~ 95 ~  Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies 2015; 3(2): 95-100 ISSN 2320-3862 JMPS 2015; 3(2): 95-100 © 2015 JMPS Received: 15-03-2015 Accepted: 30-03-2015 Renu Dayal Division of Life Sciences, Research Centre, Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad- 211002, U.P., India. Amrita Singh Division of Life Sciences, Research Centre, Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad- 211002, U.P., India. Rudra P. Ojha Division of Life Sciences, Research Centre, Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad- 211002, U.P., India. K. P. Mishra Division of Life Sciences, Research Centre, Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad- 211002, U.P., India. Correspondence: K. P. Mishra Division of Life Sciences, Research Centre, Nehru Gram Bharati University, Allahabad- 211002, U.P., India. Possible therapeutic potential of Helicteres isora (L.) and it’s mechanism of action in diseases Renu Dayal, Amrita Singh, Rudra P. Ojha, K. P. Mishra Abstract Many indigenous medicinal plants possess promising therapeutic properties, but experimental demonstration of specific active compound is lacking. Recent research findings suggest that bioactive fractions derived from a reverberated medicinal plant, namely, Helicteres isora (L.) possesses many therapeutic properties. Different plant extracts are known to cure diarrhea, diabetes, snakebite, weakness and various skin ailments. The present review is an attempt to briefly provide a scientific rationale for indigenously claimed therapeutic potential of bioactive fractions derived after extraction from H. isora against various diseases. Reports have shown that the extracts from bark, fruits and root possess antioxidant, anti-dysenteric, anti-diabetic and antimicrobial properties. The fruit extract of H. isora have been reported to exhibit free radical scavenging activities, ability to induce toxicity in tumor cells and protection to normal cells. However, most of the reports are limited to in vitro systems. Therefore, comprehensive laboratory studies and clinical trials are warranted to ratify the indigenous medicinal claims on H. isora plant. This paper is aimed to contribute to better understanding and in establishing a base for the development of H. isora related herbal formulation(s) that may enable us fight against many diseases including cancer. Keywords: Helicteres isora, Antioxidants, Free radical scavenging, Extracts, Toxicity. 1. Introduction Medicinal plants of Indian origin possess a plethora of therapeutic compounds useful for treating various diseases. Most of these compounds are highly nutritious and rich source of antioxidants. Many plants and herbs contain an excellent composite of nutritive and medicinal properties which are easily available, cost effective and safe for long term use. Considering these facts and taking into account a broad spectrum of their usage, focus of research has been to find lead molecules in herbal resources. Extensive experimental and clinical studies from our laboratory as well as that from other researchers have provided convincing evidences of association between bioactive compounds and reduced risk of cancer and other disorders [1-5] . Our research group has previously demonstrated that herbal formulation, Triphala, caused remarkable cytotoxicity to cancer cells but protected normal cells involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their action [1] . Further studies by our research group in this context showed that ellagic acid and alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (L.) enhanced toxicity to tumor cells, but protected normal cells against ionizing radiation [3, 6] . Among several indigenous medicinal plants, Helicteres isora is an important medicinal plant possessing remarkable nutritional and therapeutic activities. It is a tropical south-east Asian shrub cultivated throughout India. Different parts of the plant are traditionally used in Indian System of Medicine (ISM) to cure various ailments. Furthermore, recent research results have suggested that H. isora was a rich source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, tannins and alkaloids that exhibit therapeutic effects. Moreover, H. isora is reported to be a good source of carbohydrate, proteins, fiber, calcium, phosphorus and iron [7] . Another report based on extraction and characterization studies has shown the presence of some antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids and phenolics (cucurbitacin B and isocucurbitacin B) [8, 9] . It is also reported that extracts of H. isora possess antibacterial, anti- diabetic and anticancer activities. In view of the wide spectrum of therapeutic uses of H. isora, it was considered important to briefly outline present progress and point to future prospects of therapeutic applications of its bioactive fractions for treatment of diseases including cancer. The main aim of this review is to give an account of the outcome of experimental studies concerning therapeutic uses of extracts from different sources of H. isora. In addition, an attempt has been made to identify existing