Influence of Boerhaavia Diffusa Extracts on CAM Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, sprouting of blood capillaries has become a focus of intense research. Numerous bioactive chemical compounds of plant origin may influence angiogenic activity. Boerhaavia diffusa is used in Ayurvedic medicine system to treat various health problems. In the present work, effect of acetone, alcohol and benzene extracts of B. diffusa on angiogenesis was evaluated by the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay. The extracts doses were administered at 48,55,66,72,88 and 96 hrs of incubation and evaluated at 144 hrs of development. From quantitative, macroscopic and microscopic analysis, it was observed that B. diffusa has antiangiogenic potential especially at early hrs of treatment. Acetone extract showed highest inhibitory activity; followed by benzene and alcohol extracts. Results also indicated inhibition of elongation and proliferation of primary, secondary and tertiary vessels. It seem to be consequences of interference of extracts in a) signaling of angiogenic agents from epithelial cells or b) cellular apoptosis, which in its absence results in normal CAM angiogenesis. This observations support strong claims of antiangiogenic ethnomedical properties of this plant.