AYYAPPAN

INTRODUCTION:

Eupatorium triplinerve (Vahl.), also known as ayapana (synonyms: ayapana triplinerve and eupatorium ayapana), is an ornamental herb that is widely used for medicinal purposes in countries such as Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mauritius, West Indies, Peru, and Europe. Ethnobotanical studies have shown that the plant and its decoction are highly valued in traditional medicine. Phytochemical studies have revealed that the plant is rich in terpenoids and coumarin derivatives. The plant has been reported to possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and antioxidant properties.

BOTANICAL NAME- Eupatorium triplinerve

FAMILY- composite

SYNONYM-अजापर्ण

Morphology - shrub

chemical constituents - Ayappanin,Ayapin,keratin,vitamin-c

Rasa-Tikta,kashaya

Guna -laghu,Ruksha

Virya-ushna

Vipaka- katu

Karma-kaphapitta Hara,dipan,pacham,anuloman

Amayika prayog-   -agnimandya,ajirna, swasa,kasa,raktapradara,sitajwara

Dosage - 10 ml

Prayojyanga- panchanga

The following is a summary of the various activities of E. prostrata:

Antioxidant Activity:
In Charles River Sprague-Dawley rats, the extract of E. prostrata demonstrated antioxidant effects. The extract at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg doses significantly reduced oxidative biomarkers such as serum lipid peroxide and serum hydroxyl radical levels.

Antimicrobial Activity:
The butanol and water extract of E. prostrata inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus by 45% and 42%, respectively, at a concentration of 3 mg/disc. The highest growth inhibition of 63% for butanol extract and 54% for ethyl acetate fraction were reported against B. subtilis at the concentrations of 3 mg/disc. The butanol extracted sample showed inhibition of 57%, 72%, and 89% at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg/disc, respectively, and that of ethyl acetate extract showed growth inhibitions of 40, 57, and 83% at concentrations of 1, 2, and 3 mg/disc, respectively.

Hepatoprotective Activities:
The aqueous extract of leaves of E. prostrata was administered to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. The extract (250 mg/kg b.w.) reduced the elevated levels of all the biochemical parameters such as glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamine-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and bilirubin.

Anti Hyperlipidemic Activities:
Excess synthesis of triglycerides causes various symptoms such as type II diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity. Diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) is a key enzyme of biosynthesis in the final step of the glycerol phosphate pathway.

Cerebroprotective and Nervous System Related Activities:
In a study on Wister albino rats, the hydroalcoholic extract of E. prostrata was found to have a cerebroprotective function. The extract administration gradually improved the antioxidant enzyme levels, decreased brain edema, and altered some histopathological status in mice after bilateral cerebral artery occlusion.

Anticancer Activities:
The methanol extract of E. prostrata administered orally at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg to Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice increased the life span. It also decreased the viable cell count and tumor volume of the tumor-bearing mice when compared to that of control. As compared to EAC control, E. prostrata extract restored the hematological parameters such as red blood cells (RBC) count and hemoglobin content. In the treated group, the percentage of lymphocytes was increased with a decreased level of neutrophils.

CONCLUSION:

Eclipta prostrata is widely used as traditional medicine in various countries specially for skin, liver and stomach problems, and for promoting hair growth. Various compounds such as coumestan derivatives, steroidal and triterpenoid saponins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and substituted thiophenes were isolated and identified from the extracts. Similarly, various biological activity evaluations were performed for extracts and isolated compounds such as antioxidative, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anticancer, hair growth promoting activities. Many of these activities were performed based on in vitro methods and mechanisms of action are not explored in detail using animal models. Properly designed clinical studies are necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy E. prostrata in future.