Exploring the Bioactivity of Siddhalepa Asamodagam Spirit from Seeds of Trachyspermum roxburghianum (DC.) H. Wolff

Abstract

Objectives The water distillate derived from Trachyspermum roxburghianum seeds has been traditionally employed in medicine for treating stomach infections and gastric ulcers. However, no systematic study has been conducted to evaluate its efficacy. Therefore, the present study focused on evaluating the potential health benefits, including the chemical constituents of the distillate. This distillate was prepared and identified as Siddhalepa Asamodagam Spirit (Sid.AS). Methods The chemical constituents of Sid.AS were identified and quantified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method. The antioxidant potential of Sid.AS samples was assessed in vitro using DPPH and ABTS assays. Various concentrations of Sid.AS were subjected to antimicrobial, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and urease inhibition assays according to the standard methods specified by the Ayurvedic Department in Sri Lanka. Results Thymol was identified as the major compound in Sid.AS through GC-MS analysis. Sid.AS demonstrated significant anti-urease, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipase, and antioxidant activities, as evidenced by low IC50 values compared to the positive controls. This suggests its potential in controlling gastric-related disorders, scavenging free radicals, and managing obesity by inhibiting the breakdown and absorption of fats. Additionally, Sid.AS exhibited inhibitory effects against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes, indicating potential anti-diabetic activity by regulating blood sugar levels. Sid.AS displayed strong antimicrobial activity against tested microorganisms, with higher zones of inhibition and lower MIC and MLC values, indicating its effectiveness in combating microbial infections. Findings from the anti-lipase assay demonstrated activity comparable to that of the positive control, Orlistat. Conclusion The findings of Sid.AS suggest its potential as a multi-functional bioactive herbal distillate with various pharmacological activities. Our results highlight that Sid.AS is a promising natural herbal extract with diverse pharmacological properties, including anti-urease, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and antimicrobial activities. Further research and development could explore its potential applications in various therapeutic areas.