Journal of Pharmaceutical Research & Reports

The genus Suaeda includes widely distributed polymorphic species such as S. maritima, S. calceoliformis, and S. nigra. Much of the variation in these taxa appears to be due to environmental factors, but some of it is probably due to genetic differences. Infraspecific taxa and presumed related species have been described, and these are mentioned in the discussions following the descriptions. However, no infraspecific taxa are recognized here. All three of these species show much variation in morphology and growth- form characteristics, but no qualitative characters could be found that could be used to reliably separate distinct taxa below the species level. Future chromosomal and genetic studies may enable the recognition of distinct infraspecific taxa or even species within these three polymorphic entities (FNA,1776).

• In folklore medicine, the Suaeda group of plants are used as fodder against rheumatism, paralysis, asthma, snake bites, skin disease and ulcer [1,2]. Again, leaves of such plants are used as antiviral, antibacterial and wound healing activities, besides as insecticide and antiplasmodial against Plasmodium falciparum [3-6]. The different species belonging to the genus Suaeda, viz. Suaeda maritima (L) Dumort, Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel., Suaeda pruinosa Lange, Suaedamaritima salsa (L.) Soó, and, Suaeda vermiculata Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel although widely available in Indian coastal regions but have seldom been studied.

Suaeda maritima has been used as an ethnomedicine for curing various ailments. The juice of the plant has been used for treating hepatitis and has been reported to have antiviral, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities [6]. The leaves are known for curing liver, heart, and lipid disorders.

As for a long period of time, plants have been a valuable source of natural products for maintaining human health, certain plant extracts can be a cure for infections caused by MDR. Along with different herbs, seaweeds, and higher plants, many workers have suggested the usefulness of mangroves in traditional medicines.

A preliminary screening of the plant extract showed the presence of many active phytoconstituents including tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and carbohydrates. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of 14- methylpentadecanoic acid, methyl hexadecenoate, and methyl-11-octadecenoate.

The Acute Toxicity of Suaeda on Mice:

The Body Weight Change of Suaeda (10.0g/Kg) On Mice

(Mean±SE)

*P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001 vs control group.

Animals: T/O mice, both of male and female were used.

Extracts: Suaeda (70% alcohol-extract, Code: ), dissolved in dissolute water used.

Dosage And Routine: 10.00 g/kg, the control group was treated with equal volume solvent.

Signs And Symptoms of Observation: 30 minutes after extracts were given orally, the signs and symptoms of animal behavior were checked, such as locomotor activity, aggressive behavior, diarrhea, ataxia, string, platform and pole test, continue to 4 hrs, then 24 hrs and 7 days. The changes of body weight in each group were checked and compared.

Results: The experimental results showed less movement and sensitivity, urination, and tremor. The test of ataxia, string, platform, and pole failed 60 minutes after 10 g/kg was given orally. mice died starting 60 minutes, peak time 2 hrs. 50% mice died 48 hrs after extracts were given orally once. The body weight was still less tha1 week after extracts were given orally once.

Conclusion: There was toxicity when Suaeda 10.00 g/kg was given p.o once, the LD50 was around 10 g/kg p.o, once.

Anti-Diabetic Activity of Suaeda in Streptozotocin Diabetic Mice

As no experimental study has been reported in the past to confirm its claimed activity, the present investigation was carried out to study the anti-diabetic activity in mice, following the acute and sub-acute treatment of a 10 % ethanolic plant extract. Hyperglycaemia was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of stretozotocin at the dose of 80 mg/kg. In acute study a single dose (400 mg/kg) of 10% ethanolic extract of saueda was administered orally. The blood samples were taken at 0hr (before treatment) and 2hr, 4hr and 6hr after treatment. In sub- acute study the animals were administered with 10 % ethanolic extract of Sauaeda at the dose of 200 mg/kg,

orally per day for 9 days. Blood samples were taken at 2 days intervals. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was also carried out on a group of mice loaded with glucose (1.5 g/kg) orally (data not given). The plant extract was administered at the dose of 200 mg/kg p.o., per day for 7 days. In all studies, blood samples were taken from the orbital sinus puncture technique using heparinized microheatocrit capillary tubes. The plasma was separated by centrifugation and glucose was determined using an Analox glucose analyzer. Students’ t-test was used to compare the significance of the difference between control and treated groups.

Table 1: Effect of Acute Treatment of Suaeda Extracts on Blood Glucose Level (%) of STZ-diabetic mice

* Significantly different from control values; P< 0.05

Table 2: Effect of Sub Acute Treatment of Suaeda Extract on Blood Glucose Level (%) of STZ-diabetic mice

Significantly different from control values; P< 0.05.

Our data showed that a single oral dose of Suaeda produced a significant fall in blood glucose level in STZ-diabetic mice at all the hours tested (Table 1). In a group of animals treated sub-acutely the maximum fall in glucose level of STZ-diabetic mice was up to the third day. On days 5 and 9 the fall in glucose level was also observed. However, statistically not significant (Table 2). The OGTT of diabetic mice showed significant glucose utilization in the group of animals treated with Suaeda. The study demonstrates that acute or sub-acute treatment of 10 % ethanol extract of Suaeda produced a significant reduction in blood glucose levels in STZ- diabetic mice and caused significant glucose utilization in OGTT mice.

References

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5. Fahmy A K, Ibrahim A M H, El-Shazly A M, El-Sayed A M, et al. (2003) Plant derived pest control agents: III- insecticidal and biochemical studies of different plant extracts against Culex pipiens larvae. J. Agric. Environ. Sci 2 : 56-68.
6. Suaeda Forsskål ex J F, Gmelin (2011) Onomat Compl 8: 797-1776.