Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: Smilax china L. is indigenous to China and Japan but is imported to India and is common in Indian bazaars. It is commonly known as Jin Gang Teng in Chinese, Chobchini in Hindi, Madhusnuhi in Sanskrit and china root in English. It possesses anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-diabetic, anti-psoriatic, digestive properties. There is no authentic protocol for the pharmacognostic parameters and anti-diabetic activity of Smilax china L. So, in the present study a detailed investigation of its pharmacognostic properties and anti-diabetic activity was performed. The pharmacognostic study included powder microscopy, loss of weight on drying, ash values, swelling index, and fluorescence activity. In addition, extracts were obtained using petroleum ether, chloroform, alcohol, hydroalcoholic, and aqueous solvents and the phytochemical constituents present in these extracts were subjected to a variety of chemical tests. Among these extracts, the hydroalcoholic and aqueous fractions exhibited anti-diabetic activity in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes.

Key words: Jin gang teng, chobchini, extract, anti-diabetic activity, alloxan