Amritpal Singh

Bio: Amritpal Singh is an academic researcher. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 1 publications receiving 65 citations.

Herbalism, Phytochemistry And Ethnopharmacology

Abstract: Bridging the gap between the ancient art of herbalism and the emerging sciences of ethnopharmocology and phytopharmacotherapy, this book highlights the major breakthroughs in the history of the field and focuses on future directions in the discovery and application of herb-derived medicines. Implementing the concept of reverse pharmacology, it inte

Immunomodulatory effects of triphala and its individual constituents: a review.

Abstract: The role of plant extracts and Ayurvedic polyherbal preparations in treating various ailments has been acknowledged since time immemorial. Studies based on the effect of these extracts in treatment of different diseases have also been well documented. Indian medicinal literature also emphasizes the synergistic effect of polyherbal drugs in restoring and rejuvenating immune system. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory potential of the polyherbal preparation, Triphala and its three constituents, Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Emblica officinalis. The role of Triphala and its extract has been emphasized in stimulating neutrophil function. Under stress condition such as noise, Triphala significantly prevents elevation of IL-4 levels as well as corrects decreased IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. Under the condition of inflammatory stress its immunosuppressive activity is attributed to its inhibitory action on complement system, humoral immunity, cell mediated immunity and mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation. The aqueous and alcoholic extracts of the individual constituents reportedly enhance especially the macrophage activation due to their free radical scavenging activity and the ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species. This study thus concludes the use of Triphala and its three individual constituents as potential immunostimulants and/or immunosuppressants further suggests them to be a better alternative for allopathic immunomodulators.

Pharmacological activities of Baheda (Terminalia bellerica): A review

Abstract: Terminalia bellerica Roxb (combretaceae) is found widely throughout the Indian subcontinent, Sri Lanka, South- East Asia, Bangladesh as a medicinal plant. Plant and plant parts are used in the traditional system of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Chinese medicine. The plant is constituted of Glucoside, Tannins, Gallic acid, Ethyl Gallate, Chebulinic acid which serves as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, anticancer, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective& antipyretic agent. This review sites the information on pharmacological activities of Terminalia bellerica which may serve as a source for further research studies.

Assessment of genetic homogeneity and analysis of phytomedicinal potential in micropropagated plants of Nardostachys jatamansi, a critically endangered, medicinal plant of alpine Himalayas

Abstract: Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., a small, perennial, rhizomatous herb of immense medicinal importance since ancient times, is restricted to specialized habitats of alpine Himalayas ranging from 3000 to 5200 m asl. The species has been recently listed as critically endangered under IUCN Red list of threatened species due to over exploitation of its rhizomes for medicinal uses, habitat degradation, trade and other biotic and anthropogenic interferences. An efficient protocol using both indirect and direct shoot organogenesis has been optimized for N. jatamansi. Best callusing was achieved from the cut ends of leaf and petiole explants within 15 days of culture in MS medium supplemented with 1.5 mg/l α-naphthalene acetic acid and 1.0 mg/l meta-Topolin. Culturing the explants at low temperature (13 ± 1 °C) resulted in better callus growth, shoot regeneration, hyperhydricity control and improvement in photosynthetic pigment content in regenerated shoots. Also, direct organogenesis from shoot tip and petiole explants was achieved in MS medium containing 1.0 mg/l meta-Topolin. Optimum rooting was achieved in the same medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l indole acetic acid wherein averages of 4.52 roots/shoot were induced. Genetic stability of in vitro-derived plantlets was assessed and compared to mother plant using molecular markers and flow cytometry. Intron Splice Junction (ISJ) and Start Codon Targeted polymorphism (SCoT) marker based profiling revealed uniform banding profile in case of direct shoot organogenesis (DSO)-derived plants while callus mediated organogenesis (CMO)-derived plants showed slight variations as compared to mother plant. The genome size of N. jatamansi was found to be 2C = 1.40 ± 0.01 pg and therefore 684.6 Mbp (1C). Although organogenic calli showed mixoploidy but no major phenotypic and genetic rearrangements were detected by flow cytometry in callus-derived plants. Significantly higher antioxidant activity was observed in callus-derived plants as compared to mother and DSO-derived plants. Plant parts, regeneration pathways and various solvent systems greatly affected the yields of total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins contents present in the in vitro raised plantlets.