Isolation and characterization of a compound from the leaves of Abrus precatorius linnaeus responsible for body weight loss in albino rats

• Published in: Indian journal of clinical biochemistry Vol. 31; no. S1; p. S30
• Main Authors: Ghosh, Tanaya, Mitra, Prasenjit, Jha, D.K, Mitra, P.K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Springer 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Body weight; Health aspects; Hydrolysis; Mass spectrometry; Medicinal plants; Medicine, Botanic; Medicine, Herbal; Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; Resveratrol; Weight loss
• ISSN: 0970-1915; 0974-0422

Introduction: Abrus precatorius Linnaeus (A. precatorius L.), a medicinal plant of leguminosae (Fabaceae) family is widely used in traditional medicine for therapeutic purpose. Pharmacological studies revealed that the plant has anti-diabetic, anti-tumour and anti-microbial activity. We have, however, noted that leaves of A. precatorius L. could decrease body weight of normal rats. Aims & Objectives: Objective of this study was to isolate and characterize the compound from the leaves of A. precatorius L. responsible for body weight loss in albino rats. Materials and Methods: By solvent extractions, acid hydrolysis, chromatography followed by crystallization, a compound was isolated from the leaves of A. precatorius L. To note body weight reduction activity of the isolated compound, if any, Sprague Dawley normal rats were divided into two groups. First group of animals (control) received normal diet and de-ionized water while animals of the second group, in addition to normal diet and de-ionized water, took test drug (isolated compound in the dose of 100mg/kg body weight daily in watery suspension through oral route). Experiment was continued for 40 days and results were noted. Further, characterization of the compound was done by infra-red spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Results: The isolated compound from Abrus precatorius Linnaeus significantly reduced body weights of the rats. Analysis of spectral data revealed that the isolated compound was 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid. Conclusion: 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid present in the leaves of A. precatorius L. was responsible for body weight loss in rats.