Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies on Ivy Leaves (Hedera Helix).

Abstract

Plant products and their derivatives were known as sources of ancient therapeutic elements. These elements can be used to treat different types of acute and chronic inflammation. Our study was conducted to determine the different biological activities of Hedera helix (Ivy Leaves). Studies were carried out to investigate phytochemical constituents, In vitro determination of the activity of total ivy leaves ethanolic extract, flavonoids and saponins fractions and in vivo pharmacological activities. 1) Arthritis model:

The fresh leaves of Hedera helix L. were collected for preparation of total extract followed by preparation of saponins and flavonoids rich fractions. The secondary metabolites of our extract were determined using LC/MS. In-vitro anti-arthritic effects of the ethanolic ivy extract, saponins fraction and flavonoids fraction were determined by albumin denaturation, membrane stabilization, histamine release and trypsinase inhibition assays followed by in-vivo induction of arthritis in paw by injection of 0.1 mL, CFA (Complete Freund’s Adjuvant) intradermal.

Seventy male rats with body weight ranged from 150 to 170 gram were divided in 7 groups, each group contained 10 rats. The groups were control negative (saline only), control positive (CFA only), standard (Ibuprofen 5 mg/kg), TIE-E (100 mg/kg), TIE-E in a dose of 200 mg/kg, Sap-F in a dose of 100 mg/kg and Flav-F (100 mg/kg). After receiving a CFA injection, the animals developed obvious increase in paw size after 24 h and significant joint inflammation by day 15. Treatments began on day 16 after the AIA model was initiated and lasted one month. Saline was given to the rats in the control negative and control positive groups. The physical parameters are examined every 4 days, rheumatoid biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant markers, joint care enzymes markers activity. The histopathology of the paws was also determined.