University of Colombo e-Repository

UCER (University of Colombo Electronic Repository) is a collection of scientific research publications by researchers at the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This e-Repository serves to manage, preserve and make available the academic works of the faculty, postgraduate students, and research groups. The collection includes faculty publications, master's and doctoral theses abstracts. This repository is updated regularly, and new works are added to collections on a continuous basis

Guidelines

Authors are responsible for obtaining copyright permission from the publisher and submitting the signed declaration to ir@lib.cmb.ac.lk.

Recent Submissions

A pharmacognostical standardization of Justicia adhatoda Linn (Acanthaceae) used in Ayurveda and traditional medicinal system of Sri Lanka
(University of Colombo, 2025) Dahanayake, J.M.; Perera. P.K.; Galappaththy, P.; Arawwawala, L.D.A.M.
Justicia adhatoda Linn. (Acanthaceae), commonly known as Adathoda in Sri Lanka (Vasa in Sanskrit), is a medicinal plant widely used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine in Sri Lanka for its respiratory benefits. It is well known for its expectorant and anti-asthmatic properties, helping to relieve coughs, colds, bronchitis, and asthma. Hence in this study an attempt was made to standardize the whole plant parts (Panchangaya) of Justicia adhatoda based on different parameters. To achieve this objective, pharmacognostical, physico-chemical, and phytochemical studies were conducted according to the guidelines mentioned in World Health Organization and Ayurveda Pharmacopea of India for herbal drug standardization. Macroscopical and microscopical characteristics of leaves, roots and stems of Justicia adhatoda plant were comparable with the features mentioned in Ayurveda Pharmacopea of India. Physico-chemical tests were done collectively for the Panchangaya and results revealed acceptable total ash (2.74 % + 0.0), water-soluble ash (1.6 % + 0.05), acid-insoluble ash (1.6 % + 0.05), moisture (6.06 % + 0.16) and foreign matter (1.2%) levels. Hot water extractive values (8.5%+ 0.1) were the same as cold-water extractive value (8.5%+ 0.1), Cold methanol extractive values (5.4%+ 0.2) were lower than hot methanol extractive values (7.3%+ 0.1). Heavy metals were analyzed via ICPMS and results revealed Pb (0.18) and Hg (0.09) were in permissible limits and not detected for As and Cd for the Panchangaya. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of Saponins, phenols, tannins, terpenoids, steroids, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. HPTLC profiles presented clear and consistent fingerprint patterns for methanolic extract of Justicia adhatoda leaves, roots and stems with the Chloroform: Methanol: Cyclohexane- 4.5: 0.7: 2.5 solvent system. These findings may contribute significantly to the identification and standardization of crude drugs, which are essential steps in ensuring quality assurance in the production of herbal medicine
Development and standardization of Parijata (Nyctanthes arbortristis L.) flower based novel herbal tea as a potential functional beverage for diabetes mellitus (Madhumeha)
(University of Colombo, 2025) Palathiratne, S.M.; Dahanayake, J.M.; Perera, P.A.N.G.
Diabetes mellitus is a common, impactful, non-communicable disease with increasing global prevalence. The objective of this research was to develop and standardize Parijata flower-based novel herbal tea as a potential functional beverage for diabetes mellitus. After extensive literature study and tea tasting, the herbal tea blend was developed as 40% Parijata (Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L.) flowers, 30% Bilva (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa) flowers and 30% green tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), based on experimental optimization. All the above ingredients facilitate anti-diabetic action, as per classical Ayurvedic texts or modern scientific research. Ingredients were collected, authenticated and systematically processed using the cut and dry method to manufacture herbal tea sachet packets of 2.5 grams each, with appropriate packaging and labeling. Standardization of the final product was conducted in triplicate with organoleptic, physicochemical and phytochemical assays and chromatographic profiles, following WHO guidelines. The herbal tea brew is of golden-brown color, aromatic odor, mild bitter & astringent taste and soft texture. The physicochemical parameters: pH, moisture content and ash values were within acceptable ranges. Phytochemical analysis of aqueous extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides and saponins suggesting potential health benefits including anti-diabetic activity, while proteins and lipids were absent. The HPTLC fingerprint exhibited four characteristic peaks, indicating the presence of four active ingredients. Total phenolic content of 247 mg GAE/g, total flavonoid content of 35.62 mg QE/g and total tannin content of 76.6 mg TAE/g validate the anti-oxidant properties of the final product. In conclusion, these parameters can be used as benchmarking standards for this novel product and the herbal tea can be hypothesized to be a potential functional beverage for diabetes mellitus.
Ayurveda and traditional treatment regime for Greeva sandhigathavata: A case report
(University of Colombo, 2025) Dissanayake. D.K.P.P.; Kulathunga, R.D.H.
Greeva sandhigatha vata, correlating with cervical spondylosis, is caused by vata dosha. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Ayurveda and traditional treatment regime on GSV. A 48-year-old male patient presented with neck pain, and pain radiating along both upper limbs as well as along the posterior side of the head, accompanied by heaviness and numbness in both upper limbs, and limitation of the neck movements due to pain for the past 08 years. He was reported to the OPD in Ayurveda National Hospital, Rajagiriya. The treatment included Mee oil Sneha, Wal embarella pottali sweda, Greeva vasti with Mee oil, Prathimarsha nasya by Anu thaila and Rasna sapthaka kashaya. Modifications in the patient’s life style after treatment; 90% Shula relief was observed. Cervical movements improved significantly (measured by the Goniometer); Left lateral movements from 50° to 70°, Right lateral movement from 65° to 75°, Flexion from 40° to 55°, Extension from 40° to 58°. Mee oil Sneha and Greeva vasti with Mee oil pacifies Vata and Pitta and also Mee oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, neuro-pharmacological properties. Wal embarella pottali sweda promotes Snehana, Swedana and Vata kapha shamana; Prathimarsha nasya balances Urdhavajathrugatha kapha dosha. Rasna sapthaka kashaya has Thiktha (35.7%), Madura (28.5%), Katu (21.4%), Kashaya (14.2%) rasa, Lagu (27.7%), Snigdha (22.2%), Theekshana (16.6%) guna, Ushna (71.4%), Sheetha (28.5%) Veerya, Madhura (57.1%), Katu (42.8%) Vipaka. In view of the above, this treatment regime demonstrated the effectiveness in this specific case of Greeva sandhigatha vata and warrants further investigation.
Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) as a functional food: A systematic review of its nutritional composition, bioactive constituents, and therapeutic potential
(University of Colombo, 2025) Jamaldeen, F.A.; Kodithuwakku, N.D.; Jayasiri, A.P.A.
Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd) is a widely cultivated vegetable known for its nutritional and medicinal value. Recent research highlights its potential as a functional food due to its rich phytochemical profile and therapeutic properties. This systematic review focuses on the nutritional content, bioactive compounds, and health benefits of L. siceraria, with its potential applicability in functional food development. The systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar from 2020 to 2025, using predefined search terms related to Lagenaria siceraria and functional food. Inclusion criteria encompassed original research articles, in vitro, in vivo, and human studies that focused on nutritional composition, bioactive constituents, and health benefits. A total of 280 articles were found, and after screening 25 articles were selected for the study. Nutritionally, besides 17 different amino acids, L. siceraria contains moisture, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fibre, ash, and energy in approximate amounts of 94.5±0.06; 1.2±0.06; 0.2±0.02; 3.75±0.03; 0.7±0.01; 0.5±0.01; 15±0.12 %, respectively, and vitamin C (10–12 mg/100g), potassium (170–210 mg/100g), ascorbic acid, β-carotene, and choline. Phytochemically, it contains flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, cucurbitacins B, D, G, H, flavone-C glycosides, sterols such as fucosterol and campesterol, and the ribosome-inactivating protein lagenin. Pharmacologically, DPPH scavenging: 52%–87%, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective (up to 65% restoration in CCl₄-induced liver damage), purgative, antihyperlipidemic, and antidiabetic effects (30–55% reduction in blood glucose in diabetic models). It contains high choline levels, metabolic/metabolites precursors desirable for the functions of the brain, as well as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that help in synthesizing neurotransmitters with neuroprotective benefits. Traditionally, it has been used to manage jaundice, ulcers, diabetes, epilepsy, and hypertension. Given its diverse bioactive profile, L. siceraria demonstrates strong potential as a functional food. Further clinical validation and standardization are needed to support its dietary integration.
Nutritional values and medicinal applications of Sharbat-E-Sazoori: A review
(University of Colombo, 2025) Rizniya, M.N.F.; Nasmeer, M.S.M.; Rifaee, M.R.M.; Thasneem, M.M.F.
Dieto-therapy (Ilaj bil Ghiza) is the foundational component of treatment in the Unani system of medicine. There are numerous compound formulations that serve dual functions as both nourishment and medication. Sharbat-e-Sazoori is one such traditional nutritive syrup recognized for its therapeutic properties. This formulation is from classical handwritten Unani manuscripts and, despite its long standing use, remains underexplored in scientific literature. The present study aims to comprehensively review the nutritional profile and pharmacological effects of Sharbat-e-Sazoori using both Unani texts and contemporary scientific papers (n=32), from the data bases Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and PubMed. The literature search included synonyms of the eight herbal constituents in combination with terms such as "nutritive value," "pharmacological action," and "medicinal uses." The active ingredients of Sharbat-e-Sazoori include Centella asiatica, Mucuna pruriens, Hemidesmus indicus, Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curculigo orchioides, and Ipomoea mauritiana. All the ingredients are rich in micronutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A, C and B complexes. C. orchioides and I. mauritiana provide the required carbohydrates (~60%) and dietary fiber. They contain a diverse array of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and essential oils. Collectively, these constituents exhibit pharmacological properties including nervine tonic effects, cognitive enhancement, aphrodisiac action, rejuvenation, immune modulation, and stamina enhancement. Sharbat-e-Sazoori has been prescribed by Unani practitioners for conditions such as general debility, anaemia, sexual dysfunction, and cognitive decline. In conclusion, the review of nutritional data supports its role as a dietary supplement in deficiency disorders, while the documented bioactive constituents substantiate its traditional medicinal applications in various health conditions.