Pharmacognostical and biological exploration of Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. grown in Egypt

Abstract

Identification criteria and quality control of Scaevola taccada (Gaertn.) Roxb. cultivated in Egypt were scanty. The present study aims to appraise characters of S.taccada grown in Egypt, as a traditional medicinal plant. A detailed botanical study of leaf, stem, and flower of S. taccada were investigated to find out their characters in entire and powdered form. DNA fingerprinting of leaves was carried out using two polymerase chain reaction (PCR) dependent techniques. Total carbohydrate, lipid and protein content were estimated. Lipoids were subjected to gas liquid chromatography (GLC). Spectrophotometric analysis of polyphenolic contents was conceded out. Comparing the results of the two PCR-dependent techniques revealed that inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) will be more useful and informative than random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) in identification of S.taccada. Proximate analysis of dried leaf powder showed total, water soluble, acid insoluble ash and moisture content as 14.95%, 5.07%, 5.07% and 9.11w/w respectively. Nutritive value examination revealed a high protein 12% and appreciable carbohydrates contents. n-pentacosane 27.70%, stigmasterol 13.16% and α-linolenic acid 12.19% were detected as major lipoids. The antihyperglycemic and the anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of the leaves were carried out. Both the ethanolic and the aqueous extracts (200mg/kg) were exhibited noteworthy hypoglycemic effect alike to gliclazide (10 mg/kg). Furthermore, the ethanolic extract was prevailed a parallel decrease in the cholesterol and triglycerides level in streptozotocin (STZ)-Induced Rat Diabetic Model. Moreover, the ethanolic extract (100mg/kg) evidence a significant anti-inflammatory effect 87.17 and 91.88% for 3, 4h treatment respectively compared to indomethacin.