Abstract

BIOPHYTUM REINWARDTII AND BIOPHYTUM VELDKAMPII: A REVIEW ON REVOLUTIONARY THERAPEUTIC AGENTS

Chitra C. Nair*, Dr. Rajesh Jatt and Dr. Jasline Edward

ABSTRACT

Background: As plants have great ability to cure life threatening conditions, research works on plants has increased globally. In India, large numbers of plants are used traditionally to treat different ailments, but only few are validated. Among the Biophytum species, Biophytum sensitivum is the most widely studied one and only few studies have been carried out in Biophytum reinwardtii and Biophytum veldkampii. Methods: Previously published articles about Biophytum reinwardtii and Biophytum veldkampii have been collected and reviewed. Observations: Biophytum veldkampii differs from Biophytum reinwardtii in eglandular inflorescence and calyx, shorter pedicels than calyx and sepals exceeding capsules. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract of these species revealed presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, cardiac glycosides, tannins, phlobatannins, quinones, antraquinones, coumarins and steroids. A potent biflavonoid amentoflavone has been isolated in these two species and its anti-cancer activity was demonstrated. It is known to have antioxidant, antiviral, pain relieving, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant activity and antidiabetic activity. About 7-20 compounds were identified in GC-MS analysis, with major component identified as Gamma sitosterol. In cytotoxicity studies, leaves of Biophytum veldkampii and stem of Biophytum reinwardtii exhibited high efficacy. These species demonstrated high anti-cancer efficacy, with maximum activity against breast cancer cell line by Biophytum reinwardtii. A new flavonoid diglycoside from Biophytum reinwardtii demonstrated substantial antioxidant and anticancer activity. Conclusion: To conclude, extensive research work needs to be implemented in these species to explicate chemistry, pharmacological activity and therapeutic applications as it is widely used in traditional practice to treat different ailments.

Keywords: Biophytum veldkampii, Biophytum reinwardtii, Amentoflavone, anticancer.