Many essential oils are extracted, analysed and their main components are identified, characterised and then published without any biological testing whatsoever. Their useful biological activities can remain unknown for years. Yet, the search for these activities often increases our knowledge of the potential use of oils in therapeutics. Therefore, there is a real need for a simple, reliable and reproducible methods to study the bioactivity of essential oils and their constituents which can detect a broad spectrum of action or specific pharmacological activities in aromatic plants. These methods can then be employed by natural product chemists, pharmacologists and biologists to conduct their scientific research and to valorize natural products. Standardisation of some of these methods is therefore desirable to permit more comprehensive evaluation of plant oils, and greater comparability of the results obtained by different investigators.

/pdf/methods-to-study-the-phytochemistry-and-bioactivity-of-49aojbnch7.pdf

Methods to study the phytochemistry and bioactivity of essential oils.

The rural population of Bangladesh has traditionally depended on folk medicinal healers for cure of their ailments. These healers use medicinal plants as their primary source of medicinal formulations. Rural patients are more dependent on traditional or folk medicinal healers for cure of urinary tract infections (UTI) and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) for a number of reasons including lack of access to modern medical facilities, clinging to traditional approaches, and finally hesitancy to relate this form of illnesses in front of unknown doctors. Since the traditional healer usually resides in the same village or in an adjoining area, the patient is more comfortable in seeking their treatment. We conducted an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the traditional healers of various ethnic groups and in several regions of the country to obtain information on medicinal plants used to treat UTI and STD. Interviews were conducted in the local dialect or language and information gathered as to plant and plant parts used, ailments, formulations, and dosages. Plant specimens were photographed and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. A total of 32 plants distributed into 23 families were reported by the traditional healers of several districts and tribes of Bangladesh as to their being used as remedy for UTIs, including leucorrhea, frequent or infrequent urination, cloudy urination and burning sensations during urination. A total of 10 plants divided into 9 families were reported to be used against STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea.

/pdf/traditional-use-of-medicinal-plants-in-bangladesh-to-treat-3tf9jvk9wx.pdf

Traditional use of medicinal plants in Bangladesh to treat urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted diseases

Asparagus racemosus--ethnopharmacological evaluation and conservation needs.

Acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice: Effects of some medicinal plants on the oxidative defense system

https://www.liver.theclinics.com/article/S1089-3261(05)70097-0/pdf

Drug-induced liver disease.

Psidium guajava L, belonging to the Myrtacea family, has been reported to have anti-diarrheal, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, lipid lowering, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. It contains important phytoconstituents such as tannins, triterpenes, fl avonoid: quercetin, pentacyclic triterpenoid:guajanoic acid, saponins, carotenoids, lectins, leucocyanidin, ellagic acid, amritoside, beta-sitosterol,uvaol, oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. In view of the immense medicinal importance of the plant, this review is an eff ort to compile all the information reported on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities. Th e present review is an attempt to generate interest among the masses regarding its immense potential in preventing and treating several common diseases. Key words: Psidium guajava L, Myrtaceae, quercetin, guajanoic acid

Psidium guajava L: A review

Antitussive effect of Asparagus racemosus root against sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice

Studies on anti-diarrhoeal activity of Ficus hispida. Leaf extract in rats.

The methanol extract of the leaves of Ficus hispida Linn. (Moraceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats by inducing acute liver damage by paracetamol (750 mg/kg, p.o.). The extract at an oral dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited a significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of transaminase (SGOT and SGPT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). These biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. The activity of extract was also comparable to that of Liv-52 a known hepatoprotective formulation.

C. K. Ashok Kumar

Papers

Psidium guajava L: A review

Antitussive effect of Asparagus racemosus root against sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice

Studies on anti-diarrhoeal activity of Ficus hispida. Leaf extract in rats.

Protective effect of leaf extract of ficus hispida linn against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Antibacterial activity of Litsea glutinosa bark