PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF OXALIS CORNICULATA LINN.: A REVIEW

PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF OXALIS CORNICULATA LINN.: A REVIEW

Merugu Srikanth ¹, Tadigotla Swetha*¹ and Veeresh B. ²

Department of Pharmacology, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmacy ¹, Ibrahimpatnam, R.R Dist, Andhra Pradesh, India

Department of Pharmacology, Pulla Reddy College of Pharmacy ², Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT

 Many herbal remedies have been employed in various medical systems for treatment and management of different diseases. The plant Oxalis corniculata Linn. has been used in different system of traditional medication for the treatment of diseases and ailments of human beings. β-sitosterol, betulin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, ethyl gallate, methoxyflavones, apigenin, and 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were previously isolated from the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata.linn. The review reveals that wide ranges of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the plant like flavanoids, tannins, phytosterols, phenol, glycosides, fatty acids, galacto-glycerolipid and volatile oil. The leaves contain flavonoids, iso vitexine and vitexine-2”- O- beta – D- glucopyrunoside. It is rich source of essential fatty acids like palmitic acid, oleic, linoleic, linolenic and stearic acids. It has been reported that the plant contains anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antiulcer, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypolipedemic, abortificient, antimicrobial and wound healing properties. The current study is therefore reviewed to provide requisite phytochemical and pharmacological detail about the plant.

Medicinal plants

INTRODUCTION: There exists a plethora of knowledge and information and benefits of herbal drugs in our ancient literature of Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. One of the earliest treatises of Indian medicine, the Charaka Samhita (1000 B.C.) mentions the use of over 2000 herbs for medicinal purpose ¹.

A large proportions of world’s population depend on traditional medicine because of scarcity, high cost of orthodox medicine and unpleasant side effects ². Exploration of the chemical constituents of the plants and pharmacological screening may provide us the basis for developing the leads for development of novel agents.

In addition, herbs have provided us some of the very important lifesaving drugs used in the armamentarium of modern medicine ³.

There is a worldwide belief that herbal remedies are safer and less damaging to the human body than synthetic drugs. Therefore laboratories around the world are engaged in screening of plants for biological activities with therapeutics potential. One major criterion for the selection of plant for such a study is traditional healer’s claim for its therapeutics usefulness. The traditional Indian medicinal system mentions herbal remedies for the treatment of variety of diseases.

Ayurveda has emphasized importance of food in the management of diseases. Even practitioner of modern system has realized the significance of dietary items, in the form of nutraceutical elements, in the treatment of chronic diseases ⁴.

Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Family: Oxalidaceae) is a well-known in India and is one of the most versatile medicinal plants having a wide spectrum of biological activity. It is commonly known as creeping wood sorrel, an excellent plant in the nature having composition of all the essential constituents that are required for normal and good health of humans ⁵.   Herb is a good appetizer, removes kapha, vata, and piles; astringent cures dysentery and diarrhoeas, skin diseases and quarten fevers. An infusion of the small leaves is externally used to remove warts and opacities of cornea. The leaves are anti-inflammatory, refrigerant and antiscorbutic ⁶.  

The present review is dealing with medicinal importance of the Oxalis corniculata. Linn   with reference to its Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities.

Taxonomic Classification ⁷:

Kingdom          :  Plantae

Division           :  Magnoliophyta

Class                :  Magnoliopsida

Order              :  Oxalidales

Family             :  Oxalidaceae

Genus              :  Oxalis

Species            :  O. corniculata

Vernacular Names ⁷:

Sanskrit:    Ambashta, Amlalonika, Amlapatrika, Amlika, Amlotaja, Cangeri

Hindi: Seh-patti, Tinpatiya, Anboti, Chuka tripati, Bhilmori, Khatari

English: Indian sorrel

Urdu: Khatt-i-buti

Assamese: Changeritenga, Saru tengesi

Bengali: Amrul-sak, Amrul shak, Amrul, Tandi chatom arak, Amrool

Kannada: Huli-huniche, Hulihunice, Pullam-purachi-sappu, Teltuppi

Tamil: Palaikiri, Puliyarail

Telugu: Ambotikura, Pulichintha, Pallachintha

Marathi: Ambali, Chicha

Malayalam: Poliyarala, Puliyaral, Puliyarala, Puliyarila, Pullampurachi

Marathi: Umbuti, Ambuti, Bhinsarpati, Aambotee, Ambata chukaa

Oriya: Sialthur, Siakthur, Ambo chingari

Arabic: Hememdab, Hemda, Homadmad

Distribution: It is a somewhat delicate-appearing, low-growing, herbaceous plant abundantly distributed in damp shady places, roadsides, plantations, lawns, nearly all regions throughout the warmer parts of India, especially in the Himalayas up to 8,000 ft-cosmopolitan ⁷. It is also distributed in ballast about the eastern seaport town of the United States and becomes quite abundant in Texas and Ontario. These weeds are found throughout Florida. They are common in the southeastern United States; from Newfoundland to North Dakota; and southward to Mexico. O. corniculata is a cosmopolitan weed occurring in the Old World and in temperate and tropical regions of North, Central and South America and the West Indies ⁸.

Morphology: They are tap rooted herbs, bushy or mat forming, and 0.1-0.5 m tall (Figure 1). Branching from the base and often rooted at the nodes, the upper portions are ascending or weakly erect smooth or hairy ⁸.

1. Stem: The stem is slender, terete and pubescent, 0.4 to 1.5 cm long. The internodes vary from 4.5 to 8.5 cm in length. Acidic odour, taste sour when fresh ⁹.
2. Leaves: The trifoliate leaves are alternate, with thin, heart-shaped, leaflet blades having a distinct apical indention. Leaflets 0.5 to 1 cm long with reticulate venation.The blades are smooth on the upper surface, slightly folded upward lengthwise along the major vein, and have a few appressed hairs along the veins on the lower surface and along the lower portion of the margins. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. A single long stalk arises from the axils of the leaf, from which extend three flower stalks, each with a single flower.
3. Flowers: The flowers are 7-11 mm wide and have 5 yellow petals ⁸.
4. Fruit:The fruit is a capsule, 1-1.5 cm long, cylindrical, pointed apically, and 5-ridged in cross section ⁸.
5. Seeds:The seeds are oval in outline, apically rounded, basally pointed, flattened in cross section, light brown, and have a surface distinctly transversely ridged. Oxalis corniculata will have stolons ⁸.

FIG. 1: IMAGE OF OXALIS CORNICULATA LINN.

Ethnobotony: In Nepal village, Oxalis corniculata. Linn (Jujur saang) is used as medicinal herb ⁹. The plant is mixed in equal amount with the leaf bud of Justicia adathoda L. and Maesa macrophylla is pounded and the juice about 6 tea spoons 3 times a day is given in gastric troubles ¹⁰. The leaf decoction is used in fever and dysentery in some areas of Madhya Pradesh ¹¹. Maceration of the whole plant with leaves of Sida acuta is taken orally to treat gonorrhea in Cameroon ¹². The herb juice is used as eye drop in conjunctivitis by Boro Tribals of Assam ¹³. The local inhabitants of Tehsil Chakwal(Pakistan) uses Plant sap to cure skin diseases, Leaves as cooling agent and refrigerant in stomach disorders, fever and acute headache and also in snake bite. Plant pounded with cumin seeds are taken with water thrice a day for dysentery. It is also used for sensitive teeth ¹⁴.

Phytochemistry: Phytochemical investigations of Oxalis corniculata Linn. have revealed the presence of tannins, palmitic acid, a mixture of 8 oleic, linoleic, linolenic and stearic acids. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of this plant show the presence of carbohydrate, glycosides, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, proteins (12.5%), amino acids and volatile oil. It also showed the presence of calcium, fiber and tannin. Leaves contain tartaric acid and citric acids, calcium oxalate, flavones (acacetin and 7,4'-diOMe apigenin), glycoflavones (4'-OMe vitexin, 4'-OMeiso-vitexin and 3',4'-diOMe orientin), flavonols (3',4'-diOMe quercetin) and phenolic acids such as p-  hydroxybenzoic, vanillic and syringic acids . This herb is well known to have an acid taste due to the high content of oxalate in its leaves and stems. Study revealed the presence of three Cglycosylflavones in the leaves namely 6-C-glucosyl luteolin (isoorientin), 6-C-glucosylapigenin (isovitexin) and isovitexin 7- methylether (sertisin) (Figure 2).

FIG. 2: THE STRUCTURES OF FLAVONOIDS [I: LUTEOLIN 6 -C- GLUCOSIDE (ISOORIENTIN), 2: APIGENIN 6 -C- GLUCOSIDE (ISOVITEXIN), 3: ISOVITEXIN 7- METHYLETHER (SWERTISIN)] ISOLATED FROM THE SHOOTS OF O. CORNICULATA

Ferritin was detected in the integumentary cells of the Oxalis corniculata ovule that was confirmed by an electron microscope x-ray microanalysis; it occurs in immature plastids & in amyloplasts in the form of paracrystalline aggregates which have round profiles or which may be intended by the surrounding starch grains. Integumentary ferritin aggregates are regarded as an iron source for the embryo. The leaves contain about 86% water, 0.8% fat, 8.2% carbohydrate, 150mg calcium,78 mg phosphorus, 8mg iron, 0.6mg niacin, 78mg vitamin C, 6050 microgram beta carotene and between 7-12% oxalate ⁵.

During photosynthesis, an oxalic acid is produced by carbon dioxide fixation both in light and in darkness but the 2 rate of its photosynthetic formation is much higher in darkness. Identified several compounds that were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass spectrometry as (i) Oc-1, a mixture of saturated fatty acids C₂₄ to C₂₈; (ii) Oc-2, a mixture of long-chain alcohols C₁₈ to C₂₈; and (iii) Oc-3, a single compound that was a galacto-glycerolipid ¹⁵.

β-sitosterol (1), betulin (2), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), ethyl gallate (4), 5-hydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone (5), 5-hydroxy-3', 4', 6, 7, 8-pentamethoxyflavone (6), 7, 5′-dimethoxy-3, 5, 2′-trihydroxyflavone (7), 5-hydroxy-3, 6, 7, 4′-tetramethoxyflavone (8), 4′, 5-hydroxy-3, 6, 7-trimethoxyflavone (9), 5-hydroxy-3, 6, 7, 4´-tetra-methoxyflavone (10), apigenin 7-O-β-Dglucoside (11) and 3, 3′, 5, 7-trihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12), has been recently isolated from the Oxalis corniculata (Figure 3) ¹⁶.

FIG. 3: STRUCTURES OF COMPOUNDS 1-12 ISOLATED FROM OXALIS CORNICULATA LINN.

Nutritional Value of Oxalis Corniculata Linn.: The leaves have been found to be rich in moisture, total carbohydrate, crude protein, crude lipid hence it can be alternative vegetable during emergency. The leaves of Oxalis corniculata linn. exhibit rich in mineral contents like Sodium (1.12+0.02%), Potassium (2.17+0.31%), Calcium (2.510.08%), Nitrogen (3.5610.70%) and Magnesium (0.25+0.03%), these mineral components are vital in regulating various metabolic pathways in human body ¹⁷.

Pharmacological Activities of Oxalis Corniculata Linn.: Oxalis corniculata Linn. plant is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, relaxant, lithontripic, stomachic and styptic. It is used in the treatment of influenza, fever, urinary tract infections, enteritis, diarrhoea, traumatic injuries, sprains and poisonous snake bites. An infusion can be used as a wash to rid children of hookworms. The plant is used as an antiscorbutic in the treatment of scurvy. The leaves are used as an antidote to poisoning by the seeds of Datura, arsenic and mercury. The leaf juice is applied to insect bites, burns and skin eruptions. It has an antibacterial activity. An infusion of leaves is used to remove opacities of the cornea and is dropped into the eyes for itching lids. A decoction of leaves is used as a gargle.

Wound Healing Activity: The alcoholic and petroleum ether extract of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata linn. has been evaluated for its wound healing activity by using excision, resutured incision and dead space wound models in rats. Both the extracts at the dose of 300 and 500 mg per kg p.o.showed significant wound healing activity by producing an increase in wound contraction rate, wound breaking and significant decreases in epithelization period. In this study both the extracts significantly increased the granuloma tissue breaking strength and hydroxyl proline content as compared to control ¹⁸.

Anti-implantation and Abortifacient Activity: Petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of the whole plant of Oxalis corniculata linn. were administered orally at the dose level of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight from day 1 to 7 of pregnancy to evaluate the antiimplantation activity. Though all the treated groups showed significant antiimplantation activity when laparotomised on day 10, it was maximum (76.42%) with the high dose of petroleum ether extract. Upon withdrawal of the treatments the rats which retained the implantation continued pregnancy. The pregnant rats which received the treatment from day 8 to 14 of pregnancy showed abortifacient activity and it was maximum (78.55%) with high dose of petroleum ether extract ¹⁹.

Anti-diabetic activity: The aqueous extract of the Oxalis corniculata. Linn plant has been tested for the inhibitory potential against procaine pancreatic amylase. At a concentration of 100μg/ml exhibited a maximum inhibition of 89.27% (IC₅₀ value 68.08±0.06). The organic extracts did not show any significant inhibition in this study which might suggest that the active principle possessing amylase inhibitory potential is extracted only in the aqueous extract ²⁰.

Antiamoebic Activity: Oxalis corniculata Linn. identified several compounds that showed antiamoebic activity in axenic cultures of E. histolytica. These were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass spectrometry as (i) Oc-1, a mixture of saturated fatty acids C₂₄ to C₂₈; (ii) Oc-2, a mixture of long-chain alcohols C₁₈ to C₂₈; and (iii) Oc-3, a single compound that was a galacto-glycerolipid (GGL). Of the different compounds that were obtained, the strongest antiamoebic activity was found in GGL ¹⁵.

Anti-cancer Activity: Ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. evaluated for its anticancer activity in Ehrlich acsites carcinoma (EAC) induced in Swiss albino mice. Results conclude that the ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. was effective in inhibiting the tumor growth in ascitic and solid tumor models ²¹.

Anti-nociceptive Activity: Ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata linn. at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg body weight evaluated for its antinociceptive activity in diabetic neuropathy rats. Diabetic rats were showed significant reduction in tail flick latency by 49% in hot water tail immersion test and decreased paw withdrawal by 40% in hot plate test by the end of 5^th week ²².

Antioxidant Activity: The study revealed that ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata linn. at different doses level showed significant antioxidant activity in mice ²⁰. Methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata linn showed potent antioxidant activity compare to reference standard ascorbic acid. The concentration of plant extract required for 50% inhibition of DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC50) were recorded as 30 mg/ml and 37 mg/ml for MEOC and standard ascorbic acid. These results suggest that the MEOC possess antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid ²³.                The whole plant of Oxalis corniculata linn. in three different solvent systems was tested for antioxidant capacity by phosphomolybdate method. The radical scavenging activity of plant extracts was studied by different standard in vitro methods. The quantitative estimation of major antioxidant constituents was carried out by standard method and contained total crude phenolics content (6.424 mg gallic acid eqvt. /gm dry wt. of sample), phenolic acid (0.738 mg gallic acid eqvt./gm drywt.), total flavonoids (0.814 mg rutin eqvt./gm dry wt.) and glutathione (948.143 μM/gm fresh wt.). The antioxidant vitamins of the plant were also estimated. The vitamin C content was found to be 0.414 mg/gm fresh wt. and vitamin E was found to be 137.36 mg/gm fresh wt. ²⁴.

Antifungal activity: The aqueous extract of four various plants were evaluated for antifungal activity against various pathogens. All the four plants showed different activities against all the pathogenic fungi. Among them, Oxalis corniculata Linn. showed the significant antifungal activity against A. Niger by suppressing the fungal mycelial growth by 71 to 86% and moderately against P. these, R. Solani after three days of incubation ²⁵.

Anti-diarrhoeal activity: The anti-diarrhoeal activity of aqueous and methanolic extracts of Oxalis corniculata Linn. was evaluated on castor oil induced diarrhoea in rats and on small muscle intestinal transit. At orally administered doses of 160,320 and 640 mg/kg of body weight. The two plant extracts significantly (p<0.05) prolonged the time of onset of diarrhoea and inhibited the frequency of defecation. These extracts also reduced the wetness of faecal droppings in castor oil induced diarrhoea and decreased the propulsion of charcoal meal through the small intestine. At all doses the aqueous extract appeared to be more effective than the methanolic extract ²⁶.

Antimicrobial activity: Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Oxalis corniculata Linn. plant showed significant antibacterial activity against Xanthomonas and fourteen human pathogenic bacteria. Interestingly, among the extracts, Methanol extract showed highly significant activity as compared to K-cycline and Bact-805 against plant pathogenic bacteria. In case of human pathogenic bacteria methanol extract showed moderately significant antibacterial activity when compared with standard streptomycin ²⁷.

Anti-epileptic activity: Methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. leaves at doses of 200 and 400mg/kg body weight were screened for antiepileptic activity on Maximal Electroshock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures models in Albino Wistar rats. In MES model, MEOC showed significant reduction in duration of hind leg extension with 200 mg/kg dose and effect was dramatically reduced with 400mg/kg. Similar dose dependent results were obtained in PTZ model by delayed the onset of clonic convulsions. The complete protective effect against mortality was reported in both the tests. In conclusion, our present results indicate that Oxalis corniculata L. has antiepileptic effects on MES and PTZ induced convulsions and its mechanisms might relate to potentiation of the activity of GABA receptors and their signal transduction process ²⁸.

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata linn. on antioxidant enzymes in rat brain after induction of seizures by MES and PTZ. The levels of antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase was decreased in rat brain due to seizure and it was restored significantly by administration of ethanol extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. treated rats. Similar dose dependent results were obtained in PTZ model also, Whereas MEOC significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in both models. The anticonvulsant activity of MEOC might be presents of antioxidant properties and it delays the generation of free radical in MES & PTZ induced epilepsy ²⁹.

Anti-ulcer activity: The aqueous and ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata linn. leaves at a doses of 200 and 400mg/kg body weight were screened for anti-ulcer activity by using ethanol induced gastric mucosal ulcers and pylorus ligated ulcers. There was a decrease in gastric volume and reduction in free and total acidity treated with both extracts and the catalase and SOD levels was increased and lipid peroxide was decreased in both extracts ³⁰.

Anti-inflammatory activity: Methanol extract of whole plant of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (Family: Oxalidaceae) was assessed for its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity by in-vitro methods. In-vitro anti‐inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation assay, membrane stabilization assay and proteinase inhibitory activity at different concentrations. Aspirin was used as a standard drug for the study of anti-inflammatory activity. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate IC₅₀ value.

Results showed that, the extract exhibited significant DPPH and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ value of 302.93±4.17 and 73.07±8.28μg/ml respectively. Lipid peroxidation induced by the Fe2+, was inhibited by the extract with IC50 value 58.71±2.55μg/ml. Total phenol content was estimated as 25.62±0.10mg of gallic acid equivalents of dry extract. Total flavonoids and flavonols were found to be 150.88±12.61 and 150.16±2.16 mg of rutin equivalents per gram of dry extract respectively. Extract also showed in-vitro anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting the heat induced albumin denaturation and Red Blood Cells membrane stabilization with the IC50 values of 288.04±2.78 and 467.14±9.56μg/ml respectively.

Proteinase activity was also significantly inhibited by the extract (IC50=435.28±5.82μg/ml). From the results, it is concluded that flavonoids and related polyphenols present in the O. corniculata extract may be responsible for the activity ³¹.

Anxiolytic activity: The anxiolytic effect of Ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (100 and 300 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in the number of squares crossed (controls= 24.33±3.48), but significantly decreased both the immobility (controls = 47.17±4.29 sec) and fecal pellets (controls = 13.50±0.96 fecal pellets) when compared with control mice in the open-field test; they significantly increased the number of entries (controls = 53.00±2.67 sec) in the open arms, but decreased both the number of entries (controls = 29.33±1.05 entries) and time spent (controls = 166.7 ± 4.30 sec) when compared with the control mice in the closed arms of the elevated plus-maze test. Furthermore, ethanol extract of Oxalis corniculata (100 and 300 mg/kg) decreased the fighting episodes significantly (controls = 9.50±0.62 fighting episodes) when compared with control mice. In addition these results were found to be consistent with anxiolytic effect produced by diazepam ³². The study is to evaluate anxiolytic effect of Ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata linn. (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg P.O) on male mice using various paradigms of anxiety. In elevated plus maze, extract ( 200mg/kg  and 400mg/kg) had shown a dose dependent increase in time spent and number of entries into open arm compared to control  group. The number of central squares, peripheral squares crossed and rearings were stepped up significantly in open field paradigm. The treated groups had shown accession in time spent in light compartment, number of crossings, latency compared to control group in light dark exploration test. In Hole board model, number of head dips were minified in mice that received Ethanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) ³³.

Hepatoprotective activity: The hepatoprotective activity of aqueous and ethanolic leaves extracts of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (200 and 400 mg/kg) were evaluated against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Oral administration of O. corniculata aqueous and ethanolic leaves extract at 400 mg/kg resulted in a significant reduction in SGOT (146.42±2.54 and 136.75±1.37 IU/L respectively), SGPT (81.96±3.15 and 72.05±2.33 IU/L respectively), GGTP (16.6±0.49 and 15.02±0.68 IU/L respectively), ALP (241.86±3.94 and 202.42±5.37 IU/L respectively) and total bilirubin (0.226±0.00 mg/dL 0.288±0.01 mg/dL respectively) content that were lesser than positive control, thioacetamide damaged rats. Histology of the liver sections of the animals treated with the extract also showed dose dependent reduction of necrosis ³⁴.

Hypolipedemic activity: The hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities of leaves of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus, Oxalis corniculata Linn. and Fragaria vesca were evaluated in the study. Hyperlipidaemia was induced in rats by giving high fat diet consisting of coconut oil and vanaspati ghee, in a ratio of 2: 3 v/v at a dose of 10 ml/Kg body weight. The extracts showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and MDA in blood. On the other hand, HDL, CAT and SOD were increased significantly ³⁵.

Steroidogenic activity: The study proved that the Oxalis corniculata linn. has steroidogenic activity and this natural chemical can be safely used as it does not alters the functioning of organs which is proved by its action on one of the endocrine organ-adrenal gland, which functions normally in the extract treated female albino rats ³⁶.

Cardio protective effect: The present study evaluated the protective potential of aqueous extract of (Oxalis corniculata linn. OCE) against isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction in rats. Myocardial infarction in rats was induced by isoproterenol (200 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 h for 2 days. OCE was given to rats as pretreatment for 30 days orally using an intragastric tube. Isoproterenol caused a significant increase in the activity of cardiac injury marker enzymes like creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increased the concentration of serum lipids. OCE pretreatment significantly reduced the concentration of CPK, LDH, serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

OCE also reduced the activity of   lipogenic enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in ISO administered rats. Oxidative stress produced by isoproterenol was significantly lowered by the administration of OCE which was evident from increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) and reduced concentration of lipid peroxidation products (TBARS and conjugated dienes). Concentration of vitamin C, protein sulfhydryl groups and reduced glutathione (GSH) was also high in OCE pretreated rats. Histopathology of heart of ISO administered rat pretreated with OCE showed normal myocardium with very little evidence of inflammatory infiltration. Results of our in vitro findings also confirmed that OCE exhibits significant antioxidant and radical scavenging activity against DPPH, superoxide and nitric oxide radicals ³⁷.

Nephrotoxicity: CCl₄ induces oxidative stress in various tissues by altering antioxidant enzymes defense system. In this study we investigated the chemical composition and protective role of Oxalis corniculata Linn. methanol extract (OCME) on CCl₄-induced nephrotoxicity in rat. Presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, phlobatannins and steroids was determined in OCME while tannins were absent. Total phenolic contents estimated were 7.76 ± 0.36 (mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) while total flavonoid contents recorded were 6.92 ± 0.52 (mg rutin equivalents/g extract). Intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (1 ml/kg b.w., 20% in olive oil) once a day for seven days caused nephrotoxicity as evident by elevated levels of urinary specific gravity, RBCs, WBCs, creatinine, protein, urobilinogen and nitrite. Serum level of creatinine, urea and blood urea nitrogen were significantly increased while protein and creatinine clearance was decreased by CCl₄ treatment in kidney samples. Activity of antioxidant enzymes; catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase and glutathione concentration was decreased whereas lipid peroxidation and protein contents were increased along with histopathological injuries. Treatment with OCME caused significant recovery in changed parameters. It could be concluded that OCME has a protective role against CCl₄-induced oxidative stress in rat, due to antioxidant effects of phenolics ³⁸.

CONCLUSION: From the time immemorial, plants have been widely used as curative agents for variety of ailments. It is believed that detailed information as presented in this review on its phytochemistry and various biological properties of the extract and the constituents might provide incentive for proper evaluation of the use of the plant in medicine. This is an attempt to compile and document information on different aspects of oxalis corniculata Linn. and highlight the need for research and development.

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    How to cite this article:

    Srikanth M, Tadigotla Swetha and Veeresh B.: Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Oxalis corniculata Linn.: A Review. Int J Pharm Sci Res. 3(11); 4077-4085.

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