indicus root extracts up to 800 mg/kg is safe for in vivo studies in rats.
Key words: Key words: Hemidesmus indicus, Phytochemical analysis, NOAEL, Choleretic activity.
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