The hepatoprotective capability of Munronia pinnata (Binkohomba plant)

Abstract

According to the results of our research, it was confirmed that Binkohomba plant can prevent various diseases in the liver. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this herb in the management of liver disorders. It is scientifically proved by using an animal model. These results validated the use of both these herbs; Binkohomba and Heen binkohomba (M. pinnata and A. paniculata) as an alternative for Swertia chiraita plant (hepatoprotective agent) in the Traditional and Ayurvedic therapeutic practice as well as the Ayurvedic drug preparations in Sr Lanka. Swertia chiraita plant is not available in Sri Lanka. This research was carried out with the support of an animal model to check the ability of the different types of extracts of Binkohomba plant (Munronia pinnata Wall. Theob. Family -Meliaceae) and compared with the established Ayurveda hepatoprotective agent, Andrographis paniculata(AP) which is used in traditional Sri Lankan Medical system to prevent various diseases in the liver. Binkohomba plant has been used in a variety of ailments in the traditional Sri Lankan medical system and it has been happening for many centuries. Though it has been not documented in the Ayurveda text, Ayurveda doctors also used this plant as an alternative to Swertia chiraita plant. Therefore, we conducted this research work to find out the scientific validation for to use of this plant to prevent various diseases in the liver.