Comparative chemical analytical and pharmacological studies on Indian species of Prunus

Abstract

P. africana (Pygeum) is the only African species of Prunus which is one of the top selling herbs in USA and European countries for the prevention and cure of BPH. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated its usefulness in prostatic hyperplasia as well. This plant is official in the USP, EP and BP. However, owing to over exploitation, the P. africana has become endangered and is included in Appendix II of the CITES. Various international agencies incuding UNESCO have recommended to find suitable alternatives or to propose evidence based possible substitution of the drug. About thirty six species of the genus Prunus are reported to be growing in India and none of these species have been evaluated as yet for their probable role in BPH. Hence, in search of new drugs useful in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and on the basis of scientifically proven experiments, a study was planned to carry out investigations on five Indian species of Prunus namely P. amygdalus, P. armeniaca, P. cerasoides, P. domestica and P. persica It was proposed to do a comprehensive study of these species based on, (i) organoleptic and physico-chemical parameters, (ii) chromatographic profiling, (iii) phytochemical, (iv) analytical, (v) biological and (vi) computational studies. newline