Inhibition of doxorubicin/​induced clastogenic effect by Aegle marmelos (L.)
correa in cultured V79 cells.

Venkatesh P, Jagetia GC, Rao K, Shantala B, Baliga MS.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal 576 104, India.

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline antibiotic, which is widely used as an
antineoplastic drug in the treatment of various solid tumors, has been shown to
induce genotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the
protective efficacy of the extract of Aegle marmelos (AME) in the Chinese
hamster V79 cells in vitro. Cells were treated with different concentrations of
AME viz. 0/​100mug/ml before and after exposure to 10mug/ml DOX and the
cytoprotective activity was evaluated using MTT and micronuclei assay.
Pretreatment of cells with 25mug/ml AME reduced DOX/​induced cytotoxicity as
evidenced by an increase in the cell survival. AME pretreatment reduced the
DOX/​induced micronuclei formation and a highest decline in micronuclei/​induction
was observed at 25mug/ml AME and hence this dose of AME was selected as the
optimum protective dose and further studies were carried out using this dose of
AME. The chemoprotective effect of AME was studied by pretreating V79 cells with
25mug/ml AME before exposure to various concentrations of DOX (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10,
25 or 50mug/ml) and was evaluated by cell survival, clonogenicity and
micronucleus assay. AME treatment caused a significant decline in the
DOX/​induced cytotoxicity as evidenced by increase in the cell survival at all
post/​DOX treatment times as well as increase in the surviving fractions in the
clonogenicity. AME treatment significantly reduced DOX/​induced micronuclei
formation in a dose dependent manner when compared with concurrent DOX treatment
alone and a biological response between cell survival and micronuclei was linear
for both the groups. The present data shows for the first time that AME was
efficient in reducing both cytotoxic and genotoxic effect of DOX and may be
useful in reducing DOX/​induced toxicity.

PMID: 17270387 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

2: Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2007 Mar 15;17(6):1808/​11. Epub 2006 Dec 15.

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic agent from Aegle marmelos.

Narender T, Shweta S, Tiwari P, Papi Reddy K, Khaliq T, Prathipati P, Puri A,
Srivastava AK, Chander R, Agarwal SC, Raj K.

Division of Medicinal and Process Chemistry, Central Drug Research Institute,
Lucknow 226 001 (UP), India.

The plant Aegle marmelos belongs to the family of Rutaceae. From the leaves of
A. marmelos an alkaloidal/​amide, Aegeline 2, was isolated and found to have
antihyperglycemic activity as evidenced by lowering the blood glucose levels by
12.9% and 16.9% at 5 and 24h, respectively, in sucrose challenged streptozotocin
induced diabetic rats (STZ/​S) model at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight.
Aegeline 2 has also significantly decreased the plasma triglyceride (Tg) levels
by 55% (P<0.001), total cholesterol (TC) by 24% (P<0.05), and free fatty acids
(FFA) by 24%, accompanied with increase in HDL/​C by 28% and HDL/​C/TC ratio by
66% in dyslipidemic hamster model at the dose of 50mg/kg body weight. The
reasonable mapping of compound 2 to validated pharmacophoric hypothesis and 3D
QSAR model with an estimated activity (283nM) suggest that the compound 2 might
be a beta(3)/​AR agonist.

PMID: 17197179 [PubMed /​ in process]

3: Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2006 Dec;33(12):1150/​7.

Biochemical evaluation of antidiabetogenic properties of some commonly used
Indian plants on streptozotocin/​induced diabetes in experimental rats.

Narendhirakannan RT, Subramanian S, Kandaswamy M.

Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Madras, Chennai, India.

1. Diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disorder with micro/​ and
macrovascular complications that results in significant morbidity and mortality.
2. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hypoglycaemic efficacy of
commonly used traditional Indian plants, such as Murraya koenigii, Mentha
piperitae, Ocimum sanctum and Aegle marmelos, in streptozotocin (STZ)/​induced
experimental rats. 3. Oral administration of the ethanolic extract of these
plants resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of blood glucose,
glycosylated haemoglobin and urea, with a concomitant increase in glycogen,
haemoglobin and protein, in diabetic rats. Treatment with these plant extracts
also resulted in an increase in insulin and C/​peptide levels and glucose
tolerance. 4. The decreased activities of carbohydrate/​metabolising enzymes,
such as hexokinase, glucose/​6/​phosphate dehydrogenase and glycogen synthase, in
diabetic rats were significantly elevated towards near normal in rats treated
with extracts of M. koenigii, O. sanctum and A. marmelos; the increased
activities of lactate dehydrogenase, fructose/​1,6/​bisphosphatase,
glucose/​6/​phosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase in STZ diabetic rats were
significantly reduced following treatment with the plant extracts. 5. Elevated
specific binding of [(125)I]/​labelled insulin to the receptor found in diabetic
rats was markedly decreased in extract/​treated groups. However, treatment of
diabetic rats with M. piperitae did not result in any significant modification
in all parameters. 6. Phytochemical screening conducted by us revealed the
presence of biologically active ingredients in the ethanolic extracts of M.
koenigii, O. sanctum and A. marmelos, which may readily account for the observed
hypoglycaemic activity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17184494 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

4: Phytother Res. 2006 Dec;20(12):1103/​5.

Evaluation of the antithyroid, antioxidative and antihyperglycemic activity of
scopoletin from Aegle marmelos leaves in hyperthyroid rats.

Panda S, Kar A.

School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Vigyan Bhavan, Khandwa Road
Campus, Indore 0452017, M.P., India.

Scopoletin (7/​hydroxy/​6/​methoxy coumarin) was isolated from the leaves of Aegle
marmelos and evaluated for its potential to regulate hyperthyroidism, lipid
peroxidation and hyperglycemia in levo/​thyroxine/​induced hyperthyroid rats.
Scopoletin (1.00 mg/kg, p.o.) administered daily for 7 days to
levo/​thyroxine/​treated animals decreased the levels of serum thyroid hormones
and glucose as well as hepatic glucose/​6/​phosphatase activity, demonstrating its
potential to regulate hyperthyroidism and hyperglycemia. Scopoletin also
inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of antioxidants,
superoxide dismutase and catalase. Compared with the standard antithyroid drug,
propylthiouracil, scopoletin exhibited a superior therapeutic activity, since
unlike propylthiouracil, it also inhibited hepatic lipid peroxidation. These
findings indicate that scopoletin has the potential to inhibit thyroid function
and hyperglycemia without hepatotoxicity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17078113 [PubMed /​ in process]

5: Phytomedicine. 2007 Feb 19;14(2/​3):209/​215. Epub 2006 Jul 24.

Acute and subacute toxicity studies of Aegle marmelos Corr., an Indian medicinal
plant.

Veerappan A, Miyazaki S, Kadarkaraisamy M, Ranganathan D.

Department of Pharmacology and Environmental Toxicology, Dr. A.L.M.
Post/​Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras,
Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, Tamil Nadu, India; Toxico/​Biochemistry
Laboratory, Department of Safety Research, National Institute of Animal Health,
Kannondai, Tsukuba Science City, Ibaraki, Japan.

This study was designed to elucidate the toxicity of the widely used plant Aegle
marmelos in rats. We have taken total alcoholic, total aqueous, whole aqueous
and methanolic extracts isolated from the leaves of A. marmelos and studied
their toxic effects. Acute, subacute and LD(50) values were determined in
experimental rats. The dead animals were obtained from primary screening
studies, LD(50) value determination experiments and acute studies subjected to
postmortem studies. The external appearance of the dead animals, the appearance
of the viscera, heart, lungs, stomach, intestine, liver, kidney, spleen and
brain were carefully noted and any apparent and significant features or
differences from the norm were recorded. Following the chronic administration of
A. marmelos for 14 days, the vital organs such as heart, liver, kidney, testis,
spleen and brain were carefully evaluated by histopathological studies and any
apparent and significant changes or differences from the norm were studied. From
the acute administration of A. marmelos, the LD(50) values were determined using
graphical method. The hearts stopped in systolic stand/​still in the acute
experiments. There were no remarkable changes noticed in the histopathological
studies after 50mg/kg body wt of the extracts of A. marmelos when administered
intraperitoneally for 14 days successively. Pathologically, neither gross
abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. After calculation of
LD(50) values using graphical methods, we found a broad therapeutic window and a
high therapeutic index value for A. marmelos extracts. Intraperitoneal
administration of the extracts of the leaves of A. marmelos at doses of 50, 70,
90 and 100mg/kg body wt for 14 consecutive days to male and female Wistar rats
did not induce any short/​term toxicity. Collectively, these data demonstrate
that the extracts of the leaves of A. marmelos have a high margin of drug
safety.

PMID: 16860551 [PubMed /​ as supplied by publisher]

6: J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Oct 11;107(3):374/​9. Epub 2006 May 7.

Hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic activity of Aegle marmelos seed extract in
normal and diabetic rats.

Kesari AN, Gupta RK, Singh SK, Diwakar S, Watal G.

Alternative Therapeutics Unit, Drug Development Division, Medicinal Research
Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Allahabad, Allahabad 211002, India.

Aegle marmelos Corr. (Rutaceae) is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for
the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos seeds
was administered orally at different doses (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) to normal as
well as sub (fasting blood glucose (FBG) normal; glucose tolerance abnormal) and
mild (FBG 120/​250 mg/dl) diabetic rats. The dose of 250 mg/kg was found to be
most effective dose and it decreases blood glucose level (BGL) by 35.1% in
normal healthy rats after 6h of administration. The same dose also showed a
marked reduction in BGL of 41.2% in sub and 33.2% in mild diabetic rats in
glucose tolerance test (GTT) after 2 h. Treatment of severely (FBG >250 mg/dl)
diabetic rats for 14 days with a dose of 250 mg/kg reduces the fasting blood
glucose by 60.84% and urine sugar by 75% than their pretreatment levels. It
brought about fall in level of total cholesterol (TC) by 25.49% with increase of
33.43% in high density lipoprotein (HDL) and decrease of 53.97 and 45.77% in low
density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG), respectively. These results
clearly indicate that aqueous seed extract of Aegle marmelos possess
antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects in diabetic rats.

PMID: 16781099 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

7: Fish Shellfish Immunol. 2006 Oct;21(4):372/​84. Epub 2006 May 12.

Influence of selected Indian immunostimulant herbs against white spot syndrome
virus (WSSV) infection in black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon with reference to
haematological, biochemical and immunological changes.

Citarasu T, Sivaram V, Immanuel G, Rout N, Murugan V.

Fish Developmental Genetics and Cell Engineering, State Key Laboratory of
Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy
of Sciences, Wuchang, Wuhan 430072, PR China. citarasu@gmail.com

Immunostimulants are the substances, which enhance the non/​specific defence
mechanism and provide resistance against the invading pathogenic micro/​organism.
In order to increase the immunity of shrimps against the WSSV, the methanolic
extracts of five different herbal medicinal plants like Cyanodon dactylon, Aegle
marmelos, Tinospora cordifolia, Picrorhiza kurooa and Eclipta alba were selected
and mixed thoroughly in equal proportion. The mixed extract was supplemented
with various concentrations viz. 100 (A), 200 (B), 400 (C), and 800 (D) mgkg(/​1)
through artificial diets individually. The prepared diets (A/​D) were fed
individually to WSSV free healthy shrimp Penaeus monodon with an average weight
of 8.0+//​0.5g for 25 days. Control diet (E), devoid of herbal extract was also
fed to shrimps simultaneously. After 25 days of feeding experiment, the shrimps
were challenged with WSSV, which were isolated and propagated from the infected
crustaceans. The shrimps succumbed to death within 7 days when fed on no herbal
immunostimulant diet (E). Among the different concentrations of herbal
immunostimulant supplemented diets, the shrimps fed on diet D (800mgkg(/​1))
significantly (P<0.0001) had more survival (74%) and reduction in the viral
load. Also the better performance of haematological, biochemical and
immunological parameters was found in the immunostimulant incorporated diets fed
shrimps. The present work revealed that the application of herbal
immunostimulants will be effective against shrimp viral pathogenesis and they
can be recommended for shrimp culture.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16698283 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

8: Phytother Res. 2006 Mar;20(3):228/​31.

Screening of traditional antidiabetic medicinal plants of Mauritius for possible
alpha/​amylase inhibitory effects in vitro.

Kotowaroo MI, Mahomoodally MF, Gurib/​Fakim A, Subratty AH.

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit,
Mauritius.

In this study, seven exotic/indigenous medicinal plants of Mauritius, namely
Coix lacryma/​jobi (Poaceae), Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae), Artocarpus heterophyllus
(Moraceae), Vangueria madagascariensis (Rubiaceae), Azadirachta indica
(Meliaceae), Eriobotrya japonica (Rosaceae) and Syzigium cumini (Myrtaceae) were
studied for possible effects on starch breakdown by alpha/​amylase in vitro. The
results showed that only Artocarpus heterophyllus significantly (p < 0.05)
inhibited alpha/​amylase activity in vitro. To confirm the observed effects, a
further biochemical assay was undertaken to investigate the effects of
Artocarpus heterophyllus on alpha/​amylase activity using rat plasma in vitro. It
was found that the aqueous leaf extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited
alpha/​amylase activity in rat plasma. The highest inhibitory activity (27.20 +//​
5.00%) was observed at a concentration of 1000 microg/mL. However, in both cases
dose dependency was not observed. Enzyme kinetic studies using the
Michaelis/​Menten and Lineweaver/​Burk equations were performed to establish the
type of inhibition involved. In the presence of the plant extract the maximal
velocity (Vmax) remained constant (1/150 g / L/s) whereas the Michaelis/​Menten
constant (Km) increased by 5.79 g / L, indicating that the aqueous leaf extract
of Artocarpus heterophyllus behaved as a competitive inhibitor. Results from the
present study tend to indicate that Artocarpus heterophyllus could act as a
'starch blocker' thereby reducing post/​prandial glucose peaks. Copyright 2006
John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16521114 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

9: J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(3):87/​96.

The effect of Aegle marmelos fruit extract in streptozotocin diabetes: a
histopathological study.

Kamalakkannan N, Prince PS.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai Nagar, Tamil Nadu, India.

Aegle marmelos Correa. (Bael) fruit exhibit antidiabetic, antihyperlipidaemic
and antioxidant properties. This study was designed to elucidate the protective
effect of an aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos fruits on the histopathology of
the pancreas in streptozotocin/​induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of
Aegle marmelos fruit extract at doses of 125 and 250 mg/kg twice daily to
diabetic rats for a period of 30 days resulted in a significant increase in body
weight, weight of the pancreas and insulin levels associated with a significant
decrease in fasting blood glucose levels. The fruit extract treated groups
showed improved functional state of the pancreatic ss/​cells and partially
reversed the damage caused by streptozotocin to the pancreatic islets. The
findings of our study indicate that Aegle marmelos fruit extract exhibits
protective effects on the pancreas. The effects observed in the fruit extract
treated animals were better those in animals treated with glibenclamide (300
microg/kg).

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16520300 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

10: Pak J Pharm Sci. 2004 Jan;17(1):9/​17.

Bioactivity studies of the individual ingredients of the Dashamularishta.

Jabbar S, Khan MT, Choudhuri MS, Sil BK.

Pharmacology Research Lab, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Science and Technology Chittagong, Foy's Lake, Chittagong, Bangladesh.

The bioactivity studies of the individual ingredients of Dashamularishta/​/​a
classical Ayurvedic preparation were done with the aqueous extracts of the
individual ingredients. The Aegle marmelos Correa. exhibited severe toxicity to
the brine shrimp (BST) nauplii, wheat rootlet growth (WRG) inhibition bioassay
and lettuce seed germination (LSG) bioassay. It exhibited no inhibition to the
growth of PPR and Reo virus in vero cell line. The Oroxylum indicum exhibited
moderate toxicity to the BST and WRG, but it is not toxic to the LSG. It
exhibited no inhibition to the growth of PPR and Reo virus. The Stereospermum
suaveolens exhibited severe toxicity to the BST and LSG, but it is not toxic to
the WRG. It exhibited total inhibition to the growth of Reo virus, but it has
not effect on the PPR virus. The Premna integrifolia showed severe toxicity to
the BST, but it was not toxic to the WRG and LSG. It exhibited no inhibition to
the growth of PPR and Reo virus. The Gmelina arborea exhibited severe toxicity
to the BST and WRG, but it is not toxic to the LSG. It exhibited no inhibition
to the growth of PPR and Reo virus. The Solanum xanthocarpum showed mild
toxicity to the BST, WRG and LSG. It exhibited 75% inhibition to the growth of
Reo virus. The Solanum indicum showed no toxicity to the BST, WRG and LSG. It
exhibited 75% inhibition to the growth of PPR virus. The Desmodium gangeticum
showed no toxicity to the BST, but moderate toxicity to the WRG and LSG. It
exhibited total inhibition to the growth of PPR virus. The Uraria lagopoides
showed no toxicity to the BST, WRG and LSG. It exhibited total inhibition to the
growth of Reo virus. The Tribulus terrestris showed no toxicity to the BST, but
showed moderate toxicity to the WRG and LSG. It exhibited 75% inhibition to the
growth of both PPR and Reo virus.

PMID: 16414581 [PubMed]

11: Phytother Res. 2006 Jan;20(1):82/​4.

Antidiarrhoeal evaluation of Aegle Marmelos (Correa) Linn. root extract.

Mazumder R, Bhattacharya S, Mazumder A, Pattnaik AK, Tiwary PM, Chaudhary S.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra,
Ranchi 835215, Jharkhand, India. rupa_mazumder@rediffmail.com

A study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antidiarrhoeal
potential of chloroform extract of the root of Aegle marmelos (Correa) Linn. The
in vitro activity was determined by agar dilution and disc diffusion techniques.
The extract was studied in vivo in rats. Of the 35 tested pathogenic diarrhoea
causing strains, the extract was found to be mostly active against the strains
of Vibrio cholerae, followed by Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. The in vitro
activity was found to be comparable to that of ciprofloxacin. Further, Aegle
marmelos root extract (AMRE) treated animals showed significant inhibitory
activity against castor oil/​induced diarrhoea. The results so obtained thus
established the efficacy of AMRE as an effective antidiarrhoeal agent. Copyright
2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16397850 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

12: J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2005;24(4):315/​32.

Radioprotection by oral administration of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa in vivo.

Jagetia GC, Venkatesh P.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
gc.jagetia@rediffmail.com

The radioprotective effect of an extract of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (AME),
family Rutaceae, was investigated in mice exposed to different doses of
gamma/​radiation. Mice were administered orally AME 250 mg/kg b.wt. orally daily
for 5 consecutive days before exposure to 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 Gy of
gamma/​radiation. The animals were monitored daily up to 30 days after
irradiation for the development of symptoms of radiation sickness or death.
Treatment of mice with AME before irradiation reduced the symptoms of radiation
sickness and delayed death compared to the irradiated controls given sterile
physiological saline (SPS). AME provided protection against both
gastrointestinal and hematopoietic toxicities. Reducing the administration
schedule of AME to 1 or 3 consecutive days or increasing the schedule to 7
consecutive days was not as effective as 5 consecutive days of preradiation
schedule. The administration of AME after irradiation was not effective, and no
survivors could be reported 30 days after irradiation. The LD50/30 was found to
be 8.1 Gy for the SPS + irradiation group and 9.7 Gy for the AME + irradiation
group. The oral administration of AME resulted in an increase in radiation
tolerance by 1.6 Gy, and the dose reduction factor was found to be 1.2.
Preradiation treatment of mice with AME caused a significant depletion in lipid
peroxidation followed by a significant elevation in glutathione concentration in
the liver of mice 31 days after irradiation. The drug was nontoxic up to a dose
of 6000 mg/kg b.wt., the highest drug dose that could be tested for acute
toxicity.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16393124 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

13: Hindustan Antibiot Bull. 2003 Feb/​2004 Nov;45/​46(1/​4):41/​6.

Investigation on the gastroprotective and antidiarrhoeal properties of Aegle
marmelos unripe fruit extract.

Dhuley JN.

Pharmacology & Toxicology section, Research Centre, Hindustan Antibiotics
Limited, Pimpri, Pune 411 018, India.

The Study was designed to verify the gastroprotective and antidiarrhoeal effects
of unripe fruit extract of Aegle marmelos Corr. The gastroprotective function of
this extract was evaluated in rats against gastric mucosal damage induced by
hypothermic restraint stress, absolute ethanol, and indomethacin, whereas the
antidiarrhoeal activity was investigated by studying the influence on
gastrointestinal transit as measured by a charcoal marker and on castor
oil/​induced accumulation of intestinal fluid in mice and also on contractile
responses evoked by acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, and barium chloride in
isolated guinea/​pig ileum, the results demonstrated that pretreatment of animals
with unripe fruit extract (50 and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) produces a significant
inhibition of gastric lesion induced by ethanol but not those induced by
restraint stress or indomethacin and suggest a probable involvement of a
prostaglandin/​independent mechanism of gastroprotection. At similar doses, both
the intestinal transit as well as the accumulation of intestinal fluids induced
by castor oil in mice were significantly inhibited by raw fruit extract.
Furthermore, the extract antagonized the contractile responses evoked by
different agonists on guinea/​pig ileum in vitro and its inhibitory potential for
the drugs are in the order of acetylcholine > histamine > serotonin > barium
chloride. Taken together, these results point out a possible antidiarrhoeal
effect of unripe fruit extract of A. marmelos Corr., since inhibition of
intestinal motility and secretion can control clinical diarrhoea.

Publication Types:
In Vitro

PMID: 16281828 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

14: J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005 Oct;57(10):1353/​7.

Preventive effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract on isoprenaline/​induced
myocardial infarction in rats: biochemical evidence.

Prince PS, Rajadurai M.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar 608 002, Tamil
Nadu, India. p_smprince@yahoo.co.in

We have evaluated the preventive effects of an aqueous Aegle marmelos leaf
extract (AMLEt) in isoprenaline (isoproterenol)/​induced myocardial infarction in
rats. Rats were pretreated with AMLEt (50, 100 or 200 mg kg(/​1)) for 35 days.
After the treatment period, isoprenaline (200 mg kg(/​1)) was administered
subcutaneously to rats at an interval of 24 h for two days. The activity of
creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly increased
in serum and significantly decreased in heart of isoprenaline/​treated rats.
Pretreatment with AMLEt decreased the activity of CK and LDH in serum and
increased them in the heart. The activity of sodium/​potassium dependent
adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)K(+)ATPase) was significantly decreased while the
activity of calcium dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)ATPase) was
simultaneously increased in the heart and aorta. AMLEt pretreatment increased
the activity of Na(+)K(+) ATPase and decreased the activity of Ca(2+)ATPase in
the heart and aorta simultaneously. The levels of cholesterol and triglycerides
increased, while the levels of phospholipids decreased in the heart and aorta of
isoprenaline/​treated rats. In AMLEt/​pretreated rats the levels of cholesterol
and triglycerides decreased whereas phospholipids increased in heart and aorta.
All the deranged biochemical parameters were restored with 200 mg kg(/​1) AMLEt.
Similarly alpha/​tocopherol (60 mg kg(/​1))/​pretreatment to isoprenaline/​treated
rats exhibited a significant effect on all the parameters studied. The results
from this study may have clinical relevance.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 16259765 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

15: Oncol Res. 2005;15(2):69/​79.

Expression of estrogen receptor alpha gene in breast cancer cells treated with
transcription factor decoy is modulated by Bangladeshi natural plant extracts.

Lambertini E, Lampronti I, Penolazzi L, Khan MT, Ather A, Giorgi G, Gambari R,
Piva R.

ER/​GenTech, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ferrara
University, Ferrara, Italy.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the expression of the
estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) gene may be a possible target for compounds
present in plant extracts from Aegle marmelos and Emblica officinalis, used in
traditional Asian medicine in the treatment of tissue inflammation and cancer.
To this aim, we evaluated the potential of the selected plant extracts to affect
proliferation and differentiation of ERalpha/​negative MDA/​MB/​231 breast cancer
cells, which become ERalpha positive after treatment with a decoy molecule
against a regulatory region of the human ERalpha gene. All the plant extracts
inhibited cell proliferation and showed no effect on ERalpha gene expression,
but when they were added in combination with the decoy molecule, a modulatory
effect was observed, depending on the extract employed. The extracts exhibiting
the greatest effects were those obtained from Aegle marmelos.
Gas/​chromatography/mass/​spectrometry (GC/ MS) analysis enabled us to identify
lupeol, a known triterpenoid, as the major bioactive component of A. marmelos
plant extracts. Similar to the Aegle marmelos extracts, lupeol was found to
stimulate the decoy effect of RA4 DNA sequence, increasing at a high level ERa
gene expression in MDA/​MB/​231 ERalpha/​negative breast cancer cells, and also
inhibited cell proliferation.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 16119004 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

16: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2004 Oct;48(4):476/​80.

A study of hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity of Aegle marmelos in alloxan
induced diabetic rats.

Upadhya S, Shanbhag KK, Suneetha G, Balachandra Naidu M, Upadhya S.

Departments of Biochemistry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal /​ 576 104.

The present study was performed to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant
effect of aqueous extract of Aegle marmelos leaves (AML) on diabetic rats. Male
albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group I: Control; Group II:
Diabetic rats; and Group III: Diabetic rats administered AML. Glucose, urea and
glutathione/​S/​transferase (GST) in plasma, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde
(MDA) levels in erythrocytes were estimated in all the groups at the end of four
weeks. There was a decrease in blood glucose at the end of four weeks in group
III animals compared with group II, however it did not reach the control levels.
There was an increase in erythrocyte GSH and a decrease in MDA in group III as
compared to group II. The plasma GST levels were raised in diabetic rats when
compared to controls. In the group III animals, there was a decrease in GST as
compared to group II. Owing to hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, AML may
be useful in the long/​term management of diabetes.

PMID: 15907058 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

17: J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 May 13;99(1):21/​30.

Studies of the anticancer potential of plants used in Bangladeshi folk medicine.

Costa/​Lotufo LV, Khan MT, Ather A, Wilke DV, Jimenez PC, Pessoa C, de Moraes ME,
de Moraes MO.

Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Federal
University of Ceara, Fortaleza Rua Cel Nunes de Melo 1127, Caixa Postal/​3157,
60430/​270 Fortaleza Ce, Brazil. lvcosta@secrel.com.br

The present study evaluated the anticancer potential of 11 plants used in
Bangladeshi folk medicine. The extracts were tested for cytotoxicity using the
brine shrimp lethality assay, sea urchin eggs assay, hemolysis assay and MTT
assay using tumor cell lines. The extract of Oroxylum indicum showed the highest
toxicity on all tumor cell lines tested, with an IC(50) of 19.6 microg/ml for
CEM, 14.2 microg/ml for HL/​60, 17.2 microg/ml for B/​16 and 32.5 microg/ml for
HCT/​8. On the sea urchin eggs, it inhibited the progression of cell cycle since
the frist cleavage (IC(50)=13.5 microg/ml). The extract of Aegle marmelos
exhibited toxicity on all used assays, but in a lower potency than Oroxylum
indicum. In conclusion, among all tested extracts, only the extracts of Oroxylum
indicum, Moringa oleifera and Aegles marmelos could be considered as potential
sources of anticancer compounds. Further studies are necessary for chemical
characterization of the active principles and more extensive biological
evaluations.

Publication Types:
In Vitro
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15848015 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

18: Biol Trace Elem Res. 2005 Feb;103(2):109/​15.

Mineral content of some medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes
mellitus.

Narendhirakannan RT, Subramanian S, Kandaswamy M.

Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Madras, Chennai/​25, India.

It is known that certain inorganic trace elements such as vanadium, zinc,
chromium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, and nickel play an important role in
the maintenance of normoglycemia by activating the beta/​cells of the pancreas.
In the present study, the elemental composition in the leaves of four
traditional medicinal plants (Murraya koenigii, Mentha piperitae, Ocimum
sanctum, and Aegle marmelos) widely used in the treatment of diabetes/​related
metabolic disorders has been studied using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The
levels of Cu, Ni, Zn, K, and Na were found to be in trace amounts, whereas Fe,
Cr, and V levels were found in marginal levels. The importance of these elements
in disorders related to diabetes is also briefly discussed.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15772435 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

19: Singapore Med J. 2005 Feb;46(2):78/​81.

Comparative effects of Aegle marmelos extract and alpha/​tocopherol on serum
lipids, lipid peroxides and cardiac enzyme levels in rats with
isoproterenol/​induced myocardial infarction.

Rajadurai M, Prince PS.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002, Tamil
Nadu, India.

INTRODUCTION: We demonstrate the effect of Aegle marmelos leaf extract (AMLEt)
and alpha/​tocopherol on plasma lipids, lipid peroxides and marker enzymes in
rats with isoproterenol (ISO)/​induced myocardial infarction. METHODS: Rats were
pre/​treated orally for 35 days with different doses of an aqueous AMLEt (50 mg/
kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) prior to ISO/​induced myocardial infarction. The
effects on creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, plasma thiobarbituric acid
reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides, serum lipids and lipoproteins were
studied. RESULTS: Pre/​treatment with AMLEt at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg
bodyweight for 35 days showed a significant effect on the activities of marker
enzymes, lipid peroxides, lipids, lipoproteins and antioxidant enzymes in
ISO/​treated rats. The effect of AMLEt 200 mg/kg was found to be equal to the
effect of alpha/​tocopherol 60 mg/kg. CONCLUSION: Aegle marmelos leaves possess
antihyperlipidaemic effect in rats with ISO/​induced myocardial infarction.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15678289 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

20: Phytomedicine. 2004 Nov;11(7/​8):679/​83.

Mechanisms of the contractile effect of the alcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos
Corr. on isolated guinea pig ileum and tracheal chain.

Arul V, Miyazaki S, Dhananjayan R.

Department of Pharmacology and Environmental Toxicology, Dr ALM Post/​Graduate
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. v_arul@hotmail.com

In the present work, the effect of the alcoholic extract of the leaves of Aegle
marmelos Corr. on guinea pig isolated ileum and tracheal chain was investigated,
as this plant is used traditionally to treat asthma and related afflictions.
These effects were investigated using the isolated organ bath method. 1 mg/ml
and 2mg/ml doses of the alcoholic extract of this plant produced a positive
relaxant effect in isolated guinea pig ileum and tracheal chain, respectively.
In addition, they antagonized the contractions, which are produced by histamine.
Because the alcoholic extracts elicited the antagonistic effect against
histamine and also relaxed the histamine/​induced contractions, it can be
concluded that relaxations induced by A. marmelos in both guinea pig ileum and
tracheal chain were due to the depression of H1/​receptors. Since we observed a
complete relaxation of the guinea pig ileum and tracheal chain produced by the
extract, we investigated its antagonistic effect against histamine. These
results were due to the presence of one or more anti/​histaminic constituents
present in the alcoholic extract of this plant, therefore supporting to the
traditional use of A. marmelos in asthmatic complaints.

Publication Types:
In Vitro
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15636185 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

21: Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):58/​64.

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa inhibits the proliferation of transplanted Ehrlich
ascites carcinoma in mice.

Jagetia GC, Venkatesh P, Baliga MS.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.
gc.jagetia@kmc.manipal.edu

The anticancer effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos (AME) was
studied in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice. The spatial
effect of various AME administration schedules showed that six/​day
administration increased the survival of tumor bearing mice. The best
antineoplastic action of AME was obtained when AME administered through
intraperitoneal route than the oral route at equimolar dose. Administration of
AME once daily for six consecutive days to the tumor bearing mice caused a dose
dependent remission of the tumor at 400 mg/kg body weight, where the greatest
antitumor effect was observed and the higher doses showed toxic manifestations.
A 24/​d lengthening in life span was observed in EAC animals treated with 400
mg/kg AME. This dose of 400 mg/kg was considered as the best dose, where the
animals survived up to 43 d post/​tumor/​cell inoculation as against no survivors
in the saline treated control group. The antitumor activity when tested for
different schedules for triple administrations, the best effect was observed for
1/​2/​3, followed by 1/​3/​5 and 1/​5/​9 days, respectively. Stage specific evaluation
of AME inhibited the increase in body weight gain in animals due to tumor
development during early stages only. The AME treatment resulted in a dose
dependent elevation in the median survival time (MST) and average survival time
(AST) up to 400 mg/kg AME and decline thereafter. The effective dose of 400 mg
of AME is 1/6th of the LD50 dose, which increased the MST and AST up to 29 and
27 d, respectively. The acute toxicity study of AME showed that the drug was
non/​toxic up to a dose of 1750 mg/kg b. wt. The LD10 and LD50 was found to be
2000 and 2250 mg/kg.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15635164 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

22: J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Jan 4;96(1/​2):159/​63.

Studies on the anti/​inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties of the
leaves of Aegle marmelos Corr.

Arul V, Miyazaki S, Dhananjayan R.

Department of Pharmacology and Environmental Toxicology, Dr. ALM Post/​Graduate
Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus,
Chennai 600113, Tamil Nadu, India. v_arul@hotmail.com

The serial extracts of the leaves of Aegle marmelos Corr. were investigated for
anti/​inflammatory property. The analgesic and antipyretic properties were also
evaluated. The most of the extracts derived from the plant Aegle marmelos caused
a significant inhibition of the carrageenan/​induced paw oedema and cotton/​pellet
granuloma in rats. The extracts also produced marked analgesic activity by
reduction the early and late phases of paw licking in mice. A significant
reduction in hyperpyrexia in rats was also produced by the most of the extracts.
This study was established anti/​inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic
activities of the leaves of Aegle marmelos.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15588665 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

23: Pharmazie. 2004 Nov;59(11):876/​8.

Hypoglycaemic effects of some plant extracts are possibly mediated through
inhibition in corticosteroid concentration.

Gholap S, Kar A.

School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Indore, India.

To unravel the possible mechanism of glucose lowering activity, effects of ten
different plant extracts in the regulation of serum cortisol and glucose
concentrations were evaluated in male mice. While the extracts of Inula
racemosa, Boerhaavia diffusa and Ocimum sanctum decreased the serum
concentration of both cortisol and glucose, Aegle marmelos, Azadirachta indica
and Gymnema sylvestre extracts could exhibit hypoglycaemic activity without
altering the serum cortisol concentration. It appears that the hypoglycaemic
effects of former three plant extracts are mediated through their cortisol
inhibiting potency, whereas the mechanism for other plant extracts could be
different. Lipid/​peroxidation was not enhanced by any of the plant extracts
(some were in fact, antiperoxidative in nature). As I. racemosa, B. diffusa and
O. sanctum exhibited antiperoxidative, hypoglycaemic and cortisol lowering
activities, it is suggested that these three plant extracts may potentially
regulate corticosteroid induced diabetes mellitus.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15587591 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

24: Integr Cancer Ther. 2004 Dec;3(4):323/​32.

Fruit extract of Aegle marmelos protects mice against radiation/​induced
lethality.

Jagetia GC, Venkatesh P, Baliga MS.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, India.
gc.jagetia@kmc.manipal.edu

The radioprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic extracted material from the fruit
of Aegle marmelos (AME) was studied in mice exposed to different doses of gamma
radiation. The optimum dose for radioprotection was determined by administering
0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg body weight of AME intraperitoneally (ip) once
daily, consecutively for 5 days before exposure to 10 Gy of gamma radiation. A
total of 20 mg/kg of AME for 5 consecutive days before irradiation was found to
afford maximum protection as evidenced by the highest number of survivors after
30 days postirradiation. Animals from all groups were monitored for 30 days
postirradiation for development of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality.
Treatment of mice with AME before exposure to different doses of gamma radiation
reduced the severity of symptoms of radiation sickness and mortality with all
exposure doses. This was accompanied by an increase in number of survivors in
the AME + irradiation group when compared with the concurrent sterile
physiological saline (SPS) + irradiation group. AME pretreatment protected mice
against the gastrointestinal as well as bone marrow deaths, as evidenced by the
greater number of survivors on day 10 or 30, respectively. LD50/30 was found to
be 8.2 Gy for the SPS + irradiation group, while it was 8.8 Gy for AME +
irradiation. The dose/​reduction factor (DRF) was found to be 1.1 for AME +
irradiation group. The acute toxicity study of AME showed that it was nontoxic
up to a dose of 6 g/kg body weight, the highest drug dose that could be
administered. Irradiation of animals resulted in a dose/​dependent elevation in
lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney, stomach, and intestine of mice. Conversely,
GSH concentration declined in a dose/​dependent manner. Treatment of animals with
AME before irradiation caused a significant decrease in the lipid peroxidation
accompanied by a significant elevation in the GSH concentration in liver,
kidney, stomach, and intestine of mice determined at 31 days postirradiation.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15523103 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

25: Phytother Res. 2004 Aug;18(8):670/​3.

Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti/​enteric
potential against multi/​drug resistant Salmonella typhi.

Rani P, Khullar N.

Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh/​160 014, India.

Screening was done of some plants of importance in the Ayurvedic system of
traditional medicine used in India to treat enteric diseases. Fifty four plant
extracts (methanol and aqueous) were assayed for their activity against
multi/​drug resistant Salmonella typhi. Strong antibacterial activity was shown
by the methanol extracts of Aegle marmelos, Salmalia malabarica, Punica
granatum, Myristica fragrans, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Terminalia arjuna and
Triphal (mixture of Emblica of fi cinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia
belerica). Moderate antimicrobial activity was shown by Picorhiza kurroa, Acacia
catechu, Acacia nilotica, Cichorium intybus, Embelia ribes, Solanum nigrum,
Carum copticum, Apium graveolens, Ocimum sanctum, Peucedanum graveolens and
Butea monosperma.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15476301 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

26: J Med Food. 2004 Fall;7(3):343/​8.

The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain Indian medicinal
plants in vitro: a preliminary study.

Jagetia GC, Baliga MS.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
gc.jagetia@kmc.manipal.edu

The plant extracts of 17 commonly used Indian medicinal plants were examined for
their possible regulatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) levels using sodium
nitroprusside as an NO donor in vitro. Most of the plant extracts tested
demonstrated direct scavenging of NO and exhibited significant activity. The
potency of scavenging activity was in the following order: Alstonia scholaris >
Cynodon dactylon > Morinda citrifolia > Tylophora indica > Tectona grandis >
Aegle marmelos (leaf) > Momordica charantia > Phyllanthus niruri > Ocimum
sanctum > Tinospora cordifolia (hexane extract) = Coleus ambonicus > Vitex
negundo (alcoholic) > T. cordifolia (dichloromethane extract) > T. cordifolia
(methanol extract) > Ipomoea digitata > V. negundo (aqueous) > Boerhaavia
diffusa > Eugenia jambolana (seed) > T. cordifolia (aqueous extract) > V.
negundo (dichloromethane/methanol extract) > Gingko biloba > Picrorrhiza kurroa
> A. marmelos (fruit) > Santalum album > E. jambolana (leaf). All the extracts
evaluated exhibited a dose/​dependent NO scavenging activity. The A. scholaris
bark showed its greatest NO scavenging effect of 81.86% at 250 microg/mL, as
compared with G. biloba, where 54.9% scavenging was observed at a similar
concentration. The present results suggest that these medicinal plants might be
potent and novel therapeutic agents for scavenging of NO and the regulation of
pathological conditions caused by excessive generation of NO and its oxidation
product, peroxynitrite.

Publication Types:
Evaluation Studies

PMID: 15383230 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

27: Indian J Exp Biol. 2003 Nov;41(11):1285/​8.

Effect of Aegle marmelos Correa. (Bael) fruit extract on tissue antioxidants in
streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Kamalakkannan N, Stanely Mainzen Prince P.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608 002,
India.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the anti/​lipid peroxidative activity of an
aqueous extract of A. marmelos fruits (AMFEt) in streptozotocin diabetic rats in
heart and pancreas. Oral administration of AMFEt for 30 days (125 and 250 mg
kg(/​1) body weight twice daily) produced a significant decrease in the elevated
levels of peroxidation products, viz. thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
and hydroperoxides in the tissues of diabetic rats. The depressed activities of
superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and lowered
glutathione content in the heart and pancreas of diabetic rats were found to
increase on treatment with AMFEt. AMFEt at a dose of 250 mg kg(/​1) was more
effective than glibenclamide (300 microg kg(/​1)) and both reversed all the
values significantly. Thus AMFEt exhibits anti/​oxidative activity in
streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 15332498 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

28: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2004 Jan;48(1):81/​8.

Antidiabetic activity of Aegle marmelos and its relationship with its
antioxidant properties.

Sabu MC, Kuttan R.

Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur/​/​680 553.

Oxidative stress induced by alloxan has been shown to damage pancreatic
beta/​cell and produce hyperglycemia in rats. Aegle marmelos leaf extract is
being used in Ayurveda as a medicine for diabetes. The present study examined
the action of Aegle marmelos against experimental diabetes as well as the
antioxidant potential of the drug. A methanolic extract of Aegle marmelos was
found to reduce blood sugar in alloxan diabetic rats. Reduction in blood sugar
could be seen from 6th day after continuous administration of the extract and on
12th day sugar levels were found to be reduced by 54%. Oxidative stress produced
by alloxan was found to be significantly lowered by the administration of Aegle
marmelos extract. This was evident from a significant decrease in lipid
peroxidation, conjugated diene and hydroperoxide levels in serum as well as in
liver induced by alloxan. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood
and liver were found to be increased from 9th day onwards after drug
administration. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were found to be
increased only on 12th day. These results indicate that Aegle marmelos extract
effectively reduced the oxidative stress induced by alloxan and produced a
reduction in blood sugar.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 15270373 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

29: Int J Radiat Biol. 2004 Apr;80(4):281/​90.

Evaluation of the radioprotective effect of bael leaf (Aegle marmelos) extract
in mice.

Jagetia GC, Venkatesh P, Baliga MS.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal/​576 104, India.
gc.jagetia@kmc.manipal.edu

PURPOSE: To investigate the radioprotective activity of a leaf extract of bael
leaf (Aegle marmelos) (AME) in mice exposed to different doses of
gamma/​radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The acute toxicity of AME was evaluated
in Swiss albino male mice administered various intraperitoneal single doses of
AME. For radioprotection studies, mice were administered different doses, 0, 5,
10, 15, 20 or 40 mg kg(/​1), of AME or sterile physiological saline
intraperitoneally once daily consecutively for 5 days before exposure to 10 Gy
60Co gamma/​radiation or five doses of 15 mg kg(/​1) AME before exposure to 6, 7,
8, 9, 10 or 11 Gy. The animals were monitored for symptoms of radiation sickness
and mortality up to 30 days post/​irradiation. Glutathione and lipid peroxidation
were estimated in the surviving animals of both groups on day 31
post/​irradiation. RESULTS: AME was non/​toxic up to a single dose of 1750 mg
kg(/​1). The optimum radioprotective dose was five consecutive doses of 15 mg
kg(/​1) AME, where the highest survival to 10 Gy radiation was observed. The
irradiation caused a dose/​dependent decline in survival, while treatment of mice
with AME enhanced survival. The dose reduction factor was 1.15. Irradiation
caused a dose/​dependent decline in the level of glutathione accompanied by an
elevation in lipid peroxidation. AME pretreatment arrested glutathione decline
and lipid peroxidation significantly. CONCLUSION: AME treatment reduced the
symptoms of radiation/​induced sickness and increased survival. The
radioprotective action might be due to free/​radical scavenging and arrest of
lipid peroxidation accompanied by an elevation in glutathione.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study
Evaluation Studies

PMID: 15204705 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

30: Nat Prod Res. 2004 Apr;18(2):141/​6.

Marmenol: a 7/​geranyloxycoumarin from the leaves of Aegle marmelos Corr.

Ali MS, Pervez MK.

H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi/​75270,
Pakistan.

A new 7/​geranyloxycoumarin [7/​(2,6/​dihydroxy/​7/​methoxy/​7/​methyl/​3/​octaenyloxy)
coumarin] named marmenol (1) has been isolated from the leaves of methanolic
extract of Aegle marmelos belonging to the family Rutaceae. In addition to
marmenol, several known compounds have also been obtained for the first time
from the same source. They include: praealtin D, trans/​cinnamic acid, valencic
acid, 4/​methoxy benzoic acid, betulinic acid, N/​p/​cis/​ and
trans/​coumaroyltyramine, montanine, and rutaretin. The structures of marmenol
and known constituents were established with the help of NMR spectroscopy.
However, structure of 1 was further confirmed via 2/​D NMR experiments.

PMID: 14984087 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

31: Nat Prod Res. 2004 Apr;18(2):117/​22.

A new insecticidal protolimonoid from Aegle marmelos.

Samarasekera JK, Khambay BP, Hemalal KP.

Biological Chemistry Division, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5
2JQ, UK.

Bioassay/​directed fractionation of the ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark
of Aegle marmelos Correa (Rutaceae) afforded a new compound, named skimmiarepin
C, along with skimmiarepin A. The latter is a known compound but isolation from
A. marmelos is new. The new compound is a senecioate ester analogue of the
latter. Full identification of the new compound was achieved using spectroscopic
methods on the separated mono/​acetate derivatives. Skimmiarepins A and C exhibit
moderate insecticidal activity against Phaedon cochleariae and Musca domestica
in comparison with natural pyrethrum extract. The two epimeric acetates of
skimmiarepin C are both less active.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14984083 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

32: J Commun Dis. 2002 Jun;34(2):88/​99.

In vitro antiviral activity of bael (Aegle marmelos Corr) upon human
coxsackieviruses B1/​B6.

Badam L, Bedekar SS, Sonawane KB, Joshi SP.

National Institute of Virology, 20/​A, Dr. Ambedkar Road, Pune/​411 001.

The in/​vitro antiviral activity of a series of compounds in samples extracted
from various parts of the Indian holy tree, Bael (Aegle marmelos corr.) were
evaluated for their efficacy against human coxsackieviruses B1/​B6. The
inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for leaves (L1 and L2) stem and stem bark (S1,
S2, S3 and S4) fruit (F1 and F2micro) root and root bark (R1 and R2) and pure
compound, the marmelide were 1000 microg/ml (for L1 and L2), 1000 microg/ml (for
S1, S2, S3 and S4), 1000 microg/ml (for F1) and 500 microg/ml (for F2) 250
microg/ml (for R1) and 500 microg/ml (for R2) and 62.5 microg/ml for marmelide
respectively by plaque inhibition assay at 96 hrs. On the other hand, the
corresponding value for Ribavirin, a standard antiviral drug, was 2000 microg/ml
for the same viruses at the same time period. These concentrations did not
exhibit any toxicity to Vero cells, the host subtoxic concentrations were 5000
microg/ml for leaf and stem fractions 2000 microg/ml for fruit fractions 500 and
1000 microg/ml for root fractions 250 microg/ml for marmelide and 2000 microg/ml
for Ribavirin. The cytotoxic concentrations were 8000 microg/ml for leaf and
stem compounds 4000 mg/ml for fruit; 1000 microg/ml and 2000 microg/ml for root
500 microg/ml for marmelide and 4000 microg/ml for ribavirin at 96 hrs. These
were also confirmed by trypan blue dye exclusion test and further passaging of
cells. Additionally pretreatment of host cells, virus inactivation, yield
reduction and effect of time of addition assays against coxsackievirus B3
suggested that marmelide was most effective as a virucidal agent besides
interfering at early events of its replicative cycle like adsorption,
penetration, at various steps in single cycle growth curve and effect of time of
addition.

PMID: 14768825 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

33: Int J Oncol. 2004 Feb;24(2):419/​23.

Effects of extracts from Bangladeshi medicinal plants on in vitro proliferation
of human breast cancer cell lines and expression of estrogen receptor alpha
gene.

Lambertini E, Piva R, Khan MT, Lampronti I, Bianchi N, Borgatti M, Gambari R.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara,
Ferrara, Italy.

In this study we determined the activity of extracts from Bangladeshi medicinal
plants (Emblica officinalis, Aegle marmelos, Vernonia anthelmintica, Oroxylum
indicum, Argemone mexicana) on human breast tumor cell lines. Extracts from E.
officinalis and O. indicum displayed anti/​proliferative activity on MCF7 and
MDA/​MB/​231 breast cancer cell lines, while extracts from A. mexicana were active
on MCF7 cells, exhibiting on the contrary low antiproliferative effects on
MDA/​MB/​231 cells. Extracts from A. marmelos and V. anthelmintica were
antiproliferative on both cell lines, but at higher concentrations. The
accumulation of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) mRNA, a marker of neoplastic
status, was analysed by quantitative reverse/​transcriptase polymerase chain
reaction (RT/​PCR). The data obtained demonstrated that only extracts from E.
officinalis induce an increase of ERalpha mRNA in MCF7 cells. When MDA/​MB/​231
cell line was employed, extracts from E. officinalis, V. anthelmintica and A.
mexicana were found to be inducers of the increase of ERalpha mRNA accumulation.
Since activation of ERalpha gene expression could have clinical impact, our
results suggest a possible use of extracts from medicinal plants to identify
compounds of possible interest in the treatment of breast cancer.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 14719119 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

34: J Med Food. 2003 Summer;6(2):93/​8.

Effect of Aegle marmelos fruits on normal and streptozotocin/​diabetic Wistar
rats.

Kamalakkanan N, Rajadurai M, Prince PS.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu, India.

The present study evaluates the antidiabetic effect of an aqueous extract of
Aegle marmelos fruits (AMFEt) in diabetes. Female albino Wistar rats were
randomly divided into five groups: normal (untreated), normal + AMFEt,
streptozotocin (STZ)/​treated, STZ/​treated + AMFEt, and STZ/​treated +
glibenclamide. Rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (45 mg/kg) administered
intraperitoneally. AMFEt (250 mg/kg) was given twice daily for 1 month. Blood
glucose, plasma insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, liver glycogen, and change in
body weight were determined. Food intake and water intake were monitored daily.
An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed to determine the effect of
this extract. The results show that glucose level and glycosylated hemoglobin
were increased and plasma insulin and liver glycogen were decreased in diabetic
rats, and that treatment with AMFEt reversed the effects of diabetes on these
biochemical parameters to near/​normal levels.

PMID: 12935319 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

35: J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Aug;87(2/​3):207/​10.

Hypoglycaemic effect of water extracts of Aegle marmelos fruits in
streptozotocin diabetic rats.

Kamalakkannan N, Prince PS.

Department of Biochemistry, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar,Tamil Nadu,
608002, India.

Aegle marmelos Corr. (Rutaceae) is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for
the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycaemic effect of the water
extract of the fruits of Aegle marmelos was examined in streptozotocin/​induced
diabetic Wistar rats. Oral administration of the water extract (125 and
250mgkg(/​1)) twice a day for 4 weeks resulted in significant reductions in blood
glucose, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydroperoxides,
ceruloplasmin and alpha/​tocopherol and a significant elevation in plasma reduced
glutathione and Vitamin C in diabetic rats. The effect of the extract at a dose
of 250mgkg(/​1) was more effective than glibenclamide in restoring the values of
these parameters. The results of this study clearly shows the hypoglycaemic
activity of the fruit extract.

PMID: 12860309 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

36: Mutagenesis. 2003 Jul;18(4):387/​93.

Evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa in
cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to different doses of
gamma/​radiation: a micronucleus study.

Jagetia GC, Venkatesh P, Baliga MS.

Department of Radiobiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal 576119, India.
gc.jagetia@kmc.manipal.edu

The radioprotective effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos (AME)
was evaluated in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBLs) by the
micronucleus assay. The optimum protective dose of the extract was selected by
treating HPBLs with 1.25, 2.5, 5, 6.25, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 microg/ml AME
before exposure to 3 Gy gamma/​radiation and then evaluating the micronucleus
frequency in cytokinesis blocked HPBLs. Treatment of HPBLs with different doses
of AME reduced the frequency of radiation/​induced micronuclei significantly,
with the greatest reduction in micronucleus induction being observed for 5
microg/ml AME. Therefore, this dose of AME was considered as the optimum dose
for radioprotection and further studies were carried out treating the HPBLs with
5 microg/ml AME before exposure to different doses (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Gy) of
gamma/​radiation. The irradiation of HPBLs with different doses of
gamma/​radiation caused a dose/​dependent increase in the frequency of lymphocytes
bearing one, two and multiple micronuclei, while treatment of HPBLs with 5
microg/ml AME significantly reduced the frequency of lymphocytes bearing one,
two and multiple micronuclei when compared with the irradiated control. The
dose/​response relationship for both groups was linear. To understand the
mechanism of action of AME separate experiments were conducted to evaluate the
free radical scavenging of OH, O2(/​), DPPH, ABTS(+) and NO in vitro. AME was
found to inhibit free radicals in a dose/​dependent manner up to a dose of 200
microg/ml for the majority of radicals and plateaued thereafter. Our study
demonstrates that AME at 5 microg/ml protected HPBLs against radiation/​induced
DNA damage and genomic instability and its radioprotective activity may be by
scavenging of radiation/​induced free radicals and increased oxidant status.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12840113 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

37: Phytomedicine. 2003 May;10(4):300/​8.

In vitro antiproliferative effects on human tumor cell lines of extracts from
the Bangladeshi medicinal plant Aegle marmelos Correa.

Lampronti I, Martello D, Bianchi N, Borgatti M, Lambertini E, Piva R, Jabbar S,
Choudhuri MS, Khan MT, Gambari R.

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Ferrara,
Ferrara, Italy.

In the present paper we show that extracts from Aegle marmelos Correa are able
to inhibit the in vitro proliferation of human tumor cell lines, including the
leukemic K562, T/​lymphoid Jurkat, B/​lymphoid Raji, erythroleukemic HEL, melanoma
Colo38, and breast cancer MCF7 and MDA/​MB/​231 cell lines. Molecules present
within the studied Aegle marmelos C. extracts were identified by
gas/​chromatography/mass/​spectrometry analysis; three derivatives (butyl p/​tolyl
sulfide, 6/​methyl/​4/​chromanone and butylated hydroxyanisole) were found to
exhibit strong activity in inhibiting in vitro cell growth of human K562 cells.
The antiproliferative activity of these compounds was found to be comparable to
that of known antitumor agents, including cisplatin, chromomycin, cytosine
arabinoside and 5/​fluorouracil. In addition, the antiproliferative activity of
butyl/​p/​tolyl sulfide, 6/​methyl/​4/​chromanone and 5/​methoxypsolaren was
associated to activation of the differentiation pattern of K562 cells.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12809360 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

38: J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Jan;84(1):105/​8.

Comparative evaluation of hypoglycaemic activity of some Indian medicinal plants
in alloxan diabetic rats.

Kar A, Choudhary BK, Bandyopadhyay NG.

Satsang Herbal Research and Analytical Laboratories, PO Satsang/​814 116 Deoghar,
India. pratip_neogy@hotmail.com

In our experiments 30 hypoglycaemic medicinal plants (known and less known) have
been selected for thorough studies from indigenous folk medicines, Ayurvedic,
Unani and Siddha systems of medicines. In all the experiments with different
herbal samples (vacuum dried 95% ethanolic extracts), definite blood glucose
lowering effect within 2 weeks have been confirmed in alloxan diabetic albino
rats. Blood glucose values are brought down close to normal fasting level using
herbal samples at a dose of 250 mg/kg once, twice or thrice daily, as needed.
While evaluating comparative hypoglycaemic activity of the experimental herbal
samples, significant blood glucose lowering activities are observed in
decreasing order in the following 24 samples/​Coccinia indica, Tragia
involucrata, G. sylvestre, Pterocarpus marsupium, T. foenum/​graecum, Moringa
oleifera, Eugenia jambolana, Tinospora cordifolia, Swertia chirayita, Momordica
charantia, Ficus glomerata, Ficus benghalensis, Vinca rosea, Premna
integrifolia, Mucuna prurita, Terminalia bellirica, Sesbenia aegyptiaca,
Azadirachta indica, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Zingiber officinale, Aegle
marmelos, Cinnamomum tamala, Trichosanthes cucumerina and Ocimum sanctum.
Present studies besides confirming hypoglycaemic activities of the experimental
herbal samples, help identify more potent indigenous hypoglycaemic herbs (in
crude ethanolic extract) from the comparative study of the reported experimental
results. Copyright 2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.

PMID: 12499084 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

39: J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):281/​5.

Relative efficacy of three medicinal plant extracts in the alteration of thyroid
hormone concentrations in male mice.

Kar A, Panda S, Bharti S.

Thyroid Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, Devi Ahilya University, Vigyan
Bhawan, Khandwa Road, Indore 452 017, India.

Relative importance of Bacopa monnieri (200 mg/kg), Aegle marmelos (1.00 g/kg)
and Aloe vera (125 mg/kg) leaf extracts in the regulation of thyroid hormone
concentrations in male mice was investigated. While serum levels of both T(3)
and T(4) were inhibited by A. vera, A. marmelos extract could decrease only T(3)
concentration. On the other hand, T(4) concentration was increased by B.
monnieri extract suggesting its thyroid/​stimulating role. When the relative
potency of each plant extract was calculated in terms of percent increase or
decrease in thyroid hormones, as compared to the control value, the decrease in
T(3) concentration by A. marmelos was about 62% indicating its possible use in
the regulation of hyperthyroidism. B. monnieri could increase T(4) concentration
by 41% without enhancing hepatic lipid peroxidation (LPO) suggesting that it can
be used as a thyroid/​stimulating drug. In fact, hepatic LPO was decreased and
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were increased by B.
monnieri and A. marmelos leaf extracts showing their antiperoxidative role. It
is thus suggested that A. marmelos and A. vera may be used in the regulation of
hyperthyroidism, while B. monnieri in hypothyroidism.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12065164 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

40: Int J Oncol. 2002 Jul;21(1):187/​92.

Identification of pyrogallol as an antiproliferative compound present in
extracts from the medicinal plant Emblica officinalis: effects on in vitro cell
growth of human tumor cell lines.

Khan MT, Lampronti I, Martello D, Bianchi N, Jabbar S, Choudhuri MS, Datta BK,
Gambari R.

Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University
Science and Technology Chittagong, Bangladesh.

In this study we compared the in vitro antiproliferative activity of extracts
from medicinal plants toward human tumor cell lines, including human
erythromyeloid K562, B/​lymphoid Raji, T/​lymphoid Jurkat, erythroleukemic HEL
cell lines. Extracts from Emblica officinalis were the most active in inhibiting
in vitro cell proliferation, after comparison to those from Terminalia arjuna,
Aphanamixis polystachya, Oroxylum indicum, Cuscuta reflexa, Aegle marmelos,
Saraca asoka, Rumex maritimus, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Red Sandalwood. Emblica
officinalis extracts have been studied previously, due to their
hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial and anti/​inflammatory
medicinal activities. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses allowed to
identify pyrogallol as the common compound present both in unfractionated and
n/​butanol fraction of Emblica officinalis extracts. Antiproliferative effects of
pyrogallol were therefore determined on human tumor cell lines thus identifying
pyrogallol as an active component of Emblica officinalis extracts.

Publication Types:
In Vitro
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 12063567 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

41: J Environ Biol. 2001 Jan;22(1):53/​7.

Effect of Aegle marmelos and Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaf extract on glucose
tolerance in glucose induced hyperglycemic rats (Charles foster).

Sachdewa A, Raina D, Srivastava AK, Khemani LD.

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Dayalbagh Educational Institute,
Dayalbagh, Agra/​282 005, India.

In an effort to test the hypoglycemic activity of Aegle marmelos and Hibiscus
rosa sinensis in glucose induced hyperglycemic rats, their alcoholic leaf
extracts were studied. Both the groups of animals receiving either. A. marmelos
or H. rosa sinensis leaf extract for seven consecutive days, at an oral dose
equivalent to 250 mg kg/​1 showed significant improvements in their ability to
utilize the external glucose load. Average blood glucose lowering caused by A.
marmelos and H. rosa sinensis was 67% and 39% respectively, which shows that
former significantly (p < 0.001) improves the glucose tolerance curve. The
magnitude of this effect showed time related variation with both the plants.
Efficacy of A. marmelos and H. rosa sinensis was 71% and 41% of glybenclamide,
respectively. These data throw some light on the possible mechanism of
hypoglycemic activity of both the plants. The mechanism of action could be
speculated partly to increased utilization of glucose, either by direct
stimulation of glucose uptake or via the mediation of enhanced insulin
secretion.

PMID: 11480352 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

42: Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2000;31 Suppl 1:171/​3.

Dominant lethal test in rats treated with some plant extracts.

Aritajat S, Kaweewat K, Manosroi J, Manosroi A.

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.
scboi011@chiangmai.ac.th

The present study was undertaken to investigate the toxic effect of aqueous
extracts of Aegle marmelos (AM), Stevia rebaudiana (SR), Pouteria cambodiana
(PC) and Clausena excavata (CE) on rats by dominant lethal test. The data of
8/​week treatment suggested that none of the extracts adversely affected male
body and testicular weights as well as cauda epididymal sperm counts. No notable
changes in sperm morphology and motility were observed. On the other hand, sperm
count in the CE group was significantly higher as compared to both control and
other treatment groups. There were no abnormal changes in the number of
implantation sites, number of viable fetuses and number of dead fetuses in
females mated with plant extract/​treated males relative to controls. Based on
these results, it could be concluded that all the investigated plant extracts
have no toxic effect on male rat reproduction and progeny outcome.

PMID: 11414451 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

43: J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Jun;76(1):73/​6.

Study of antidiarrhoeal activity of four medicinal plants in castor/​oil induced
diarrhoea.

Shoba FG, Thomas M.

Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College,
632002, Vellore, India.

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous and methanolic plant
extracts of Acorus calamus rhizome, Pongamia glabra leaves, Aegle marmelos
unripe fruit and Strychnos nux/​vomica root bark for their antidiarrhoeal
potential against castor/​oil induced diarrhoea in mice. The methanolic plant
extracts were more effective than aqueous plant extracts against castor/​oil
induced diarrhoea. The methanolic plant extracts significantly reduced induction
time of diarrhoea and total weight of the faeces. The result obtained establish
the efficacy of these plant extracts as antidiarrhoeal agents.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11378284 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

44: J Pharm Pharmacol. 2000 Aug;52(8):991/​1000.

Effect of Aegle marmelos on biotransformation enzyme systems and protection
against free/​radical/​mediated damage in mice.

Singh RP, Banerjee S, Rao AR.

Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
New Delhi, India.

The effect of hydroalcoholic (80% ethanol, 20% water) extract of leaves of Aegle
marmelos was examined on carcinogen/​metabolizing phase/​I and phase/​II enzymes,
antioxidant enzymes, glutathione content, lactate dehydrogenase and lipid
peroxidation, using two doses of dried extract (50 and 100 mg kg(/​1) daily for
14 days), in the liver of mice. The modulatory effect of the extract was also
examined on extrahepatic organs (lung, kidney and fore/​stomach) for effects on
the activity of glutathione S/​transferase, DT/​diaphorase, superoxide dismutase
and catalase. Extract treatment significantly increased the basal levels of
acid/​soluble sulphydryl (/​SH) content, cytochrome P450, NADPH/​cytochrome P450
reductase, cytochrome b5, NADH/​cytochrome b5 reductase, glutathione
S/​transferase, DT/​diaphorase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione
peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the liver. Aegle acted as a bifunctional
inducer since it induced both phase/​I and phase/​II enzyme systems. Both doses
significantly decreased the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and formation of
malondialdehyde in liver, suggesting a role in cytoprotection as well as
protection against pro/​oxidant/​induced membrane damage. Butylated hydroxyanisole
(positive control) induced almost all the antioxidative parameters measured in
this study. The extract was effective in inducing glutathione S/​transferase,
DT/​diaphorase, superoxide dismutase and catalase in lung, glutathione
S/​transferase, DT/​diaphorase and superoxide dismutase in fore/​stomach, and
DT/​diaphorase and superoxide dismutase in lung. These significant changes in the
levels of drug/​metabolizing enzymes and antioxidative profiles are strongly
indicative of the chemopreventive potential of this plant, especially against
chemical carcinogenesis.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 11007071 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

45: Indian J Exp Biol. 1997 Oct;35(10):1080/​3.

Antiulcer activity of naturally occurring pyrano/​coumarin and isocoumarins and
their effect on prostanoid synthesis using human colonic mucosa.

Goel RK, Maiti RN, Manickam M, Ray AB.

Department of Pharmacology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.

Oral administration of bergenin and norbergenin, two isocoumarins, isolated from
the leaves and roots of Flueggea microcarpa and luvangetin, a pyranocoumarin
isolated from the seeds of Aegle marmelos Correa, showed significant protection
against pylorus/​ligated and aspirin/​induced gastric ulcers in rats and cold
restraint stress/​induced gastric ulcers in rats and guinea pigs. The study on
prostaglandins release by human colonic mucosal incubates, indicated a
concentration/​dependent (1/​10 micrograms/ml) stimulatory effect of bergenin and
norbergenin, while luvangetin (1/​10 micrograms/ml) did not produce any effect.
The results suggest that gastroprotective effects of bergenin and norbergenin
could be due to increased prostaglandin production while, some other mucosal
defensive factors may be involved for luvangetin.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9475044 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

46: J Ethnopharmacol. 1997 Jun;57(1):29/​34.

Antifungal activity and kinetics of inhibition by essential oil isolated from
leaves of Aegle marmelos.

Rana BK, Singh UP, Taneja V.

Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi, India.

The antifungal activity of essential oil isolated from the leaves of bael (Aegle
marmelos (L.) Correa ex Roxb., Rutaceae) has been evaluated using spore
germination assay. The oil exhibited variable efficacy against different fungal
isolates and 100% inhibition of spore germination of all the fungi tested was
observed at 500 ppm. However, the most resistant fungus, Fusarium udum was
inhibited 80% at 400 ppm. Kinetic studies showed concentration as well as time
dependent complex inhibition of spore germination by the essential oil.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 9234162 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

47: Trop Geogr Med. 1991 Jul;43(3):266/​70.

Evaluation of indigenous plants in the treatment of acute shigellosis.

Haider R, Khan AK, Aziz KM, Chowdhury A, Kabir I.

International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh.

The clinical efficacy of three indigenous plants was compared with that of
ampicillin and placebo in a randomized double blind clinical trial. Eighty/​two
men with shigellosis were studied. Sixteen patients received dried unripe fruit
powder of 'bel' (Aegle marmelos), 19 received dried powdered plant of 'thankuni'
(Hydrocotyle asiatica), 15 received a similar preparation of 'gandhavadulia'
(Paederia foetida), 15 received ampicillin and 17 received a placebo. Treatment
with indigenous plants did not show any clinical improvement or bacteriological
cure as compared to ampicillin. The natural history of shigellosis was obtained
by documenting the response of the indigenous plants and placebo treated groups.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 1816661 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

48: Planta Med. 1991 Feb;57(1):43/​6.

Effects of constituents of Beli (Aegle marmelos) on spontaneous beating and
calcium/​paradox of myocardial cells.

Kakiuchi N, Senaratne LR, Huang SL, Yang XW, Hattori M, Pilapitiya U, Namba T.

Research Institute for Wakan/​Yaku (Traditional Sino/​Japanese Medicines), Toyama
Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.

Effects of methanolic extract of root bark of Beli (Aegle marmelos Corr.), an
Ayurvedic crude drug used for heart diseases, and constituents isolated from the
extract on spontaneous beating of cultured mouse myocardial cells were examined.
The extract at a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml inhibited the beating rate
by approximately 50%. Among the isolated constituents, aurapten was the most
potent inhibitor; the IC50 of aurapten is 0.6 microgram/ml, which is comparable
with that of verapamil, a calcium antagonist. Addition of aurapten at
concentrations higher than 1 microgram/ml significantly reduced the ratio of
morphologically changed myocardial cells which originated from calcium overload
caused by successive treatment with calcium/​free and calcium/​containing
solutions.

PMID: 2062957 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

49: Indian J Med Res. 1989 Dec;90:496/​503.

Irritable bowel syndrome: therapeutic evaluation of indigenous drugs.

Yadav SK, Jain AK, Tripathi SN, Gupta JP.

Among 169 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), standard therapy (with
clidinium bromide, chlordiazepoxide and isaphaghulla), a compound Ayurvedic
preparation (with Aegle marmelos correa plus Bacopa monniere Linn) along with a
matching placebo were given in a double blind randomised trial for 6 wk. The
Ayurvedic preparation in 57 patients was found effective in 64.9 per cent, while
standard therapy (60 patients) was useful in 78.3 per cent. Patients on placebo
(52 patients) showed improvement in 32.7 per cent only. Ayurvedic therapy was
particularly beneficial in diarrhoea predominant form as compared to placebo.
The standard therapy was more useful in the painful form of IBS as compared to
placebo and Ayurvedic preparation. In gas predominant form the effect of
standard as well as Ayurvedic therapy, was similar to placebo. Long/​term
follow/​up (greater than 6 months) showed that both forms of therapy were no
better than placebo in limiting the relapse.

Publication Types:
Clinical Trial
Comparative Study
Randomized Controlled Trial
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 2697693 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

50: J Ethnopharmacol. 1985 Jul;13(3):323/​35.

Studies of medicinal plants of Sri Lanka. Part 14: Toxicity of some traditional
medicinal herbs.

Arseculeratne SN, Gunatilaka AA, Panabokke RG.

Seventy five medicinal plants of the traditional Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of Sri
Lanka have been screened chemically for alkaloids and pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Of these, Crotolaria juncea L. was found to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids with
biological effects consistent with pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity. Feeding
trials in rats with three plants lacking pyrrolizidine alkaloids, namely Aegle
marmelos (L.) Corr., Hemidesmus indicus (L.) Ait. F. and Terminalia chebula
Retz. produced hepatic lesions which included central vein abnormalities while
Terminalia chebula and Withania somnifera (L.) dunal produced marked renal
lesions.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 4058035 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

51: J Ethnopharmacol. 1984 Jul;11(2):223/​31.

Oral hypoglycaemic activity of some medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.

Karunanayake EH, Welihinda J, Sirimanne SR, Sinnadorai G.

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the oral hypoglycaemic activity of
some Sri Lankan medicinal plants. Approximately 40 plants available locally are
reputed to have oral hypoglycaemic activity. Of these, the mostly widely used
are (a) Salacia reticulata (Celastraceae) (b) Aegle marmelos (Rutaceae) and (c)
Momordica charantia (Cucurbitaceae). Aqueous decoctions of these plants were
investigated for their ability to lower the fasting blood glucose level and
improve the glucose tolerance in laboratory animals. The results indicate that
the aqueous decoctions of all three plants possess significant hypoglycaemic
effect. The magnitude of this effect showed time related variation with the
three plants. The highest oral hypoglycaemic activity and the maximum
improvement of the oral glucose tolerance were associated with the extract of
Momordica charantia while the least but significant effects were shown by
Salacia reticulata.

Publication Types:
Research Support, Non/​U.S. Gov't

PMID: 6492834 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

52: Acta Pharm Hung. 1982 May;52(3):97/​101.

Pharmacognosy of Aegle marmelos (L) Correa. seed. A new protein source.

Banerji N, Maiti M, Sem S, Datta PC.

PMID: 7090840 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

53: Carbohydr Res. 1975 May;41:219/​26.

Graded/​hydrolysis studies on bael (Aegle marmelos) gum.

Roy A, Mukherjee AK, Rao CV.

Graded hydrolysis of purified bael gum afforded three neutral and two acidic
oligosaccharides, together with monosaccharides. These sugars were identified
through periodate oxidation, methylation, reduction with lithium aluminum
hydride, co/​chromatography, and preparation of crystalline derivatives. The
neutral oligosaccharides were characterized as
3/​0/​beta/​D/​galactopyranosyl/​L/​arabinose,
5/​0/​beta/​D/​galactopyranosyl/​L/​arabinose, and
3/​0/​beta/​D/​galactopyranosyl/​D/​galactose, and the acidic oligosaccharides as
3/​0/​(beta/​D/​galactopyranosyluronic acid)/​D/​galactose and
3/​0/​(beta/​D/​galactopyranosyluronic
acid)/​3/​0/​beta/​D/​galactopyranosyl/​D/​galactose.

PMID: 1137837 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

54: Indian J Med Res. 1968 Mar;56(3):327/​31.

A preliminary communication of the action of Aegle marmelos (Bael) on heart.

Haravey SK.

Publication Types:
Comparative Study

PMID: 5658493 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]

55: C R Seances Soc Biol Fil. 1962;156:1482/​7.

[Action of Aegle marmelos C. fruits on the growth in vitro of tubercles of
Helianthus tuberosus L.]

[Article in French]

GARESTIER R, PASTY D, PROVANSAL J.

PMID: 13946567 [PubMed /​ indexed for MEDLINE]