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ABSTRACT:
The methanolic extract of leaves (Melastomtaceae) was evaluated for by determination of hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, total antioxidant capacity, assay of nitric oxide scavenging activity and reducing powertest and in vivo antinociceptive effect in acetic acid induced writhing model in Swiss albino mice. The plant extract was also subjected for brine shrimp lethality bio-assay to evaluate its cytotoxic property. The results revealed the presence of pronounced antioxidant property as compared with ascorbic acid used as standard and a dose-dependent (250 and 500 mg/kg) analgesic effect. Investigation also showed that it has strong lelthality (LCS0 1.178 |rg/ml) against brine shrimp nauplii, Vincristine Sulphate was used as positive control. The antioxidant, antinociceptive and cytotoxic properties observed seem to be in good accordance with the traditional uses of Memecylon umbellatum.
KEY WORDS: Memecylon umbellatum, Melastomataceae, Antioxidant, Antinociceptive, Swiss albino mice, Cytotoxicity, Vincristine Sulphate.
INTRODUCTION:
The importance of plant is well known. Life and its growth cannot be imagined without plants. They not only produce food for survival but also create healthy environment and eco-friendly atmosphere to live. Historically plants have provided a good source of medicine which is highly effective instruments in the fight against various diseases. Natural products, either as pure compounds or as standardized plant extracts, provide unlimited opportunities for new drug leads because of the unmatched availability of chemical diversity. Therefore, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to folk medicine and looking for new leads day by day to develop better drugs against different diseases. Large scale evaluation of the local flora exploited in traditional medicine for various biological activities is a necessary first step in the isolation and characterization of the active principle and further leading to drug development1. A large number of plants have been screened as a viable source of natural antioxidants including tocopherols, vitamin C, carotenoids and phenolic compounds which are responsible for maintenance of health, to help the human body reduce oxidative damage and protection from coronary heart diseases and cancer2. In view of these Memecylon umbellatum was studied exhaustively for its potential antioxidant, analgesic and cytotoxic effects.
Memecylon umbellatum (Common name: Iron-wood tree, Bengali name: Anjan; Family- Melastomataceae) is a large, fast growing, evergreen tree which grows to a height of 3 meters, with spreading branches...