Nuclear Magnetic resonance (NMR) based spectroscopy studies with guava leaf extract — A step towards modernization of traditional medicine.
Over a decade, studies at the Foundation have demonstrated guava leaf extract to be a promising antidiarrhoeal plant remedy. Extensive laboratory assays, studies in a mouse model and a subsequent clinical trial undertaken supported the traditional use of guava leaves for gastrointestinal ailments. Realizing that standardization of plant extracts is an important aspect, using the antidiarrhoeal activity of this plant as an example, NMR based metabolomics was employed to explore the utility of this upcoming tool as a method of standardization.
The study funded by Zoetis Pharmaceuticals Research Private Ltd., involved correlating NMR spectra of 90 guava trees collected from different regions of Maharashtra state over different seasons with results of seven laboratory bioassays. The NMR spectral data was successfully correlated with results of the bioassays and key peaks in the spectra were identified that could be responsible for the antidiarrhoeal activity of guava leaf. It was also observed that multiple signals could be linked with individual bioactivity suggesting that multiple compounds contribute to the efficacy of guava leaf extract.
The study could be considered important since it highlights the holistic approach of fingerprint analysis. Unfortunately, though fingerprint analysis has been accepted by reputed organizations such as World Health Organization (WHO), Food and drug administration (FDA), limited reports indicate its use for assessing biological efficacy of plant extracts.
The study is useful for standardization of plant extracts and advances the process of modernization of traditional medicine.
