Phytopharmacological Evaluation and Validation of Traditional Formulation, "Madhuhar" with Special Reference to Anti-Diabetic Activity

Abstract

Present study is mainly focused on exploring the traditional system of medicine. A traditional healer in the region of “Dabhoi” (Vadodara rural, Gujarat) has been treating diabetic patients with traditional formulation (“Madhuhar”) containing Myristica fragrans seeds pretreated with datura fruits. Focus of our study is to investigate the claims made by the traditional healer. The formulation “madhuhar” is prepared by a traditional procedure. Efforts have been made to co-relate this procedure with the “Sodhana” process of detoxification mentioned in Ayurveda and to compare both the processes by studying their phytochemical fingerprinting using HPTLC. Further, anti-diabetic activity have been evaluated and compared between myristica traditionally processed (MP) (200 mg/kg, p.o), myristica unprocessed (MU) (200 mg/kg, p.o) and myristica sodhana processed (MSP) (200 mg/kg, p.o) seed powder with standard (Glibenclamide) (500 μg/kg, p.o). Also the physicochemical parameters of all the three powders were determined to develop validation parameters for the above processes. [“Sodhana” processes are detoxification methods mentioned, for various toxic plants as „Sloka‟ in Sanskrit in various ancient literatures are without necessary details. Hence, efforts were made to validate one of the detoxification processes mentioned for „Jaiphala‟ with the help of HPTLC.] Myristicin was used as one of the marker for Myristica fragrans and estimated in all samples i.e MSP, MP, MU using HPTLC, and it was found that traditional processed powder had lesser amount of myristicin compared to the unprocessed powder sample, while sodhana processed powder had more amount of myristicin compared to the unprocessed powder. HPTLC fingerprinting of various samples revealed various qualitative and quantitative changes which needs special attention and need for further detailed investigations. During pre-clinical study, various important biochemical parameters were studied specifically blood glucose levels and serum insulin level. The result showed maximum reduction in Blood glucose levels in MSP (344.49+5.62 to 147.33+2.73). Blood glucose levels of other groups such as MP group (492.65+5.08 to 361.9+6.94), MU group (418.53+3.16 to 404.42+6.24) were also reduced non-significantly and compared with STD (416.13+5.14 to 269.55+3.19). HPTLC fingerprint and pre-clinical observations suggests about the positive outcomes of this traditional processes and need for further investigation about the toxicological studies and possible mechanism of action of through which these traditional formulations exert their beneficial therapeutic effects. Preclinical observations suggests that MSP showed maximum anti-diabetic activity and need for further detailed investigation to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of anti-diabetic activity.