Abstract

IN VITRO STUDIES ON THE ANTI-OXIDANT PROPERTY OF RAJANYAMALAKADI: AN AYURVEDIC PATENT MEDICINE

Jency Blesson*, Sibi Narayanan and Sreeni Murali

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken for evaluating the antioxidant effect of an ayurvedic medicine “Rajanyamalakadi” containing Salacia oblonga, Curcoma longa and Emblica officinalis. Alloxan induced male rats were selected for the induction. Ethical committee consent for the study was given by the Director, Indian Systems of Medicine, Kerala. Antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and glutathione reductase plays an important role in defense mechanism that remove free radicals in vivo. Three tests namely, concentration of glutathione content in liver and kidney, activities of glutathione reductase and catalase in liver and kidney, concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were conducted to prove the antioxidant effect of the drug. Animal trial conducted showed a decrease in blood sugar level after the administration of drug in alloxan diabetic rats for a period of two weeks. The results also suggest the diabetic induced reduction in liver lipoprotein lipase activity. In “Rajanyamalakadi” treated rats, the decreased TBARS may be due to the antioxidant activity of the ingredients present. Administration of herbal drug in diabetic rats showed an increased activity of both catalase and glutathione reductase.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Rajanyamalakadi, Salacia oblonga, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Glutathione reductase, Catalase, Thiobarbituric acid.