Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigation Of Traditionally Used Herbs For Treatment Of Buccal Ulcer

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate about the traditional use of two species of the genus Barleria belonging to Acanthaceae family. B. prionitis and B. grandiflora are used in treatment of oral ulcers by ethnic communities across various regions in India. Barleria prionitis (Vajradanti), being reported by several authors as remedy for the oral ailments such as toothache, stomatitis, gingivitis, pus formation etc among various tribes across India [1-8] while tribal people of western and central Maharashtra uses B. grandiflora for similar ailments [9, 10]. Literature survey reveals about various pharmacological activities of the plant B. prionitis but work towards its potential in the treatment of oral ulcers was not reported. B. grandiflora is the other species of the genus Barleria whose only antioxidant potential has been reported10. The study included Pharmacognostical study, extraction using solvents like water and ethanol, phytochemical screening, toxicological study and Pharmacological evaluation. newlinePreliminary phytochemical screening was carried out to determine presence of the phytoconstituents. The extracts showed presence of alkaloids, phenolic, poly phenolics, anthraquinone and flavonoid type of compounds. newlineAntimicrobial Activity was carried out against oral pathogens suggested higher activity of alcoholic (ethanol) extracts when compared to aqueous extracts of the leaves of Barleria prionitis and Barleria grandiflora. Alcoholic (Ethanol) extract of Barleria prionitis found to be having higher antimicrobial potential than other extracts under study. newlineThe extracts were evaluated for an antioxidant activity using different in vitro models like FTC method, TBA method, hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and RBC haemolysis prevention activity. All the extracts under study were showed presence of phenolic compounds evaluated by using Gallic acid as standard. Further the extracts showed presence flavonoid type of compounds evaluated by using Quercetin as standard