Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of antihyperlipidimic, antidiabetic activity of Lepidium Spinescens

Abstract

Herbal medicines continue to be a major market in US pharmaceuticals and constitute a multi-billion dollar business. Approximately 1500 botanicals are sold as dietary supplements; formulations are not subject to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical toxicity testing to assure their safety and efficacy. The Indian herbal drug market size is about $1 billion and the export of plant based crude drug is around $100 million. The current market potential of herbal medicine is estimated about $ 80-250 billion in Europe and USA. Ayurvedic preparations in relation to their use as therapeutic agents, pharmacological properties, medicinal plants being imported; medicinal plant parts being exported, endangered medicinal plants and availability of medicinal plants in different bio- geographical zones of India. The presence of sugars, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, saponins indicated by phytochemical examination and anti-inflammatory, Anti diabetic activity, Hepatoprotective, Anti hyperlipidemic action might be recognized these bioactive compounds. Current research regarding anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Lepidium Spinescens has justified its ethno medicinal use and it is recommended that further studies at cellular and molecular levels should be conducted in order to have detailed mechanistic insights. The primary action of Lepidium Spinescens in the flavonoid induced vasodilatation may be due to the protein kinases inhibition, such as myosin light chain kinase. The leaves of Lepidium Spinescens extract hold significant anti diabetic activity, anti-hyperlipidemic action. It needs further studies to determine the structure of bioactive compound responsible for studied activity and its mechanism of action.