The chemistry and activity of botanical extracts used in Ayurveda are well studied,
however opportunities exist to develop high-throughput screening programs to better
understand the botanical fractions in commercial extracts responsible for observed
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. Botanical extracts using
various processing methods, including those from Eugenia jambolana, Withania somnifera, Punica granatum, Curcuma longa, Momordica charantia
and Cinnamomum zeylanicum were used to develop the model. Inhibition of nitric oxide in activated RAW 264.7
macrophages, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrahydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant, and alpha-glucosidase
inhibition assays were used as primary activity screening methods alongside chemical
screening and chromatographic methods to determine correlation, if any, between concentration
of various botanical extracts and their in vitro activity. This screening program showed a positive relationship between concentration
and activity, and can be used to select ideal candidates for further preclinical and
clinical studies on botanical-based therapeutic interventions.
