*Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer

*Harshavardhini Kuppusamy R, Jananipriya Srinivasan, Pavithra Sundaramoorthy and Kannan Kilavan Packiam*

## **Abstract**

Herbal medicines are utilized as traditional and alternative therapy to precisely restore declining metabolic functions. Herbal bioactive claims its rewards for their effectiveness, safety, and acceptability. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is a Virya herb from Convolvulaceae with Tridoshhara, Majjadhatu Rasayan, Vajikarak, Chedan, and Nidrajanan properties. In Ayurvedic medicine, the whole plant is used in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases as brain tonic, amnesia and asthma, epilepsy and as a hepatoprotective. The phytochemical analysis has reported the existence of biomolecules such as β-sitosterol, scopolin, scopoletin, umbelliferon, triacontane, shankpushpine and betaine. A thorough review of classical as well as contemporary literature study has been done on *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. to validate the pharmacological actions and cytotoxicity effects on various cell lines.

**Keywords:** *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., virya herb, phytochemical analysis, pharmacological actions, cytotoxicity effects

## **1. Introduction**

The medical herbs are advantageous for humans for the reason of providing remedies that ease the human suffering. The indigenous system has innumerable plants that have been disclosed to have action opposing CNS disorders thus elevating human hardships [1]. The potential of Ayurveda herbs benefit medicinally and it seems likely exploring that medicinal potential is increasing latterly. At the current times, plant dependant drugs procure profuse attention due to the fact that there are onsets of newer approaches on chemical characterization and pharmacological inquisitions [1]. For a long period of time medicinal plants have been valued for their healing and diminishing pain. Medicinal plants are also have been relied abundantly for their curative properties. Various types of herbs have been employed in prominent folk medicine and they have a long history for being benefited in the traditional remedies [2]. In vitro screening methods also contribute to the demand on vital primary inquisition which is crucial to retrieve desired plant extract with promising and effective attributes for upcoming chemical and pharmacological research.

## **2.** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn.**

The traditional methodology utilized variety of medicinal herbs and one of the notable herbs is *Shankhpushpi* also known as *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., has been employed in clinical use for centuries. *Shankhpushpi* is contemplated as *Medha Rasayana* attributes to a drug that revivifies, retains and potentiates intellect and cognizance [3]. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is included in the Convolvulaceae family and it is a weed primarily available in tropical and sub-tropical miry zones of the world, particularly in East Asia. They are commonly seen in the regions including India and West Cameroon. They are expansively scattered in tropical zones of Africa and world.

*Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is a supine perennial herb consisting small branched rootstock of wood. They are enclosed with plentiful branches that are annual and beyond 30 cm long. The branches include long hairs and frequently prostrate. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. incorporates small leaves which are elliptic in shape. They are acute, susceptive and are densely hairy [4].

Each part of this plant is put to use in Ayurveda medicine to treat cough, cold and fever. They are also employed to cure neurodegenerative diseases like adenitis and dementia. Treatment of venereal disease also includes the use of this plant [5]. Azoospermia, nootroppic and anti-inflammatory activity has also been noted. This plant not only possesses these effects it also consists anti-haemorrhagic and antioxidant effects. Ancient medicine claimed this plant as brain tonic and in current years it has been justifies through pre-clinical research [6]. This plant is preferred in the treatment of asthma and amnesia, most common neurodegenerative diseases. Most notable property of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. is to boost the memory and elevate the intellectuality [7].

## **3. Phytochemicals**

In current years, Phytochemistry or plant chemistry has been established into evident discipline which lies between organic chemistry of natural creations and biochemistry dealing with plants. It is closely related to both of the subjects [8]. Phytochemistry is related to the innumerable distinct amount of organic materials that are concerned with and aggregated by plants and it deals with plant's properties. The chemical arrangements, biosynthesis, metabolisms and turn over, biological function and their natural distribution.

*Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. was interpreted to find the phytochemicals like alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroidal glucosides, saponin, tannins, pseudo tannins, chlorogenic acids, flavones, flavonoids, coumarin, anthocyanin, phenol, terpenoides, resins, volatile oil, anthraquinones, phytosterol and triterpenoids. The analysis portrayed the potentiality of components that are known to illustrate medicinal constituents as well as physiological activities [8].


**103**

Evolvulus alsinoides *(Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96119*

**S. No Phytochemical compounds Methanol** 

**4. Analysis of heavy metals**

*+ = present; - = absent.*

detected in the extract.

**5. Antimicrobial activity**

explained as follows: [8].

and 6,8,9 (for *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*).

Test for the presence of heavy metals is done for this plant's leaf extract. Sodium

**extract**

 Pseudo Tannins + − − Chlorogenic acid + − − Flavones − + − Flavonoid + + − Coumarin − − − Anthocyanin − − − Phenol + + + Terpenoids + + + Triterpenoids + + + Resins − − − Volatile oil + + + Glycosides − + −

**Ethanolic extract**

**Aqueous extract**

Antimicrobial activity attributes the extracts potential to act against the microorganisms by inhibiting the growth and the activities of them. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. displayed commendable potential of antimicrobial activity. The zone of inhibition of the expansion of the isolates refers to the relative antimicrobial potential that *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. possesses. The results of the antimicrobial activity of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. methanol, ethanol and aqueous extract are

**5.1 Antimicrobial activity of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. aqueous extract**

The organisms used for the antimicrobial activity of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. aqueous extract are *Salmonella typhi, Acinetobactor baumannii, Staphyloccus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli* and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa.* The inhibition values for three different concentrations for each microbe were obtained for the aqueous extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. The three different conecentrations are 50 μg/ ml, 100 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml. The respective inhibition values (mm) are 8, 11, 14 (for *Salmonella typhi*), 10, 13, 16 (for *Acinetobactor baumannii*), 10, 11, 12 (for *Staphyloccus aureus*), 7,8,9 (for *Klebsiella pneumonia*), 8, 10, 12 (for *Escherichia coli*),

(Na), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni) and Magnesium (Mg) were the heavy metals present in the leaf extract. The recent studies have proved that Potassium (approximately 133 ppm) is higher when compared to other heavy metals present [8]. Sodium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Nickel and Magnesium are present in the leaf extract. Metals like Lead and Mercury were not

**Phytochemical analysis of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn.**

Evolvulus alsinoides *(Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96119*

*Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment*

**2.** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn.**

The traditional methodology utilized variety of medicinal herbs and one of the notable herbs is *Shankhpushpi* also known as *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., has been employed in clinical use for centuries. *Shankhpushpi* is contemplated as *Medha Rasayana* attributes to a drug that revivifies, retains and potentiates intellect and cognizance [3]. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is included in the Convolvulaceae family and it is a weed primarily available in tropical and sub-tropical miry zones of the world, particularly in East Asia. They are commonly seen in the regions including India and West Cameroon. They are expansively scattered in tropical zones of Africa and world. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is a supine perennial herb consisting small branched rootstock of wood. They are enclosed with plentiful branches that are annual and beyond 30 cm long. The branches include long hairs and frequently prostrate. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. incorporates small leaves which are

Each part of this plant is put to use in Ayurveda medicine to treat cough, cold and fever. They are also employed to cure neurodegenerative diseases like adenitis and dementia. Treatment of venereal disease also includes the use of this plant [5]. Azoospermia, nootroppic and anti-inflammatory activity has also been noted. This plant not only possesses these effects it also consists anti-haemorrhagic and antioxidant effects. Ancient medicine claimed this plant as brain tonic and in current years it has been justifies through pre-clinical research [6]. This plant is preferred in the treatment of asthma and amnesia, most common neurodegenerative diseases. Most notable property of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. is to boost the memory and elevate the

In current years, Phytochemistry or plant chemistry has been established into evident discipline which lies between organic chemistry of natural creations and biochemistry dealing with plants. It is closely related to both of the subjects [8]. Phytochemistry is related to the innumerable distinct amount of organic materials that are concerned with and aggregated by plants and it deals with plant's properties. The chemical arrangements, biosynthesis, metabolisms and turn over, biological

*Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. was interpreted to find the phytochemicals like alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroidal glucosides, saponin, tannins, pseudo tannins, chlorogenic acids, flavones, flavonoids, coumarin, anthocyanin, phenol, terpenoides, resins, volatile oil, anthraquinones, phytosterol and triterpenoids. The analysis portrayed the potentiality of components that are known to illustrate medicinal

**extract**

**Ethanolic extract**

**Aqueous extract**

elliptic in shape. They are acute, susceptive and are densely hairy [4].

**102**

intellectuality [7].

**3. Phytochemicals**

function and their natural distribution.

constituents as well as physiological activities [8].

**S. No Phytochemical compounds Methanol** 

**Phytochemical analysis of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn.**

 Alkaloid + + − Carbohydrate + + − Steroids − − − Saponin − + − Tannin + + +


## **4. Analysis of heavy metals**

Test for the presence of heavy metals is done for this plant's leaf extract. Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Calcium (Ca), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni) and Magnesium (Mg) were the heavy metals present in the leaf extract. The recent studies have proved that Potassium (approximately 133 ppm) is higher when compared to other heavy metals present [8]. Sodium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, Copper, Nickel and Magnesium are present in the leaf extract. Metals like Lead and Mercury were not detected in the extract.

## **5. Antimicrobial activity**

Antimicrobial activity attributes the extracts potential to act against the microorganisms by inhibiting the growth and the activities of them. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. displayed commendable potential of antimicrobial activity. The zone of inhibition of the expansion of the isolates refers to the relative antimicrobial potential that *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. possesses. The results of the antimicrobial activity of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. methanol, ethanol and aqueous extract are explained as follows: [8].

### **5.1 Antimicrobial activity of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. aqueous extract**

The organisms used for the antimicrobial activity of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. aqueous extract are *Salmonella typhi, Acinetobactor baumannii, Staphyloccus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli* and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa.* The inhibition values for three different concentrations for each microbe were obtained for the aqueous extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. The three different conecentrations are 50 μg/ ml, 100 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml. The respective inhibition values (mm) are 8, 11, 14 (for *Salmonella typhi*), 10, 13, 16 (for *Acinetobactor baumannii*), 10, 11, 12 (for *Staphyloccus aureus*), 7,8,9 (for *Klebsiella pneumonia*), 8, 10, 12 (for *Escherichia coli*), and 6,8,9 (for *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*).

### **5.2 Antimicrobial activity of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. methanol extract**

The organisms used for the antimicrobial activity of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. methanol extract are *Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Staphyloccus aureus, Vibrio cholera, Bacillus megaterium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Yersinia enterocolitica, Bacillus subtilis* and *Listeria monocytogenes*. The inhibition values for three different concentrations for each microbe were obtained for the methanol extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. The three different conecentrations are 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml. The respective inhibition values (mm) are 12, 15, 21(for *Candida albicans*), 12, 14, 17 (for *Aspergillus niger*), 12, 15, 18 (for *Staphyloccus aureus*), 13, 16, 22 (for *Vibrio cholera*), 10, 13, 16 (for *Bacillus megaterium*), 11, 15, 17 (for *Klebsiella pneumonia*), 14, 17, 18 (for *Salmonella typhi*), 13, 15, 17 (for *Yersinia enterocolitica*), 11, 12, 13 (for *Bacillus subtilis*) and 10, 12, 15 (for *Listeria monocytogenes*).

### **5.3 Antimicrobial activity of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. ethanol extract**

The organisms used for the antimicrobial activity of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. aqueous extract are *Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans* and *Staphyloccus aureos.* The inhibition values (mm) for the concentration 10 mg/ml, for *E.coli* was 14 and for *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* is 11. There was no inhibition found in *Candida albicans* and *Staphyloccus aureos.*

## **6. Antioxidant activity**

Antioxidant activity is primarily described as the activity of preventing the propagation level in oxidative chain reactions that acts as a constraint of the oxidation of lipids, proteins, DNA and so on. Free radicals are directly scavenged by primary antioxidants. Unlike primary antioxidants, secondary antioxidants preclude the forming of free radicals indirectly through Fenton's reaction [9].

Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) assay can be easily reproduced and it is directly associated with molar concentration of antioxidant present. This can be implicated as the extract of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. that may act as a free radical scavenger. The FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) assay portrays the scavenging efficiency of the extract (Ethanol) of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. at five distinct concentrations. They are 200 μg·mL−1, 400 μg·mL−1, 600 μg·mL−1, 800 μg·mL−1 and 1000 μg·mL−1 and the respective optical densities are 0.907, 1.309, 1.397, 1.561 and 1.825 at 595 nm.

## **7. GC–MS analysis**

The prevailing compounds were, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Benzoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, D-Allose and Cytidine. The presence of various bioactive compounds justifies for usage of plant extract for various ailments by Ayurveda practitioners [10].

The investigation concluded that the stronger extraction capacity of methanol could have been produced number of active constituents responsible for many biological activities. So that those might be utilized for the development of traditional medicines and further investigation needs to elute novel active compounds

**105**

Evolvulus alsinoides *(Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96119*

5 4H-Pyran-4-one,

19 Cyclohexene,

1-Methyl-3-(Formylmethyl)

2,3-Dihydro-3,5-Dihydroxy-6-

diseases [10].

**MS analysis.**

**S. No**

from the medicinal plants which may be created a new way to treat many incurable

 Tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptane, 1,7,7-trimethyl C10H16 136 2,4- Imidazolidinedione, 3-Methyl C4H6N2O2 114 4-Heptanone, 2-Methyl- C8H16O 128 Levoglucosenone C6H6O3 126

 Benzoic Acid C7H6O2 122 Cytidine C9H13N3O5 243 4-Methyl-2-Oxopentanenitrile C6H9NO 111 2,3-Dihydro-Benzofuran C8H8O 120 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural C6H6O3 126 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol C9H10O2 150 Alfa.-copaene C15H24 204 Cyclohexene,1-methyl-4- (1methylethenyl)-, (r) C10H16 136 Caryophyllene C15H24 204 1,1'-Bicycloheptyl C14H26 194 1,6-cyclodecadiene, 1-methyl-5-m C15H24 204 D-Allose C6H12O6 180 (−)-5-oxatricyclo[8.2.0.0(4,6)]dodeca C15H24O 220

 1hcyclopropa[A]Naphthalene, 1a C15H28O2 240 Dotriacontane C32H66 450 Diethyl phthalate C12H14O4 222 Tetradecanoic acid C24H48O2 368 Tricyclic [2.2.1.0(2.6)]Hept-3-OL C7H10O 110 Benzoic acid,2,6-bis Trimethylsil C16H30O4Si3 370 2,6,10 trimethyl, 14-ethylene- C20H38 278 Cyclohexanol, 4-[(Trimethylsilyl)oxv]-,cis C9H20O2Si 188 2-cyclohexen-1-Ol,2,4,4- trimethy C16H24O2 248 Pentadecanoic acid C15H30O2 242

**Biocompounds of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. leaf extract found by GC** 

**Name of Compound Molecular Formula Molecular weight**

C6H8O4 144

C9H14O 138

*Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment*

(for *Listeria monocytogenes*).

**6. Antioxidant activity**

**7. GC–MS analysis**

practitioners [10].

*Candida albicans* and *Staphyloccus aureos.*

**5.2 Antimicrobial activity of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. methanol extract**

The organisms used for the antimicrobial activity of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. methanol extract are *Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Staphyloccus aureus, Vibrio cholera, Bacillus megaterium, Klebsiella pneumonia, Salmonella typhi, Yersinia enterocolitica, Bacillus subtilis* and *Listeria monocytogenes*. The inhibition values for three different concentrations for each microbe were obtained for the methanol extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. The three different conecentrations are 50 μg/ml, 100 μg/ml and 150 μg/ml. The respective inhibition values (mm) are 12, 15, 21(for *Candida albicans*), 12, 14, 17 (for *Aspergillus niger*), 12, 15, 18 (for *Staphyloccus aureus*), 13, 16, 22 (for *Vibrio cholera*), 10, 13, 16 (for *Bacillus megaterium*), 11, 15, 17 (for *Klebsiella pneumonia*), 14, 17, 18 (for *Salmonella typhi*), 13, 15, 17 (for *Yersinia enterocolitica*), 11, 12, 13 (for *Bacillus subtilis*) and 10, 12, 15

**5.3 Antimicrobial activity of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. ethanol extract**

The organisms used for the antimicrobial activity of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. aqueous extract are *Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans* and *Staphyloccus aureos.* The inhibition values (mm) for the concentration 10 mg/ml, for *E.coli* was 14 and for *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* is 11. There was no inhibition found in

Antioxidant activity is primarily described as the activity of preventing the propagation level in oxidative chain reactions that acts as a constraint of the oxidation of lipids, proteins, DNA and so on. Free radicals are directly scavenged by primary antioxidants. Unlike primary antioxidants, secondary antioxidants preclude the forming of free radicals indirectly through Fenton's reaction [9]. Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) assay can be easily reproduced and it is directly associated with molar concentration of antioxidant present. This can be implicated as the extract of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. that may act as a free radical scavenger. The FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) assay portrays the scavenging efficiency of the extract (Ethanol) of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. at five distinct concentrations. They are 200 μg·mL−1, 400 μg·mL−1, 600 μg·mL−1, 800 μg·mL−1 and 1000 μg·mL−1 and the respective opti-

The prevailing compounds were, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Benzoic acid,

The investigation concluded that the stronger extraction capacity of methanol could have been produced number of active constituents responsible for many biological activities. So that those might be utilized for the development of traditional medicines and further investigation needs to elute novel active compounds

n-Hexadecanoic acid, D-Allose and Cytidine. The presence of various bioactive compounds justifies for usage of plant extract for various ailments by Ayurveda

cal densities are 0.907, 1.309, 1.397, 1.561 and 1.825 at 595 nm.

**104**

from the medicinal plants which may be created a new way to treat many incurable diseases [10].

## **Biocompounds of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. leaf extract found by GC MS analysis.**


## **Biological Activity of compounds found in methanolic leaf extrac of**  *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. by GC–MS.**


## **8. Effect on marker enzymes in Streotozotoc induced Diabetic rats**

Diabetes mellitus, generally known as diabetes, is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder indicated by a basic feature of chronic hyperglycaemia with a bother of fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. One of the prominent causes of anguish and mortality worldwide is Diabetes mellitus. Pancreatic cells are damaged by creating profuse reactive oxygen species (ROS) that concluded in diabetes mellitus. An imbalance in oxidant and antioxidant activities, Oxidative stress is also included in pathogenesis and complications of diabetes mellitus. The activities including detoxification, storage, metabolism, excretion of the metabolites and xenobiotics performed by liver is vital, thus liver is a crucial organ of the body [11].

The studies show that effect of extract of whole plant of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. can be availed for the normality of marker enzymes that implies the normality of liver and kidney. The markers AST (aminotransferace), ALT (alanine aminotransferace), ACP (acid phosphatase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) were utilized for the study and increase in them in the circulation of blood illustrates damage in liver of diabetic rats, induced by streptozotocin [11]. The diabetes results in increase in the concentration of AST, ALT, ACP, ALP and LDH than in normal conditions. The extract administered was noticed to preserve the values of the enzymes to normal values. Thus showing no crucial difference in between the control (glibenclamide) and the plant extract alone group rats in the normal levels.

The following tables concludes that ethanolic extract of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. importantly decreases the concentration of marker enzymes that exist in serum and tissues, which are commonly found to be higher in levels of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Its constructive impact of biomarker enzymes could portray a defensive mechanism contrary to the toxic effect of free radicals consisting in diabetes mellitus [11].

**107**

Evolvulus alsinoides *(Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96119*

**9. Effect of ethanolic extract of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. on marker enzymes as in serum of control and experimental group rats**

(μmoles/L) are 40, 43, 10, 34 and 44 respectively in control.

The results show that the effect of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is similar and in some cases better than glibenclamide, a drug used for diabetic control. The extract alone also shows notable effects against diabetic rats. The diabetes results in increase in the concentration of AST, ALT, ACP, ALP and LDH than in normal conditions. The extract administered was noticed to preserve the values of the enzymes to normal values. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 40, 43, 10, 32 and 44 respectively in control. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 60, 120, 23, 74 and 85 respectively in diabetic control. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 43, 45, 12, 45 and 45 respectively in Diabetic and *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 41, 43, 11, 38 and 44 respectively in Diabetic and glibenclamide. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH

**10. Impact of ethanolic extract of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. on marker enzymes in liver of control and experimental group rats**

and the standard acarbose demonstrated the inhibitory activity of 74%.

*Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn.**

**12. A cognitive enhancer of spacial memory**

for monotherapy for learning and memory.

(AGEs) at higher doses that causes detoriating effect in the mice.

**11. The inhibition (%) of alpha glucosidase by ethanolic extract of** 

In comparison with the inhibition of alpha amylase by *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., the inhibitory action of it on alpha glucosidase is limited. The inhibitory activity of alpha glucosidase by the extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. is about 53% at a concentration 100 μg/ml. This study proves that the *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. contains therapeutic antibiotic impact in type II diabetes mellitus [12].

D-Galactose caused mental retardation and cognitive dysfunction as measured by open field, avoidance/escape, T-maze, Y-maze and Morris maze in mice. D-gal, a reducing sugar which can be metabolized at normal concentration, induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end products

An extract from *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. have illustrated the strongest memory enhancing property by keeping in control of acetylcholinesterase and also increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain and so it possess reasonably acceptable antiamnesiac outcome in animal neurotoxicity model. Scopoletin, a furanocoumarin found in *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. promotes the gene and it can be used

The research studies conducted portrayed that *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. ethanol extract has inhibitory effect not only on alpha glucosidase but also alpha amylase. The inhibitory activity exhibited concentration reliant reduction thus the higher the concentration higher the inhibitory activity. The topmost concentration 100 μg/ml is the concentration that showed the highest inhibition of closely to 63%

*Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment*

**S.No Compound name Nature of** 

2 Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester

*Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. by GC–MS.**

**Biological Activity of compounds found in methanolic leaf extrac of** 

1 n-Hexadecanoic acid Palmitic acid Antioxidant, Hypocholesterolemic nemaicide,

3 Benzoic acid Benzen Arachidonic acid-Inhibitor, Increase Aromatic

4 D-Allose Aldohexose sugar Alcohol-Dehydrogenase-Inhibitor,

Fatty acid ester Antioxidant, Antimicrobial

inhibitor.

Amino Acid

**Biological activity**

5- Alpha reductase inhibitor

Decarboxylase Activity and Inhibit Production of Uric Acid

Antileukotriene-D4, Circulatory-Depressant, CNS-Depressant and Coronary-Dilator

Anticancer (Duodenum), Antidote (Diazepam), Antidote (Digoxin),

Hypocholesterolemic,

pesticde, Anti-androgenic flavor, hemalytic,

Antiandrogenic, Hemolytic, Alpha Reducatase

**Compound**

**8. Effect on marker enzymes in Streotozotoc induced Diabetic rats**

5 Cytidine Nucleoside molecule Glutamatergic antidepressant drug

performed by liver is vital, thus liver is a crucial organ of the body [11].

Diabetes mellitus, generally known as diabetes, is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder indicated by a basic feature of chronic hyperglycaemia with a bother of fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism. One of the prominent causes of anguish and mortality worldwide is Diabetes mellitus. Pancreatic cells are damaged by creating profuse reactive oxygen species (ROS) that concluded in diabetes mellitus. An imbalance in oxidant and antioxidant activities, Oxidative stress is also included in pathogenesis and complications of diabetes mellitus. The activities including detoxification, storage, metabolism, excretion of the metabolites and xenobiotics

The studies show that effect of extract of whole plant of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. can be availed for the normality of marker enzymes that implies the normality of liver and kidney. The markers AST (aminotransferace), ALT (alanine aminotransferace), ACP (acid phosphatase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and ALP (alkaline phosphatase) were utilized for the study and increase in them in the circulation of blood illustrates damage in liver of diabetic rats, induced by streptozotocin [11]. The diabetes results in increase in the concentration of AST, ALT, ACP, ALP and LDH than in normal conditions. The extract administered was noticed to preserve the values of the enzymes to normal values. Thus showing no crucial difference in between the control (glibenclamide) and the plant extract alone group rats in the normal levels. The following tables concludes that ethanolic extract of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. importantly decreases the concentration of marker enzymes that exist in serum and tissues, which are commonly found to be higher in levels of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Its constructive impact of biomarker enzymes could portray a defensive mechanism contrary to the toxic effect of free radicals consist-

**106**

ing in diabetes mellitus [11].

## **9. Effect of ethanolic extract of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. on marker enzymes as in serum of control and experimental group rats**

The results show that the effect of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. is similar and in some cases better than glibenclamide, a drug used for diabetic control. The extract alone also shows notable effects against diabetic rats. The diabetes results in increase in the concentration of AST, ALT, ACP, ALP and LDH than in normal conditions. The extract administered was noticed to preserve the values of the enzymes to normal values. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 40, 43, 10, 32 and 44 respectively in control. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 60, 120, 23, 74 and 85 respectively in diabetic control. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 43, 45, 12, 45 and 45 respectively in Diabetic and *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 41, 43, 11, 38 and 44 respectively in Diabetic and glibenclamide. The concentrations of markers AST, ALP, ACP, ALT and LDH (μmoles/L) are 40, 43, 10, 34 and 44 respectively in control.

## **10. Impact of ethanolic extract of** *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn. on marker enzymes in liver of control and experimental group rats**

The research studies conducted portrayed that *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. ethanol extract has inhibitory effect not only on alpha glucosidase but also alpha amylase. The inhibitory activity exhibited concentration reliant reduction thus the higher the concentration higher the inhibitory activity. The topmost concentration 100 μg/ml is the concentration that showed the highest inhibition of closely to 63% and the standard acarbose demonstrated the inhibitory activity of 74%.

## **11. The inhibition (%) of alpha glucosidase by ethanolic extract of**  *Evolvulus alsinoides* **(Linn.) Linn.**

In comparison with the inhibition of alpha amylase by *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., the inhibitory action of it on alpha glucosidase is limited. The inhibitory activity of alpha glucosidase by the extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. is about 53% at a concentration 100 μg/ml. This study proves that the *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. contains therapeutic antibiotic impact in type II diabetes mellitus [12].

## **12. A cognitive enhancer of spacial memory**

D-Galactose caused mental retardation and cognitive dysfunction as measured by open field, avoidance/escape, T-maze, Y-maze and Morris maze in mice. D-gal, a reducing sugar which can be metabolized at normal concentration, induces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) at higher doses that causes detoriating effect in the mice.

An extract from *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. have illustrated the strongest memory enhancing property by keeping in control of acetylcholinesterase and also increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain and so it possess reasonably acceptable antiamnesiac outcome in animal neurotoxicity model. Scopoletin, a furanocoumarin found in *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. promotes the gene and it can be used for monotherapy for learning and memory.

## **13. HPTLC fingerprinting analysis (high performance thin- layer chromatography)**

The TLC chromatogram was run for *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. along with standard for various profiles such as steroids, glycosides and terpenoids.

Glycosides comprise a very wide range of compounds that are of common and ubiquitous occurrence in almost all plants. Many plants store medicinally important chemicals in the form of inactive glycosides. The nonsugar portion contains the biochemically active properties of medical interest. Once the glycoside is split into its two components, the nonsugar component is free to exert its chemical effects on the body. For example, digitalis is a glycoside that causes the heart to contract (pump) more forcefully when ingested [13]. These pharmaceuticallyvaluable glycosides contribute to almost every therapeutic class, cardiac drugs, laxatives, counterirritants, analgesics, renal disinfectants, antirheumatics, anti-inflammatory, antituberculosis, expectorant and antispasmodic action [2].

## **14. Ethnopharmacological activities**

To carry out enzyme inhibition studies, lactate dehydrogenase was cloned from *Plasmodium falciparum* 3D7 strain using expression vector pET28a and expressed in *Escherichia coli* BL21 (DE3).

Methanol extract of *E.alsinoides* was tested at 50 mg/mL concentration for PfLDH inhibitory activity. Methanol extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. reduced PfLDH activity to (25.04 ± 0.51) %. Effects of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. were statistically significant at 0.001 levels [7]. The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were showed graded dose response. The chloroform, ethyl acetate extracts were protected 27.4% and 28.3% at 120 min, it indicates that *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. extracts are considerably reduced the inflammation but when compared with standard drug at 12.5 mg/kg body weight was not that much potent drug, but the extracts were reduced the inflammation caused by prostaglandins, histamine and 5- hydroxy tryptamine at initial stage.

## **15. Conclusion**

The traditional methodology utilized variety of medicinal herbs and one of the notable herbs is *Shankhpushpi* also known as *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. has been employed in clinical use for centuries. *Shankhapushpi* is contemplated as *Medha Rasayana* attributes to a drug that revivifies, retains and potentiates intellect and cognizance. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. possess activities like antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiinfalamatory and antidiabetic. The heavy metal analysis shows the presence of notable metals in the extract and phytochemical analysis portrays the presence of crucial phytochemicals present in it. Various studies proved that *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. carries nootropic effect and it is indeed a potent plant for the treatment of brain disorders.

**109**

**Author details**

and Kannan Kilavan Packiam

provided the original work is properly cited.

Sathyamangalam, India

Harshavardhini Kuppusamy R, Jananipriya Srinivasan, Pavithra Sundaramoorthy\*

© 2021 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

Department of Biotechnology, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology,

\*Address all correspondence to: pavithramks@bitsathy.ac.in

Evolvulus alsinoides *(Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96119*

Evolvulus alsinoides *(Linn.) Linn.: A Revitalizer DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96119*

*Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment*

**chromatography)**

**13. HPTLC fingerprinting analysis (high performance thin- layer** 

various profiles such as steroids, glycosides and terpenoids.

antituberculosis, expectorant and antispasmodic action [2].

**14. Ethnopharmacological activities**

*Escherichia coli* BL21 (DE3).

tryptamine at initial stage.

potent plant for the treatment of brain disorders.

**15. Conclusion**

The TLC chromatogram was run for *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. along with standard for

Glycosides comprise a very wide range of compounds that are of common and ubiquitous occurrence in almost all plants. Many plants store medicinally important chemicals in the form of inactive glycosides. The nonsugar portion contains the biochemically active properties of medical interest. Once the glycoside is split into its two components, the nonsugar component is free to exert its chemical effects on the body. For example, digitalis is a glycoside that causes the heart to contract (pump) more forcefully when ingested [13]. These pharmaceuticallyvaluable glycosides contribute to almost every therapeutic class, cardiac drugs, laxatives, counterirritants, analgesics, renal disinfectants, antirheumatics, anti-inflammatory,

To carry out enzyme inhibition studies, lactate dehydrogenase was cloned from *Plasmodium falciparum* 3D7 strain using expression vector pET28a and expressed in

Methanol extract of *E.alsinoides* was tested at 50 mg/mL concentration for PfLDH inhibitory activity. Methanol extract of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. reduced PfLDH activity to (25.04 ± 0.51) %. Effects of *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. were statistically significant at 0.001 levels [7]. The chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts were showed graded dose response. The chloroform, ethyl acetate extracts were protected 27.4% and 28.3% at 120 min, it indicates that *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. extracts are considerably reduced the inflammation but when compared with standard drug at 12.5 mg/kg body weight was not that much potent drug, but the extracts were reduced the inflammation caused by prostaglandins, histamine and 5- hydroxy

The traditional methodology utilized variety of medicinal herbs and one of the notable herbs is *Shankhpushpi* also known as *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. has been employed in clinical use for centuries. *Shankhapushpi* is contemplated as *Medha Rasayana* attributes to a drug that revivifies, retains and potentiates intellect and cognizance. *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn. possess activities like antibiotic, antimicrobial, antiinfalamatory and antidiabetic. The heavy metal analysis shows the presence of notable metals in the extract and phytochemical analysis portrays the presence of crucial phytochemicals present in it. Various studies proved that *E.alsinoides* (L.) L. carries nootropic effect and it is indeed a

**108**

## **Author details**

Harshavardhini Kuppusamy R, Jananipriya Srinivasan, Pavithra Sundaramoorthy\* and Kannan Kilavan Packiam Department of Biotechnology, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, India

\*Address all correspondence to: pavithramks@bitsathy.ac.in

© 2021 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

## **References**

[1] Dr. V.G. Indhumol, Dr. H.R. Pradeep, Dr. C.K. Sushrutha, Dr. T. Jyothi & Dr. M.M. Shavas, 'Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, and Therapeutic applications of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. – A Review', SOUSHRUTAM An International Research Journal of Pharmacy and Plant science, 2013; Volume 1(2), ISSN: 2320-5830.

[2] Gomathi Rajashyamala L, Elango V, 'Identification of bioactive components and its biological activities of Evolvulus alsinoides linn. -- A GC-MS study', International Journal of Chemical Studies 2015; 3(1): 41-44.

[3] A. NAHATA AND V. K. DIXIT, 'Spectrofluorimetric Estimation of Scopoletin in Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. and Convulvulus pluricaulis Choisy', Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2008; 834-837.

[4] Frantisek Cervenka, Vit Koleckar, Zuzana Rehakova, Ludek Jahodar, Jiri Kunes, Lubomir Optetal, Randomir Hyspler, Daniel Jun and Kamil Kuca, 'Evaluation of natural substances from Evolvulus alsinoides L. with the purpose of determining their antioxidant potency', Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medical Chemistry, 2008; 23(4): 574-578.

[5] K. P. Singh, Bhavna and G. Dhakre, 'Reproductive biology of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Medicinal Herb)', International Journal of Botany, 2010; 6(3) 304-309, ISSN 1811-9700.

[6] Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Santosh Kumar Singh, J. S Tripathi and Y.B Tripathi, 'ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANT: EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES', World journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, 2016; 5:4 ISSN 2278-4357.

[7] Neeraj Kumar Sethiya, Alok Nahata, Shri Hari Mishra, Vinod Kumar Dixit, 'An update on Shankpushpi, a cognitive boosting Ayurvedic medicine', JCIM, 2009; 7(11) 1001-1022.

[8] Kannan Elangovan, Kumar Supriya, Kandhasamy Murugesan\* and Rajamani Aravind,' Screening of Phytochemicals and In vitro Antioxidant activity of Evolvulus alsinoides L.', Journal of Academia and Industrial Research (JAIR),2013; 2:4 ISSN: 2278-5213.

[9] Dejian Huang, Boxin Ou, and Ronald L. Prior, 'The Chemistry behind Antioxidant Capacity Assays', J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005, 53, 6, 1841-1856.

[10] T. K Sujayil and T. S Dhanaraj, 'DETERMINATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN Evolvulus alsinoides LEAF EXTRACT USING GCMS TECHNIQUE', RJLBPCS, 2016, ISSN 2454-6348.

[11] Duraisamy Gomathi, Manokaran Kalaiselvi, Ganesan Ravikumar, Kanankasabapathi Devak and Chandrasekar Uma, 'Activity of Evolvulus Alsinoides on Marker Enzymes in Streptozotoc on Marker Enzymes in Induced Diabetic Rats', IJPRT,2013; 5:2 119-125.

[12] Duraisamy Gomathi, Manokaran Kalaiselvi and Chandrasekar Uma, 'Invitro α - amylase and α – glucosidase inhibitory effects of ethanolic extract of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., IRJP, 2012; ISSN 2230-8407.

[13] D.GOMATHI, M.KALAISELVI, G.RAVIKUMAR AND C.UMA, 'Evaluation of Enzymatic and Non– Enzymatic Antioxidant Potential of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.', Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research 2012; Vol 5, Suppl 2, ISSN - 0974-2441

**110**

574-578.

*Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment*

[1] Dr. V.G. Indhumol, Dr. H.R. Pradeep, Dr. C.K. Sushrutha, Dr. T. Jyothi & Dr. M.M. Shavas, 'Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical, and Therapeutic applications of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. – A Review', SOUSHRUTAM An International Research Journal of Pharmacy and Plant science, 2013; Volume 1(2), ISSN: 2320-5830.

**References**

[7] Neeraj Kumar Sethiya, Alok Nahata, Shri Hari Mishra, Vinod Kumar Dixit, 'An update on Shankpushpi, a cognitive boosting Ayurvedic medicine', JCIM,

[8] Kannan Elangovan, Kumar Supriya, Kandhasamy Murugesan\* and Rajamani Aravind,' Screening of Phytochemicals and In vitro Antioxidant activity of Evolvulus alsinoides L.', Journal of Academia and Industrial Research (JAIR),2013; 2:4 ISSN: 2278-5213.

[9] Dejian Huang, Boxin Ou, and Ronald L. Prior, 'The Chemistry behind Antioxidant Capacity Assays', J. Agric. Food Chem. 2005, 53, 6, 1841-1856.

[10] T. K Sujayil and T. S Dhanaraj, 'DETERMINATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN Evolvulus alsinoides LEAF EXTRACT USING GCMS TECHNIQUE', RJLBPCS, 2016, ISSN

[11] Duraisamy Gomathi, Manokaran Kalaiselvi, Ganesan Ravikumar, Kanankasabapathi Devak and Chandrasekar Uma, 'Activity of Evolvulus Alsinoides on Marker Enzymes in Streptozotoc on Marker Enzymes in Induced Diabetic Rats',

[12] Duraisamy Gomathi, Manokaran Kalaiselvi and Chandrasekar Uma, 'Invitro α - amylase and α – glucosidase inhibitory effects of ethanolic extract of *Evolvulus alsinoides* (Linn.) Linn., IRJP,

[13] D.GOMATHI, M.KALAISELVI, G.RAVIKUMAR AND C.UMA, 'Evaluation of Enzymatic and Non– Enzymatic Antioxidant Potential of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.', Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical

Research 2012; Vol 5, Suppl 2,

ISSN - 0974-2441

IJPRT,2013; 5:2 119-125.

2012; ISSN 2230-8407.

2454-6348.

2009; 7(11) 1001-1022.

[2] Gomathi Rajashyamala L, Elango V, 'Identification of bioactive components and its biological activities of Evolvulus alsinoides linn. -- A GC-MS study', International Journal of Chemical

Studies 2015; 3(1): 41-44.

Sciences, 2008; 834-837.

[3] A. NAHATA AND V. K. DIXIT, 'Spectrofluorimetric Estimation of Scopoletin in Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. and Convulvulus pluricaulis Choisy', Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical

[4] Frantisek Cervenka, Vit Koleckar, Zuzana Rehakova, Ludek Jahodar, Jiri Kunes, Lubomir Optetal, Randomir Hyspler, Daniel Jun and Kamil Kuca, 'Evaluation of natural substances from Evolvulus alsinoides L. with the purpose

of determining their antioxidant potency', Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medical Chemistry, 2008; 23(4):

[5] K. P. Singh, Bhavna and G. Dhakre, 'Reproductive biology of Evolvulus alsinoides L. (Medicinal Herb)', International Journal of Botany, 2010; 6(3) 304-309, ISSN 1811-9700.

pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences,

[6] Mukesh Kumar Yadav, Santosh Kumar Singh, J. S Tripathi and Y.B Tripathi, 'ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL PLANT: EVOLVULUS ALSINOIDES', World journal of

2016; 5:4 ISSN 2278-4357.

*Edited by Sonia Soloneski and Marcelo L. Larramendy*

This edited book, *Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment*, is intended to present some strategies, methods, interpretations and recent advances in order to facilitate scientific research on in vitro toxic responses, presenting both theoretical and practical aspects.

Published in London, UK © 2021 IntechOpen © K\_E\_N / iStock

Cytotoxicity - New Insights into Toxic Assessment

Cytotoxicity

New Insights into Toxic Assessment

*Edited by Sonia Soloneski* 

*and Marcelo L. Larramendy*