Published Research - T

A B G H K M N P S T
 

Tulsi

Botanical name: Ocimum sanctum

In Indian mythology the plant is considered to extirpate all sins and purify the body when touched. It is often grown outside dwellings and worshipped daily. It is said to daunt Yama, the god of death, but has a close affinity with Lord Krishna who is reputed to have grown the herb. If offered to Lord Krishna it is said to lead to salvation and is considered to have mystical powers of protection from death, disease and misfortune.

Immuno-modulatory activity
An ethanolic extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated on the activities of the enzymes cytochrome P450, cytochrome B5 and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in the liver and glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels in the liver, lung and stomach of the mouse. Administration of the extract at a dose of 400 and 800mg/kg for 15 days significantly increased the activities of these, all of which are important in the detoxification of both carcinogens and mutagens. An increase in extrahepatic glutathione-S-transferase and reduced glutathione levels in the liver, lung and stomach tissue was also observed.

Source: Bannerjee S, PrasharR, Kumar, Rao AR 1996 - Modulatory influence of alcoholic extract of Ocimum leaves on carcinogen metabolizing enzyme activities and reduced glutathione levels in mouse. Nutrition and Cancer 25(2):205

In an in vitro test, a significant inhibition of antigen-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells of sensitised rats was produced with an increase in anti-SRBC haemagglutination titre and IgE antibody titre. These results indicated that O. sanctum modulated the humoral immune responses by acting at various levels in the immune mechanism such as antibody production, release of mediators of hypersensitivity reactions and tissue response to the mediators in the target organs.

Source: Mediratta PK, Dewan V, Bhattacharya SK, Gupta VS, Maiti PC, Sen P 1988 - Effect of Ocimum sanctum on humoral immune responses. Indian Journal of Medical Research 87:384

Anti-inflammatory activity
The fixed oil extracted from the leaves exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan and other mediator-induced paw oedema in rats. Using various inflammation models, it was inferred that the anti-inflammatory activity was due to inhibition of both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Source: Singh S, Majumdar DK, Rehan HM 1996 - Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum and its possible mechanism of action. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 46(3):195

Anti-stress activity
The plant extract showed a marked protective and inhibitory effect on stress-induced gastric ulcer in albino rats. Microscopical and histopathological findings, such as congestion, erosion, discrete and multiple haemorrhages, ulcers and perforation in control group of rats served as a measure for scoring the intensity of the lesions.

Source: Roy U, Mukhopadhyay S, Poddar MK, Mukherjee BP 1992 - Evaluation of anti-stress activity of Indian medicinal plants, Withania somnifera and Ocimum sanctum with special reference to stress induced stomach ulcer in albino rats. Proceedings of an International Seminar on Traditional Medicine, Calcutta, 7-9 November

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidaemic activity
Ocimum sanctum leaf powder at a level of 1% was fed to normal and diabetic rats for one month. A significant reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the liver, a reduction of total lipids in the kidney and a fall in total cholesterol and phospholipids in the heart were observed.

Source: Rai V, Iyer U, Mani UV 1997 - Effect of Tulsi leaf powder on blood sugar levels, serum lipids and tissue lipids in diabetic rats. Plant Foods and Human Nutrition 50(1):9

Hypotensive activity
Administration of the leaf extract resulted in a fall of both diastolic and systolic pressure to normal levels, with no adverse side effects.

Source: Subbulakshmi G, Sarvaiya SR 1991 - Hypotensive effect of Ocimum sanctum. Bombay Hospital Journal 33(1):39

 

Turmeric

Botanical name: Curcuma longa

In the 16th century it was known as Crocus indicus, Turmeracke and Curcuma and Dioscorides originally referred to it as Cyperus. The name comes from kurkum, the Arabic name for these plants. There are several varieties, of which Bengal turmeric is considered best for dyeing silk and wool. The orange-yellow robes of Buddhists are often dyed with it. It is considered to be auspicious for Hindus and is a part of all religious occasions.

Anti-inflammatory activity
Anti-inflammatory activity has been exhibited by several fractions.

Source: Ammon HPT, Wahl MA 1991 - Pharmacology of Curcuma longa. Planta Medica 57(1):1

In carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, the volatile oil at a dose of 1.6ml/kg exhibited activity comparable to that of phenylbutazone at 100mg/kg.

Source: Iyengar MA, Rama Rao MP, Gurumadhva Rao S, Kamath MS 1994 - Anti-inflammatory activity of volatile oil of Curcuma longa leaves. Indian Drugs 31(11):528

Isolated curcumin also showed significant activity in carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, equivalent to phenylbutazone; however it was only half as potent in chronic models.

Source: Srimal RC, Dhawan BN 1973 - Pharmacology of diferuloyl methane (curcumin), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 25:447

Clinically, patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis were subjected to a short term double blind trial where curcumin was compared with phenylbutazone. A significant improvement in symptoms was observed with curcumin, although phenylbutazone was more potent, probably because it also has analgesic action. In a post-operative inflammation model for evaluating anti-inflammatory activity, curcumin was found to have greater activity than phenylbutazone or placebo in a double-blind clinical trial.

Source: Srimal RC 1997 - Turmeric: a brief review of medicinal properties. Fitoterapia 68:483

Anti-ulcer activity
Ethanolic extracts of C. longa were given to rats with ulceration induced by hypothermic restraint stress, pyloric ligation, indomethacin and reserpine. The extract showed significant anti-ulcer action, thought to be by increasing gastric mucus and restoring non-protein sulfhydryl content in the stomach.

Source: Rafatullah S, Tariq M, Al-Yahya MA, Mossa JS, Ageel AM 1990 - Evaluation of turmeric for gastric and duodenal anti-ulcer activity in rats. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 29(1):25

Anti-mutagenic activity
Anti-mutagenic activity has been observed for C. longa extract and the isolated curcumins in a number of assays, for example against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced mutagenesis in Salmonella typhimurium TA 98. The most active was the isomer curcumin III. A para hydroxy group in the benzene ring seems to be essential and additional hydroxyl groups add to the activity.

Source: Ross I 1999 - Medicinal herbs of the world, vol 1. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey

Hypocholesterolaemic effects
A clinical trial carried out on 16 patients in China showed that administration of an extract equivalent to 50g/day of rhizome for 12 weeks lowered plasma cholesterol levels by 49mg/dl and triglyceride by 62mg/dl. This therapeutic efficacy was almost equivalent to clofibrate. Another study on 90 subjects showed the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides in nearly all cases. Both studies showed an amelioration of the symptoms of angina pectoris.

Source: Srimal RC 1997 - Turmeric: a brief review of medicinal properties. Filoterapia 68:483

Anti-oxidant activity
Various extracts of the rhizome are active as anti-oxidants and the curcuminoids are the main active compounds.

Source: Ross I 1999 - Medicinal herbs of the world, vol 1. Humana Press, Totowa, New Jersey