Phytochemical and In-Vivo Biological Activities of Sarcostemma acidum Voigt in Albino Rats.
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Abstract
Sarcostemma acidum Voigt, commonly known as Somlata, is a leafless plant from the Apocynaceae family, mainly found in Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and South India. Sarcostemma acidum Voigt, a medicinal plant traditionally employed in various folk medicine systems, has garnered significant attention due to its rich phytochemical composition and diverse pharmacological activities. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the phytochemical constituents of Sarcostemma acidum Voigt and evaluate its pharmacological properties. It has traditional medicinal uses for conditions like otitis, dog bites, snake bites, rabies, emesis, arthritis, and leprosy. The plant extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as evidenced by its ability to scavenge free radicals. Furthermore, Sarcostemma acidum Voigt demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting key inflammatory mediators. The plant's juice is valued for its health-restorative properties. The stem extract inhibits spermatogenesis and reduces sperm count, showing an antipsychotic effect. Microscopic examination reveals its stem structure, and phytochemical analysis indicates various compounds present. Pharmacological studies on the aqueous stem extract show analgesic, antipyretic, and antidiabetic effects. The extract is found safe in acute toxicity studies, and the analgesic effect is confirmed by Eddy's hot plate method. Antipyretic effects are demonstrated in a Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia rat model, while antidiabetic effects are shown in an adrenaline-induced diabetic rat model. Overall, the pharmacological study affirms the beneficial effects of Sarcostemma acidum.