A REVIEW OF THE METABOLISM ENHANCING PHYTOECDYSTEROIDS WITH OPTIMIZATION OF ITS EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION PROCESS

Phytoecdysteroids are plant derived ecdysteroids.Chemically they are classed as triterpenoids, the group of compounds that includes triterpene saponins, phytosterols, and phytoecdysteroids. Only Plants, synthesize phytoecdysteroids from mevalonic acid in the mevalonate pathway of the plant cell. 20-hydroxyecdysone is basic moeity possessing the cholesterol nucleus, is present in Ajuga turkestanica (Labiatae), Vitex glabrata (Verbenaceae), etc. Ecdysteroids attribute their desired effects by influencing signal transduction pathways, like the anabolic steroids; possibly via membrane bound receptors (Do not bind to the cytosolic steroid receptors). Experimental findings on ecdysteroids have indicated their anabolic and cholesterol level reducing effects and antiglycaemic activity. Ecdysteroid- containing preparations are recommended for hypotension, hepatoprotective, immunoprotective, antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents. It also can be used as a novel drug molecule with potent biological activity as it possess basic steroidal moiety but have higher margin of safety as compared to the chemical steroid derivatives (with low margin of  safety).  Further research is envisaged towards the search of new phytoecdysteroid molecules and also optimization of techniques involved in extraction and isolation of potent phytochemicals so as to preserve its pharmacological properties.