Phytopharmacy Research

abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the antidiabetic property of ethanol extract of Lantana camara Linn. (Verbenaceae) leaves (EELC) in alloxan induced diabetic rats. A single dose of alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg, i.p) was used to induce diabetes mellitus. A comparison was made between the ethanol extract of Lantana camara Linn. and known antidiabetic drug glibenclamide. Dose selection of EELC was made on the basis of acute oral toxicity study according to the OECD guidelines. Oral administration of EELC at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg were given to alloxan induced diabetic rats for 14 days. The Fasting Blood Glucose levels (FBG) levels were estimated on 0^th, 7^th and 14^th day. The blood was collected and serum was separated for the estimation of biochemical parameters. The EELC at 250 and 500mg/kg produces a dose-dependent fall in FBG levels. The extract also prevented body weight loss in diabetic rats. The results indicate that ethanol extract of Lantana camara Linn. leaves possess significant anti-diabetic activity.

Keywords: Lantana camara Linn., Antidiabetic activity, Medicinal plants, Alloxan induced diabetes.

abstract

The present study was investigated to establish the diuretic activity of methanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck in rats using metabolic cages. The extract was administered to experimental rats orally at dose of 200 and 400mg/kg and Frusemide (20 mg/kg) was used as standard. The parameters evaluated for diuretic activity were urine volume, concentration of sodium, potassium and chloride ions. The rats treated with methanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck revealed significant increase in the volume of urine, urinary concentration of Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^- when compared to control group. Hence the plant has proved as diuretic.

Keywords: Diuretic activity, Albizia lebbeck, Frusemide, Metabolic cages.

abstract

In India Achyranthes aspera Linn (Amaranthaceae) is commonly used as a phytotherapeutic agent.6-Prenyl Apegenin (Flavonoid) has been isolated from an ethyl acetate extract of the seeds of Achyranthes aspera Linn. The structure of the isolated compound was established by modern spectroscopic techniques like UV, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and Mass spectroscopy. The extract was found to show mild antibacterial activity.

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera Linn, 6-Prenyl Apegenin, Antibacterial activity.

abstract

The anti-bacterial and antifungal activities of ethanolic extract of stem bark of Schleichera oleosa (Lour.Oken) was screened by agar cup plate method using Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus of gram positive; Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa of gram negative; and Aspergilus niger of antifungal strains. Ampicillin and Flucanazole were used as reference standard for bacteria and fungi organisms respectively. The study showed that, the ethanolic extract possesses significant antimicrobial activity against the selected bacteria and fungi when compared with the control and standard.

Keywords: Anti-bacterial, Antifungal and Schleichera oleosa.

abstract

We  have  undertaken  the  steps to standardize polyherbal formulation containing Acacia catechu. Acacia catechu is commonly known as “katho”. Acacia catechu shows excellent results in the upper respiratory tract  infection especially sore throat. The various lozenges are available for sore throat which contain candy in the sugar base. The manufacturers claim that since it is syrup base it is not harmful for the throat but it has been clinically proved that such types of lozenges are harmful to upper respiratory tract. Against that the Ayurvedic formulation containing Acacia catechu shows nice results.We have obtained polyherbal formulations containing catechu as one of the ingredient from Yash remedies, Ahmedabad named as Yastimadhuvati and Kanthmayurivati. Yastimadhuvati is a polyherbal formulation described in Bhaisajyasamhita while Kanthmayurivati is a patent and propietory formulation of Yash Remedies, Ahmedabad. Both this preparations contain catechu as one of the ingredient.Indian herbal pharmacopoeia has elaborated the qualitative method to identify catechin by TLC method. Catechin with R_f value 0.82 was found to be present in Marketed sample of Acacia Catechu and Yastimadhuvati as well as Kanthmayurivati. Quantative estimation of total tannins was carried out in all these three samples by Titrimetry method described in Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia and it was found to be 12.05%, 15% and 16.48% respectively. It can be concluded that the Ayurvedic manufacturer has utilized right quality of catechu in the polyherbal formulation.

Keywords: Acacia catechu, Yastimadhuvati, Kanthmayurivati.

abstract

The present article discusses about the pathogenic agents responsible for dandruff, clinical manifestation and mechanism of action of dandruff. The article also discusses about various synthetic and herbal treatments available for dandruff and the side effects associated with synthetic antidandruff agents. These herbs have wide range of active principles and are used in their crude form or they may be extracted purified or derivatized to render them more suitable for use in cosmetics .The status of dandruff is ambiguous-a disease/disorder  therefore relatively less medical intervention is sought after for the treatment of dandruff. Dandruff can be treated with over the counter products which are shampoos containing antifungal and antibacterial ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, salicylic acid etc. These can slow down flaking. Herbal extracts have proved to be good alternatives for the chemical preparation. A number of herbal preparations have excellent result due to their synergistic antifungal, anti-inflammatory and immuno-stimulatory action.

Keywords: Dandruff, Herbal treatment, Herbal cosmetic, Pityrosporum ovale, Seborrheic dermatitis.

abstract

Cuscuta reflexa is a holo parasitic plant. It is totally depend on its host plant. Present study deals with the pharmacological action (anti- oxidant activity) of Cuscuta reflexa in comparision with its host plant i.e. Vitex negundo. Cuscuta reflex proved to have different pharmacological actions dependimg on the chemical composition of the host plant. Vitex negundo mainly contains flavonoids which having different pharmacological activities such as anti- arthritic, anti- inflammatory, analgesic, anti- oxidant, etc. Therefore present study deals with the anti- oxidant activity of Cuscuta reflexa due to presence of flavonoids which may transfer from the host plant i.e. Vitex negundo. Estimation of total phenolics and flavonoids reveals that phenolic type of compounds may transfer from host to parasite and this can be better correlated with an anti- oxidant activity of both the plants.

Keywords: Cuscuta reflexa, Vitex negundo, Phenolic and flavonoid compounds, Anti-oxidant activity.

abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L; Family: Malvaceae), commonly known as lady finger (locally called “Bhindi”) is a heat loving plant and an extensively grown vegetable crop in India. Mucilage has been found to be extensively present in Okra, which is used as an emulsifying agent. Mucilages are generally normal products of metabolism formed in the cell and are storage material. In this study, we aimed at preparing Okra mucilage using extraction technique for determining the anti ulcer activity. The experimental animal we used was Swiss Albino Mice. At the end of study good anti ulcer activity of Okra Mucilage was found.

Keywords: Okra ,Okra mucilage, Anti-Ulcer activity.

abstract

Antiasthmatic activity of aqueous extract of Myrica nagi barks in various experimental models. The mast cell stabilization, antihistaminic and spasmolytic activity of aqueous extract of bark was evaluated using albino Wistar rats and guinea pigs. The effect on mast cell stabilization was performed by ex vivo challenge of antigen in sensitized rat intestinal mesenteries. Antihistaminic activity was studied in guinea pigs using histamine-induced bronchospasm where preconvulsive dyspnoea (PCD), was used as an end point following exposure to histamine aerosol and spasmolytic activity was studied on isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation where percentage inhibition in histamine induced contraction was measured. Treatment with aqueous extract of bark showed a dose dependent (at 27 and 54 mg/kg p.o.) effect on disruption rate of actively sensitized mesenteric mast cells of albino rats when challenged with antigen (horse serum along with triple antigen vaccine). Aqueous extract of bark treatment for ten days resulted in significant protection against histamine aerosol-induced bronchospasm in guinea pigs and showed the spasmolytic activity against histamine induced contractions in isolated guinea pig tracheal chain preparation. Antiasthmatic activity of bark extract may be possibly due to the membrane stabilizing potential, suppression of antibody production and inhibition of antigen induced histamine release.

Keywords: Sensitization, Mast cell disruption, Preconvulsive dyspnea (PCD), Histamine aerosol, Myrica nagi, Tracheal chain preparation.