T h e r a p e u t i c I n d e x 166 power. However, most of the current scientific interest is centered on its unique tannins and flavonoids, which have very powerful antioxidant property. Additional studies indicate that Emblica officinalis has the ability to stimulate our natural antioxidant enzyme system including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Chemical analysis of mango pulp extract (MPE) has shown that it contains vitamins, organic acids, carbohydrates, amino acids, polyphenols, and certain volatile compounds. Lupeol (lupa-21, 20 (29) dien, 3betaol) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene present in mango pulp, which can change the tissue redox system induced by cadmium exposure by scavenging the free radicals, thus improving the antioxidant status of a rat’s liver. Lupeol/MPE supplementation has been shown to effectively influence dimethylol butanoic acidinduced oxidative stress in the liver, characterized by restored antioxidant enzyme activity and a decrease in lipid peroxidation. Daucus carota contains vitamin A (2000 to 4300 IU in 100 g) along with fiber, water, carbohydrates, flavonoids, and apigenin. Being a rich source of vitamin A and β-carotene, it is used in various nutrient formulations, as a nerve tonic, carminative, and in chronic ailments like diabetes, possibly due to its antioxidant activity. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in Triticum sativum have DPPH radical-scavenging and linoleic acid-oxidation activities, which show its antioxidant activity. Yashada bhasma improves the condition of myopia, possibly due to its antioxidant activity. 2. Adaptogenic action: An adaptogen is a pharmacological agent that causes adaptive reactions to physical and psychological stress. Adaptogens act through a nonspecific mechanism to increase the nonspecific resistance (NSR) to harmful influences of a wide spectrum of physical, chemical, and biological stressors. It is most important to have “adaptation energy,”which is needed to cope with a broad range of stresses. Adaptogens have a normalizing action, irrespective of the direction of foregoing pathological changes, thus helping in disease prevention and boosting the body’s immunity to withstand common ailments. In a study that employed classic experimental evaluation of adaptogens, Withania somnifera increased physical endurance of tested animals, prevented stress-related disorders (e.g., gastrointestinal ulcers), and prevented stress-related depletion of two important substances in the body, vitamin C and the hormone cortisol. Both the substances are a part of the “adaptation energy” system, and play a critical role in the body’s response to a variety of stressful stimuli. 3. Gastroprotective action: Mangiferin, a naturally occurring glucosyl xanthone from Mangifera indica, provides gastroprotection against gastric injury, most possibly through its antisecretory and antioxidant mechanisms of action. Aqueous extracts from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are widely used for the treatment of gastric ulcers, possibly due to the presence of 12-keto-triterpensaponins in the extract. Aqueous extracts and polysaccharides from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are strong anti-adhesives, which may be used as potent tools for further development of cytoprotective preparations that provide relief from gastric ulcerations. 4. Cardioprotective action: Extensive phytochemical investigations carried out on Daucus carota revealed the presence of many chemical constituents including flavonoids and glycosides such as apigenin-4’-O-b-D-glucoside and apigenin-7-O-bD-galactopyranosyl-(1–>4)-O-β-D-mannopyranoside, which are considered significant for inotropic property. Daucus carota shows cardioprotective activity due to its antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidative, free radical scavenging, and inotropic properties. OxitardTM (capsule)
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