Bioactivity evaluation of Bergenia ciliata.

Bergenia ciliata was subjected to bioactivity analysis. The records of these investigations are described in this communication. A study made on the bioactivity analysis of medicinal herb Bergenia ciliata, which in folkloric medicine is used to cure hypoglycemic activity. A battery of assays was performed on different extracts of Bergenia ciliata which include hypoglycemic activities, toxic evaluations such as acute systemic and intracutaneous toxicity as well hemolysis test. Bergenia ciliata has been employed in folklore medicine to treat symptoms of diabetes mellitus. All the extracts except chloroform extract of root and leaves of Bergenia ciliata were found to possess hypoglycemic activity in Streptozotocin (STZ) treated rats. Therefore the plant can be classified as hypoglycemic, hypoglycemic activity in experimental diabetes ranging from 40-70% of its onset to reduce blood glucose level. The toxicological investigations of Bergenia ciliata with particular reference to acute systematic toxicity and intracutaneous toxicity in experimental animals displayed that it elicit severe toxicity. The symptoms of toxicity in intracutaneous test showed erythema and edema whereas assessment of acute systemic toxicity frequently observed breathing problem and initiations of diarrhea with blood in stool of experimental model and caused gastero-intestinal syndrome. Bergenia ciliata can produce toxicity suggesting a role in certain diseases. It is therefore, premature to speculate about mechanism of effect until toxin(s) is unequivocally identified. The hemolysis test on the extract of Bergenia ciliata was almost devoid of activity.