Gastroprotective effect of the iridoid fraction from Barleria prionitis leaves on experimentally-induced gastric ulceration

AIM: To study the gastroprotective effect and in vivo antioxidant potential of a standardized iridoid fraction from B. prionitis leaves(BPE) against different gastric ulcer models in rats. METHOD: The standardized iridoid fraction from BPE at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight was administered orally, twice daily for 5 days for prevention from aspirin, ethanol, cold-restraint stress(CRS), and pylorus ligation(PL)-induced ulcers. Estimation of the antioxidant enzyme activity was carried out in a CRS-induced ulcer model, and various gastric secretion parameters including volume of gastric juice, acid output, and pH value were estimated in the PL-induced ulcer model. RESULTS: BPE showed a dose-dependent ulcer protective effect in PL(18.67%–66.26% protection), aspirin(24.65%–63.25% protection), CRS(20.77%–59.42% protection), and EtOH(16.93%–77.04% protection)-induced ulcers. BPE treatment in PL-rats showed a decrease in acid-pepsin secretion, and enhanced mucin and mucosal glycoproteins. However, BPE reduced the ulcer index with significant decrease in LPO(P < 0.01–0.001), SOD(P < 0.01–0.001), and an increase in CAT(P < 0.01–0.001), activity in the CRS-induced model. CONCLUSION: The data shows that the iridoid fraction from BPE possesses anti-ulcerogenic and antioxidant potential.

Evaluation of Topical Application of Vajradanti Gel in Prevention of Gingivitis

Vajradanti means strong teeth in Hindi. The medicinal properties of Vajradanti plant are well reported in Ayurveda. Its botanical name is Barleria prionitis L. and it belongs to family Acanthaecae. The use of herbal products in the field of medicine has gained popularity in recent years. In India, herbal plants are used as a regular source of medicine. Plants, such as Turmeric, Ashoka and Triphala, are some common household names being widely used nowadays. One such name is Barleria prionitis L. or Vajradanti, having anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fertility properties. The leaves of this flower are also believed to provide relief in tooth ache. So these properties lead us to the use of this shrub in the remedy of dental diseases. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Periodontology, in collaboration with the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India and N.B.R.I. Lucknow. A total of 80 subjects, from age group 20 - 50 years, were selected. The study unit consisted of patients of chronic gingivitis. Simple random sampling, utilizing computer generated random numbers, was employed to assign the participants to two groups, “I” and “II”, each having 40 participants. In patients of Group-I scaling and root planing was performed, whereas in patients of Group-II, scaling and root planing was performed and subjects were advised to apply Vajradanti gel twice daily after brushing. Statistical Analysis: Data were summarized as mean ± SD. Pre and post outcome results of two groups were compared by the paired t-test. Conclusions: Based on the observations and results of our study, it can be concluded that scaling and root planing remains the gold standard for the treatment of gingival and periodontal diseases while the Vajradanti gel (Barleria prionitis L.) can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control in prevention of chronic gingivitis. The beneficial effect of Vajradanti can be attributed to its anti inflammatory properties.