The plant Thevetia neriifolia Jussex Steud. (TN, yellow oleander) is widely distributed in Assam, India either in wild or in garden. The root has been in used against heart heart trouble [1]. The seed kernels were used as common position for suicidal purpose. The defatted seed kernel contains glycoside [2] and the basic carbon skeleton is cyclopentanophenanthrene nucleus is a reduced form with an unsaturated gamma lactone ring attached to the 3–17 position. It has been aimed to identify the glycoside present in the seed kernel extracted in ether (EE) and its possible effect on blood glucose and blood cholesterol. The melting point of the extract was determined at 210°C and contain C, H and O in the percentage proportion of 65.89, 9.01 and 25.10 respectively. The mass spectral analysis suggests the molecular formula as C22H36O6. It has been ascertained that the EE fraction is the aglycone part of the glycolyside. The EE extract (2mg) was dissolved in 0.1 mL absolute alcohol and was made 1.00mL in redistilled water injected intramuscularly(per animal) into the male Sprague Dawley rat (b.w. 120g) and the blood was collected after 60 minutes following the animal ethical protocol. A control group receiving 0.1mL alcohol as in above was standard procedure and the chemicals used were either from Sigma or Hi Media, India Ltd. The blood glucose was reduced by 30% after 60 minutes in the treated group. The serum lipid profile viz total cholesterol, triglycerides LDL and HDL were estimated following the CHOD – PAP, GPO and Friedwads method. The LDL and TC were reduced by 30% and 80% compared to hyperlipidaemic rats maintaine separetly on 14th day. The HDL was recorded as higher 25% compared to control and the results were compared with Gamfibrazil on 21st day of treatment. The fall of blood glucose might be for its rapid utilization while the cholesterol might be degraded rapidly under the influence of glycoside. The reduction of LDL and the rise of HDL is a positive character. Therefore, it is suggested that the aglycone, present in the TN may be a potential cardiac glycoside as cholesterol controlling agent, however further characterization is necessary.
References: 1. Mazumdar, R. et al. (1978), J. Crude Res. 16: 185. 2. Rangaswami, S. et al. (1959), J. Indust. Res. 18B: 443.
