Therapeutic Swertia chirata - An Overview

 

Kalpana Patil*, Swati Dhande, Vilasrao Kadam

Department of Pharmacology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Pharmacy, sector: 8, C.B.D. Belapur, Navi Mumbai-400 614,

Maharashtra, India.

 

 

ABSTRACT:

The plant Swertia chirata, aboriginal to Himalayas in India, Nepal and Bhutan, have been used for millennia, to cure variety of ailments and diseases. The chief bioactive constituents of plant are xanthones, flavanoids, iridoids, secoiridoids glycosides, which plays momentous role in its biological activities like antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antipyretic, antimalarial, analgesic, anticarcinogenic, antibacterial, antiviral, gastroprotective, antileishmanial, anthelmentic. Its medicinal usage is declared in American and British pharmacopoeias, Indian Pharmaceutical codex and in different conventional systems of medicines like Ayurveda, Unani and Sidha. Various studies have successfully done to prove its medicinal uses which are traditionally mentioned. As a result of its range of pharmacological properties and active phytoconstituents, Swertia chirata is used in various polyherbal formulations which are available in market to cure different diseases. In this present review the attempt is made to compile and document information on different aspects of Swertia chirata, however the main focus is on its chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and medicinal uses.

 

KEYWORDS: Swertia chirata, phytoconstituents, swertiamarin, mangiferin, swerchirin.

 

1.      INTRODUCTION:

Swertia chirata: The Herb

The herb Swertia chirata commonly known as ‘Chirata’ is well reputed for its multifarious therapeutic values since the era of  ‘Atharvaveda’[1]. In Ayurveda, Swertia chirata is described as bitter (tikta) in taste and its thermal action defined as cooling (shita), easily digestible (laghu) and dry (ruksha)[2]. Swertia chirata has been remarked in biography as, Ophelia chirata; Agathotes chirayita, Gentiana chirayita. As pinpointed by National Medicinal Plant Board, Government of India, Swertia chirata is in the midst of the 32 awful preeminence medicinal herbs in the affluent biodiversity of Uttarakhand (India)[3].

 

Chirata is an ancient Ayurvedic drug sometimes known as “Nepali neem” since it is common in forests of Nepal. It is known by an array of names, suggesting its widespread use. It is called Anaryatikta, Ardhatikta, Bhunimba, Chiratika, Chiratitka, Haima, Jvarantaka, Kairata, Kandatiktaka, Kiranta, Kirataka, Kirata, Tikta, Naditikta, Naipala, Nepalanimba, Nidrari, Ramasenka,Sannipatha, Sutiktaka, Trinanimba, and kairata,  Viktaka in Sanskrit, Cherayata in Patna, Chirrato and Chiraita in Nepal, Chiraitaand Kiraita in Mumbai, Chirayatin in Gujarat, Chiretain Bengal, Nilaveppa in Kerala, and Sekhagi in Burma. It is also called Chiaravata (Urdu); Qasabuzzarirah (Arab, Farsi);Charayatah (Deccan); Nelabevu (Kannada); Nenilawandi,Nilavembu, Shirattakuchi (Tamil). The trade name of S. chirata is chiretta[1,3].

 

Habitat

The herb Swertia chirata grows abundantly in Himalaya region, observed at an eminence of 1200–3000 m (4000 to 10,000 feet), from Kashmir to Bhutan, and in the Khasi hills at 1200–1500 m (4000 to 5000 feet)[3]. The genus Swertia consists of annual and perennial herbs. There is no consistency in the literature citing the habit of Swertia chirata. Some authors have described chirata as an annual and others as biennial or pluri-annual[1] . The plant grows up to a height of three feet or one meter. The plants are in bloom between the period september and october. This plant has a preference for sandy (light), loamy (medium) as well as clay (heavy) soil conditions. In addition, the chirata plant thrives and flourishes well in acidic, neutral as well as basic or alkaline soils. The plant can grow well in semi-shade or somewhat woodland conditions and needs humid or damp soil. Precisely speaking, the plant thrives well in a humid and humus-rich soil in damp light woodlands along the streams or in marshlands. The plant actually develops best in areas where the summers are cool. Hence, it is no surprise that the chirata can thrive and flourish both in conditions where there is full sunlight as well as partial shade. The chirata plants are able to withstand temperatures as low as -15° C and still continue to grow well[4].

 

Regeneration

The natural regeneration of plant takes place by seeds, when the seeds become biologically mature having high potential of viability during november. The viability of seeds is very low if seeds are collected before november. The viability of seeds decreases after next october. If seeds are collected after november and cleaned properly, the percentage of germination is reported to be up to 90%[5]. For the propagation sowing is generally done during the spring when the temperature is not above 10° C and in a situation when the soil contains plenty of humus. When the seedlings have grown adequately to be handled, they are taken out individually and planted into separate pots or containers. The young plants are re-planted outdoors during the early part of summer. The plants are usually harvested just when the seeds begin to set in and dried in the sun for use afterwards[4]. If harvesting is done after the seeds mature, then the plant can naturally regenerate. Harvesting Chirata without considering the age of the plant and seed maturity reduces regeneration significantly[5].

 

Macroscopy

The color of Swertia chirata leaves, flowers and fruits is peculiar with yellowish tinge and that of stems is yellowish brown to purple. The stems are about 6mm. broad and 1m. in length. They are cylindrical, glabrous and quadrangular at apex with large pith. The leaves are placed opposite to each other, broad at the base, ovate or lanceolate in shape with entire margin, five nerved, acuminate apex and glabrous. The flowers are 2 to 3 mm. broad and ovoid. Fruits are superior, bicarpellary, unilocular with numerous reticulated ovoid seeds. Roots are 5 to 10 cm. in length, brown, twisted, tapering with root-lets. The entire plant is odorless and extremely bitter in taste[6].

 

Microscopy

Transverse section of roots of Swertia chirata shows, 2-4 layers of cork, thick-walled parenchymataous secondary cortex cells with mucilage, minute acicular crystals (also in present phloem region), and resin (as dark brown mass); secondary phloem composed of thin-walled strands of sieve tubes, companion cells and phloem parenchyma; lignified and thick-walled scalariform, simple and bordered pitted secondary xylem vessels, tracheids parenchyma and xylem fibers. Transverse section of Stem shows, single layered epidermis; parenchymatous cortical cells with mucilage, minute acicular crystals, resin (as dark brown mass), and oil droplets; endodermis; single thin walled pericycle cells layer; rounded and isodiametric pith cells with prominent intercellular spaces. Transverse section of leafs shows single epidermis layer covered with a thick, striated cuticle, more strongly developed on the upper surface than the lower; anisocytic stomata; single layered palisade tissue, spongy messophyll cells with minute acicular crystal and mucilage[7].

 

 

Phytoconstituents:

The herbal plants are an important source of new chemical substances with potential therapeutic uses. Approximately 119 pure chemical substances extracted from higher plants are used in medicine throughout the world. Early studies documented the presence of flavonoids, xanthones, terpenoids, iridoids, and secoiridoid glycosides in the Swertia chirata plant[8].

 

The major constituents with their respective medicinal activities of Swertia chirata are as follows: Xanthones:

1. Swerchirin:

A medicinally foremost xanthone, obtained from several plants of family Gentianaceae including Swertia chirata; having antimalarial, hypoglycemic[9, 10], hepatoprotective, pro-heamatopoitic[11] and weak chemo preventive pharmacological effects[12].

 

2. Mangiferin:

It is a xanthone, isolated from Swertia chirata possesses strong anti- inflammatory activity in arthritic mice, and accounted for lowering down TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and IFN-gamma and up regulation of IL-10 in the joint homogenates of mice[13]. Mangiferin extracted from Mangifera indica found to be a strong chemo-protective agent[14].

 

3. Other xanthones:

The plant Swertia chirata also found to contain other xanthons like 1,3,5,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone, 1,3,7,8-tetrahydroxyxanthone, 1,3,8-trihydroxy-5-methoxyxanthone, 1,5,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone[15], 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone/swerchirin, 1,8-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone/7-O methylswertanin[1,15], 1-hydroxy-3,5,8-trimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyxanthone[15,16], chiratanin(dimeric xanthone), chiratol/1,5 dihydroxy 3,8-dimethoxyxanthone, decussatin, mangostin, swertianin/1,7,8-trihydroxy-3-methoxyxanthone[1].

 

Secoiridoid glycosides

1. Amarogentin (Chirantinin):

It is secoiridoid glycoside, cosidered as bittermost substance and imparts a bitter taste in even 5.8 lakhs time dilution[6]. It acquires topoisomerase inhibition, antileishmanial activity[17], anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic and chemo-preventive effect[18].

 

2. Amaroswerin

It is secoiridoid glycoside collected from Swertia chirata, found to have gastro-shielding effect[19].

 

3. Swertiamarin

A secoiridoid glycoside having analgesic property[3]. Swertiamarin isolated from different sources showed antioxidant, hepatoprotective[20], antinociceptive[21], and antidiabetic activity[22]. Swertiamarin content of swertia chirata was found to be 0.44%[23].

 

4. Other secoiridoid glycocides:

Other than these, the plant also contains sweroside and sweroside-2’-O-3”,5”-trihydroxy biphenyl-2” carboxylic acid ester[1].

 

Triterpenoids

1. Gentianine

A sullen, translucent monoterpene alkaloid, obtained from several plant species of family Gentianaceae including Swertia chirata. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, antihistaminic, anticonvulsant properties[3,24]. And also having hypotensive, antipsychotic[25], diuretic, antimalarial, antiamoebic and antibacterial properties[3]. It is essential bioactive metabolites of gentiopicroside in rats. Virulency of gentianine is acheived. LD50 for gentianine: LD50 (mice): 480mg/kg (oral); 300mg/kg (belly injection); 250-300mg/kg (IV injection)[26].

 

2. Other Triterpenoids

Swertia chirata also contains other triterpenoids namely; swertanone , swertenol[27], episwertinol, gammacer-16-en-3ß-ol, 21-a-H-hop-22(29)- en-3ß-ol, taraxerol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, swerta-7, 9(11)-dien-3ß-ol (swertane terpenoid), pichierenol (swertane terpenoid). The triterpenoid alkaloids like enicoflavin and gentiocrucine and triterpenoid alcohols such as lupeol, taraxerol and b-amyrin also found to present in plant. Among them swertanone has got the anti-inflammatory property. Taraxerol and oleanolic acid are found to be analgesic and emollient respectively. Ursolic acid has anti-inflammatory, chemoprotective and anti-microbial activities[1,3].

 

3. Pentacyclic triterpenoids

A class of pentacyclic triterpenoids also belongs to this herb including ß-amyrin, friedlin, chiratenol (hopane triterpenoid), kairatenol,oleanolic acid, ursolic acid. Among them kairatenol is found to be hypoglycemic in nature[3].

 

 

Lignans

A lignan (syringaresinol; a negligible fraction of herb) which is hepatoprotective in nature, and the ubiquitous ß-sitosterol are also present[3].

Other chemical constituents

the plant Swertia chirata found to contain 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid, which is aromatic carboxylic acid. Its hexane extract found to contain Erythrodiol, kairatenol, Ø-Taraxasterol or heterolupeol[1]

 

Pharmacology of Swertia chirata

Swertia chirata is a plant with bitter taste used since an early date in traditional medical systems of our country for treatment of varied human ailments. Following are the pharmacological activities reported.

 

Antidiabetic activity

The plant Swertia chirata is traditionally used for its potent hypoglycemic activity. The study carried out with ethanolic extract and its four fractions namely hexane, chloroform, aqueous and water insoluble fraction showed that ethanolic extract and its hexane fraction contains hypoglycemic principles. No blood sugar lowering effect was seen with aqueous, chloroform and water insoluble fraction[28]. Hexane fraction of Swertia chirata induced significant fall in blood sugar and significant increase in plasma immunoreactive insulin (IRI) simultaneously after single oral administration, without influencing liver glycogen concentration in albino rats. On the other hand, daily administration for 28 days resulted in significant lowering of blood sugar and increase in plasma IRI along with a significant rise in liver glycogen. Intestinal absorption of glucose was not inhibited by hexane fraction. It is suggested that hexane fraction of Swertia chirata possibly acts through its insulin releasing effect[29]. The hypoglycemic effect of hexane fraction is found to be due to swerchirin, it is isolated from hexane fraction and produces blood glucose lowering effect in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats[9]. This activity is due to stimulation of insulin release from islets of Langerhans by depleting aldehyde-fuchsin stained beta-granules and immunostained insulin[30,31,32]. In another study ethanolic extract of Swertia chirata leaf was studied along with its petrolium ether (pet-ether), dichloromethane, and methanol fraction for anti-diabetic activity. The result showed 32%, 47.2%, 14.1%, and 15.9% reduction of blood glucose level respectively after 3 hrs. of administration[33]. The methanolic extract of plant having antidiabetic activity contains mangiferin, amarogentin, amroswerin, sweroside and swertiamarin as active constituents[34]. It is found that swerchirin containing fraction showed better blood sugar lowering than Tolbutamide which is drug in use[35].

Diabecon DS from Himalaya herbal healthcare- antidiabetic tablets, Madhushaman- antidiabetic powder, Dybawin- antidiabetic tablets, Diabeton- antidiabetic tablets are some of the many polyherbal antidiabetic products containing Swertia chirata available in market.

 

Anti-inflammatory activity

The plant Swertia chirata is known for its anti-inflammatory activity. It comprises of swerchirin, swertanone, swertianin as active compound responsible for this activity[36]. The whole plant methanolic and aqueous extract of possesses maximum anti-inflammatory activity in dose dependent manner[37]. Also ethanolic extract showed anti-inflammatory activity, the phytochemical analysis of this extract revealed that it contains xanthones, flavanoids, terpenoids, iridoids, secoiridoid glycosides and saponins. Of these flavanoids are known for their anti-inflammatory properties because of its inhibitory effect on enzymes involved in the production of the chemical mediators of inflammation [38].  In one study it was found that one compound isolated from Swertia chirata reduces carragenin induced pedal oedema and formalin induced paw oedema and also decreases exudates volume. This isolated compound showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute, subacute and chronic experimental models[39]. This isolated compound was found to be a new xanthon from Swertia chirata, named “Chiratol”[16]. The effect of aqueous extract of Swertia chirata stem on pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines balance in primary joint synovium of adjuvent induced arthritic mice has been studied. The administration of this extract orally showed dose dependent reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α), Interleukin-1β(IL-β), Interferon-γ(IFN-γ) and elevation of interleukin-10(IL-10) was observed in joint homogenates of arthritic mice. This aqueous extract was found to possess two polar compounds namely amarogentin and mangiferin but it was devoid of swerchirin, chiratol, methyl swetianin and swertanone. Mangiferin has been reported to possess potent anti-inflammtory activity and its presence in extract presumed to be responsible for the above changes in joint homogenates of arthritic mice[13].

 

Reliv-X herbal capsules, the unique composition containing various herbs including  Swertia chirata, help to relive joint pains, controls arthritis and spondilitis.

 

Hepatoprotective activity

Swertia chirata is used as hepatoprotective and hepatostimulant agent. For evaluating its antihepatotoxic activity, its methanolic extract, chloroform soluble fraction and butanol soluble fraction of ethanolic extract were evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)[40], paracetamol and galactosamine[41] induced hepatotoxicity models. The significant antihepatotoxic activity was demonstrated in methanol extract and its chloroform soluble fraction. The butanol soluble fraction of methanol extract rich in secoiridoid bitter components, showed only a marginal activity i.e. it is devoid of any significant antihepatotoxic activity. The chloroform fraction was devoid of bitter principles[42,43].

 

Due to the effect of  CCl4[42,43] and other hepatotoxicants like ethanol, drugs, chemicals etc.[44-46] serum aspartate aminotransferases (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and bilirubin increased but liver glycogen and serum cholesterol level decreased. Histologically it produced hepatocytic necrosis especially in the centrilobular region. The treatment with Swertia chirata caused improvement at both biochemical and histopathological parameters[42].

 

In one comparative study Swertia chirata extract was found to provide higher hepatoprotection than Andrographis paniculata which is a close congener of Swertia chirata[47].

 

Liverzet syrup- a liver protective syrup, Emliv syrup, LIVLIFE- a liver tonic, Galencia Inc. USA capsules these are marketed polyherbal formulations of Swertia chirata for treatment of liver disorders.

 

Antioxidant activity

The role of free radicles in hepatic injury has been recognised and different hepatoprotective drugs were evaluated for their antioxidant activity. The Swertia chirata showed an antioxidant activity in a comparative study with Picrorrhiza kurroa, Tephrosia purpurea, Terminalia arjuna, Tinospora cordifolia, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Azadirachta indica, Apium graveolens, Phyllanthus amarus, and Aloe vera[48].

 

The ethanolic extract of chirata possesses in-vitro and in-vivo antioxidant effect and this supports the use of Swertia chirata to cure liver diseases[49].

 

An activity-guided isolation and purification process was used to identify the DPPH (l,l-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging components of Swertia chirata. A dry, whole plant of Swertia chirata was extracted with different solvents and tested for its DPPH radical-scavenging activity. The acetone : water (8 : 2) extract showed the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity, which was column chromatographed to obtain decussatin, swertianin, bellidifolin, isobellidifolin, amarogentin, swertianolin and mangiferin as active components[50].

 

Anti-pyretic activity

There is folklore claim of Swertia chirata as antipyretic agent. In one study the antipyretic activity of roots of Swertia chirata in animal models using rats and rabbits was examined. This study reveals that root extract causes a significant antipyretic effect in yeast provoked elevation of body temperature as well as typhoid, paratyphoid A, B vaccine induced hyperexia, in both cases the extract cause significant lowering of body temperature with the effect being comparable to that of paracetamol. Swertiamarin present in this aqueous extract might be responsible for the antipyretic activity[23].

 

Curill capsules, Jwaraghana tablets and Jvarant tablets are antipyretic polyherbal formulations containing Swertia chiarata. Zandu Maha Sudarshan churna is definite remedy for pyrexia, which contain Swertia chirata as a main herb.

 

Antimalarial activity

The extracts of Swertia chirata and a few other plants in combination are marketed commercially in the traditional Indian system of medicine (ayurveda) as an antimalarial[51].As a household remedy the whole plant dipped in water overnight and the bitter juice is taken in morning to cure the malarial fever[52].

 

Curill capsules are used for the treatment of pyrexia of malarial and viral origin.

 

CNS activities

The CNS activity of swertiamarin, a secoiridoid glycoside isolated from Swertia chirata was evaluated the alcoholic extracts of chirata (excluding mangiferin) significantly reverse the mangiferin induced CNS stimulating effect in albino mice and rats. The result indicated that the mangiferin and swertiamarin antagonized each other in vivo and thereby reverse their CNS effects[53].

 

The isolated compounds from Swertia chirata were studied for their CNS activity to assess behavioral effects, anti-depressant and anti parkinsonian activity. These compounds showed increased awareness, potentiated L-DOPA effect thus showing  anti-depressant activity and hyperkinesia[54].

 

Analgesic activity

To evaluate analgesic activity of Swertia chirata, the effect of root extract of the plant was studied by using Acetic acid induced writhing method and radiant heat tail flick method. The result showed the marked inhibitory effect on writhing response induced by acetic acid. This result suggested that the extract possess peripheral analgesic activity and its mechanism of action may be mediated through inhibition of local peritoneal receptors or arachidonic acid pathways, involving cyclooxygenases(COX) and/or lipoxygenases(LOX). The phytochemical analysis of this extract revealed that it contains xanthones, flavonoids, terpenoids, iridoids, secoiridoid glycosides and saponin. Of these, flavonoids and saponins are well known for their ability to inhibit pain perception[38].

 

The ethanolic extract of leaf and stem and their different fractions in pet-ether, dichloromethane and methanol were evaluated for analgesic activity. Among this pet-ether fraction of ethanolic extract showed significant analgesic activity, while ethanolic crude extract and methanol fraction of ethanolic extract showed moderate and dichloromethane fraction showed mild analgesic activity[8].

 

Swertiamarin, one of the major compound in Swertia chirata found to possess both peripheral and central anti-nociceptive activity[21].

 

Reliv-X herbal capsules give relief from joint pains, knee pains, pains originating from arthritis, spndilitis. Osteoved tablets are used for the treatment of painful joints. Both of these are polyherbal formulations containing Swertia chirata as a main herb.

 

Anti-carcinogenic activity

The aqueous and amarogentin rich crude extract of the plant was first studied and reported to have anti-carcinogenic activity on a dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA) induced mouse skin carcinogenesis model[55,56]. The action was considered to be effected by modulation of liver detoxification and reduced lipid peroxidation in DMBA exposed animals. This resulted in significant delay and reduction of papilloma formation (a pre-malignant skin outgrowth) as well as lowered the incidence of papilloma. The amarogentin rich fraction was shown to inhibit cell proliferation and enhance apoptosis, which are major physiological processes regulating tumor formation, growth and spread. It is also observe that amarogentin could reduce hyper proliferation by down regulation of COX II protein expression and up regulation of apoptosis which plays an important role in inflammatory reactions and cell proliferation[18].

 

Amarogentin, one of the major compound of Swertia chirata found to have a cytotoxic action on tumor cell lines in-vitro, indicating it could be the candidate for anti-cancer[55].

 

Gastroprotective activity

The protective effect of Swertia chirata against indomethacin and other ulcerogenic agents induced gastric ulcers was evaluated. The administration of indomethacin resulted in the production of gastric mucosal damage mainly in the glandular segment of the stomach. Pretreatment of animals with chirata extract produced a significant decrease in the intensity of gastric mucosal damage. Pylorus ligation for 6hours. showed accumulation of gastric secretion and increased acidity. Ligation of the pylorus also produced mild ulcers mainly located in the fore stomach. Administration of the chirata extract led to a significant decrease in the volume and acidity of gastric secretions and in the ulcer index. Treatment with  Swertia chirata extract on the lesions induced by variety of necronizing agents, significantly reduced the severity of these lesions[57].

 

Antibacterial activity

The various extracts of whole plant of Swertia chirata was studied for its antibacterial activity against medically important bacteria namely Staphylococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus, Staphylococcus epidermides, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus subtilis. The study included pet-ether, chloroform, acetone and methanol extract of whole plant of Swertia chirata. The methanol and acetone extracts showed antibacterial activity, methanolic extract showed better activity than acetone. And these extracts contained tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides. Of these tannins and flavonoids were known to possess antimicrobial potential against bacteria and fungi. The petroleum ether and chloroform extract were inactive against test organism[58].

 

In another study the anti-bacterial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract was evaluated in-vitro against some gram negative pathogenic strains like Escherichia coli (E.Coli), Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia), Psedomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Proteus Vulgaris (P. vulgaris). The aqueous extract of the drug had slightly significant inhibitory activity against E.coli, which was lower than inhibition produced by Gentamicin while for K. pneumoniae, P.aeruginosa and P. vulgaris it showed complete resistance. The ethanolic extract of the same drug showed significant inhibition as compared to gentamicin[59].

 

Anti-viral activity

The anti-viral activity of Swertia chirata was studied against herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1). The result showed that the water extract of leaves and stem at 1:64 dilution inhibited HSV-1 and plaque formation[60]

 

Melicon V, a antifungal and antiseptic herbal veterinary ointment containing Swertia chirata  as one of the herb.

 

Antileishmanial activity

The methanolic extract of Swertia chirata found to inhibit catalytic activity of topoisomerase I of Leshmania donovani. Amarogentin present in methanoilic extract is potent inhibitor of type 1 DNA topoisomerase from leishmania and exerts its effect by interaction with the enzyme, preventing binary complex formation[17].

 

Anthelmentic activity

Swertia chirata is also used as anthelmentic for veterinary purpose. Both in-vivo and in-vitro anthelmentic activity was evaluated against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. The in-vitro study with crude aqueous and methanolic extracts and in-vivo study of crude powder, its aqueous and methanolic extract  of Swertia chirata whole plant showed an anthelmintic potential against Haemonchus contortus(common gastrointestinal nematode)[61].

 

Investigations were also conducted to evaluate in-vivo anthelmintic efficacy of aqueous extract of seeds of Swertia chirata against some of the most common pathogenic gastrointestinal nematodes such as Haemonchus, Bunostomum and Oesophagostomum spp. in naturally infected goats. The findings indicated that Swertia chirata exhibited significant in-vivo anthelmintic efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes in Goats[62].

 

Activities on smooth muscles

The plant also used for other purposes such as in gut motility disorders (constipation, colic, diarrhea), airway hyperactivity disorder such as asthma. To evaluate the effect of Swertia chirata to treat constipation, its crude extract was tested for a possible stimulatory effect on rabbit jejunum, where it caused gut excitation (contraction) by cholinergic pathway. The contractile effect was followed by relaxation at higher concentrations of plant extract, indicating the co-existence of spasmolytic constituent(s),and this explain the use of Swertia chirata in diseases of the hyperactive gut, such as colic (abdominal spasm) and diarrhea. It is interesting that such a combination of gut stimulatory and relaxant activities have been found in a plant that is used for two contrasting gut conditions i.e., constipation and diarrhea. These effects were found to be mediated through Ca2+ channel modulation. Such dual effect is not seen in the case of bronchial smooth muscles, i.e. the plant did not showed bronchoconstrictor effect and therefore it is used for conditions such as asthma[63].

 

Iobine tablets, a remedy for respiratory disorders, useful in tonsilitis, skin and other allergies.

 

Other activities

Swertia chirata also shows other activities such as astringent, emolient, secretagogue,  vermifuge[1]. The bitterness of the plant stimulates saliva and gastric juice which help to stop nausea, bloting, indigesion and hiccups. It is a tonic for the heart, liver and eyes, and can be useful to relieve sciatica, cough, and scanty urine. It is given as a tonic to people convalescing from a long illness[4].

 

It also shows wound healing activity[23] and also used for curing various skin diseases[1].

Pigmento tablets, it helps in removing ring worms, itches, skin allergy, leucoderma. Raktanikhar capsules, cures skin diseases, neutralises toxins responcible for skin allergies, cures acne, pimples, itching, eczema.Chirata capsules are the monoherbal capsules containing concentrated aqueous extract of  Swertia chirata use for the treatment of acne and pimples.

 

The concern

In the traditional medicine, Swertia chirta used widely, reflects its pharmacological importance. Because of this it is a highly demanding plant and therefore highly vulnerable to be get adulterated. It  is adulterated by various closely related plants like Andrographis paniculata[64], Exacum tetragonum, E. bicolor, E. pedunculatum, Slevolgia orientalis,  Swertia alata,  S. angustifolia,  S. bimaculata,  S. ciliata,  S. densifolia, S. elegans, S. lawii, S. minor, S. paniculata, S. multiflora. Many of the other species like Swertia angustifolia and Swertia alata are inferior to Swertia chirata in terms of bitterness. S. minor is used as a substitute for chirata in treatment of malaria and other fevers[65]. Intense bitterness, brownish-purple stem (dark color), continuous yellowish pith and petals with double nectaries are the characteristics of true Swertia chirata with which it can be identified.

 

Excessive collection of these plants from the natural habitat leads to the increasing danger of extinction. According to International Union for Conservation of nature and Natural resources (IUCN) criteria, Swertia chirata has been recognized as critically endangered species[1]. The depletion of Swertia chirata  for various application is a great concern. The plant has slow rate of propagation because of poor seed germination and low seeds viability, which are the limiting factor for its large scale commercial cultivation[66]. This suggest the need to focus on conservation and cultivation of plant, and to develop modern method which increases the production of the plant in comparatively less time. Such modern techniques can help in production and propagation of large number of diseases free and true to type plants.

 

In one study of micro propagation it was found that, multiplication by adventitious shoot regeneration from root explants is most suitable method for propagation of Swertia chirata[67]

 

In another study the different medias have tested for their effect on the growth of plant and on the amount of amarogentin, one of the major phytochemical of Swertia chirata. It is found that the growth of the plant was fastest in Nitsch medium. The best amarogentin content was obtained after cultivation in root culture medium for which the slowest growth rate was noticed. Addition of sucrose at 6% and 9% (w/v), respectively, also resulted in better growth rates and increased total but unaltered relative amarogentin content compared to 3% (w/v) sucrose. A 15-fold enhancement of amarogentin content in the medium was achieved by a root permeabilisation treatment using tween 20 at 1.3% (v/v) final concentration in the bioreactor[68].

 

In one study of propagation of Swertia chirata, genetically uniform plants were produced from the nodal explant. By using appropriate shoot inducing medium and other additives, highest number of shoots, 18 per explants were generated. These tissue culture regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to the field and produced viable seeds. Studies of chromosome number and a comparative analysis of the DNA fingerprinting profiles indicate genetic stability of the regenerated plants[66].

 

CONCLUSION:

Swertia chirata is a therapeutic conventional ayurvedic plant. Since it contains range of active phytoconstituents and its variety of  medicinal properties, the plant is grestly exploited and therefore its conservation is highly recommended. This can be achieved by developing new in-vitro propagation method and by translating the proposed modern propagation method into the practicing field. By doing this, large number of propagules from minimum plant material can be obtained in lesser time to lessen the pressure on their wild habitat.

 

The extracts of the plant are used for variety of polyherbal formulations for treating different ailments and diseases, which are available in market. The herbal drugs are safer, inexpensive, with less or no side effects as compare to allopathic medicines. Because of its broad spectrum medicinal properties, Swertia chirata is in great demand not only locally and nationally but also internationally. So increasing its propagation and production of its active constituents on large scale can increase the foreign exchange.

 

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Received on 26.04.2013

Modified on 28.05.2013

Accepted on 05.06.2013

© A&V Publication all right reserved

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 5(4): July- August 2013, 199-207