GUCHAKARANJA (QUASSIA INDICA (GAERTN) NOOTEBOOM) -AN OVERVIEW.

Meghna 1 , Dr. V V Shincymol 2 and Dr. P Y Ansary 3 . 1. PG Scholar, Dept. of Dravyaguna vijnanam, Govt. Ayurveda College, Tripunithura. 2. Associate Professor, Dept. of Dravyaguna vijnanam, Govt Ayurveda College, Tripunithura. 3. Professor & HOD, Dept. of Dravyaguna vijnanam, Govt. Ayurveda College, Tripunithura. ...................................................................................................................... Manuscript Info Abstract ......................... ........................................................................ Manuscript History


Nirukti Of Guchakaranja
The etymology of the word Guchakaranja had explained in Sabdakalpadruma as a bush or a bundle of bunch of flowers [4] . In Sanskrit-English dictionary by Monier and Williams the meaning of the word Guchakaranja explained as a variety of Karanja which is a shrub having bunch of flowers or cluster of blossoms . [5] Classification in texts [ Habit: [12], [13] Niepa Bark Tree is an evergreen tree or shrub up to 10 m tall

Stem:
bark is pale and transversely cracked. Wood is light yellow and soft.
Folkloric Uses [15] 1. Mixture of the powdered bark or wood scrapings in warm water or coconut oil is used for fever. 2. For rheumatism, seed is roasted, pounded, and applied over affected area. 3. Leaves are bruised and applied over skin eruptions. 4. Bath with leaves is indicated for women during puerperal period. 5. Juice from pounded bark also used for skin diseases. 6. Oil extracted from fruit kernels used for rheumatism. 7. Leaf decoction used to relieve cough. 8. Seeds worn around the neck for asthma prevention. 9. Seeds used as emetic and purgative.

A Traditional Taila preparation
The vaidyas of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala prepares Pindataila with certain modifications ,for enhancing its therapeutic effects. They usually modify Pindataila by adding Nimba taila(neem oil),Erandataila(castor oil),Guchakaranja taila ,Ingudi taila and Varaha vasa/gogritha. It is known locally as Mukkottu preparation.. In this modified Pinda taila seed oil of Guchakaranja is taken. It is mainly indicated in Kapha-vata samana, sulahara and sophaghna. It is indicated in twak-mamsa asritha uthana Vatarakta and also used in Diabetic Neuropathic conditions.

Pharacological Studies
Anti-inflammatory activity Invitro -study [16] : Study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of Samadera indica by HRBC membrane stabilization. The antiinflammatory activity of the crude ethanol extract, aqueous extract of leaves part of Samadera indica were compared to that of the standard drug diclofenac. The extract in concentration of 250-1000 μg/ml showed a dose dependent inhibition of haemolysis of erythrocyte induced by hypotonic solution. The ethanolic extract of Samadera indica showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to aqueous extract and with standard drug diclofenac. The percentage protection of lysis for standard diclofenac 50 mcg/ml is73%, ethyl alcohol extract at a concentration of 1000 μg/ml is 67% and aqueous extract is 50%. The present investigation suggests that the membrane stabilizing activity of Samadera indica may be playing a significant role in its anti-inflammatory activity.
In -vivo study [17] : Study of a methanol extract of Quassia indica leaves in Wistar albino rats showed significant in-vitro antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging method and significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan induced paw edema.

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Antimicrobial Topical Herbal Formulations: [18] In vitro: Study evaluated the toxicity of a methanolic extract of Samadera indica Gaertn. and its suitability for use in herbal formulations. The in-vitro antimicrobial study of the formulated ointment showed significantly strong activity against S. aureus, P. aeurginosa and C. albicans. Results suggest the formulated ointment and gel are safe and efficient formulations for topical delivery.
Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Polyherbal Antiseptic Ointment: [19] In vitro : An ointment, formulated using methanolic extracts of Azaridachta indica, Chromolaena odorata, Mimosa pudica, and Samadera indica, was evaluated for antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Results showed concentrationdependent increase in scavenging activity, the effect attributed to flavanoids and tannins. Antibacterial testing showed wound healing activity. Overall study showed an effective polyherbal antiseptic ointment.
Antioxidant [20] In vitro: The antioxidant activity of methanol extract of leaves of Samadera indica.Methanol extract of Samadera indica was tested for in vitro free radical scavenging assays. Samadera indica extract effectively scavenged free radicals at all different concentrations and showed its potent antioxidant activity in different models.
Hepatoprotective of Leaves: [21] In vivo: Study evaluated the potential hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extract of Quassia indica leaves in carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in Wistar albino rats. The methanolic extract of Quassia indica was given for fourteen days and compared with serum biochemical parameters and histopathological evaluation with the standard silymarin treated group.Results showed hepatoprotective activity with restoration of increased level of serum biochemical markers and normalization of Hepatic globular architecture.
Antihelmintic: [22] In vitro: Study of alcoholic and aqueous extracts from leaves were evaluated for antihelmintic activity against Rallietina spiralis and Ascaridia galli. The three concentration ( 10, 25,50mg/ml) of each extracts were studied for determination of time of paralysis and time of death of the worm. Piperazine citrate was included as standard reference and distilled water as control. The extracts showed significant dose dependent antihelmintic activity Antifeedant: [23] In vitro: Study of the seeds and bark of Samadera indica yielded four quassinoids: indaquassin C, samaderins C, B and A. Indaquassin C was the most effective antifeedant. Samaderins C Increased pupal duration and induced pupal mortality.

Toxic pathology: [24]
In vivo : Study evaluated the toxicopathology effect of Quassia stem extract fractionation of various extracts on mice liver and kidney at 100 mg kbw. Q. indica chloroform extract has the lowest level of damage to hepatocytes while hexane fraction caused the least damage in kidney tubular epithelium. The ethyl acetate showed the most epithelial damage Anti-arthritic activity: [ 25] In vivo study: Three plants namely Naravalia zeylanica, Strobilanthus ciliates and Samadera indica were selected for the phytochemical analysis and invivo screening of anti-arthritic studies. Male Wistar rats weighing between 150-200gm were selected for the experiment. They were grouped in a group of six animals each in to five group. The ethanolic & aqueous extracts of drugs were used for the study. The ethanolic & aqueous extracts of Samadera indica leaves showed stasticially significant result in reducing inflammation on day 14 th and 21 st day.