Clinical Studies

Abstracts are presented below for clinical studies on Vidanga.

  • Botanical Name: Embelia Ribes

  • Ayurvedic Name: Vavding

  • Common Name: Vidanga

Embelia Ribes

Plant Phytonutrient Profile

1: J Nat Prod. 2006 Nov;69(11):1629-32.

A nitrogen-containing 3-alkyl-1,4-benzoquinone and a gomphilactone derivative
from Embelia ribes.

Lin P, Li S, Wang S, Yang Y, Shi J.

Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking
Union Medical College (Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Resources
Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education), Beijing,
People's Republic of China.

An unusual nitrogen-containing 3-alkyl-1,4-benzoquinone derivative,
N-(3-carboxylpropyl)-5-amino-2-hydroxy-3-tridecyl-1,4-benzoquinone (1), and a
gomphilactone derivative,
5,6-dihydroxy-7-tridecyl-3-[4-tridecyl-3-hydroxy-5-oxo-2(5H)-furylidene]-2-oxo-3
(2H)-benzofuran (2), together with 14 known compounds, as well as the common
plant metabolites sitosterol and daucosterol, were isolated from the ethanolic
extract of the roots of Embelia ribes. Their structures were elucidated by means
of spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicities of the purified compounds were tested.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17125236 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

2: Biotechnol Lett. 2007 Feb;29(2):319-22. Epub 2006 Nov 24.

Microwave-assisted extraction of embelin from Embelia ribes.

Latha C.

Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 560 012,
India, latha_research@yahoo.com.

A rapid and efficient microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process for the
selective extraction of embelin from Embelia ribes was developed. Solvent
selection, microwave energy input and solid loading were optimized. The rate of
extraction and purity of embelin depended upon the solvent used and exposure
time to microwaves. Maximum MAE was achieved in acetone with total yield of 92%
(w/w) embelin with 90% (w/w) purity with 1% (w/v) raw material loading at 150 W
power level in 80 s. Non-polar solvents, such as hexane and dichloromethane,
were not effective for the selective extraction of embelin.

PMID: 17124632 [PubMed - in process]

3: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Feb 12;109(3):406-11. Epub 2006 Aug 15.

Postnatal development and reproductive performance of F(1) progeny exposed in
utero to an ayurvedic contraceptive: Pippaliyadi yoga.

Balasinor N, Bhan A, Paradkar NS, Shaikh A, Nandedkar TD, Bhutani KK,
Roy-Chaudhury M.

National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J.M. Street,
Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.

Pippaliyadi yoga or pippaliyadi vati is an ayurvedic contraceptive used in India
since ancient times. It is a combination of powdered fruit berries of Embelia
ribes Burm.f. (Myrsinaceae), Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) and borax in equal
proportion. Though the contraceptive potential is known since ancient times, no
systematic developmental toxicity studies have been carried out. The present
study was carried out to evaluate the postnatal developmental toxicity and the
reproductive performance of the progeny exposed in utero to pippaliyadi.
Pippaliyadi yoga was obtained from National Institute for Pharmaceutical
Education and Research (NIPER), India and the developmental toxicity was studied
by administering three doses, viz. 140, 300 and 700mg/(kgday) to gravid females
from day 6 to day 16 of gestation. Pippaliyadi did not have any adverse
developmental effects with low doses, however, with the five times higher dose,
a decrease in body weight of the pups was observed. The reproductive performance
of the progeny born to mothers treated with pippaliyadi was not significantly
affected. The present study suggests that in utero exposure to pippaliyadi does
not have any adverse effect on the postnatal development and reproductive
performance of the F(1) progeny.

PMID: 17088035 [PubMed - in process]

4: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Feb 12;109(3):529-34. Epub 2006 Sep 8.

Wound healing activity of embelin isolated from the ethanol extract of leaves of
Embelia ribes Burm.

Kumara Swamy HM, Krishna V, Shankarmurthy K, Abdul Rahiman B, Mankani KL,
Mahadevan KM, Harish BG, Raja Naika H.

P.G. Department of Studies and Research in Biotechnology, Kuvempu University,
Shankaraghatta-577 451, Karnataka, India.

Ethanol extract of the leaves of Embelia ribes Burm. (Myrsinaceae) and its
isolated quinone compound embelin were screened for wound healing activity by
excision, incision and dead space wound models on Swiss Albino Rats. Significant
wound healing activity was observed in both ethanol crude extract (30mg/ml) and
the constituent treated groups. In embelin treated groups (4mg/ml of 0.2% sodium
alginate gel), epithelialization of the incision wound was faster with a high
rate of wound contraction. The tensile strength of the incision wound was
significantly increased than the ethanol extract. In dead space wound model also
the weight of the granulation was increased indicating increase in
collagenation. The histological examination of the granulation tissue of embelin
treated group showed increased cross-linking of collagen fibers and absence of
monocytes. The wound healing effect was comparatively evaluated with the
standard skin ointment Framycetin.

PMID: 17034970 [PubMed - in process]

5: Mol Pharmacol. 2007 Jan;71(1):209-19. Epub 2006 Oct 6.

Embelin, an inhibitor of X chromosome-linked inhibitor-of-apoptosis protein,
blocks nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) signaling pathway leading to
suppression of NF-kappaB-regulated antiapoptotic and metastatic gene products.

Ahn KS, Sethi G, Aggarwal BB.

Cytokine Research Laboratory, Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The
University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX
77030, USA.

Identifying the active chemical ingredients of ancient medicines and the
molecular targets of those ingredients is an attractive therapeutic objective.
Embelin, identified primarily from the Embelia ribes plant, is one such compound
shown to exhibit chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, and apoptotic activities
through an unknown mechanism. Because nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)
regulates several genes associated with inflammation, proliferation,
carcinogenesis, and apoptosis, we postulated that embelin might mediate its
activity through modulation of NF-kappaB activation. We found that embelin
inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation. Both
inducible and constitutive NF-kappaB activation were abrogated by embelin. In
addition, NF-kappaB activated by diverse stimuli such as interleukin-1beta,
lipopolysaccharide, phorbol myristate acetate, okadaic acid, hydrogen peroxide,
and cigarette smoke condensate also was suppressed. We found that embelin
inhibited sequentially the TNFalpha-induced activation of the inhibitory subunit
of NF-kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha) kinase, IkappaBalpha phosphorylation,
IkappaBalpha degradation, and p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation.
Embelin also suppressed NF-kappaB-dependent reporter gene transcription induced
by TNFalpha, TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1), TNFR1-associated death domain protein,
TNFR-associated factor-2, NF-kappaB-inducing kinase, and IkappaBalpha kinase but
not by p65. Furthermore, we found that embelin down-regulated gene products
involved in cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of the tumor.
This down-regulation was associated with enhanced apoptosis by cytokine and
chemotherapeutic agents. Together, our results indicate that embelin is a novel
NF-kappaB blocker and potential suppressor of tumorigenesis.

Publication Types:
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

PMID: 17028156 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

6: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Jan 19;109(2):359-63. Epub 2006 Aug 4.

Screening of selected Indian medicinal plants for acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory activity.

Vinutha B, Prashanth D, Salma K, Sreeja SL, Pratiti D, Padmaja R, Radhika S,
Amit A, Venkateshwarlu K, Deepak M.

Department of Pharmacognosy, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Hosur Road,
Bangalore, India.

Seventy-six plant extracts including methanolic and successive water extracts
from 37 Indian medicinal plants were investigated for acetylcholinesterase
(AChE) inhibitory activity (in vitro). Results indicated that methanolic
extracts to be more active than water extracts. The potent AChE inhibiting
methanolic plant extracts included Withania somnifera (root), Semecarpus
anacardium (stem bark), Embelia ribes (Root), Tinospora cordifolia (stem), Ficus
religiosa (stem bark) and Nardostachys jatamansi (rhizome). The IC(50) values
obtained for these extracts were 33.38, 16.74, 23.04, 38.36, 73.69 and
47.21mug/ml, respectively. These results partly substantiate the traditional use
of these herbs for improvement of cognition.

PMID: 16950584 [PubMed - in process]

7: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Nov 3;108(1):85-9. Epub 2006 Apr 27.

In vitro screening of six anthelmintic plant products against larval Haemonchus
contortus with a modified methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium reduction assay.

Hordegen P, Cabaret J, Hertzberg H, Langhans W, Maurer V.

Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Research Institute of Organic
Agriculture, Ackerstrasse, 5070 Frick, Switzerland.

Because of the increasing anthelmintic resistance and the impact of conventional
anthelmintics on the environment, it is important to look for alternative
strategies against gastrointestinal nematodes. Phytotherapy could be one of the
major options to control these pathologies. Extracts or ingredients of six
different plant species were tested against exsheathed infective larvae of
Haemonchus contortus using a modified methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT)
reduction assay. Pyrantel tartrate was used as reference anthelmintic.
Bromelain, the enzyme complex of the stem of Ananas comosus (Bromeliaceae), the
ethanolic extracts of seeds of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae), Caesalpinia
crista (Caesalpiniaceae) and Vernonia anthelmintica (Asteraceae), and the
ethanolic extracts of the whole plant of Fumaria parviflora (Papaveraceae) and
of the fruit of Embelia ribes (Myrsinaceae) showed an anthelmintic efficacy of
up to 93%, relative to pyrantel tartrate. Based on these results obtained with
larval Haemonchus contortus, the modified MTT reduction assay could be a
possible method for testing plant products with anthelmintic properties.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16725288 [PubMed - in process]

8: Fitoterapia. 2005 Sep;76(6):549-55.

Chemopreventive effects of embelin and curcumin against
N-nitrosodiethylamine/phenobarbital-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats.

Sreepriya M, Bali G.

Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Jnana Bharti Campus, Bangalore
University, Bangalore 560 056, Karnataka, India. mpriya7@yahoo.com

The effects of embelin (50 mg/kg/day), a benzoquinone derivative of Embelia
ribes, and the effects of curcumin (100 mg/kg/day), the active principle of
Curcuma longa, against N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA)-initiated and phenobarbital
(PB)-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis were studied in Wistar rats. They were able
to prevent the induction of hepatic hyper plastic nodules, body weight loss,
increase in the levels of hepatic diagnostic markers, and hypoproteinemia
induced by DENA/PB treatment. Hence, results of our study suggest the possible
chemopreventive effects of embelin (EMB) and curcumin (CUR) against
DENA/PB-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16009505 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

9: Pharmazie. 2005 Jan;60(1):69-71.

New compounds from the seeds of Embelia ribes Burm.

Hao K, Ali M, Siddiqui AW.

Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jamia
Hamdard, New Delhi, India.

Phytochemical investigation of the seeds of Embelia ribes Burm. resulted in the
isolation of three new compounds identified as
3-(4"-hydroxyoctadecanyloxy)-p-quinonyl-5-methylene-8-(10-pentanyloxy)-p-quinone
(embelinol) (1), n-pentacosanyl-n-nonadeca-7'-en-9'-alpha-ol-1'-oate
(embeliaribyl ester) (2) and 1,2,4,5-tetrahydroxy 3-undecanyl benzene (embeliol)
(3) along with the known compound
2,5-dihydroxy-3-undecyl-2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione (embelin) (4). Their
structures have been established on the basis of spectral data analyses and
chemical reactions.

PMID: 15700782 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Phytother Res. 2004 Aug;18(8):670-3.

Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti-enteric
potential against multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi.

Rani P, Khullar N.

Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh-160 014, India.

Screening was done of some plants of importance in the Ayurvedic system of
traditional medicine used in India to treat enteric diseases. Fifty four plant
extracts (methanol and aqueous) were assayed for their activity against
multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi. Strong antibacterial activity was shown
by the methanol extracts of Aegle marmelos, Salmalia malabarica, Punica
granatum, Myristica fragrans, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Terminalia arjuna and
Triphal (mixture of Emblica of fi cinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia
belerica). Moderate antimicrobial activity was shown by Picorhiza kurroa, Acacia
catechu, Acacia nilotica, Cichorium intybus, Embelia ribes, Solanum nigrum,
Carum copticum, Apium graveolens, Ocimum sanctum, Peucedanum graveolens and
Butea monosperma.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15476301 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

11: Vet Parasitol. 2003 Nov 3;117(1-2):51-60.

The anthelmintic efficacy of five plant products against gastrointestinal
trichostrongylids in artificially infected lambs.

Hordegen P, Hertzberg H, Heilmann J, Langhans W, Maurer V.

Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Research Institute of Organic
Agriculture, Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland.

Forty-eight helminth-free lambs were divided into eight groups (A-H) of six
animals. Groups A-G were infected artificially with 10,000 third stage larvae of
Haemonchus contortus and 20,000 third stage larvae of Trichostrongylus
colubriformis, whereas group H remained uninfected. Thirty days post-infection
the lambs were treated orally with a single dosage of one of the following
products: group A with 3 mg/kg body weight (BW) of an aqueous ethanol extract
(70%, v/v) of the seeds of Azadirachta indica A. Juss syn. Melia azedarach L.
(Meliaceae); group B with 1 g/kg BW of a raw powder of the leaves of Ananas
comosus (L.) Merr. (Bromeliaceae); group C with 0.3 mg/kg BW of an aqueous
ethanol extract of a 1:1 mixture (g/g) of Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd.
(Asteraceae) seeds and Embelia ribes Burm (Myrsinaceae) fruits; group D with 183
mg/kg BW of an aqueous ethanol extract of the whole plants of Fumaria parviflora
Lam. (Fumariaceae); group E with 28 mg/kg BW of an aqueous ethanol extract of
the seeds of Caesalpinia crista L. (Caesalpiniaceae); group F with 25 mg/kg BW
of pyrantel tartrate and group G with 50% ethanol. Group H remained untreated.
Only the ethanol extract of F. parviflora caused a strong reduction of the
faecal egg counts (100%) and a 78.2 and 88.8% reduction of adult H. contortus
and T. colubriformis on day 13 post-treatment. The extract was as effective as
the reference compound pyrantel tartrate. Therefore, the ethanol extract itself
or single constituents of F. parviflora could be a promising alternative source
of anthelmintic for the treatment of gastrointestinal trichostrongylids in small
ruminants.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14597279 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

12: Fitoterapia. 2003 Jun;74(4):401-3.

Antibacterial activity of embelin.

Chitra M, Devi CS, Sukumar E.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Madras, Guindy
Campus, Chennai 600 025, India.

Embelin, a benzoquinone-derivative isolated from Embelia ribes, when tested for
its antibacterial potential exhibited significant inhibition against five and
moderate activity against three strains of the 12 bacteria tested.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12781816 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

13: Int J Exp Diabetes Res. 2002 Jul-Sep;3(3):159-62.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Embelia ribes on dyslipidemia in diabetic rats.

Bhandari U, Kanojia R, Pillai KK.

Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, New Delhi,
India.

Diabetes mellitus has been treated orally with herbal remedies based on folk
medicine since ancient times. Embelia ribes burm (Myrsinaceae), known commonly
as vidanga, was used in Ayurveda for its anthelmintic activity. Ayurveda
describes vidanga as pungent, causes increase in digestive fire, and cures
flatulence and colic. A single study reported the antihyperglycemic activity of
decoction of E. ribes in glucose-induced hyperglycemic albino rabbits. In the
present study, the lipid-lowering and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract
of E. ribes burm was investigated in streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, IV, single
injection)-induced diabetes in rats. Twenty days of orally feeding the extract
(200 mg/kg) to diabetic rats resulted in significant (P < 0.01) decrease in
blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, and triglycerides, and increase in
HDL-cholesterol levels when compared to pathogenic diabetic rats. Further, the
extract also lowered the liver and pancreas thiobarbituric acid-reactive
substances (TBARSs) values (P < 0.01) when compared to TBARS values of liver and
pancreas of pathogenic diabetic rats. The results of test drug were comparable
to gliclazide (25 mg/kg, orally), a standard antihyperglycemic agent. This is
the first pilot study to provide biochemical evidence of potential of E. ribes
in diabetic dyslipidemia.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 12458656 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

14: J Biosci. 2001 Nov;26(4 Suppl):391-405.

Current status of fertility control methods in India.

Sharma RS, Rajalakshmi M, Sharma RS, Jeyaraj DA.

Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110 029, India.
radheyss@hotmail.com

Approximately 48.2% of couples of 15 to 49 years of age practice family planning
methods in India. Female sterilization accounts for 34.2%, with male
sterilization declining from 3.4% in 1992-93 to 1.9% in 1998-99. Use of the
condom increased to 3.1% from 2.4%. There is an urgent need for research to
develop new contraceptive modalities especially for men and also for women and
to make existing methods more safe, affordable and acceptable. Current efforts
in India to develop a male contraceptive are mainly directed towards (i)
development of antispermatogenic agents to suppress sperm production, (ii)
prevention of sperm maturation, (iii) prevention of sperm transport through vas
deferens or rendering these sperm infertile and (iv) prevention of sperm
deposition. Research work in the field of prevention of sperm transport through
vas deferens has made significant advances. Styrene maleic anhydride (SMA)
disturbed the electrical charge of spermatozoa leading to acrosome rupture and
consequent loss in fertilizing ability of sperm. A multicentre phase-III
clinical trial using SMA is continuing and it is hoped that the SMA approach
would be available in the near future as an indigenously developed injectable
intra-vasal male contraceptive. The safety and efficacy of available oral
contraceptives were evaluated. An indigenously developed oral contraceptive
'Centchorman', which is a nonsteroidal, weakly estrogenic but potently
antiestrogenic, was found to be safe and effective and is now being marketed in
India since 1991 as a 'once a week' pill. Cyclofem and Mesigyna have been
recommended as injectable contraceptives with proper counselling and service
delivery by Indian studies. It has been recommended that these injectable
contraceptives be added to the existing range of contraceptive methods available
in the National Family Planning Programme. Based on the Indian studies CuT 200
was also recommended. Studies have indicated the advantage of intrauterine
devices (IUD); they are long acting, relatively easily removed and fertility
returns rapidly after their removal. Recent studies have recommended CuT 200 for
use up to 5 years. The combination of some plant products i.e. Embelia ribes,
Borax and Piper longum has been found to be safe and effective as a female
contraceptive and the results of phase-I clinical trials are encouraging.
Research work is going on in the country in various areas with special reference
to hormonal contraceptive - a three monthly injectable contraceptive,
immuno-contraceptives, antiprogestins, etc.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 11779954 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

15: Chemosphere. 2001 Sep;44(8):1691-5.

Combinations of Azadirachta indica and Cedrus deodara oil with piperonyl
butoxide, MGK-264 and Embelia ribes against Lymnaea acuminata.

Rao IG, Singh DK.

Department of Zoology, DDU Gorakhpur University, UP, India.

The binary and tertiary combinations of plant-derived molluscicides Azadirachta
indica and Cedrus deodara oil with synergists MGK-264, piperonyl butoxide (PB)
and fruit powder of Embelia ribes were used against the Lymnaea acuminata. It
was observed that the toxic effects of these mixtures were time- and
dose-dependent. The binary and tertiary mixtures of plant-derived molluscicides
with synergists were more toxic with respect to the single treatment of the
plant-derived molluscicides. Maximum synergistic action in binary and tertiary
combinations was found in A. indica + C. deodara oil and A. indica+ PB + C.
deodara in 1:7 and 1:5:7 ratio, respectively.

PMID: 11534900 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Indian J Exp Biol. 2001 Mar;39(3):263-8.

Molluscicidal activity of Lawsonia inermis and its binary and tertiary
combinations with other plant derived molluscicides.

Singh A, Singh DK.

Department of Zoology, DDU Gorakhpur University, India.

Molluscicidal activity of leaf, bark and seed of Lawsonia inermis against
Lymnaea acuminata and Indoplanorbis exustus was studied. Highest toxicity was
observed in the seed of Lawsonia inermis. Toxicity of binary (1:1) and tertiary
(1:1:1) combinations of the essential oil of cedar (Cedrus deodara Roxh) and
neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss), powder from bulb of garlic (Allium sativum
Linn), and oleoresin extracted from rhizome of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc)
with Lawsonia inermis and Embelia ribes fruit powder were studied against L.
acuminata and I. exustus. L. inermis seed powder in combination with Cedrus
deodara oil and Azadirachta indica oil was more toxic than their individual
components and other combinations.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11495286 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

17: Fitoterapia. 2001 Feb;72(2):179-81.

Effect of certain plant extracts on alpha-amylase activity.

Prashanth D, Padmaja R, Samiulla DS.

Bioassay unit, Research & Development Centre, Natural Remedies Pvt. Ltd., Plot
No. 5B, Veerasandra Indl. Area, Hosur Road, -561 229, Bangalore, India.
indherbs@vsnl.com

Ethanolic extracts of Punica granatum, Mangifera indica, Boerhaavia diffusa,
Embelia ribes, Phyllanthus maderaspatensis, and Withania somnifera, were tested
for their effect on alpha-amylase activity (in vitro). P. granatum and M. indica
were found to exhibit interesting alpha-amylase inhibitory activity.

PMID: 11223231 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

18: J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Feb;74(2):189-93.

Embryotoxicity and teratogenicity studies of an ayurvedic
contraceptive--pippaliyadi vati.

Chaudhury MR, Chandrasekaran R, Mishra S.

Division of Toxicology, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg,
110067, New Delhi, India.

An ayurvedic contraceptive--pippaliyadi vati, containing equal parts of powdered
seeds or fruit berries of Embelia ribes, fruit of Piper longum and borax powder
was fed orally to two groups of pregnant rats: 2.5 times to one and five times
to the other; the recommended dose for humans. The foetuses of mothers fed with
pippaliyadi had low birth weights and were smaller in length. The mothers gained
less weight during gestation. Developmental defects of soft tissues and
skeletons were analyzed. There were instances of herniation of the intestines
into the umbilical cord in foetuses of mothers who were administered
pippaliyadi. The control and the gum acacia groups did not show such herniation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11167037 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

19: Oncology. 1995 Jan-Feb;52(1):66-8.

[3H]-thymidine uptake and lipid peroxidation by tumor cells on embelin
treatment: an in vitro study.

Chitra M, Sukumar E, Devi CS.

Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, India.

Using a rapid technique to assess drug-induced cell toxicity, a fibrosarcoma
cell line was exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of embelin, a
benzoquinone derivative of Embelia ribes Burm., and simultaneously inoculated
with [3H]-thymidine. After regular time intervals, the cells were examined for
incorporation of the labelled thymidine in DNA, lipid peroxide and glutathione
levels. A dose-dependent decrease in labelled thymidine uptake, lipid peroxide
and glutathione levels was observed on embelin administration.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 7800345 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Natl Med J India. 1993 Sep-Oct;6(5):199-201.

The quest for a herbal contraceptive.

Chaudhury RR.

PIP: An oral herbal contraceptive would allow couples control their fertility
without consulting a health worker, which in turn would likely markedly increase
the number of couples practicing family planning. Other advantages of such a
contraceptive would include the familiarity rural people have with herbal
medicines, the fewer side effects associated with herbal preparations, their
ready availability from local sources, and protection of privacy. There are
many references to plants in India with antifertility properties. Since 1966,
the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been conducting research to
identify a herbal contraceptive, as have other organizations. Plants that have
exhibited antifertility activity in clinical trials include Hibiscus
rosasinensis (benzene extract of the flower petals suppresses implantation);
Rudrapushpaka (extract of the flower petals prevents pregnancy); Embelia ribes
(pregnancy prevention); Davcus carota, Butea monosperma, and Sapindus
trifoliatis (seeds have an anti-implantation effect); and Mentha arvensis
(leaves have anti-implantation effect). The Central Drug Research Institute in
Lucknow, India, in collaboration with the US National Institutes of Health, the
World Health Organization, and the ICMR confirm anti-implantation activity in
Ferula jaeschkeana, Bupleurum marginatum, Lepidium capitatum, Caesalpinia
sepiaria, Lonicera japonica, Juniperus communis, Lotus corniculatus, Lamium
allum, and Acacia farnesiana. In China, scientists have evaluated the
cotton-seed extract gossypol as a male contraceptive. They are now studying the
possible antifertility effect on men of the plant Tripterygium wilfordii. From
all the aforementioned plants as well as others under investigation, three
possible types of contraceptives could be developed: an anti-ovulatory
contraceptive; a postcoital contraceptive; and a male contraceptive. Some
obstacles to their development include difficulties in obtaining adequate
quantities of the herbs, a shortage of clinical pharmacologists and clinicians
interested in conducting clinical trials, and lack of long-term financial
support.

Publication Types:
Editorial

PMID: 8241931 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

21: Pak J Pharm Sci. 1990 Jul;3(2):69-74.

Screening of Veronica anthelmintica seed and Embella ribes fruit mixed in equal
parts against gastrointestinal nematodes.

Javed I, Akhtar MS.

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad.

The antinematodal activity of a mixed prescription of Veronia anthelmintica seed
(Kali zeeri) and Embelia ribes fruit (Babrang) was evaluated in goats. The EPG
(Egg per gram) counts were made in the faeces before and on the 3rd, 10th and
15th days of the treatment with the powder in 0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg body weight
doses and with the water and methanol extracts equivalent to 2 g/kg of the
original powder. The evaluation of data on 15th day of the administration showed
that 2 g/kg of powder, its equivalent amount of methanol extract and 0.01 g/kg
of morantel tartrate are equally effective and safe in treating natural
gastrointestinal nematode infection of the local goats.

PMID: 16414673 [PubMed]

22: Indian J Exp Biol. 1990 Mar;28(3):213-7.

Toxicity studies with potassium embelate, a new analgesic compound.

Johri RK, Dhar SK, Pahwa GS, Sharma SC, Kaul JL, Zutshi U.

Regional Research Laboratory, Jammu-Tawi, India.

Potassium embelate, 2,5-dihydroxy, 3-undecyl-1, 4-benzoquinone, from Embelia
ribes Burm. was subjected to toxicity evaluation which included subacute,
chronic, reproductive toxicity testing and teratological investigations in
laboratory animals (mice, rats and monkeys). The results did not indicate
adverse effects suggesting that potassium embelate is a safe compound.

PMID: 2365416 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

23: Indian J Exp Biol. 1989 Jul;27(7):656-7.

Possible interaction of potassium embelate, a putative analgesic agent, with
opiate receptors.

Zutshi U, Johri RK, Atal CK.

The in vivo studies have been carried out in the rat brain for characterization
of binding sites for potassium embelate (ex: Embelia ribes) a potent centrally
acting analgesic compound. The results indicate that mixed mu and kappa binding
sites in the brain may be involved in the analgesic action of this compound.

PMID: 2561116 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

24: Contraception. 1989 Mar;39(3):307-20.

Antispermatogenic effect of embelin, a plant benzoquinone, on male albino rats
in vivo and in vitro.

Gupta S, Sanyal SN, Kanwar U.

Department of Zoology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.

Embelin, the active principle of the seeds of Embelia ribes Burm, has been
isolated and the purity established. Daily subcutaneous administration of the
compound at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight to male albino rats for 15 or 30 days
revealed an inhibition of: a) epididymal motile sperm count, b) fertility
parameters such as pregnancy attainment and litter size, and c) the activities
of the enzymes of glycolysis and energy metabolism. These changes were
reversible, as seen after 15 and 30 days of recovery. Addition of embelin to
epididymal sperm suspensions caused a dose- and duration-dependent inhibition of
spermatozoal motility and the activities of the enzymes of carbohydrate
metabolism. Light and scanning electron microscopy showed that both in vivo and
in vitro treatment with the drug causes profound morphological changes in
spermatozoa such as: a) decapitation of the spermatozoal head, b) discontinuity
of the outer membranous sheath in the mid-piece and the tail region, and c)
alteration in the shape of the cytoplasmic droplet in the tail.

Publication Types:
In Vitro

PMID: 2714091 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

25: Acta Eur Fertil. 1986 Jul-Aug;17(4):297-300.

Histochemical localization of alkaline phosphatase in the uterus of rats:
response to a few indigenous plant extracts.

Mathur R.

Localization of alkaline phosphatase in the uterine luminal and glandular
epithelium of rats under the influence of 50% ethanolic and benzene extracts of
three indigenous plants viz. Embelia ribes Burm. (dried berries), Artobotrys
odoratissimus Linn. (fresh green leaves) and Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn.
(flowers) has been studied histochemically. 75 and 150 mg/kg doses of 50%
ethanolic extracts of E. ribes increased the intensity of reaction for alkaline
phosphatase in both luminal and glandular epithelium, whereas extracts of A.
odorantissimus and H. rosa-sinensis could not elicit any significant positive
staining in luminal and glandular epithelium for alkaline phosphatase. Intense
positive reaction for alkaline phosphatase due to E. ribes extract has been
correlated with its estrogenic mode of action.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 3577595 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

26: Andrologia. 1986 Mar-Apr;18(2):125-31.

Antifertility effects of embelin in male rats.

Agrawal S, Chauhan S, Mathur R.

Embelin, extracted from Embelia ribes Burm. berries, altered the testicular
histology and glycogen, gametogenic counts and accessory sex gland fructose at
the dose levels 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg body weight administered subcutaneously
for 35 days. The compound is suggested to possess antiandrogenic activity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 3717601 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

27: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 1985 Nov;81(2):220-30.

Visual deficits and retinotoxicity caused by the naturally occurring
anthelmintics, Embelia ribes and Hagenia abyssinica.

Low G, Rogers LJ, Brumley SP, Ehrlich D.

The naturally occurring anthelmintics, Embelia ribes (Enkoko) and Hagenia
abyssinica (Kosso), have been reported to possibly cause optic atrophy among the
Ethiopian population. In this study we found retinal pathology and defects in
visual behavior in chicks treated with Enkoko, Kosso, or embelin, a crystalline
extract of E. ribes. The chicks were fed orally with a high dose of 0.25 g (5
g/kg) or a low dose of 0.025 g (0.5 g/kg) per day of Enkoko or Kosso, beginning
on Day 2 of life. The high dose for Enkoko was administered for 1 or 5 days,
while that for Kosso was administered for 1 or 9 days. For the low dose of both
Enkoko and Kosso, the dosing regime was for a period of 1, 4, or 9 days. Embelin
was administered at a dose of 0.001 g (0.02 g/kg) per day for 9 days. Control
chicks were force fed an equivalent amount of chick feed. Treatment with Enkoko
or Kosso significantly reduced the ability of chicks to detect a moving bead
introduced into the peripheral field of vision. The degree of constriction of
the visual field for detection was dependent upon the total amount of drug
administered. Performance on a visual discrimination task, which required
discrimination of feed grains from pebbles, was also impaired in chicks treated
with total doses of 0.200 and 0.250 g of Enkoko or Kosso. Thus, the extent of
deficit in visually guided tasks was found to be dose dependent. The visual
deficits observed in Enkoko-treated chicks were mimicked by embelin, which
suggests that embelin may be responsible for the visual defects. Anatomical
evidence of degeneration of ganglion cells was found in retinae exposed to high
doses of Enkoko (1.25 g) and Kosso (2.25 g). However, no retinal lesions were
detected in chicks following treatment with cumulative doses of less than 0.25 g
of Enkoko or Kosso. Similarly, retinal pathology was not observed in
embelin-exposed retinae.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 4060151 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

28: Contracept Fertil Sex (Paris). 1985 Apr;13(4):649-55.

[Biological evaluation of some medicinal plant extracts for contraceptive
efficacy in females]

[Article in French]

Prakash AO.

PIP: In a search for traditional medicinal plants having contraceptive efficacy,
plants were identified and collected throughout India, generally by purchase
from sellers of Ayurvedic remedies. The plants were air dried, cut, and
processed using different organic solvents. The contraceptive properties of the
plants were studied in rats, mice, and hamsters. Doses of 100-200 mg/kg of 137
plants were given orally to 5-6 animals for each plant. 27 appeared promising
enough for further testing in which 2-3 extracts of each plant were administered
to adult rats. The contraceptive action of 14 plants was confirmed.
Significant contraceptive effects were seen after administration of Crotalaria
juncea Linn, Verbena hybrida Linn, Verbena bonariensis Linn, and Pueraria
tuberosa. Embelia ribes Burm and Artabotrys odoratissimus Linn were found to
have interesting biologic properties but strong toxic effects. P. tuberosa had
strong estrogenic and progestational effects but was not toxic in a dose of 500
mg/kg for 30 days in adult rats. A hormone study and trial with P. tuberosa
should be undertaken with a view to eventual development of an oral
contraceptive.

Publication Types:
English Abstract

PMID: 12340145 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

29: J Ethnopharmacol. 1984 Aug;11(3):309-17.

Non-narcotic orally effective, centrally acting analgesic from an Ayurvedic
drug.

Atal CK, Siddiqui MA, Zutshi U, Amla V, Johri RK, Rao PG, Kour S.

Embelin, a p-quinone, is derived from Embelia ribes Burm. The analgesic effect
of potassium embelate has been studied in rats and mice. The test drug was found
to be effective by oral, i.m. and i.c.v. routes and the results compared well
with morphine. Although potassium embelate acts centrally to produce analgesia,
its effect is not antagonized by naloxone indicating a different central site of
action. There is no precipitation of abstinence syndrome as observed with
morphine. Peripheral site of action of the drug is ruled out as it lacks any
demonstrable anti-inflammatory action. It can be concluded that high oral
efficacy and non-narcotic properties of the test drug make it more acceptable
than morphine. In addition, lack of any adverse effects, high therapeutic index
and absence of abstinence syndrome confers a long term safety on potassium
embelate for use as an analgesic.

PMID: 6541278 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

30: J Ethnopharmacol. 1982 Sep;6(2):191-226.

Research on plants for fertility regulation in India.

Kamboj VP, Dhawan BN.

PIP: This present review of Indian plants investigated for fertility regulation
includes published literature of the country and unpublished data of the Central
Drug Research Institute (CDRI), located in Lucknow, India. Publications without
supportive experimental data have not been included. It is evident from the
data presented in the tables that most of the investigators have failed to
include the valuable information on the time and place of collection and proper
botanical authentication, if conducted, in their publications. The plants
evaluated at the Institute do contain this information and their herbaria sheets
are available at CDRI. The plants, with part used, type of extract, isolated
compound/chromatographic fraction, dose, route and schedule of administration
with animal used, and percentage activity are given in tables. The plants are
classified according to their activity profile and presented accordingly.
Plants for which the hormonal profile or toxicity data have been reported are
dealt with under each type of activity. Most of the investigators did not
develop the active plants, probably because of inconsistent results in repeat
tests or lack of facilities. Major attention has been devoted to identifying
plants with interceptive properties. The schedules used are more or less
uniform and acceptable. On the basis of preliminary toxicity data,
extracts/compounds from "Aristolochia indica," "Artemisia scoparia," "Hibiscus
rosa sinensis," "Laccardia lacca," and "Plumbago zeylanica" exclude themselves
from consideration for follow-up. Wherever done, the hormonal profiles revealed
estrogenic activity in active extracts/fractions/compounds from "Artabotrys
odoratissimus," "Datura quercifolia," "Daucus carota," "Embelia ribes,"
"Hibiscus rosa sinensis," "Pueraria tuberosa" and "Tabernaemontana heyneana."
Thus they are not ideal for follow-up. Some more plants can be excluded
initially because of low activity or equivocal reports on activity. The
remaining plants, in order of priority, for follow-up should be "Ensete
superbum," "Achyranthes aspera," "Lygodium flexosum," "Sapindus trifoliatus,"
"Polygonum hydropiper," and "Abrus precatorius." The next priority could be
given to plants with weak estrogenicity. The CDRI has observed 100%
anti-implantation activity by 4 plants in hamsters. These should be the
potential plants for development since they appear to interfere with
progesterone synthesis or utilization.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 6752588 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

31: Indian J Exp Biol. 1980 Nov;18(11):1359-60.

Antifertility properties of Embelia ribes : (embelin).

Krishnaswamy M, Purushothaman KK.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 7216303 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

32: Indian J Exp Biol. 1980 Jun;18(6):638-9.

Antifertility properties of Embelia ribes.

Krishnaswamy M, Purushothaman KK.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 7439948 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

33: Indian J Exp Biol. 1979 Sep;17(9):935-6.

Semen analysis & hormonal levels in bonnet macaques administered Embelia ribes
berries, an indigenous plant having contraceptive activity.

Purandare TV, Kholkute SD, Gurjar A, Joshi UM, Dattatreyamurty B, Sheth AR,
Swamy XR, Jayaraman S, Munshi SR.

PMID: 120847 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

34: Planta Med. 1979 Aug;36(4):369-74.

Phosphatases activity in the uterus of intact and ovariectomized rats: response
to Embelia ribes extracts.

Prakash AO.

PMID: 493401 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

35: Planta Med. 1979 Jun;36(2):134-41.

Studies on oestrous cycle of albino rats: response to Embelia ribes extracts.

Prakash AO, Mathur R.

PMID: 572561 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

36: Planta Med. 1979 Apr;35(4):370-2.

Effect of Embelia ribes on uterine weight of normal and ovariectomized rats.

Prakash AO.

PMID: 451056 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

37: Indian J Exp Biol. 1978 Oct;16(10):1035-7.

Antifertility effects of Embelia ribes Burm.

Kholkute SD, Kekare MB, Jathar VS, Munshi SR.

PMID: 750377 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

38: Curr Med Pract. 1971;15(2):614-6.

A study of an indigenous drug Maswin as an oral contraceptive.

Shah NK.

PIP: A clinical trial of the oral indigenous contraceptive Maswin was conducted
on 48 fertile women (ages 26-42) for 1 year covering 538 menstrual cycles. 1
tablet (400 mg Embelia ribes extract) was taken each morning for 10 days
beginning on the fifth day of menstration; total dosage was 10 tablets for 1
menstrual cycle. No pregnancies, side-effects, or toxic symptoms occurred. All
expressed a sense of well-being and were eager to continue useage of Maswin.
Embelia ribes antagonizes the effects of estrogen on the uterus so the uterus is
not in the necessary condition to accept fertilized ovum, so pregnancy does not
take place even though ovulation and fertilization have occurred.

PMID: 12256207 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

 

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