Ethno botanical study of Hiptage benghalensis

The family Malpighiaceae consists of about 60 genera and 1200 species of climbers,
shrubs or treelets native to tropical regions and well developed in South America. They
are known to contain tannins, proanthocyanins, and indole alkaloids. Malpighiaceae is
the most archaic family possessing a wide range of pharmacological activity. Hiptage
benghalensis, an important species of this family is attributed to possess a wide range of
pharmacological potentials such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant
and antimicrobial. Hence this plant was selected for the present study and its
hepatoprotective potential was evaluated. H.benghalensis was collected from Kolli hills,
a part of Eastern Ghats, Tamilnadu, India. The botanical identity of the plant was
confirmed with the voucher specimen deposited at the RAPINAT Herbarium, St. Josephs
College, Tiruchirappalli (Voucher No. SJCBOT-1203.) The genus name, Hiptage, is
derived from the Greek hiptamai, which means "to fly" and refers its unique three-
winged fruit known as "samara". "Benghalensis" is derived from the historic region
of Bengal, where it is a native species.
Mythological and Religious Associations:
The plant was well known to ancient Hindus and is repeatedly mentioned in ancient
literature. The Ramayana (3.75.23, 24) describes the flower of this plant at Pampa Lake.
In the stories of Krishna, Madhavi Lata with its three coloured flowers is found
everywhere in Vrindhavan , creating a wonderful atmosphere with its fragrance . It was
said that Vrindhavan has atimukta trees , therefore the markers of garlands like it and
those who desire liberation come to Vrindavan.
Scientific Classification [A]
Kingdom Plantae Plants
Subkingdom Tracheobionta Vascular plants
Superdivision Spermatophyta Seed plants
Division Magnoliophyta Flowering plants
Class Magnoliopsida Dicotyledons
Subclass Rosidae
Order Polygalales
Family Malpighiaceae Barbados Cherry family
Genus Hiptage Gaertn., nom. cons. hiptage P
Species Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz hiptage P
Fig: A. Fruits of H. benghalensis: samaras with three wings B. Leaves of H.benghalensis,
C. Mature Fruit (Photo : Sheldon Naive)D. Flowers of H. benghalensis
Taxonomic synonyms for H. Benghalensis include:
Banisteria benghalensis L.
Banisteria tetraptera Sonnerat
Banisteria unicapsularis Lam.
Gaertnera indica J.F.Gmel.
Gaertnera obtusifolia (DC.) Roxb.
Gaertnera racemosa Vahl H. madablota Gaertn.
Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kunz forma longifolia Nied.
Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz forma cochinchinensis Pierre
Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz forma latifolia Nied.
Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz forma macroptera (Merr.) Nied.
Hiptage benghalensis (L.) Kurz forma typica Nied.
Hiptage javanica Blume
Hiptage macroptera Merr.
Hiptage madablota Gaertn.
Hiptage malaiensis Nied.
Hiptage obtusifolia DC.
Hiptage pinnata Elmer
Hiptage teysmannii Arnes
Hiptage trialata Span.
Molina racemosa Cav.
Succowia fimbriata Dennst.
Triopteris jamaicensis L.

Origin and distribution:

Hiptage benghalensis (L) Kurz is native to subtropical and tropical Asia (parts of
southern China, Taiwan, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri
Lanka and Thailand. It is found throughout India, predominantly in Western Ghats,
Konkan, Deccan, Kumaon, Assam and Andaman Island, chiefly in damp places up to an
altitude of 1500 m (Data Base and API, 2008).
Vernacular Names
English - Clustered hiptage, Helicopter Flower
Ayurveda/ Sanskrit - Madhavi, Vasanti, Pundraka, Mandaka, Atimukta, Vimukta,
KamuluJa, Bhramarotsava
Hindi - Madhavilata, Madhumalati , Madmalti, Aneta
Bengali - Madhavilata, Madubhi, Madubh lata
Gujarati - Madhavi, Ragatpiti
Kananada -Madhavi, Madhavivasantadhuti
Malyalam - Sitampu
Marathi - Madhumaalati, Haladwail
Punjabi - Boromali , Endra, Chopar
Sidhha/Tamil - Madhm', Vasantagalamalligai ( )
Telgu - Madhavi tige, Maadhavi, Kurukkathi
Assamese - Kerek-lata
Oriya - Boromali, Gorunda (Data Base and API, 2008).
Cultivation and Description: Hiptage benghalensis (L) Kurz. is cultivated for medicinal
uses and holds a reputed position in Indian traditional medicines. It is cultivated in
gardens also for its attractive flowers. Hiptage benghalensis, is
a perennial, evergreen liana native to India, Southeast Asia and the Philippines.[1][2]Its
habitat is variable[3] and prefers climates ranging from warm temperate to tropical. H.
benghalensis is cultivated for its white-pink scented flowers. H. benghalensis is
perennial, woody, much-branched, evergreen; vine-like shrubs that can reach a height
of 10-15 m. Young branches are grey and tomentose. The leaves are simple, entire,
opposite, oblong to ovate-lanceolate, 8-21 cm long and 4-9 cm wide, acute or acuminate,
glabrous, a red-varnished colour when young and have petioles about 1 cm long. The
highly fragrant, pink to white flowers have a yellow throat, are strongly zygomorphic, 2-
3 cm in diameter, borne in erect, pubescent, axillary racemes of 10-20 cm length, the
pedicels being 15-20 mm long. The corolla has five free, elliptic to round, pubescent,
reflexed petals 1-1.7 cm long, fringed on the margins. Fruits are samaras with three
spreading, papery, oblanceolate to elliptic wings, the middle wing being 4-6 cm long and
the two lateral wings 2-3 cm long. Dry fruits are propelled by wind to places where the
seeds are released.
Parts of the plant used:
The bark, leaves and flowers are aromatic, bitter, acrid, astringent, refrigerant,
vulnerary, expectorant, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory and insecticidal. They are useful
in burning sensation, wounds, ulcers, cough, asthma [B]. It also has the ability to treat
skin diseases and leprosy [1]
Ayurvedic Properties and Action of the plant:
Guna (Quality) of Hiptage benghalensis Laghu
Rasa (Taste) are Madhura, Tikta, Katu and Kashaya
Vipaka (Metabolism) - Madhura
Virya (Potency) Sheeta
RogaghnaJa - Vrana, Kushtha, Twagroga, Kandu, Jeerna amavata, Daha, Shotha, Shosha,
Kasa, Raktapitta, Visphota, Krimi
Karma - Dahashamaka, Shothahara, Vranaropaka, Medohara, Krimighna (Data Base and
API, 2008)
Phytochemistry:
Shweta and Kumar reported the quantitative analysis of flavonoid of aerial parts of
Hiptage benghalensis, maximum free flavonoids were obtained from flowers
(0.006mg/gdw) and maximum bound flavonoids were obtained from leaves
(0.007mg/gm.drywt). However total flavonoids were found to be maximum in leaves
(0.008mg/gdw), followed by flowers (0.007mg/gdw) and stem (0.002mg/gdw).
Kaempferol and Quercetin also present in the plant. Cellulose, neutral detergent
hemicellulose, lignin and crude protein (leaves); hiptagin and tannin (bark); 1, 3, 6, 7-
tetrahydroxy- 2 p- Dglucosylxanthone (mangiferin) (root bark). Aqueous extracts
showed more potent anthelmintic Compound-2 (3, 4- dihydroxyphenyl)-
3(4,6dihydroxy-3- methoxytetrahydro- 2H-pyran- 2carbaldehyde)-5-hydroxy,
7methoxy- 4Hchromen- 4one (Chenthurpandy et al., 2010). The stem and bark contain
friedelin, epifriedelinol, octacosanol, - amyrin, and -sitosterol. The root bark contains
a lead compound hiptagin, a nitrogenous glucoside, identical with endecaphyllin and
mangiferin (glucosyl xanthone) (Khare, 2004, Hridi et al., 2013, Yadav et al.,2012 and
Winka et al., 2012)
Important Ayurvedic Formulation: Candrakal rasa is an important ayurvedic
formulation prepared by use Hiptage benghalensis as ingredient. Bark, leaf, flower and
seed plant parts are used in ayurvedic system of medicine (API, 2008)
Therapeutic uses of Hiptage benghalensis
Hypotensive
Leaves are useful in chronic rheumatism, skin diseases and asthma. Bark of Hiptage
benghalensis is used in case of rheumatoid arthritis and dyspnoea. Leaf juice possesses
insecticidal properties and is used as an application for scabies (Yusuf et al. 2009).
EtOH(50%) extract of aerial parts is CNS depressant and hypotensive (Asolkar et al.,
1992).
Asthma
Leaves are used as a temporary cure in asthmatic problems (Dey et al., 2011). Shah et al
(2012) reported that ethanolic extract of Hiptage benghalensis possess highly
significant antiasthmatic activity which is due to inhibited migration of leukocytes in
early as well as in late phase (after 48 hr.) on exposure to antigens, thus confirming its
anti-allergic activity. These effects are important evidence for traditional use of Hiptage
benghalensis plant as an anti-asthmatic.
Anti Larvicidal activity:
The acetone root bark extract of Hiptage benghalensis is a potential natural mosquito
larvicide. The larvicidal efficacy of H. benghalensis leaf extracts is comparable to well
established insecticidal plant species. Lalrotluanga et al. studied and reported the
acetone root bark extracts of Hiptage benghalensis is less toxic to adults and repelled
laboratoryreared female A. barbirostris, A. albopictus, and C. quinquefascitus with the
short median protection times of 57.66-135, 72.41- 134.16, and 47.66-93 min,
respectively. The study proves it as a potent larvicide against A. albopictus, A.
barbirostris, and C. quinquefascitus, which can be recommended to control these
mosquito species on its breeding site (Lalrotluanga et al., 2012).
Anti inflammatory
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Hiptage benghalensis
were carried out in laboratory animals. The ethanol extract of Hiptage benghalensis
exhibited statistically significant (p<0.05). anti-inflammatory effect in Carrageenan
induced Hind Paw Edema in Long Evans rats and incited significant analgesic response
to Hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing in Swiss albino mice. Carrageenan induced
Hind Paw Edema test in Long Evans rat was the Research Article British Journal of
Pharmaceutical Research, 3(4): 1045-1057, 2013 1046 experiment for anti-
inflammatory activity of the ethanol extract of Hiptage benghalensis while Hot Plate test
and Acetic Acid induced Writhing method were was carried out to assess its analgesic
activity in Swiss albino mice. At two different doses of the leaf extract, 250 and 500
mg/kg body weight, the analgesic test was evaluated on mice and the anti-inflammatory
test was evaluated on rats.
Anti hepatotoxic and anti Oxidant activity:
The hepatoprotective and anti-oxidant potential of ethanolic leaf extracts of Hiptage
benghalensis was investigated against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino wistar rats.
On treatment with ethanolic extract of H.benghalensis, the levels of hepatic enzymes
significantly reduced (p<0.05) which may be due to the prevention of the leakage of
intracellular enzymes by its membrane stabilizing activity. An evident change was
noticeable in groups treated with in 300mg/kg bw. of ethanolic extract of
H.benghalensis and the effect was on par with the effect of the standard drug silymarin.
On treatment with ELEHb resulted in a significant (p<0.05) elevation in protein levels
indicating regeneration of liver tissues. The restoration of normal level of A/G ratio on
treatment with ELEHb showed the restoration of synthetic functions of liver. In the
present study the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx and GST were found to be
significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the CCl4 induced rats compared with normal groups.
Administration of ELEHb restored the activities of these anti-oxidant enzymes to near
normalcy when compared to the CCl4 administered rats. The tendency of these enzymes
to return towards a near normal level in groups treated with silymarin and ELEHb is a
clear manifestation of their anti-hepatotoxic effect. The hepatic lesions and necrosis
found in CCl4 administered rats was considerably reduced rats treated with ELEHb and
the maximum activity was found in rats treated with 300mg/kg bw indicative of the
hepatoprotective action of H.benghalensis.
Maheshwari et al (2012) reported that the methanolic extract of Hiptage. benghalensis
possessed potential antioxidant effect by increasing the levels of glutathione and also
possessed free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective effect of Hiptage
bengalensis was comparable to standard drug silymarin (50 mg/kg).
Anti Diabetic activity
The ethanolic extract of stem was subjected to anti-diabetic study through six segment
method which was performed to assess the amount of sucrose remaining in the GIT at
six different positions. The amount of sucrose unabsorbed in different GIT segments
were evaluated in control rats vs. rats fed with 500mg/kg extract at 30 minutes,
1hour,2hour and 4 hour. The anti-diabetic effects were estimated by measuring the
amount of glucose in the samples collected after the experiment. The extract caused a
significant (p<0.05), dose dependent inhibition of glucose absorption and showed
hypoglycemic effects in Long-Evans rats weighing from 80-200 gm. (Shehla Unaiza Hrid
et al., 2013)
On the basis of pharmacological studies 200 mg /kg of extract of stems of the Hiptage
benghalensis exhibited significant antidiabetic activity than the lower dose level with
standard drug as Glebinclamide. The antidiabetic activity of the plant has been further
confirmed by biochemical parameters and histopathological studies (Chordiya et
al.,2009, Kumudhavalli et al.,2010 and Winka et al., 2012)
Other Medicinal Uses
Biliousness -Seed oil also given for internally for flatulence, biliousness and for
increase slimy secretions of the body (Khare, 2004).
Sushruta prescribed heart wood in internally in obesity, jaundice, urethral
discharges and externally in chronic skin diseases
Hiptage benghalensis and Vitex negundo with ghee given in intrinsic
haemorrhage.
Hiptage benghalensis flowers use as a good coolant taken with drinking water
Anti obesity- In Bhaavaprakasha the seed kernel of Madhavilata taken with
honey checks the growth of abdomen due to obesity.
Madhavi root, with buttermilk was also given for reducing the waist girth
Analgesic activity - Whole plant powder is used as an analgesic in babies
suffering from high fever. Water boiled plant decoction is administrated orally in
case of weak mothers after childbirth.
Hiptage benghalensis is used in the therapeutic of Angnimandya (digestive
impairment), Karmi roga (worm infestation), Kustha (itching) , Pama (eczema) ,
Raktapitta (bleeding disorder), Sthaulya (obesity), Tvakroga (skin diseases).
Bark, leaves, seeds and flowers of Hiptage benghalensis are aromatic, bitter,
acrid, cooling, vulnerary, astringent, expectorant, cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory,
insecticidal, wound healing and used in burning sensation of the body, wound,
pruritus, foul ulcers, scabies, leprosy, skin diseases, cough, asthma, cardiac
debility, rheumatism, hyperdipsia, obesity, intrinsic haemorrhage (Data Base)

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