Chirayita, Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayita) Part 2
Chirayita,
Kiratatikta (Swertia chirayita) Part
2
By
Dr. Hemant Vinze
( M. S.)
Identity, Purity
and Strength
Foreign matter: Not more than 2
percent
Total Ash: Not more than 6
percent
Acid-insoluble ash: Not more than 1 percent
Alcohol soluble
extractive: Not
less than 10 percent
Water-soluble extractive: Not less than 10
percent
Tannin: On addition of
Ferric chloride to aqueous or alcoholic extract of Chirayita (Swertia chirata) no blue black color
develops.
Assay: Chirayita (Swertia chirata) contains Not less than
1.3 percent of bitter principle. [35]
Heavy Metal Analysis
Permissible
maximum limits for heavy metals in extracts of herbal medicines
Metal Maximum Permissible Limit
(μg/g)
Iron (Fe) 300
Manganese (Mn) 100
Copper (Cu) 20
Zinc
(Zn) 50
Lead
(Pb) 10
Cadmium
(Cd) 0.2 [36]
Permissible
Microbial Load
Name of bacteria WHO Limit
Escherichia
coli 102
Salmonella
species Absence
Shigella
species Absence
Enterobacter
species 104
Total
bacterial Count 107
Yeast and Mould 104
Aflatoxins in Chirayita (Swertia chirata) extract
Fungi Aspergillus
flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
colonize on agricultural and animal products. They produce aflatoxins.
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites. They are one of the most potent
teratogens, mutagens, carcinogens and immunosuppressants. They cause some
metabolic disorders resulting into damage of heart, lungs and kidney causing
death both in human and animals. In present era there is increasing demand for
herbal medicines in Asian and African communities. Aflatoxin contamination is a
major concern, which has received worldwide attention due to their deleterious
effects.
A study showed that Chirayita (Swertia chirata) extract contains 9.87 μg /ml +/- 0.32 of
Afflatoxin B1 and 9.18 μg /ml +/- 0.78 of Afflatoxin B2. [37]
Genetic Identity
By
employing ISSR marker assay, random amplified polymorphic (RAPD) DNA study and
PCR analysis accurate genetic identity and genotype of Chirayita (Swertia chirayita) has been established.
[38]
Chromosomal
Identity
There
is much overlap in morphologic and taxonomic appearance of Sweria species.
Hence there is a need to establish chromosomal identity of Chirayita (Swertia chirata). The mosaic chromosome
number counts in root tip cells were 11-24 chromosomes in Chirayita (Swertia chirata). [39]
Properties and
Pharmacology
Ayurvedic
Properties:
Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter)
Weerya (Virya): Sheeta
Vipaka:
Katu (Acrid, Pungent)
Guna: Laghu
(Light), Rooksha (Dry)
Karma: Jwaraghna
(Antipyretic), Swedajanan (Diaphoretic, Inducing perspiration), Kaphapittahara
(Alleviates phlegm and pitta), Deepana (Appetizer), Paachana (Digestant),
Aamapaachana (Free radical scavenger), Anulomana (Carminative), Raktashodhaka
(Blood purifier), Vranashodhana (Disinfects wounds), Vranaropana (heals wounds
and ulcers), Saaraka (Laxative), Pittasaaraka (Improves bile flow),
Trishnaapaha (Relieves thirst), Shothaghna (Relieves edema, inflammations),
Daahaghna-Daahanaashaka-Daahashamaka-Daahaprashamana (Relieves burning),
Krimighna (Kills worms), Kandushaamaka-Kandughna (Relieves itching), Kushthagna
(Anti-leprosy), Mehaghna (Antidiabetic, reduces polyuria), Katupaushtic (Bitter
tonic), Stanyashodhana (Purifies milk), Shwasahara (Relieves dyspnoea), Hridya
(Beneficial to heart)
Ayurvedic Gana |
Varga |
References |
Charaka
|
Tikta, Skandha, Stanyashodhana, Trishna Nigrahana, Mahakashaya
|
Ch. Su. 4/14, 4; Ch. Vi. 8/143
|
Sushruta
|
Aaragwadhadi gana, Shaaka varga
|
Shsh. Su. 38/6, 46/262
|
Ashtaang Hridaya
|
Aaragwadhadi gana
|
Su. 15/17
|
Dhanwantari Nighantu
|
Aaragwadhadi gana
|
D. N. 33-35
|
Sodhala Nighantu
|
Guduchyaadi gana, Guduchyaadi varga
|
So. N. Part 1, Guduchyaadi varga 121-122
|
Madanpal Nighantu
|
Abhayaadi varga
|
M. N., Abhayaadi varga 143-144
|
Kaiyadeva Nighantu
|
Aushadhi varga
|
K. N. Aushadhi varga 889-891
|
Bhaavaprakaasha Nighantu
|
Haritakyaadi varga
|
B. N. Haritakyaadi varga 153-155
|
Raaja Nighantu
|
Prabhadraadi varga
|
R. N. Prabhadraadi varga 15-18
|
Nighantu Aadarsh
|
Kiraataadi varga
|
Ni. A. Vol 1
|
Hridayadeepak Nighantu
|
Dwipaad varga
|
Hr. Di. Ni. 61
|
Key:
Ch. =Charaka
Samhita, Su. = Sootrasthana, Vi. =Vimaana Sthana, Sush.= Sushruta Samhita, D.
N. Dhanwantari Nighantu , So. N. = Sodhala Nighantu, M. N. = Madanpal Nighantu,
K. N.= Kaiyadeva Nighantu, B. N. = Bhaavaprakaash Nighantu, R. N. = Raaja
Nighantu, Ni. A. =Nighantu Aadarsh, Hr. Di. Ni.= Hridayadeepak [40]
Effects on doshas: Tridosha
(all the three doshas i. e. waata, pitta, kapha) predominantly on kapha and
pitta. [41]
Phytochemistry
Important bioactive phytochemicals found in Chirayita (Swertia chirata) are:
Bitter glucosides: charatin, amarogentin, gentiopicrin
Bitter yellow acid: Ophelic acid
Xanthone: Swerchirin, 7-O-Me swertiarin
Two Yellow crystalline phenols, a yellow crystalline compound
Swertanone, swertenol, episwertenol, chiratenol,
gammacer-16-en-3β-ol, 21-a-H-hop-22(29)-en-3β-ol, taraxerol
Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, Monohydroxy terephthalic acid,
Ascorbic acid
Swerta-7,9(11)-dien-3-β-ol, pichierenol,
1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone-C-2-β-D-glucoside (Magniferin)
Alkaloids: Gentianine, gentiocrucine, enicoflavine
Flavonoids, Steroids, Saponins,
Swertinin, swertianin, swerchinin, decussolin, bellidifoten,
friedelin, β- sitosterol, arginin, lucine, methionine, threonine, tryptophan,
aspartic acid, glutamic acid [42], [43]
Modern view
Amarogentin
Molecular formula: C29H30O13
Structural formula:
Amarogentin is secoiridoid glycoside. It is one of the most
bitter compounds found in nature. It tastes bitter even at a dilution of 1:
58,000,000. It can be extracted from Chirayita (Swertia chirayita Roxb). It activates the bitter taste receptor
hTAS2R50. It is used as a scientific basis for measuring the degree of bitterness
of any substance. It exhibits antileishmanial chemo-preventive effects. [44], [45]
Amaroswerin
Molecular formula: C29H30O14
Structural formula:
[46]
Amaroswerin
is secoiridoid glycoside extracted from
Chirayita (Swertia chirayita Roxb).
It is gastroprotective. [47]
Gentianine
Molecular formula: C10H9NO2
Structural formula:
Gentianine,
also known as 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-5-vinylnicotinate galactone. It is a member of
the class of compounds known as pyranopyridines. Pyranopyridines are polycyclic
aromatic compounds. Gentianine is soluble in water It is alkaline. It tastes
bitter. It is also found in Methee-Fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum L) [48]
Gentianine
is a sullen (dull), translucent monoterpene alkaloid. It possesses
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anesthetic, anticonvulsant, antipsychotic,
antihistaminic, hypotensive, diuretic, antibacterial and antimalarial
properties. [49]
Gentiocrucine
Molecular formula: C6H7NO3
Structural formula:
Gentiocrucine
is a novel lactonic enamino ketone. It is an unusual alkaloid containing a
stable primary enamide. [50]
Anti-hepatitis-B
(anti-HBV) assay on HepG2.2.15 cell line in
vitro showed that gentiocrucine inhibited the secretion of hepatitis B
virus (HBsAg) surface antigen and hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg). [51]
Enicoflavine
Molecular formula: C10H13NO4
Structural formula:
Enicoflavine
is aromatic flavone. [52]
Belonging
to flavonoid group of compounds, enicoflavine exhibits many properties of
flavones for instance, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial,
antiviral, antiulcer, antidiabetic and anticancer etc. [53]
Swertinin
Molecular formula: C15H12O6
Structural formula:
[54]
Swertinin
is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, antiulcer,
antidiabetic and anticancer etc. [55]
Swertianin
Molecular formula: C14H10O6
Structural formula:
Swertianin has agreeable, pleasant perfume. It is used in
cosmetics, soaps, skin care lotions, shampoos, toothpastes and perfume
industry. [56]
Swertianin is anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, hypoglycemic
and anticancer agent. [57]
Swerchinin
Swerchinin
showed hypoglycemic activity in rats and in humans. It also showed hypoglycemic
activity in normal as well as streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. [58]
Swerchirin
Molecular formula: C15H12O6
Structural formula:
Swerchirin
is the 5-O-methyl derivative of bellidifolin. It belongs to the class of
aromatic ethers known as xanthones and is a member of phenols. It exhibits
hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and weak chemo-preventive pharmacological
effect. [59]
Swertiamarin
Molecular formula: C16H22O10
Structural formula:
Swertiamarin
is a secoiridoid glycoside obtained from Chirayita (Swertia chirata Roxib). It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic
property. [60]
Charantin
Molecular fofmula: C26H35NO7
Structural formula:
The phytochemical charantin obtained from bitter gourd/Asian
bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
was first identified by Lolitkar and Rao in 1960. Charantin also known as
naftidrofuryl or nafronyl is a member of the class of compounds known as
naphthalenes. Charantin is sparingly soluble in water but is soluble in ether,
methanol and ethanol. Charantin is actually a 1: 1 mixture of two steroidal saponins,
β-sitosteryl glucoside (C35H60O6) and
5,25-stigmasteryl glucoside (C35H58O6). It is
a whitish crystalline substance, neutral to pH, tasteless, melting at 266-2680
C. It shows hypoglycemic activity. [61]
Gentiopicrin
Molecular formula: C16H20O9
Structural formula:
Gentiopicrin is a naturally occurring iridoid glycoside.
Gentiopicrin could be absorbed rapidly in mice, but with a low bioavailability.
Gentiopicrin is one of strongest myeloperoxidase inhibitor. Gentiopicrin is
anti-inflammatory agent effective against fever, rheumatoid arthritis,
digestive disorders, acute colitis and liver diseases. Gentiopicrin attenuates
expression Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β),
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) and
Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Gentiopicrin inhibits reserpine-induced pain,
depression by down-regulating glutamate inotropic receptors (GluN2B) in
amygdale. Gentiopicrin injection has been approved by SFDA for the treatment of
jaundice and chronic active hepatitis. [62]
Magniferin
Molecular formula: C19H18O11
Structural formula:
Magniferin a xanthonoid is a glucoside of norathyriol.
Magniferin was first isolated from the leaves and bark of mango (Magnifera indica). It can also be
extracted from peels and kernels of mango. Magniferin has antioxidant,
antibacterial, gastroprotective and anti-diabetic properties. [63]
Magniferin
(2-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxy-9H-xanthen-9-one) exhibits
antioxidant, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic and
hypocholesterolemic properties. By enhancing the capacity of
monocyte-macrophage system magniferin shows antibacterial activity against gram
positive and gram negative bacteria. Magniferin protects against many human
cancers such as breast, neuronal, lung and colon cancer through the suppression
of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, inducible nitric oxide synthase
potential, inhibition of proliferation of tumor cells and induction of
apoptosis. [64]
Friedelin
Molecular formula: C30H50O
Structural formula:
Friedelin
is a pentacyclic triterpenoid. [65]
Administration
of friedelin at 40mg/kg bodyweight significantly inhibited acute phase of
inflammation, decreased the formation of granuloma due to chronic inflammation,
decreased the vascular permeability induced by acetic acid, decreased the
swelling and pain in the adjuvant-induced arthritis and showed strong analgesic
activity in rats and mice. Friedelin also showed reduction in pyrexia depending
on the dose administered. [66]
In recent experimental studies friedelin showed
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-free radical, analgesic, antihistaminic,
antipyretic, anticonvulsant, antivenom, insecticidal, antimicrobial, antiulcer,
antidiarrheal, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, diuretic,
nephroprotective, cytotoxic, anticancer properties. [67]
Friedelin extracted from the leaves of Azima tetracantha showed gastroprotective effect against
ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. This effect was attributed to
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of friedelin. [68]
At 20mg/kg bodyweight friedelin significantly reduced the
intestinal transit time. Friedelin also
exerted anti-enteropooling effects in rats. Additionally friedelin inhibited
castor-oil induced diarrhea. It is suggested the antidiarrheal effect of
friedelin was due to its anti-secretary and anti-motility properties. [69]
In vitro
and in vivo friedelin isolated from
the leaves of Azima tetracantha Lam
displayed lipid lowering, antihypertensive and hepatoprotective activities. [70],
[71]
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36. Source: WHO
(2005)
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38. P. Joshi et al, Analysis of
genetic diversity among Swertia chirayita genotypes, Biologia Plantanum,
December 2007, Volume 51, Issue 4, pp 764- 768
39. Tapojita
Samaddara et al, Cytogenic and DNA fingerprinting analysis in three species of
Swertia from Estern Himalaya, Caryologia: International Journal of Cytology,
Cytosystematics and Cytogenetics, 2015
40. Sapkota
Sabita et al, A review on Swertia chirata (Roxb. Ex. Flem.) Karsten:
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Pharm. Res. 2010, 2(1): 262-266
43.
https://www.ayurvitewellness.com/2954/kiratatikta-swertia-chirata/
44.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amarogentin
45.
http://foodb.ca/compounds/FDBOO 7359
46. https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/chebiOntology.do?chebiId=CHEBI:81152
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http://foodb.ca/compounds/FDBOO 7359
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50. http://www.molbase.com/en/name-gentiocrucine.html
51. Wang HL et al, Gentiocrucines A-E,
five unusual lactonic enamino Ketones from Swertia macrosperma and Swertia
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52. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Enicoflavine
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