V.E. Ida Christi. et al.

/International Journal of Advances in Pharmaceutical Research

IJAPR Research Paper

Available Online through
www.ijapronline.org ISSN: 2230 – 7583

STUDY OF PHARMACOGNOSTICAL, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF “Saropus androgynus” PLANT
V.E. Ida Christi*
Karpagam College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore.
Received on 25 – 12 - 2013 Revised on 27 –01- 2014 Accepted on 17– 02 – 2014
ABSTRACT
“Sarpopus androgynus” is an erect perranial shrub under the Euphorbiaceae family plants.In Indigenous system
of medicine the plant is used to reduce fever, lower blood sugar and blood pressure and also as an expectorant,in
lung congestion.In Ayurvedic herbal medicine system in India a leaf tea is widely used for diabetis and also it is a
good neutrient The dark-green leaves has a valuable blood building element, cell rejuvenator and for regular bowel
elimination. It is a very good source of potassium, a mineral that has many health benefits.The young shoots, leaves,
flowers and fruits can be eaten as vegetables, raw or cooked. The dried crushed root is used medicinally for
headache and urinary problems. The leaves are thought to stimulate milk production. In this present study ,to
evaluate the pharmacognostical characters’ of the plant like T.S,stomatal index Stomatal number ,Palisade ratio of
leaf and the physical parameter like Ash Values, Extractive values, Total fiber contents are determined. Preliminary
phytochemical analysis shows the presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins and amino acid, tannins and
phenolic compounds and the inorganic metals like calcium , magnesium, potassium, and also it shows the presence
of vitamin C. The vitamin C was quantitatively estimated. The anti inflammatory activity of the plant was evaluated
by Carragenan induced pow oedema method with Alcoholic, aqueous, chloroform extracts and the fresh juice of
the plant. In this all extracts shows good activity but the fresh juice shows more activity. Then the antioxidant
activity of the plant was evaluated by three methods like DPPH method, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity and
reducing power methods. The plant shows better antioxidant activity.
Key Words: Saropus androgynus, anti-inflammatory, paw oedema, antioxidant

INTRODUCTION
Sauropus androgynus
Merr.(Euphorbiaceae) is a traditional vegetable in
Thailand. The origin of this plant is uncertain. It is
native to South Asia and Southeast Asia including
India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Malaysia and
Indonesia etc. In Thailand, it is cultivated for
consumption and commercial purposes. Many people
use this plant as traditional medicine. The leaves and
roots are used to relieve fever and treat urinary
problems(1).
Author for Correspondence
V.E. Ida Christi1
Karpagam college of pharmacy,
Coimbatore.
E-Mail: 1969idacsha@gmail.com
L. The juice from its leaves is dropped into the ear as a
remedy for earache. Vegetables and fruits commonly
consist of some nutrients and phytochemicals, which
can exhibit antioxidant capacity. The major
antioxidants of vegetables and fruits are different
compounds such as vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids
and phenolic compounds, especially flavanoids(2).
These antioxidants scavenge radicals and inhibit the
chain initiation or break the chain propagation.
Dietary antioxidants present in vegetables and fruits
can be used against oxidative stress, to protect cells
against oxidative damage and prevent chronic
diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and
diabetes(3).
Due to biochemical processes occurring in
the body, it is normal for free radicals to be present in
the body at all times. A normal healthy immune
system is normally able to control the existence of
free radicals and minimize their potential damage.
Not all free radicals are potentially dangerous. For

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example, the immune system creates valuable free

radicals to control and destroy virus and bacteria.
Other free radicals produce vital hormones. Indeed,
we need free radicals in our everyday bodily
functions. However, when the presence of free
radicals increases to an abnormal level the danger
begins. The danger exists in the potential for genetic
material in the form of code structure to be altered in
a manner that is destructive to the related Oxidation
is the chemical process by which an atom, molecule
or ion robs another of one or more of its electrons.
Chemicals exhibiting this tendency of stealing
electrons are referred to as oxidizing agents. The
most familiar oxidizing agent is oxygen itself. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Oxidation reactions may involve highly reactive PLANT MATERIALS
molecules called free radicals(5). Free radicals can be Saropus androgynous (aerial parts) were
defined as chemical species possessing an unpaired collected near Kuzhithurai, Kanyakumari Dist,
electron, which is formed by haemolytic cleavage of Tamilnadu, India during February,March of 2010
a covalent bond of a molecule, by the loss of a single and authenticated by the Director, at Botanical
electron from a normal molecule or by the addition of survey of India ,Coimbatore No.BSI/SC/5/23/07-
a single electron to a normal molecule. In simple 08/Tech-1495. The plant is cleaned and dried in the
words, free radicals are molecules that have lost an shade separately. Then powdered and passed
electron and try to replace it by reacting with other through mesh size 80 and stored in an air tight
molecules. Free radicals are considered unstable due container.
to the existence of at least one unpaired electron.
They react quickly, with other compounds, trying to PHARMACOGNOSTICAL STUDY
capture the needed electron to gain stability. BOTANICAL INFORMATION ABOUT
Generally free radicals attack the nearest stable “ Sauropus androgynus”
molecule, "stealing" its electron. When the cell Synonym : Sweet leaf
"attacked" molecule loses its electron, it becomes a Botanical name : Sauropus androgynus (L) merr.
free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction. Once Botanical classification :
the process is started, it can cascade, finally resulting Kingdom – Plantae - Plants
in the disruption of a living ce1l(14). They bounce
around and attack healthy cells, tearing the cell Division – Magnoliphyta
membranes and spilling cytoplasm and subjecting the Class – Magnoliopsida
cells to infection, genetic damage and mutation. Order – Malpighiales
Some disorders in which free radicals are implicated Family – Euphorbiaceae
are Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, haemorrhoids, Genus – Sauropus
Parkinson’s disease, rheumatism, heart attack, AIDS, Species – androgynus (L)merr
cataract, stroke, cancer and a long list of degenerative Geographical Source : These are shrubs grows over
diseases including aging. the peninsular region including India, Srilanka,
Thailand, China, Indochina, West Malaysia,
Bangkok. It occurs at high altitude up to 0 – 550m. It
grows in shaded evergreen forest(4).
Habitat:It is a shrub to tree lets up to 4m high
globrous, young branches with 2 or vaguely 4 ribs
without asperities. Stipules triangular 1.8 – 3.2 by 0.8
– 1.3 mm.with flowers fruits and seeds.
Cultivation and collection: It is usually
propagated vegetatively since the plant grows readily
from cuttings. The species is highly mycorrhizal
dependent. It is adopted to acid soils and will grow in
clay soil. In its naturally state under – storey plant in
low land, rain forest, It grows to 2 to 4m .When

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grown in vegetative crop requires regular pruning to
1-2 m tall for best results. It need proper irrigation(6).
Compound Leaf : The leaves are compound
attached with stem with bracts. The Leaflets are
Greenish papery base rounded triangular
lanciolate.Shape is ovate .Margin is recurved,
gradually tapering .Apex is acute and the base is
rounded and pubescent.
Flower: The flowers are unisexual ,auxiliary,
solitary. Perianth is 6-lobed, outer lobes -3,inner
lobes-3,stamens-3,capsule globose white,3-
locule,two ovules in each style3,seeds are axis.In
small groups or on shoot upto 8 mm long.
Inflorescence greenish to yellowish partly red
staminate flowers.
Fruits:The fruits are white inflated, fleshy, apically
beast shaped arranged below the leaflets(7).
Microscopical Characters
For microscopic studies, the leaves were cut and
removed from the plant and fixed in FAA(Formalin
5ml+Acetic acid5ml+70% Ethanol 90ml).After 24
hours of fixing ,the epidermal peels and transections
of leaf and petiole were taken by free hand. The
sections were stained in safranin (1%),light green
(1%) and mounted in DPX after the customary
dehydration. Some hand sections were also examined
in glycerine(8,9).
Quantitative Microscopy
The leaf epidermal studies were carried out on fresh
specimens.Peels were removed mechanically using
some chemicals. They were stained in 1% safranin
mounted in glycerine and made semi-permanent by
ringing with DPX solution. Stomatal index(SI) and
stomatal frequency was calculated. The vein islet
number and vein termination number of the leaf and
also Palisade ratio of lamina were determined
according to the standard method(10).
Physiochemical evaluation
Physico-chemical characters of the powdered drug
such as loss on drying (moister content),ash values,
extractive values fiber content were performed
according to standard method and percentage of dry
extracts were calculated in terms of air dried leaf
powder(11).
Determination of ash values
About 2 g accurately weighed powdered drug from
the three samples were incinerated in a silica crucible
at a temperature of 450oC for 4 hours in a muffle
furnace until free from carbon. It was then cooled
and weighed. The % w/w of ash with reference to the
air-dried drug was calculated. The acid insoluble ash,
water soluble ash and sulphated ash was done
according to the standard procedure (Practical
Pharmacognosy, Dr C.K.Kokate, 4th edition
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1994).Average of the triplicate values were
calculated(10) and mentioned in the (Table No.1).
Determination of Extractive values
About 10 gm of the drug powder is
macerated with 100 ml of the Methanol in a stopered
flask for 24 hrs with frequent shaking in a mechanical
shaker . Then it is filtered using muslin cloth to the
beaker whose weight is already known . Then the
filtrates is evaporated to dryness in dryness is a
heating mandle using appropriate temperature . Then
the weight of beaker with extract is taken the
percentage extractive value is calculated with
reference to the dried powder.The same procedure
was repeated with the other solvents(10).
Determination Of Fibre Content
3gm of the finely powdered crude
drug leaf are weighed and extracted with Petroleum
ether at room temperature. After that boil with 300ml
sulphuric acid for 30minutes. Filter the extract
material through a muslin cloth and wash with
boiling water. Then the material boiled with 200 ml
Sodium hydroxide for 30 minutes. Filter through
muslin 25ml of alcohol successively. After washing
the residue transfer to silica crucible. Which is
previously weighed (W1). Dry the residue for 2 to 3
hours for 130˚C and cool the crucible in a desicators
and weigh again (W2). The incinerated the residue
for 30 minutes at 100˚C and cool it to room
temperature in a Desicator and weigh again (W3).
Then calculated by using theformula.(W2-W1) –(
W3-W1)/ weight of sample ×100(11).
Determination of swelling factor
Transfer 1gm of leaf powder in a 25ml
measuring cylinder fill up to 20ml mark on the
cylinder with water. Agitatively gently of
occasionally during 24 hours allow to stand measure
the volume occupied by the swelling powder(11).
Loss On Drying
About 2gm of drug powder in tared dish
kept in Hot air oven for drying at 105˚C for 4 hours.
Taken out cooled and kept in desicator and again
weighed. The loss on drying calculated with
reference to standard powder(11).
Preliminary phytochemical screening:
The extracts prepared in different solvents
were taken and standard methods(Practical
Pharmacognosy, Dr C.K.Kokate,4th edition1994)
were used to detect the nature of phytoconstituents
present in them .
Vitamin C Determination
Vitamin C was determined by redox titration
method following the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2007.
ANTIOXIDANT STUDY
Chemicals
Chemicals and standards:Ethyl acetate,
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tolune, and formic acid were of analytical grade
and purchased from Merck India
methanol was of HPLC grade from Merck
(Germany). DPPH was from Sigma (St. Louis,
MO, USA). Water was purified by Milli-Q
system, Millipore (Bedford, MA, USA). Before
use, the solvents were filtrated. The reference
compounds gallic, ellagic, and L-ascorbic
acids were used from Fluka Sigma-Aldrich
DPPH radical scavenging activity
The free radical scavenging activity was
measured by the decrease in absorbance of
methanolic solution of DPPH (A. Kumaran, R.Joel
science direct.LWt40 (2007), 344-352). A stock
solution of DPPH (33mgL-1) was prepared in
methanol and 5ml of this stock solution was added to
1ml of the Saropus androgynus extract solutions at
different concentrations
(25,50,75,100,150,200,250,2500ug/ml-1).After30min,
absorbance was measured at 517nm and compared
with the standard ascorbic acid (10-50ugml-1). The
percentage of inhibition was calculated by the
formula [(Ao-A1)/Ao] x100, when Ao is the
absorbance of the control & A1 is the absorbance of
the extract/standard(17).
Reducing power determination
The reducing power of the extracts was
determined according to the Oyaizu method (Oyaizu,
1986). Different concentrations of extracts/standard
(50-250mg/ml) in methanol were mixed with
phosphate buffer (PH 6.6) and incubated with (2.5ml)
of potassium ferricyanide solution (1%w/v) at 50 oC
for 20 min.After mixing, the mixture was incubated
at 50oC for 20 min.The 2.5 ml of trichloroacetic acid
was added to the mixture and which was then
centrifuged for 10 min.The supernatant (2.5ml) was
mixed with distilled water (2.5ml) and ferric chloride
(0.5ml) and the absorbance was measured at 700nm.
Increased absorbance of the reaction mixture
indicates increased reducing power(16).
Scavenging of hydrogen peroxide
The ability of three extracts to scavenge hydrogen
peroxide was determined according to the method of
(Ruch, Cheng, and Klauning , 1989). A solution of
hydrogen peroxide (2mol/l) was prepared in
phosphate buffer (PH 7.4). Hydrogen peroxide
concentration was determined by spectrometrically
absorbance at 230nm.Extracts were prepared at the
concentration of 50-250mgm/ml and added to the
hydrogen peroxide solution (0.6ml). Blank solution
contains phosphate buffer with without hydrogen
peroxide .For each concentration a separate blank
sample was used for background subtraction. The %
of inhibition activity was calculated from the formula
[(A0 – A1)/A0] X 100.Where A0 is the absorbance of
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the control and A1is the absorbance of
extract/standard.(15)
HPTLC
analysis
Pre coated silicagel 60 F 254 (10x10 cm) (Merck)
were used. Samples were applied with a 100µl
sample syringe (Hamilton, Bonaduz, Switzerland)
using a Linomat V system (Camag, Muttenz,
Switzerland). Samples of 5,10,15,20 µl w e r e
a p p l i e d as 6 mm bands with a 10 mm
distance between the bands. Plates were
developed in a pre saturated vertical twin
trough glass chamber (Camag) for 20 min
using Toluene: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (6:6:1),
by volume as a mobile phase.(11) After
development, the plates were dried and the
components were visualized by UV irradiation
at 254,366 nm Antiradical activity of each
component of the extract was estimated on
intensity of disappearance and after dipping the
plates into DPPH solution and observing the
plates at 517 nm. of violet/purple background
of plate and was identified by
densitometric scanning at 517 nm as negative
peak (Camag TLC scanner 3 under software
control of WinCats version 1.3.2). Each
determination was carried out in triplicate. In
order to calibrate the method, stock solutions
of the reference compounds were prepared in
methanol (0.5 mg/mL) and various amounts of
these solutions were analyzed by HPTLC
exactly as described above and calibration
curves were prepared by plotting height of
negative peak versus concentration. The major
phenol compounds were quantified by direct
densitometric scanning of the developed
plate at 254 &366nm.The method was applied
for measuring the free radical-scavenging
activity of phenol compounds of Saropus
androgynus extract separated by normal phase
TLC. The IC50 values for the major phenol
substances of Saropus androgynus i. e., the dose
of the compounds required to scavenge 50% of
DPPH, were calculated.The postchromatographic
derivatization of plates in HPTLC –
DPPHmethod given in this study can be
successfully used for the qualitative analysis of
free radical scavengers in complex
mixtures(17,5).
This study has established that all the
detected compounds within the extract were
capable of scavenging DPPH radicals. The DPPH
scavenging data suggests that the extracts of
Saropus androgynus are capable of scavenging
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free radicals at physiological pH; thus, they
should be able to prevent the initiation and
propagation of free radical-mediated chain
reactions by stabilizing reactive species via
electron- or hydrogen- donation before such
deleterious reactions can occur.
ANTI_INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
SCREENING
Approval for the Project
Approval for the experiment was obtained from the
Institutional animal ethical committee
(IAEC),K.M. College of Pharmacy, Madurai. vide
letter No. KMCP /IAEC/Ph.D/60
Methodology
Animals:
Swiss male rats (B.T.140-170g) were
used. They are housed in standard microloan
boxes and were housed in laboratory diet and
water ad libitum.
Carrageenan-induced paw oedema
method:(20,21)
The rates were divided into six
groups(n=8) and the first served as negative
control (received 0.75% CMC;5ml/kg).Second
group was administered diclofenac
sodium(5mg/kg)as standard drug.Group 3 to 6
were fed with alcoholic,aqeous,chloroform
extract (250mg/kg) and fresh juice orally.
Oedema was produced by the method
described by Winter et al(1962). The paw
volume was measured plethysmographically at
0,1,2,3,4 and 5 h, after injection of
carrageenan. Drug pretreatment was given 1h
before the injection of carrageenan. Mean
increase in paw volume was measured and
percentage inhibition was calculated. The
results were expressed as mean+ - SEM. The
difference were compared using one-way
ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. P values
<0.05 were considered significant. The results
are given in the table.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
In traditional medicine the healers use this
plant against many purpoces. The evaluation
of a crude drug is an integral part of
establishing its correct identity. Before any
crude drug can be included in herbal
pharmacopoeia, pharmacognostical
parameters and standards must be established.
Therefore some diagnostic features has been
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evolved to identify the genune from the
adultrants. In this regards the microscopical
features of the leaf has been documented.
T.S.OF LEAF
T.S of lamina:It is a dorsiventral leaf. In
transvers section, petiole appears more or less
cylindrical. Adoxial surface is flat and slightly
shallow the middle having hairy and even
surface.The epidermis is madeup of small
walled cells with thick cuticle on the outer
walls.The ground tissue is differentiated into
outer five or seven layers of collenchymas and
inner parenchyma. Calcium oxalate crystals
are solitary in the cells of parenchymatous
ground tissue.The epidermal cells of the
lamina are square shaped withouter convex
wall and thin cuticle. Palisade tissues is single
latered, sometimes two
layered,cylindrical,compact and occupies one-
third thickness of lamina. The spongey
parenchyma cells are lobed and loosely
arranged(fig.1).Stomata occurs on lower
epidermis only they are paracytic. Trichomes
are 3-7 celled,thick walled uniseriate.Wide
parenchymatous pith contains single circular
calcium oxalate crystals.Transvers section of
leaf is dorsiventral and transcurrent .It shows
single layer upper epidermis having one
layered compact and radially elongate palisade
cells. Uniseriate multicellular 2-3 celled
trichomes and diacytic stomata are present.
Midrib: The midrib is broadly hemispherical
on the aboxial side with shortlump on the
adoxial side. Midrib Shows both upper and
lower epidermis. Vascular strands of the
petiole occur as a large medianarc with two
adoxial lateral traces (distinctive feature of
midrib).An arc shaped central vascular strand
centre vascular strand where xylem is
surrounded by upper and lower side by
phloem where it has the tannin celle at all
sides.(fig.2).A transvers section of leaf stem
shows single layered epidermis, followed by
collenchymastous hypodermis,general
cortec,endodermis and pericycle. Steelregion
shows arc shaped bicollateral conjointvascular
bundle.Multicellular unbranched
trichomes,consisting of single row of cells on
both side of midrib. The ground tissue is
parenchymatous and compact
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T.S. of lamina (Fig.1)

T.S.THROUGH MIDRIB(Fig .2)

Quantitative microscopy
The leaf constant parameters determined in the quantitative microscopy are relatively constant for plants
and can be used to differentiate closely related species. In quantitative microscopy the stomatal index, Vein islet
number and vein-let termination number and palisade ratio were found and given in the table no.1

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(Table no.1)
S.No LEAFPARAMETERS VALUESin 1 sq mm
1 Stomatal number 32
2 Stomatal index
Upper Nil
Lower 20.7
3 Veinislets number 9-12
4 Veintermination number 18-20
5 Palisade ratio
Upper 8-10
Lower Nil

Physio-Chemical parameters
The total ash of leaf , of which, acid insoluble ash ,Water soluble ash, and Sulphated ash was found and
calculated given in the (table no.2).The extractive values for methanol, chloroform, benzene,petroleum ether and
water respectively were found and given in the (table no 3). Studies on physico-chemical constants can serve as a
valuable source of information and provide suitable standards to determine the quality of this plant.The crude fibre
content so obtained can be implied to determine nutritive values. Fluorescence analysis is an important qualitative
diagnostic tool to detect the presesce of chromophore in crude powder drug under UV light. The fluresence analysis
of powder and extracts were tested. It shows yellow fluorescence at 254nm.

Ash values (Table no.2)

S.no ASH VALUES Values in percentage of leaf
1. Total Ash 4.28%
2. Acid insoluble Ash 0.81%
3. Water insoluble ash 1.24%
4. Sulphated Ash 3.42%

Extractive values and crude fibre content

(Table no.3)
S.no Solvents used Extraction value in percentage leaf
1. Methanol 24.1%
2. Chloroform 9.67%
3. Benzene 17.4%
4. Petroleum ether 13.3%
5. Water 20.6%
6. Swelling factor 9ml
7. Crude fibre content 13.25%

CHEMICAL STUDY
The leaf extract of Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr shows the presence of the chemical constituents such as
carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins and amino acid, tannins and phenolic compounds,and the inorganic metals like
calcium , magnesium, potassium, and also it shows the presence of vitamin C.
The fresh juice shows the presence of vitamin C 0.39mg/25ml of fresh juice.

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Antioxidant activity
DPPH METHOD BY USING HPTLC

256nm After spraying DPPH

Antioxidant activity : I.C.50 values (Table no . 4)

S.No Samples DPPH method Hydrogen peroxide Reducing power
1. Sauropus androgynus 135μg/ml 63μg/ml 95μg/ml
2. Ascorbic acid 90μg/ml 35μg/ml 43μg/ml
3. Epicatechine 82μg/ml 28μg/ml 56μg/ml

Values represent the mean + SD SEM: Number of readings in each group = 3.

Anti inflammatory effect of S.androgynus on carrangeenan-induced rat paw oedema:(Table No.5)

Group Dose Oedema volume (ml)
(n=8) Mg/kg 1h 2h 3h 4h 5h
Control 5ml 0.62 ± 0.05 0.68 ± 0.05 0.74 ± 0.05 0.69 ± 0.05 0.67 ± 0.06
(0.75 % CMC )
Diclofenac 5 0.24 ± 0.03b 0.19 ± 0.01c 0.14 ±0.02c 0.21 ±0.02c 0.23 ±0.02c
Sodium (61.30) (72.06) (81.09 (69.57) (65.68)
Alcoholic 250 0.51 ±0.04NS 0.46 ±0.04b 0.46 ±0.04b 0.45 ±0.02b 0.49 ±0.03a
Extract (17.75) (32.36) (37.84) (34.78) (27.87)
Aqeous 250 0.49 ± 0.4NS 0.42 ±0.04b 0.39 ±0.04b 0.32 ±0.04b 0.29 ±0.04b
Extract (21.96) (38.24) (47.30) (37.68) (32.84)
Chloroform 250 0.42 ±0.04a 0.38 ±0.03b 0.27 ±0.03c 0.41 ±0.03b 0.43 ±0.04b
Extract (32.26 (44.12) (63.52) (40.58) (35.83)
Freshjuice 1ml 0.35 ±0.05b 0.23 ±0.04c 0.15 ±0.03c 0.24 ±0.03c 0.26 ±0.03c
(43.55) (66.18 (79.73 (65.22) (61.20)
One-way ANOVA P<0.001 P<0.001 P<0.001 P<0.001 P<0.001
F=11.15 F=22.59 F=42.86 F=27.46 F=18.86
Each value is the mean P<0.001 F=11.15 SEM of 8 rats.
Figure in parentheses indicate the % anti-inflammatory activity.
a
p< 0.05; bp<0.001 compared to control. NS: Statistically not significant; degrees of freedom (5, 42).

DISCUSSION principle from the plant was extracted by using

The new HPTLC method for s e p a r a t i o n
a n d identification of antiradical scavenging
activity with the DPPH radical using post
chromatographic derivatization allows an
analyst to estimate the antioxidant contribution
of each component within a total
extract.Isolation and identification o f active
compounds within plant extracts is a
difficult, long, and expensive process. The active
ethylacetate followed by acid hydrolysis(13).Plate
derivatization techniques can be used as a
cheap, fast, and efficient alternative. The
HPTLC – DPPH method given in this study can
be successfully used for the qualitative analysis
of free radical scavengers in complex
mixtures. From the densitogram and combined
activity profile figures, sufficient data are
available to identify known compounds or the

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chemical class of unknown components
which possess radical- scavenging activity. The
obsered chromatographic behaviour provides
important information about conditions
required for the isolation of new analytics with
such important activity. This study has
established that all the detected compounds
within the extract were capable of scavenging
DPPH radicals. The DPPH scavenging data
suggests that the extracts of Saropus
androgynus are capable of scavenging free
radicals at physiological pH thus, they should
be able to prevent the initiation and
propagation of free radical-mediated chain
reactions by stabilizing reactive species via
electron- or hydrogen- donation before such
deleterious reactions can occur(14).
The probable mechanism of
action of carrageenen induced oedema is bi-
phasic, the first phase is attribute to the release of
histamine,5-HT and kinins in the first hr,while
the second phase is related to the release of
prostaglandins like substances in 2-3hr(20,21).
Effect of alcoholic,aquous,chloroform extract at a
dose of 250mg/kg.and fresh juice significant in
inhibiting carrageenan-induced oedema(23,24). The
extract shows the presence of flavonoids,some
aminoacids presence. The HPTLC – DPPH
method also shows the presence of flavonoids.
Hence the significance of anti-inflammatory
activity of Saropus androgynus could be due to
the presence of the flavonoids.
CONCLUSION
The Plant Saropus androgynus shows significant
effect on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
The fresh juice and then aqeous extract are showing
better anti-inflammatory activity than the other
extracts. The chemical study confirms the presence
of vitamin C and the flavonoids. So the reported
activities may be due to the presence of these
phytoconstituents. This plant can be used as a food,
and also a medicine. The present study has further
encouraged the isolation and characterisation of
particular flavonoid for such pharmacological
activities.
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