Ipomoea Carnea: An In-Depth Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacological Investigation of its Therapeutic Potential and Applications

Abstract

Ipomea carnea, a plant species in the Convolvulaceae family, has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its health benefits. It has been found to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties, making it a potential candidate for treating various diseases. The plant contains bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which exhibit pharmacological activities. Alkaloids, such as argenine and ergometrine, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while flavonoids and phenolic acids exhibit antimicrobial and antifungal activities.

Keywords

Introduction

Fig.1  Ipomea carnea

Botanical Profile Taxonomical Classification

Figure : Ipomea carnea

Identification And Authentication Of Collected Plant

Figure : Ipomea carnea for plant authentication

Phytochemical evaluation in ethanolic extract

Grinding And Sieving

Soxhlet Extraction

Phytochemical Test Evaluation

The chemical structure of compond found on ipomea carneaare swainsonine,calystegine a3,calystegine b1,calystegine b2,calystegine b3,calystegine c1.

The Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride tests to determine the phenolic and flavonoid contents of Ipomoea carnea Jacq. leaves and flowrutin equivalent (RE) and gallic acid equivalent (GAE) concentrations of 1.336% and 0.885%, respectively. HPLC analysis determined rutin and β-sitosterol concentrations. Ipomoeflavoside, a novel biflavonoid chemical, was isolated from the ethanol extracts showed anticancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, antihyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties. The ethanol leaves extract had the strongest cytotoxic effect against breast cancer cell lines[4]. Ipomoea carnea aerial parts, including polyphenols, apigenin-7β-O-glycoside, 3,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid, stereoisomers, and scopoletin. GC/MS analysis reveals thirty-three compounds and thirteen alkaloids. The insecticidal potentials of different fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated on Aphis craccivora and Bemisia tabaci, with the alkaloid subfraction being most potent.[5]

Pharmacological Action of Ipomoea Carnea

Cytotoxicity

The  anti-proliferative properties of Indian medicinal plants using the MTT assay. It showed moderate efficacy against HeLa cells at a concentration of 200 µg/ml[6].

CNS

Ipomoea carnea leaf extracts in mice and rats found significant reductions in phenobarbitone-induced sleep time and decreased exploratory activity at doses of 100-400 mg/kg. The extract also prolonged time spent in mazes and increased convulsion onset. The acute toxicity showed a LD50 of 3000 mg/kg, supporting its use in traditional medicine for convulsion and psychosis management[7]. Ipomoea carnea on rat pups and adult offspring. Results showed higher postnatal mortality, smaller size at Day 1, reversible hyperflexion of carpal joints, delay in opening ears, and negative geotaxis in offspring exposed to higher doses. However, no changes were observed in plus-maze, social interaction, forced swimming, catalepsy, stereotyped behavior, or central nervous system monoamine concentrations in adulthood [8].

Antioxidant And Anti-Microbial

In MCF-7 and HpeG2 cell lines were more susceptible to the cytotoxic effects of the leaves' n-butanol component. The maximum antioxidant activity was found in the methanolic extract of the flowers. The leaves' methanolic extract and n-butanol fraction demonstrated higher suggestive antibacterial activity. The study identified new compounds such as β-sitosterol, umbelliferone, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and swainsonine alkaloid[9]. In formulation of  herbal cream (FIHC) with significant antioxidant activity was less toxic to vero cells than A375 cells. The cream reduced sunburn and maintained balanced antioxidant activity in rats exposed to UVB radiation. FIHC accelerated the recovery of UVB-induced lesions through antioxidant and down-regulation of skin photodamage. Taurine's ability to prevent neurotoxicity was also examined, as Ipomoea carnea increased lipid peroxidation markers and disrupted antioxidant homeostasis, leading to elevated levels of TNF, CPK-BB, and LDH. Taurine supplementation could recover oxidative changes and brain damage[10].

Anxiolytic Anticonvulsant

Sedative and anxiolytic effects of leaf extracts at different doses in mice and rats. Results showed that the methanolic and aqueous extracts significantly reduced the time of sleep induced by phenobarbitone, similar to that produced by diazepam. At doses of 100-400 mg/kg, the extract produced a dose-dependent decrease in exploratory activity of mice, with the reduction being greater than that of chlorpromazine.. The LD50 for acute toxicity studies using oral route of administration was 3000 mg/kg[11].

Hypoglycemia

Diabetes is a serious illness with multiple complications and premature mortality, accounting for at least 10% of total health expenditure in many countries. A study investigated the antihyperglycemic effect of Ipomoea carnealeaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic animals. The leaves were shade dried, powdered, and solvent extracted, and the extracts were administered orally at different doses.  Ipomoea carnealeaves has antihyperglycemic activity in rats, rabbits, and STZ-induced rats. Oral administration of Ipomoea carnealeaves for 21 days significantly reduced blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats[12]

Cardiovascular

The cardiac effect of I. carnea's fresh leaves on mouse and frog hearts. The extract blocks the isolated frog heart for 5-10 seconds, followed by a dose-dependent increase in cardiac contractility for up to 2 minutes. Atropine blocks the initial depressant phase and potentiates the stimulant effect. The study suggests that the extract produces a positive inotropic effect on the isolated frog heart, possibly due to sodium extrusion or intracellular calcium release[13]. Cardiovascular function and chemically-induced toxicity. While in vitro analysis cannot replace in vivo experimentation, current methods reduce animal use and provide a better understanding of injury response complexity.[14]. Cardiac effect of Ipomoea carnea leaf extract on frog and mouse hearts. It shows that the extract blocks the heart for 5-10 seconds, then increases cardiac contractility. Atropine blocks the initial depressant phase and intensifies the stimulant effect. The extract's effects aren't affected by propranolol or calcium channel blockers[15].

Antibacterial

The chemical profile of Ipomoea carnea's essential oil (EO) using gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) . The extracted EO was also aimed at determining its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. 31 compounds were identified, mainly terpenes, with traces of carotenoid and apocarotenoid-derived compounds. The major compounds were tau-cadinol (35.68%), α-cadinol (26.76%), spathulenol (8.11%), and caryophyllene oxide (6.56%). The EO showed significant DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities, and significant inhibition against bacterial growth. Based on these results, I. carnea EO could be used as a potential eco-friendly green resource [16].

Cancer

Cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and polyphenolic qualities. The flower extract made with methanol-distilled water (1:1) had the highest extract recovery (29% w/w) as well as the highest phenolic and flavonoid content. Six polyphenols with the highest antioxidant and reducing potential were identified by HPLC-DAD analysis. The root extract with ethanol and chloroform exhibited the highest level of free radical scavenging [17]. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. The mice were divided into five groups, with the first group serving as a normal control, the second group as a tumor control, and the third and fourth groups receiving different concentrations of the plant extract. The fourth group received standard fluorouracil for 14 days increases the life span and reduced viable cell counts and ascites fluid volume [18].

Wound Healing

The wound healing mechanisms of Ipomoea carnea, a plant used by Indian tribal groups, using in vitro models. The methanolic extract of I. carnea showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and angiogenic activities. It inhibited protein denaturation, protease inhibition, and RBC membrane denaturation. It also showed antibacterial activity on MRSA and controlled its growth rate. The extract improved angiogenic parameters in the CAM model, and increased levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 were observed in the treated PBMC. This research underscores the potential of plant-based drugs in wound healing[19]. The ethanol extract from Ipomea carnea jacq. leaves affects rat wound healing. The findings revealed improved tensile strength, biochemical parameters, and a notable shrinkage of the wound. The extract ointment contained 0.842% quercetin and had a retention duration of 3.042 minutes. Histopathological analyses revealed a rise in new blood vessels, fibroblasts, and collagen fibers. The leaves' flavonoid and free radical scavenging chemicals may be the cause of the healing effect.[20]

Gastroprotective

An in vivo and in silico study investigated the potential of Ipomoea carnea flower methanolic extract (ICME) as a natural gastroprotective therapy against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers, especially in individuals exposed to ionizing radiation.the Nrf2/HO−1 signaling pathway, which protects the gastrointestinal mucosa from oxidative stress and inflammation.  Phytochemical analysis identified 39 compounds, with flavonoids, hydroxybenzoic acids, and fatty acids as the predominant compounds.[21]

Anti-Inflammatory

The anti-inflammatory properties of Ipomoea carnea leaves, a plant used in India for treating skin diseases. The extracts were tested using carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. The leaves were collected and authenticated, and administered orally at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg body weight. Etocoxib in substitutent 6 group The results showed a significant reduction in paw volume in the test groups (500 mg/kg body weight), indicating the leaves' significant anti-inflammatory properties.[22] The anti-inflammatory and detoxification properties of Ipomoea species, specifically Ipomoea batatas, I. carnea, and I. pescaprae, using phytochemical constituent analysis and toxicity tests on normal and poisoned human cells. Shows high toxicity and detoxification efficacy, with higher cell viability percentages observed when poisoned cells were treated with these extracts. The extracts inhibited VGSCs and VGKCs channels, but not the hERG channel. These plant extracts are used as analgesics, early markers in tumor formation, and treatments for poison and drug addiction. They also exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties.[23]

The alcoholic extracts of Ipomoea carnea leaves, a plant used in treating skin diseases in India. The extracts were administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg body weight to five animals. The results showed a significant reduction in paw volume in the test groups (400 mg/kg body weight), indicating that Ipomoea carnea leaves have significant anti-inflammatory activity, as confirmed by the Carrageenan induced paw edema method.[24]

Skin Protective

A The effects of Ipomoea carnea herbal cream on UVB-induced skin damage found that the extract had significant antioxidant activity and less cytotoxicity to vero cells than A375 cells. The cream was tested on rats exposed to UVB radiation and showed reduced sunburn and skin elasticity. Topical application of the cream maintained imbalanced enzyme and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity natural sunscreens can be beneficial in treating inflamed sunburn and dry skin.[25]

Weed

Swainsonine, a cellular glycosidase inhibitor, is poisonous to livestock and Ipomoea species. A study compared the toxicity of calystegines and swainsonine in goats. Goats treated with ground alfalfa, I. carnea, or A. lentiginosus developed clinical disease characterized by mild intention tremors and proprioceptive deficits. A. lentiginosus goats developed disease sooner and with greater consistency. No differences in body weight, serum swainsonine concentrations, or enzyme activity were observed between goats treated with A. lentiginosus and I. carnea[26].

Anti-Diabetic

The antidiabetic properties of Ipomoea carnea and Grewia asiatica leaves on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The leaves were dried, powdered, and extracted, and administered orally at different doses. The results showed that the leaves had hypoglycaemic and antihyperglycemic properties, and significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats using the oral glucose tolerance test[27].

Hepatotoxicity

The hepatoprotective potential of Ipomoea carnea leaves in experimental rats. The extract (ICAE) was administered daily for 14 days, and liver injury was induced chemically by CCl4 administration. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using biochemical parameters and in vivo antioxidant activities significantly prevented chemically induced increases in serum hepatic enzyme levels, reduced lipid peroxidation in liver tissue, and restored defense antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathology showed ICAE attenuated hepatocellular necrosis and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration[28].

CONCLUSION

Ipomea carnea has revealed its pharmacological properties and therapeutic potential. The plant has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties. The plant contains bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, sterols, tannins, and terpenoids. Its therapeutic potential includes antiidiabetic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective properties. Ipomea carnea has been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, making it a potential treatment for various diseases. It also contains bioactive compounds like swainsonine, calystegine B2, and calystegine C1, which are mannosidase inhibitors and glycosidase inhibitors.  The plant's extracts have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis, protect the liver against damage and disease, protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. In conclusion, Ipomea carnea's pharmacological properties make it a promising plant species for the development of natural remedies and therapies.

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