Publication

Abstract : Phytoecdysoids are analogues of the arthropod steroid hormone ecdysterone, found in plants which are apparently non-toxic to mammals with a wide range of pharmacological - adaptogenic, anabolic, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, immunoprotective, wound healing, and perhaps even anti-tumor- activities. Though they have been reported from more than 100 terrestrial plant families, till date, only less than 2 % of the world’s flora has been investigated for their presence. Considering its pharmacological activities and extremely non toxic nature, it can very well be the darling of pharmaceutical companies in future. Kerala, being a part of the mighty Western Ghats range has a huge potential in exploiting its rich, unique and highly endemic biodiversity. A bio prospection study for ecdysteroids has been done with regard to the Angiosperm flora of the state for the first time. Fifty plant species were screened from the study area. A simple protocol for screening ecdysteroids using very less amount of the plant source was developed using ultra sonication and Thin Layer Chromatography. Ten species were found positive for phytoecdysoids. Ecdysterone was reported for the first time ever from Coscinium fenestratum Cite this ResPhytoecdysoids are analogues of the arthropod steroid hormone ecdysterone, found in plants which are apparently non-toxic to mammals with a wide range of pharmacological - adaptogenic, anabolic, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, immunoprotective, wound healing, and perhaps even anti-tumor- activities. Though they have been reported from more than 100 terrestrial plant families, till date, only less than 2 % of the world’s flora has been investigated for their presence. Considering its pharmacological activities and extremely non toxic nature, it can very well be the darling of pharmaceutical companies in future. Kerala, being a part of the mighty Western Ghats range has a huge potential in exploiting its rich, unique and highly endemic biodiversity. A bio prospection study for ecdysteroids has been done with regard to the Angiosperm flora of the state for the first time. Fifty plant species were screened from the study area. A simple protocol for screening ecdysteroids using very less amount of the plant source was developed using ultra sonication and Thin Layer Chromatography. Ten species were found positive for phytoecdysoids. Ecdysterone was reported for the first time ever from Coscinium fenestratum