Article: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON KOKILAKSHA: BRIDGING TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND MODERN MOLECULAR UNDERSTANDING OF INFLAMMATION

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.166220

Pages: 97-103

Author: Parvathy S. Nair *, Rajesh V

Abstract: Hygrophila auriculata (syn. Asteracantha longifolia) commonly known as Kokilaksha is described in Ayurveda as a shothahara dravya (anti-inflammatory agent) along with diuretic, hepatoprotective, and aphrodisiac properties. Its pharmacological potential is attributed to diverse phytoconstituents including terpenoids, sterols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Scientific validation of these compounds is essential to bridge Ayurvedic claims with modern pharmacology. Phytochemical data of H. auriculata were retrieved from the IMPPAT (Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry and Therapeutics) database. Each entry was identified with its unique IMPHY code and linked to PubChem Compound Identifier (CID). A literature survey was subsequently performed to validate the anti-inflammatory potential of these compounds using experimental and review-based evidence. Data were compiled into a consolidated table highlighting plant part, compound identity, and reported pharmacological activity. IMPPAT screening identified multiple bioactives such as lupeol, betulin, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupenone, apigenin derivatives, nicotinic acid, and fatty acids like oleic and linoleic acid and they exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects through NF-κB and COX pathway inhibition. Apigenin-7-O-glucuronide and cosmosiin demonstrated suppression of inflammatory mediators in cellular and animal models. Betulin showed COX-modulating properties, while oleic and linoleic acids contributed to immune regulation. Ascorbic acid provided indirect anti-inflammatory effects via antioxidant activity. The integration of IMPPAT data with published pharmacological evidence validates the traditional use of Kokilaksha as an anti-inflammatory drug. This database-driven and literature-supported approach highlights its phytoconstituents as promising leads for anti-inflammatory drug discovery. The findings reinforce the relevance of Ayurvedic herbs in modern therapeutics and provide a rational basis for further in silico, in vitro, and in vivo studies

Keyword: Anti-inflammatory activity, apigenin, Ayurveda, ?-sitosterol, betulin, drug discovery, IMPPAT database, Kokilaksha, lupeol, phytoconstituents, stigmasterol