The pharmacological profile of the Himalayan snowberry

Researchers from Pakistan have found that Gaultheria trichophylla Royle, also known as the Himalayan snowberry, contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Their findings, which were published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, also revealed that G. trichophylla is a rich source of essential nutrients, making it an ideal candidate for food and medicine.

• For the study, the team used extracts from G. trichophylla and looked at its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its nutritional profile. The extracts of G. trichophylla were obtained using different solvents (methanol, chloroform, and n-hexane).
• Antioxidant activity of the extracts was measured using DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays, while enzyme inhibition activity was evaluated using 5-LOX inhibitory activity. In addition, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using Folin-Chicalteu and colorimetric methods, respectively.
• Aside from these, heavy metal and mineral contents were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and extracts were subjected to a qualitative HPLC analysis using standard phenolic compounds.
• Methanol extract possessed the highest levels of phenols and flavonoids, based on the results of DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays. Meanwhile, the 5-LOX showed that both methanol and chloroform extracts had the best enzyme inhibition activity.
• The chemical analysis revealed that G. trichophylla contained minerals (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Cu), as well as heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Co, Zn, Ni, and Hg) within acceptable levels.

From the findings, the researchers concluded that G. trichophylla has potential uses in food and medicine.

Find the full text of the study at this link.

Read more about the Himalayan snowberry and its other health benefits at Food.news today.

Journal reference

Alam F, Saqib Q, Ashraf M. GAULTHERIA TRICHOPHYLLA (ROYLE): A SOURCE OF MINERALS AND BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE MOLECULES, ITS ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-LIPOXYGENASE ACTIVITIES. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;17(3). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1511-4