Antioxidant activity of Saussurea

A study of the antidiabetic activity of alcohol extract of Achras zapota Linn. (Hindi-Chiku) roots, each with a dose 20, 40, 80 g/Kg body wt. (BW) given orally to rats has been conducted, using the Glucose Tolerance Test Method. The administration of alcohol extract at various doses indicated that doses equivalent to the fresh material 80g/Kg BW gave the strongest decreasing activity, followed respectively by doses equivalent to the fresh material 40 g/Kg BW and 20g/Kg BW. The activity of alcohol extract with a dose equivalent to the fresh material 80 g/Kg BW is almost as strong as tolbutamid with a dose 100 mg/Kg BW. This experiment showed that the increasing doses of alcohol extract of roots of this plant cause an increase in the antidiabetic activity [Muhtadi et al, Bionatura (Indonesia), 2000, 2(2), 60-65]. Catalpa bignonioides Walt. (Family—Bignoniaceae) is grown in gardens as ornamental. Although this plant is consumed by indigenous cultures of South America for medical uses, experimental studies of the biological properties are lacking. Ethyl ether, butanolic and aqueous fractions of the pod extract were examined for the antimicrobial activity against five bacteria and one yeast, the cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells and the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in rodents. A preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extracts and fractions was also conducted. Results showed no antimicrobial or antitumoral effects, but prominent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive actions of the extracts. These last activities may be a result of the presence of either of saponins, sterols or phenols, mainly found in the leaves and pods of the plants [Muñoz-Mingarro et al, J Ethnopharmacol, 2003, 87(2-3), 163-167].