BIOLOGICAL STUDIES ON LEAVES AND STEMS OF BEGONIA PICTA

Aim / Background: Aim of this study is to provide scientific evidences that supports the traditional use of Begonia picta; helps to prepare Begonia picta Ayurvedic and / or allopathic formulation for immediate use of herb. Methods: In present study biological screenings were done by following Cytotoxicity pre-screening by Brine shrimp lethality bioassay, anti-hyperglycemic activity evaluation by oral glucose tolerance test and anti-inflammatory effect evaluation by hind paw edema method. Results: The brine shrimp lethality bioassay showed that the hexane and methanolic extracts of Begonia picta was mildly toxic to Artemia salina naupalii having LC₅₀ values 162.0690 µg/ml and 237.263 µg/ml respectively. The highest percentage of blood glucose lowering effect was found in 180 minutes for standard drug (32.52%), Begonia picta extract 200 mg/kg (39.62%), and 400 mg/kg (43.17%). Anti-inflammatory activity test result showed that maximum inhibition activity observed during 5 hour: 31.74% of standard, 28.08% of test (200 mg/kg) and 29.78% of test (400 mg/kg). Conclusion: The brine shrimp lethality bioassay confirmed that the hexane and methanolic extracts of Begonia picta was found to be mildly toxic. The results of anti-hyperglycemic activity test demonstrate that the methanolic extract possesses anti-hyperglycemic potential that was time and dose dependent. We can conclude the Begonia picta extract has anti-inflammatory activity which was both time and dose dependent.