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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp4 (2026): National Symposium on Recent Advances in Life Sciences

Unravelling the therapeutic spectrum of Holarrhena antidysenterica (G.Don) Wall. ex A.DC.: Mechanistic insights of its bioactive potential in human health

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.12945
Submitted
26 November 2025
Published
19-06-2026

Abstract

The Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine, Holarrhena antidysenterica (G.Don) Wall. ex A.DC., a medicinal plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae, has a rich history in the treatment of skin, inflammatory and gastrointestinal diseases. Recent research indicates that it can also safeguard the liver and the nervous system. A wide variety of chemical compounds are found in this medicinal plant, including flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenoids, steroids and glycosides; conessine, holarrhenine and quercetin are the important ones. The antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of leaves is strong with DPPH scavenging (IC50 = 46.3 ug/mL) and superoxide scavenging (IC50 = 58.7 ug/mL) comparable to ascorbic acid. The plant lessens the damage through enhancing antioxidant enzyme synthesis and decreasing inflammation in animal models of liver injury induced by alcohol, paracetamol and chloroform. Mechanistic analyses indicate that the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element pathway is activated, NF-kB signalling is inhibited, transforming growth factor-beta and alpha smooth muscle actin are downregulated and there is a reinstatement of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione. The neuroprotective effects involve acetylcholinesterase inhibition, anxiolytic, antidepressant and anti-seizure effects, that probably acting via reduced oxidative stress and altering the microglial inflammatory mediators. This evidence highlights the need for standardised extraction, dose optimisation and human studies. Holarrhena antidysenterica shows potential for further research on its liver and nervous system benefits and may serve as a basis for future phytotherapy development.

 

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