RESUMEN

Grewia asiatica L. (phalsa) is a very prevalent berry in Pakistan and is consumed extensively as raw or in the form of juice. Here, for the first time, we assessed phalsa from Pakistan in terms of variations in macro and micro minerals, nutrients, and bio-active phyto-constituents including total phenolic and anthocyanin contents at different fruit developmental stages. It was found that the sugars in phalsa increased from D1 (small at the initial fruit setting stage) to D6 development stage (fully ripened fruit) where sugars at D5 (near to fully ripe) and D6 stages were many times greater than at D1, D2 (unripe close to full-size completion), D3 (close to semi ripe), and D4 stage (semi ripened and full-size attainment). Total acidity of was declined in all developmental stages, where the D1 stage displayed maximum and D6 with the lowest acidity. Ascorbic acid was decreased from D1 to D2 and then increased gradually from D3 to D5 stages. At the D6 stage, again a steep decline in ascorbic acid was observed. The total phenolics (mg gallic acid equivalents/100g) at stage D6 were higher (136.02 ± 1.17), whereas D1 being the lowermost in total phenolic content (79.89 ± 1.72). For anthocyanins (mg/100g), an increasing pattern of changes was observed in all stages of phalsa fruit where the D1 stage showed lower (13.97 ± 4.84) anthocyanin contents which then increased gradually at stage D2 (67.79 ± 6.73), but increased sharply at D3 (199.66 ± 4.90), D4 (211.02 ± 18.85), D5 (328.41 ±14.96) and D6 (532.30 ± 8.51) stages. A total of four anthocyanins such as cyanidin, delphidine-3-glucoside, pelargonidin, and malvidin in phalsa were identified using HPLC procedures, and a significant > 90 % DPPH inhibition in phalsa was observed at the D5 and D6 development stages. The macro and micro minerals including Ni, Zn, Fe, Ca, Cu, Mg, Na, P, and K contents were decreased from initial (D1) stage to the final (D6) development stage, while only Fe displayed an increasing trend from the initial to final fruit development stages (D1-D6). Conclusively, these findings could be of great interest for patients who are intended to consume phalsa as adjuvant therapy against diabetes and metabolic syndromes and other diseases involving reactive oxygen species with minimum metal toxicity.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Phalsa or falsa (Grewia asiatica L., family Malvaceae) is a promising, yet underutilized berry fruit of tropical regions. It contains a rich source of various bioactive compounds, such as anthocyanins, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids. In the present study, morphological and pomological diversity of 48 accessions of this species was evaluated to introduce superior selections. Considerable variability was detected among the accessions studied based on the characteristics recorded. Fruit shape exhibited the highest CV (69.66%), while seed length showed the lowest CV (7.98%). Fruit color showed strong diversity, including red, red-purple, purple-cream, purple, and dark purple. Fruit weight ranged from 0.29 to1.14 g, and fruit flesh thickness varied from 1.90 to 3.91 mm. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that 82.64% of the variability observed was explained by the first 13 components. A dendrogram created using cluster analysis grouped the accessions into two major clusters. Based on the traits related to fruit quality, such as fruit weight, fruit color, fruit flesh color, and fruit taste, 14 accessions, including Talsar-6, Talsar-8, Ganjabad-31, Talsar-4, Ganjabad-18, Ganjabad-24, Talsar-5, Ganjabad-25, Ganjabad-30, Ganjabad-17, Talsar-7, Talsar-3, Talsar-2, and Talsar-1, were superior. It is recommended to use the best accessions selected in breeding programs.

RESUMEN

Grewia asiatica Linn. is a well-known plant for its nutritional and therapeutic attributes. It has been mentioned in ancient Indian literature as Rasayana due to its stimulant and tonic effects. Thus, present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antiepileptic and anxiolytic action of G. asiatica Linn. leaves using animal models. Methanol extract at dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg was capable of providing protection against both pentylenetetrazole and maximal electroshock induced seizures in mice. Extract also showed significant anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze, light/dark box and mirror chamber mice models at same dose levels. Results of this study indicated that the methanol extract of leaves of G. asiatica plant possess significant antiepileptic and anxiolytic effect.

RESUMEN

The World Health Organization predicts a 70% increase in cancer incidents in developing nations over the next decade, and it will be the second leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional plant-based medicine systems play an important role against various diseases and provide health care to a large section of the population in developing countries. Indigenous fruits and their bioactive compounds with beneficial effects like antioxidant, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory are shown to be useful in preventing the incidence of cancer. India is one of the biodiversity regions and is native to numerous flora and fauna in the world. Of the many fruiting trees indigenous to India, Mango (Mangifera indica), Black plum (Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica), kokum (Garcinia indica or Brindonia indica), stone apple or bael (Aegle marmelos), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Karaunda (Carissa carandas) and Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), Monkey Jackfruit (Artocarpus lakoocha) and Elephant apple (Dillenia indica) have been shown to be beneficial in preventing cancer and in the treatment of cancer in validated preclinical models of study. In this review, efforts are also made to collate the fruits' anticancer effects and the important phytochemicals. Efforts are also made to address the underlying mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects of these fruits in cancer prevention and treatment. These fruits have been a part of the diet, are non-toxic, and easily acceptable for human application. The plants and some of their phytochemicals possess diverse medicinal properties. The authors propose that future studies should be directed at detailed studies with various preclinical models of study with both composite fruit extract/juice and the individual phytochemicals. Additionally, translational studies should be planned with the highly beneficial, well-investigated and pharmacologically multifactorial amla to understand its usefulness as a cancer preventive in the high-risk population and as a supportive agent in cancer survivors. The outcome of both preclinical and clinical studies will be useful for patients, the healthcare fraternity, pharmaceutical, and agro-based sectors.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Background: Carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) is extensively used in various industries and induces oxidative stress in humans. Unfortunately, it is one of the neglected potent male reproductive toxicants. Objective: The present research reports the testicular histopathology of CCl 4 and ameliorations by four medicinal fruit pulp extracts (FPEs) in mice. Materials and Methods: Sixty male albino mice were divided into six groups (10/group) as per the following: 1. Vehicle control (Vc); 2. CCl 4 (C); 3-6. CCl 4 +Basella alba (CBa), CCl 4 +Solanum nigrum (CSn), CCl 4 +Ficus carica (CFc) and CCl 4 +Grewia asiatica (CGa). Except for the control group, CCl 4 (0.1 mL of 0.2 mL kg - 1 ) was given to the animals in corn oil. The four plant extracts (0.1 mL each) were respectively given to the relevant FPE group animals for the next five consecutive days, while the animals in the Vc and CCl 4 groups received water instead of FPE. Results: The CCl 4 exposure led to various histometric and histological alterations (loss of interstitial tissue and various dislodged tailless spermatids with enlarged heads) that were recovered in all except Solanum nigrum FPE mice post-treatment. The micrometric data of testicular sections also indicated significant decline in the number of spermatogonia, while the cross-sectional area of the sperm heads remained significantly higher in the CSn and C groups. Conclusion: Except for Solanum nigrum,the three FPEs, especially Ficus carica,showed rehabilitative properties against CCl 4 exposure-related modifications in testicular histopathologies.

RESUMEN

Ionising radiation has been an important modality in cancer treatment and its value is immense when surgical intervention is risky or might debilitate/adversely affect the patient. However, the beneficial effect of radiation modality is negated by the damage to the adjacent healthy tissue in the field of radiation. Under these situations, the use of radioprotective compounds that can selectively protect normal tissues against radiation injury is considered very useful. However, research spanning over half a century has shown that there are no ideal radioprotectors available. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA or USFDA) approved amifostine, or WR-2721 (Walter Reed-2721) [chemically S-2-(3-aminopropyl-amino) ethyl phosphorothioic acid] is toxic at their optimal concentrations. This has necessitated the need for agents that are safe and easily acceptable to humans. BACKGROUND: Dietary agents with beneficial effects like free radical scavenging, antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects are being recognized as useful and have been investigated for their radioprotective properties. Studies in these lines have shown that the fruits of Aegle marmelos (stone apple or bael), Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry/amla), Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana (black plum/jamun), Mangifera indica (mango) and Grewia asiatica (phalsa or falsa) that are originally reported to be indigenous to India have been investigated for their usefulness as radioprotective agents. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to summarize the beneficial effects of the Indian indigenous fruits, stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa, in mitigating radiation-induced side effects, emphasize the underlying mechanism of action for the beneficial effects and address aspects that merit detail investigations for these fruits to move towards clinical application in the near future. METHODS: The authors data-mined Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for publications in the field from 1981 up to July 2020. The focus was on the radioprotection and the mechanism responsible for the beneficial effects, and accordingly, the articles were collated and analyzed. RESULTS: This article emphasizes the usefulness of stone apple, mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, and phalsa as radioprotective agents. From a mechanistic view, reports are suggestive that the beneficial effects are mediated by triggering free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and anti-inflammatory effects. CONCLUSION: For the first time, this review addresses the beneficial effects of mango, Indian gooseberry, black plum, stone apple and phalsa as radioprotective agents. The authors suggest that future studies should be directed at understanding the selective radioprotective effects with tumor-bearing laboratory animals to understand their usefulness as radioprotective drug/s during radiotherapy and as a food supplement to protect people from getting exposed to low doses of radiation in occupational settings. Phase I clinical trial studies are also required to ascertain the optimal dose and the schedule to be followed with the standardized extract of these fruits. The most important aspect is that these fruits, being a part of the diet, have been consumed since the beginning of mankind, are non-toxic, possess diverse medicinal properties, have easy acceptability, all of which will help take research forward and be of benefit to patients, occupational workers, agro-based sectors and pharma industries.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) is a food plant originating from Southeast Asia, and is cultivated primarily for its fruit. Phalsa fruit is consumed raw or used as a drink or food additive. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies have found that extracts from various parts of phalsa plants (especially the fruit) possess strong antioxidant, radioprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardio-protective properties. However, despite the identification of numerous nutritional and health benefits of phalsa, research into nutraceutical applications of the plant are somewhat limited. Therefore, the objective of this review was to explore the pharmacological, nutritional, phytochemical, and other potential uses of the phalsa plant. Recommendations for food scientists, nutritionists, and members of other allied disciplines are provided to help direct future research into the production, value addition, preservation, and phytochemical characterization of phalsa. Moreover, its potential health benefits are highlighted, along with the underlying mechanisms of action. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The aim of the present review is to explore functional aspects of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) bioactive compounds, their role in improving health, as well as their possible application as a functional food ingredient.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

The aim of the study was to screen the metabolite profile of phalsa (Grewia asiatica), an underutilized fruit crop, using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometric analysis. A total of 50 compounds were tentatively identified based on their molecular mass and characteristic fragment ions, each with less than 5 ppm of mass error. These compounds included 21 flavonols, 2 dihydroflavonols, 7 flavones, 3 flavanols, 6 anthocyanins, 3 isoflavonoids, 2 phenolic acids, 2 flavanones, and 4 other phenolics. Flavonols were the predominant group of compounds, representing around 52.6% of the total phenolics. The paper has also discussed the potentiality of phalsa as an emerging functional food for the management of various human diseases in relation to the existing literature.

RESUMEN

Grewia asiatica L. fruit natively called phalsa is a popular berry of Pakistan and widely consumed in the form of fresh juices and carbonated drinks in the summer season. The berry is enriched with antioxidants such as phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and vitamin C. Scientifically, it is the least explored berry in terms of neuromodulatory activities, and therefore, in the designed study, chronically fed rats with the different dilutions (5%-30%) of fruit juice were subjected to behavioral assessment for anxiety, depression, and cognition (spatial memory) followed by biochemical analysis of isolated brains. Results revealed a prominent impact of 20 and 30% dilutions of fruit exudate as treated animals showed anxiolytic behavior to central zone (P < 0.05) of open field test (OFT) and open arms of elevated plus maze (EPM) (P < 0.05) in anxiety models. Overall, immobility of rats treated with a higher concentration of exudate in forced swim test (FST) was reduced (P < 0.05) presenting antidepressant-like activity. Moreover, in learning and memory experimental models, the treated animals reversed scopolamine-induced amnesic effects as evident from improved step-through latencies (P < 0.05 vs. scopolamine; passive avoidance test), spontaneous alternation behavior (P < 0.05 vs. scopolamine; Y-maze test), discrimination index (P < 0.05 vs. scopolamine; novel object recognition test), and escape latencies (P < 0.05 vs. scopolamine; Morris water maze). Biochemical studies of isolated brains from treated rats demonstrated significantly elevated levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (P < 0.05), whereas levels of acetylcholinesterase and malondialdehyde level (P < 0.05) were reduced, indicating its potential to reduce oxidative damage in the brain and modulation with the cholinergic system. The outcomes of studies support the benefits of phytoconstituents possessed by G. asiatica fruit in the amelioration of neurological disorders that could be due to their antioxidative capacity or due to interaction with GABAergic, serotonergic, and cholinergic systems in the brain.

RESUMEN

Present study relates to the effect of valproic acid, an epigenetic modifier on the metabolic profile of Aspergillus fumigatus (GA-L7), an endophytic fungus isolated from Grewia asiatica L. Seven secondary metabolites were isolated from A. fumigatus (GA-L7) which were identified as: pseurotin A, pseurotin D, pseurotin F2, fumagillin, tryprostatin C, gliotoxin and bis(methylthio)gliotoxin. Addition of valproic acid in the growth medium resulted in the alteration of secondary metabolic profile with an enhanced production of a metabolite, fumiquinazoline C by tenfolds. In order to assess the effect of valproic acid on the biosynthetic pathway of fumiquinazoline C, we studied the expression of the genes involved in its biosynthesis, both in the valproic acid treated and untreated control culture. The results revealed that all the genes i.e. Afua_6g 12040, Afua_6g 12050, Afua_6g 12060, Afua_6g 12070 and Afua_6g 12080, involved in the biosynthesis of fumiquinazoline C were overexpressed significantly by 7.5, 8.8, 3.4, 5.6 and 2.1 folds respectively, resulting in overall enhancement of fumiquinazoline C production by about tenfolds.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Inspite of introduction of oral hypoglycemic agents, diabetes and its related complications remains to be a major clinical problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of Grewia asiatica (Linn) stem bark in alloxan induced diabetic rats. METHODS: Diabetes was induced by a single dose of intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (110 mg/kg) in Norwegian Long Evans rats. Ethanol extract of barks from Grewia asiatica (GAE 200 and 400 mg/kg) and metformin (150 mg/kg) were orally administered once daily for 15 days. Blood glucose levels and body weights of rats were measured on 0, 5, 10 and 15 days of oral treatment. At the end of the experiment the rats were sacrificed and blood sample were collected for the measurement of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very low density lipoproteins (VLDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL), SGOT and CK-MB. Analysis of liver glycogen content and histopathlogy of pancreas were carried out. In vitro DPPH free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and total flavonoid content of GAE were also determined. RESULTS: After 15 days of oral administration of GAE at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased survival rate and showed a significant attenuation in blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic rats. Oral ingestion of GAE significantly reduced the SGOT and CK-MB levels and restored liver glycogen content when compared to diabetic control. The effects of GAE on SGOT, CK-MB and liver glycogen content were dose-dependent. The diabetic rats treated with GAE showed significant improvement in normal cellular population size of islets. Phytochemical screening of GAE revealed the presence of flavonoid, steroid, tannin and phenolic compounds. Total phenolic content was 44.65 ± 3.17 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gm of GAE extract and the total flavonoid content was 39.11 ± 4.65 mg of quercetin equivalent per gm of GAE extract. In DPPH scavenging assay, IC50 values of GAE and ascorbic acid were found 76.45 and 12.50 µg/ml, respectively. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that ethanol extract of barks from G. asiatica possess glucose, lipid lowering efficacy, restored liver glycogen and protects pancreas from oxidative damage in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Thus, the results of the present study provide a scientific rationale for the use of G. asiatica in the management of diabetes and its related complications.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Grewia asiatica Linn. (Family: Tiliaceae), called Phalsa in Hindi is an Indian medicinal plant used for a variety of therapeutic and nutritional uses. The root bark of the plant is traditionally used in rheumatism (painful chronic inflammatory condition). AIMS: The present study demonstrates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of root bark of G. asiatica in rodents. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The methanolic extract of Grewia asiatica (MEGA) and aqueous extract of Grewia asiatica (AEGA) of the bark were prepared and subjected to phytochemical tests and pharmacological screening for analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect in rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analgesic effect was studied using acetic acid-induced writhing in mice and hot plate analgesia in rats while anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. The MEGA or AEGA was administered orally in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of body weight. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test. RESULTS: The extracts showed a significant inhibition of writhing response and increase in hot plate reaction time and also caused a decrease in paw oedema. The effects were comparable with the standard drugs used. CONCLUSIONS: The present study indicates that root bark of G. asiatica exhibits peripheral and central analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory activity, which may be attributed to the various phytochemicals present in root bark of G. asiatica.