Mammalian Toxicity Assessment and Nutraceutical Properties of the Swallow Root Decalepis Hamiltonii

In the normal course of metabolism, oxidant byproducts due to free
radicals formed cause damage to the macromolecules in the cell. Oxidative
stress is also caused by various exogenous sources of free radicals that
include tobacco smoke, iodizing radiation, pollutants, organic solvents and
pesticides. The free radical induced oxidative damage is implicated in
several degenerative diseases of aging such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid
arthritis, brain dysfunction, cataracts, immunodeficiency and cancer.
Living organisms have evolved their own antioxidant defenses against
free radicals in the form of antioxidant molecules like glutathione and the
antioxidant enzymes such as super oxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase
and other enzymes of detoxification.
It is generally recognised that there is an inverse relationship between
dietary intake of antioxidant-rich foods and incidence of human diseases.
Several studies indicate that antioxidants present in fruits and vegetables
offer protective effects against degenerative disease. Therefore, there is
great deal of interest in the natural antioxidants or the so-called
nutraceuticals as dietary supplements for better health.
Several phytochemicals with antioxidant properties have been
isolated from plant sources such as flavanoids and polyphenolic compounds.
These phytochemicals possess beneficial properties such as
anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory effects in
experimental animals. Many studies have shown specific biochemical action
against DNA damage, inhibition of membrane lipid per oxidation and cellular
damage.
Recent surge of interest in the area of herbal health supplements and
nutraceuticals has resulted in a huge market potential in excess of 1 billion
US $ in USA alone. In ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine a
vast array of plants with medicinal and health promoting potential are known
and several medicinal compounds have been isolated. Indian biodiversity
offers a rich repertoire of bioactive molecules that are of value in agriculture
and medicine. There is a great deal of scientific interest in this area.
Decalepis hamiltonii (family: Ascelpediaceae) commonly known as
the swallow root is a shrubby climber (colloquial names: kannada-makali
beru; Tamil-magali kizhangu; Telugu-maredu ghaddalu) with jointed stem
and elliptic obviate leaves. It grows wild in the forests of peninsular India. Its
roots are elongated and tuberous with fleshy outer layer and woody inner
core and possess strong vanilla-like aromatic odour. Traditionally it has been
consumed as pickles and the juice made from it is thought to be good for
health with “cooling properties”. The roots have also been used as a
substitute for Hemidesmus indicus used in ayurvedic preparations. Early
work on the chemical composition has revealed the presence of amyrins,
lupeols, saponins, ketonic substances and 2-hydroxy,4-methoxy
benzaldehyde is the flavoring compound present in its volatile fraction.
Although the roots of D.hamiltonii are in use since ages with the tribal belief
that it has positive health benefits, there has been scientific work that has
investigated its health promoting potential.
The objective of the work was to investigate the health promoting properties
in the roots and its safety to mammals.