16

Chapter 2

Review of Literature of the selected plants Boswellia ovalifoliolata, Commiphora caudata, Saccharum spontaneum and Garcinia mangostana

2.1 A brief Review on Boswellia species

2.2. A brief Review on Commiphora species

2.3 A brief Review on Saccharum species

2.4 A brief Review on Garcinia species

16

Chapter 2

A Review on the Phytochemical and Biological studies of the selected plants: Boswellia ovalifoliolata, Commiphora caudata, Saccharum spontaneum and Garcinia mangostana In view of the significant medicinal uses of the genus Boswellia, Commiphora,

Saccharum ,Garcinia and their species, the author has considered pertinent to present a

brief review on the phytochemical and biological studies on Boswellia, Commiphora,

Saccharum and Garcinia.

2.1 A brief review on Boswellia species

Boswellia is a genus of trees in Sapindales order, known for their fragrant resin

which has many pharmacological uses particularly as anti-inflammatory. Boswellia

species have long been used in Ayurvedic medicine. The compounds, boswellic acids

which were isolated from the resin showed a promise in the treatment of asthma and

various inflammatory conditions. There were reports that Boswellia incense may even

relieve depression [72-74].

List of Boswellia species available in India

1. Boswellia glabra

2. Boswellia ovalifoliolata

3. Boswellia serrata

Important bioactive molecules were reported from the genus which includes

triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, sterols and fatty acids [75-76]. The

compounds isolated from Indian Boswellia species, so far were listed below.

17

Table 2.1: Phytochemicals isolated from Indian Boswellia species

S.No Boswellia species

Compounds isolated Ref

1. B.ovalifoliolata Ovalifoliolatin A, Ovalifoliolatin B, acerogenin C, 3

α-hydroxyurs-12-ene, and Sitost-4-en-3-one

[77]

2. B. serrata Boswellic acids, α-amyrin, 3-isopropyl-4-methyl-5-

oxo-heptan-1-ol , β-sitosterol, α-Thujene, α-pinene

[78-99]

Structures of chemical constituents from Boswellia species:

Figure 2.1: Chemical structures of A) Ovalifoliolatin A, B) Ovalifoliolatin B, C) Acerogenin C

Figure 2.2: Chemical structure of β-Boswellic acid

A B C

18

Biological activities:

Some of the biological activities which were reported with Boswellia species are

given in Table 2.2.

Table 2.2: Some of the biological activities reported with Boswellia species

S.No Boswellia species Biological Activity Reference

1 B.Serrata Anti-Inflammatory, Hypolipidemic,

Anti-arthritic, Anti-neoplastic

[80-84]

2

B. ovalifoliolata Antiulcer , Antiinflammatory,

Antibacterial, Antirheumatic

Antifungal.

[85-87]

3 Boswellia glabra

Hypoglycemic [88]

19

Boswellia ovalifoliolata

Boswellia ovalifoliolata Bal.Henry (Burseraceae) is an endemic, endangered and

threatened medicinal tree taxa found on the Eastern Ghats of India. It is commonly

known as Konda sambrani and Adavi guggilam. The leaves, stem bark and gum resin of

the plant are highly medicated and are traditionally used in the treatment of ulcers,

dysentery, inflammation, arthritis, obesity, and diabetes [73].

Boswellia ovalifoliolata

Boswellia ovalifoliolata is a deciduous tree; bark greyish, smooth, exfoliating in

thin flakes; branchlets red coloured, glabrous. Leaves imparipinnate; leaflets 5-13, ovate

or elliptic, glabrous, glaucous beneath, entire, obtuse, reddish, sessile. Flowers greenish

white, in much branched panicles. Calyx 5-toothed, Petals 6, imbricate. Stamens 10,

20

Ovary 3-locular; ovules 2 per locule, pendulous; style short, stigma capitate. Drupes

trigonous, seeds winged and compressed [73].

An exhaustive literature survey on the Boswellia species revealed that the genus is

a rich source of flavonoids, triterpenoids, sterols, phenolics, tannins, proteins and fatty

acids. Many of these compounds have been found to possess significant pharmacological

actions such as anti-inflammatory, antiatherosclerotic, hypoglycaemic and anticancer

activities.

21

2.2 A brief review on Commiphora species

Many Commiphora species exude a resin with a pleasant odour and the healing

properties of the resins have been known since ancient times. Over 200 species were

recorded in the genus and occur in Africa, Arabia and India [89]. The resinous

Commiphora exudates from the bark of plants of the genus Commiphora are important in

indigenous medicines, and have a long medicinal application for arthritis, hyperlipidemia,

pain, wounds, coronary artery and gynecological diseases [90-91]. A diverse secondary

metabolites including terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, sugars, lignans, etc. have been

identified in this genus [92-95].

List of Commiphora species available in India

1. Commiphora caudata

2. Commiphora mukul

3. Commiphora myrrha

4. Commiphora opobalsamum

5. Commiphora berryi

The phytochemical studies on Commiphora caudata are scanty and there are

reports of presence of flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, proteins, mucilage, tannins,

terpenoids and carbohydrates from the qualitative chemical tests [106-107]. Important

bioactive molecules were reported from the genus which includes steroids, triterpenoids,

flavonoids, and phenolics [73]. The compounds isolated from Indian Commiphora

species, so far were listed below.

22

Table 2.3: Phytochemicals isolated from Indian Commiphora species

S.No Commiphora species

Compounds isolated Ref

1. C. mukul Guggulsterone Z and E, Guggulosterone I– VI,

Sesanin, Camphorene, Cambrane-A, Myrcene,

Mukulol (allylcembrol), Octadecan-1,2,3,4-

tetrol, eicosan-1,2,3,4-tetrol, Eicosan-1,2,3,4-

tetrol, α-spinasterol, Quercetin, Quercetin-

3-O-β-D-glucuronide, Pelargonidin-3,5-di-O-

glucoside, muscanone

[98-101]

2. C. myrrha β-bourbonene , α-humulene , 9-epi-

caryophyllene, alloaromadendrene, curzerene,

β-sesquiphellandrene, cis-β-elemenone, 7-epi-

α-eudesmol, limonene , p-cymene , α-

terpineol, β-bisabolene

[ 102]

3. C.opobalsamum α-bisabolene, α-bergamotene, γ-cadinene, α-

santalene, trans-α-bergamotene, γ-elemene

[103-104]

Figure 2.3: Chemical structures of Z-Guggulsterone and E-guggulsterone

23

Biological activities:

Some of the pharmacological activities which are reported with Commiphora

species are given in Table 2.4.

Table 2.4: Some of the biological activities reported with Commiphora species

S.No Commiphora species

Biological Activity Reference

1 C.mukul Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic,

Anti-Hypothyroidism, Antibacterial,

Antidiabetic, Antiproliferative.

[95]

2 C.berryi Antiulcer, Hepatoprotective,

Antioxidant, Antischistosomal,

Antimicrobial

[105-106]

3 C.opobalsamum Antiulcer, Hypotensive,

Hepatoprotective, Antiproliferative,

Anti-inflammatory

[106]

4 C. myrrha Antitumor, Antimicrobial, Anti-

inflammatory.

[107]

5 C.caudata

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory,

Hepatoprotective, Antiulcer,

Diuretic, Antibacterial

[108-110]

24

Commiphora Caudata

Commiphora caudata Wight & Arn (Burseraceae) commonly known as hill

mango, konda mamidi and konda ragi is a potential medicinal plant, distributed in India

and Srilanka [107]. It is very common in hill slopes of Tirumala and commonly

cultivated as an avenue tree throughout south India. The leaves and bark have the odour

of mangoes, and the oleo-gum resin obtained from the tree is used as incense [111]. The

stem, bark and leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism, ulcers,

diarrhea and spasms [98]. Fruit is a good source of tannins and used as an astringent,

cooling, aphrodiasiac, diuretic and antidiabetic.

Commiphora caudata

25

Commiphora caudata is a deciduous tree with mango like aroma; bark greyish,

smooth, papery; branchlets glabrous. Leaves imparipinnate, leaflets 3-7, broadly ovate-

lanceolate, glabrous, glossy above, entire, and caudate. Flowers are polygamous, cream

to reddish, axillary paniculate dichasial cymes. Calyx 4-lobed, campanulate. Petals 4,

reflexed. Stamens 8, free. Ovary bilocular, Ovules 2 per locule, axile; stigma 2 lobed.

Drupes globose, green, fleshy; seed solitary, black with 4 radiating wings [112].

An exhaustive literature survey on the Commiphora species revealed that the

genus is a rich source of steroidal compounds, flavonoids, glycosides, phenolics, etc.

Many of these compounds have been used in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, rheumatic

disorders, obesity and ischaemic heart diseases.

26

2.3 A brief review on Saccharum species

The genus “Saccharum” includes about 150 species under the family “Poaceae”.

The genus includes tall perennial reedlike grasses originally of southeastern Asia, chiefly

herbaceous and some woody plants including cereals and bamboo. The important species

of the genus Saccharum officinarum, commonly known as sugarcane is a tall tropical

Southeast Asian grass having stout fibrous jointed stalks and the sap is a chief source of

sugar. Saccharum bengalense and Saccharum munja are tough Asiatic grasses whose

culms are used for making ropes and baskets.

List of Saccharum species available in India

1. Saccharum munja

2. Saccharum arundinaceum

3. Saccharum officinarum

4. Saccharum spontaneum

5. Saccharum sara

6. Saccharum bengalense

The phytochemical studies on Saccharum spontaneum are scanty and there are

reports of presence of terpenoids ,flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, tannins, quinones,

saponins and carbohydrates from the qualitative chemical tests [113]. Important bioactive

molecules were reported from the genus and the compounds isolated from Indian

Saccharum species, so far were listed below.

27

Table 2.5: Phytochemicals isolated from Saccharum species

S.No Saccharum species

Compounds isolated Ref

1. S. officinarum

Policosanol ,Apigenin ,Luteolin ,Tricin

,Caffeic acid ,Hydroxycinnamic acids, Sinapic

acid, 5-O-methylapigenin, 3’,4’,5,7-

tetrahydroxy-3, 6-dimethoxy flavone , Tricin-

7-(2”-rhamnosyl)-ߙ-galactouronide, Orientin-

7,3’-dimethyl ether, swertisin, schaftoside,

isoschaftoside , Tricin-7-glucoside ,Sucrose,

Glucose, Aconitic acid

[114-

117]

2. S. munja Glucose, Rhamnose, Xylose, galactose,

Furfural,apigenin, luteolin

[ 118 ]

Figure 2.4: Flavonoids isolated from saccharum species

Figure 2.5: Policosanol

28

Biological activities:

Some of the biological activities which were reported with Saccharum species are

given in Table 2.6.

Table 2.6: Some of the biological activities reported with Saccharum spontaneum

S.No Commiphora species

Biological Activity Reference

1 S. officinarum Hypocholesterolemic, Anti-diabetic,

immunostimulatory, Antioxidant,

[119-120]

2 S. spontaneum

Antidiarrhoel , CNS depressant,

Antiurolithiatic

[121]

29

Saccharum spontaneum

Saccharum spontaneum (Poaceae) commonly known as Wild sugarcane, Kasa,

Adavi cheruku and Rellu gaddi is widely found throughout India along the streams and

moist places. This occurs throughout India along the sides of the river and is widely

distributed in Andhra Pradesh and Vellore district of Tamilnadu. Scientific information

on their pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacology are very scant. It is a popular

folk medicine and considered as valuable medicinal herb in traditional systems of

medicine in India. The rural people in Vellore district of Tamilnadu and Andhra Pradesh

use fresh juice of the stem of Saccharum spontaneum plant for the treatment of mental

illness and mental disturbances. The whole plant is used to treat mental diseases,

abdominal disorders, dyspnoea, anaemia, obesity, diuretic, lithotriptic, purgative, tonic,

aphrodisiac, gynecological troubles, respiratory troubles etc [122-124].

Saccharum spontaneum

30

Saccharum spontaneum is a perennial, tall, densely futed herb with a creeping

rhizome; culms stout, solid; nodes waxy. Leaf blades linear, flat or convolute, base

narrowed, margins scaberulous, acuminate, midrib prominent, coriaceous, glabrous;

sheaths glabrous; ligules membranous with fringe of hairs. Panicle silky white; branches

subverticillate; joints woolly. Spikelets linear, callus with silky hairs. Sessile spikelets:

linear-lanceolate. Glumes equal, lanceolate, acuminate; Stamens 3, Pedicelled spikelet:

linear-lanceolate [125].

An exhaustive literature survey on the Saccharum species revealed that the genus

is a rich source of carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenolics, etc. Many

of these compounds have been found to possess significant therapeutic uses such as

diuretic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoel, antiestrogenic and hypocholesterolemic etc.

31

2.4 A brief review on Garcinia species

Garcinia is a plant genus of the family Clusiaceae native to Asia, Australia,

tropical and southern Africa. The number of species is highly disputed, with various

sources recognizing between 50 to 300. Commonly, the plants in this genus are called

saptrees, mangosteens (which may also refer specifically to the purple mangosteen, G.

mangostana), garcinias or, ambiguously, "monkey fruit" [126].

The Garcinia species available in India were listed below.

1. Garcinia cambogia

2. Garcinia cowa

3. Garcinia hanburyi

4. Garcinia indica

5. Garcinia mangostana

6. Garcinia morella

7. Garcinia pedunculata

8. Garcinia xanthochymus

Phytochemical studies:

The major bioactive secondary metabolites of G. mangostana are xanthone

derivatives [127], which occur commonly in only a few higher plant families, fungi and

lichens. Pharmacological activities of xanthones have aroused great interest to this class

of substances. The major constituents from the xanthone fraction of G. mangostana were

found to be α -mangostin and β-mangostin [128]. More than 60 other xanthones were

isolated from different plant parts of G. mangostana including -mangostin, 3-

isomangostin, 8-deoxygartanin, demethyl- calabaxanthone, garcinone D, and

32

mangostinone [128, 146]. Important bioactive molecules were reported from the genus

which includes Xanthones, terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and polyphenols. The

compounds isolated from Indian Garcinia species, so far were listed below.

Table 2.7(a): Phytochemicals isolated from Garcinia species

S.No Garcinia species Compounds isolated Ref

1. G. cambogia

Cambogin, Camboginol, Hydroxycitric acid,

Garcinol, Isogarcinol, Cyanidin -3-

sambubioside

[129]

2. G. cowa Cowanin, Cowanol, Norcowanin, Scowanin,

Cowaxanthone, Rubraxanthone.

[106]

3 G. hanburyi α -Garcinolic acids, β-Garcinolic acid,

Gambogic acids

[106]

4 G. indica Garcinol, Isogarcinol, ( − )-Hydroxycitric acid,

Cyanidin-3-glucoside, Cyanidin-3-sambubio-

Side

[106]

5 G. morella Morellin ,Neomorellin, β-guttiferin, α-

guttiferin , Morelloflavone, Isomorellin

[117-

118]

6 G. pedunculata Pedunculol, Garcinol, Cambogin,

benzophenone

[118]

7 G.xanthochymus Xanthochymol, Isoxanthymol [118]

The secondary metabolites isolated from G. mangostana and their structures have

been included in Table 2.7(b).

33

Table 2.7(b): Chemical constituents isolated from G. mangostana

S.No Chemical name Structure Reference

1 XANTHONES

α- Mangostin

[130]

2 β- Mangostin

[132-133]

3 - Mangostin

[134]

4 1,3,6,7-Tetrahydroxy Xanthone

[136]

5 11-Hydroxy-1-isomngostin

[135]

6 1-Isomangostin

[131]

34

S.No Chemical name Structure Reference

7 8-Deoxygartanin

[136]

8 8-Hydroxy cudraxanthone

[136]

9 BR-Xanthone

[137]

10 Calabaxanthone

[137]

11 Mangosharin

[138]

12 Mangostanin

[139]

13 Mangostanol

[139]

14 Mangostenol

[133]

35

S.No Chemical name Structure Reference

15 Mangostenone A

[140]

16 Mangostenone B

[140]

17 Mangostenone C

[141]

18 Mangostenone D

[141]

19 Mangostenone E

[141]

20 Mangostinone

[147]

21 Smeathxanthone A

[147]

36

Biological activities:

Extracts and pure compounds derived from G. mangostana, mainly individual

xanthones, were reported to have a great variety of pharmacological activities. Some of

the biological activities which are reported with Garcinia mangostana and other species

of Garcinia were given in Table 2.8.

Table 2.8: Some of the biological activities reported with Garcinia species

S.No Garcinia species Biological Activity Reference

1 G. cambogia Hypolipidemic, Antidiarrhoeal [119]

2 G. cowa Antimicrobial [118]

3 G. hanburyi Catharatic [118]

4 G. indica Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-

ulcerogenic, Cardioprotective,

Anticancer, Chemopreventive,

antioxidant, anti-obesity

[142]

5 G. morella

Cathartic, Anthelmintic,

Antibacterial, Antiprotozoal

[143-144]

6 G. pedunculata Antiscorbutic, astringent,

cardiotonic, antiulcer

[145]

7 G. xanthochymus Anthelmintic, Cardiotonic. [146]

8 G.mangostana Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial,

Cytotoxic, Anti-inflammatory,

Antiulcer, Antidepressant,

Cardiotonic.

[148-157]

37

Garcinia mangostana

Garcinia mangostana Linn (Clusiaceae), commonly known as Mangosteen and

Mangustan has a long history of use as a medicinal plant mostly in south Asia. It is a

tropical evergreen fruit tree from India, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Srilanka and

Thailand. The fruit, Fruit rind, leaves and bark of the plant are used medicinally.

Mangosteen is a popular health food supplement [163]. Different parts of G. mangostana,

mostly fruit hull, bark and roots have been used for hundreds of years in Southeast Asia

as a medicine for a great variety of medical conditions. It is used as antimicrobial, anti-

inflammatory, antiulcer, febrifuge and in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery.

Garcinia mangostana

Garcinia mangostana is an erect slow growing tree that has a pyramidal crown.

Leaves are opposite, short-stalked, ovate- oblong or elliptic, cuneate base, acute apex,

entire margin, dark green and glossy above and yellowish-green beneath. The flowers

38

form clusters of 3-9 at the branch tips. There are four sepals and four ovate, thick, fleshy

petals. The petals colour is green with red spots on the outside, yellowish-green inside.

The fruit rind is 6-10 mm thick, red in cross-section, purplish-white on the inside. The

rind contains bitter yellow latex and a purple, staining juice. The fruit may be seedless or

have 1-5 fully developed seeds with ovoid-oblong shape. The mangosteen fruit is dark

purple or reddish, with white soft and juicy edible pulp with a slightly acid and sweet

flavor and a pleasant aroma. Mangosteen is known as the “queen of fruits” because it is

one of the best tasting tropical fruits.

An exhaustive literature survey on the Garcinia species revealed that the genus is

a rich source of xanthones which were found to possess significant therapeutic uses such

as antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, cardioprotective, etc.

Based on the traditional uses reported in the literature and the phytoconstituents

earlier isolated, the author has selected four plant species Boswellia ovalifoliolata,

Commiphora caudata, Saccharum spontaneum and Garcinia mangostana. The selected

plant materials were further extracted with alcohol and subjected to physico-chemical and

preliminary phytochemical evaluation.