Hitesh Malhotra

Bio: Hitesh Malhotra is an academic researcher from Kurukshetra University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Cancer. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 76 citations.

Medicinal plants with potential anti-arthritic activity:

Abstract: Ethno pharmacological relevance: Traditional medicinal plants are practiced worldwide for treatment of arthritis especially in developing countries where resources are meagre. This review presents the plants profiles inhabiting throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for treatment of arthritis. Materials and methods: Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analysing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from the last six decades. Plants/their parts/extracts/polyherbal formulations/toxicity studies for arthritis have been included in the review article. The profiles presented also include information about the scientific name, family, dose, methodology along with mechanism of action and toxicity profile. Research status of twenty potential plant species has been discussed. Further, geographical distribution of research, plants distribution according to families has been given in graphical form. Results: 485 plant species belonging to 100 families, traditionally used in arthritis are used. Among 100 plant families, malvaceae constitute 16, leguminasae 7, fabaceae 13, euphorbiaceae 7, compositae 20, araceae 7, solanaceae 12, liliaceae 9, apocynaceae, lauraceae and rubiaceae 10, and remaining in lesser proportion. It was observed in our study that majority of researches are carried mainly in developing countries like India, China, Korea and Nigeria. Conclusion: This review clearly indicates that list of medicinal plants presented in this review might be useful to researchers as well as practioners. This review can be useful for preliminary screening of potential anti- arthritis plants. Further toxicity profile given in the review can be useful for the researchers for finding the safe dose.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of fractions of eclipta prostrata linn

Abstract: Objective: The objective of the study was to establish the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of various fractions of Eclipta prostrata Linn. Methods: The four fractions, i.e., n-butanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and n-hexane from hydro-alcoholic extract were obtained. First, the fractions were evaluated through in vitro models, and then they were evaluated by in vivo anti-inflammatory model, i.e., carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Further, two active fractions were evaluated for the anti-arthritic activity using formaldehyde induced arthritis model. Results: The fractions at a dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg showed an anti-inflammatory activity, but the ethyl acetate and chloroform fraction will show maximum anti-inflammatory potential. Hence, they are further evaluated for anti-arthritic potential where they show significant activity. Conclusion: From the results, it is concluded that the ethyl acetate and chloroform fraction show significant anti-arthritic activity.

Mechanism-Based Suppression of Cancer by Targeting DNA-Replicating Enzymes.

Abstract: The human genetic structure undergoes continuous wear and tear process due to the mere presence of extrinsic as well as intrinsic factors. In normal physiological cells, DNA damage initiates various checkpoints that may activate the repair system or induce apoptosis that helps maintain cellular integrity. While in cancerous cells, due to alterations in signaling pathways and defective checkpoints, there exists a marked deviation of error-free DNA repairing/synthesis. Currently, cancer therapy targeting the DNA damage response shows significant therapeutic potential by tailoring the therapy from non-specific to tumor-specific activity. Recently, numerous drugs that target the DNA replicating enzymes have been approved or some are under clinical trial. Drugs like PARP and PARG inhibitors showed sweeping effects against cancer cells. This review highlights the mechanistic study of different drug categories that target DNA replication and thus depicts the futuristic approach of targeted therapy.

Post-Coronavirus Disease Mucormycosis: Predisposing factors and Possible Treatment: A Narrative Review

Abstract: Mucormycosis, commonly known as black fungus, is a life-threatening fungal infection belonging to the order Mucorales. It affects individuals having an impaired immune response or immune disorders such as diabetes mellitus, induced immunosuppression, hematological cancers, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or who have gone through organ transplantation. Black fungus had symptoms like difficulty in breathing, blurred vision, coughing out blood, chest pain, blackening over the area of the nose. Tissue necrosis is the main symptom of this infection. It was increasing day by day and seen in vulnerable patients, including patients which were suffering from COVID 19 (coronavirus) and who were recovered. As we had seen that black fungus cases were rising in recovered COVID patients, various cases of white and yellow fungus were also reported.The treatment approach includes the use of antifungal agents, triazoles, surgery, combination therapy, etc. This review describes the clinical manifestation, predisposing factors, and treatment strategy of mucormycosis.

A Textbook of Pharmacognosy

Abstract: THIS text-book of pharmacognosy has already found wide recognition among teachers and students of pharmacy. Its subject matter has grown from a laboratory manual intended for use in practical classes, and now comprises the requirements for the Chemist and Druggist Qualifying Examination of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. A Textbook of Pharmacognosy By T. C. Denston. Fourth edition. Pp. xviii + 594. (London: Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., 1945.) 27s. 6d. net.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): A phytochemical and pharmacological review

Abstract: In the last years, consumers are paying much more attention to natural medicines and principles, mainly due to the general sense that natural compounds are safe. On the other hand, there is a growing demand by industry for plants used in traditional medicine that could be incorporated in foods, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, or even pharmaceuticals. Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. belongs to the Fabaceae family and has been recognized since ancient times for its ethnopharmacological values. This plant contains different phytocompounds, such as glycyrrhizin, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, glabrin A and B, and isoflavones, that have demonstrated various pharmacological activities. Pharmacological experiments have demonstrated that different extracts and pure compounds from this species exhibit a broad range of biological properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities. A few toxicological studies have reported some concerns. This review addresses all those issues and focuses on the pharmacological activities reported for G. glabra. Therefore, an updated, critical, and extensive overview on the current knowledge of G. glabra composition and biological activities is provided here in order to explore its therapeutic potential and future challenges to be utilized for the formulation of new products that will contribute to human well-being.

Neuroprotective Effects of Quercetin in Alzheimer's Disease.

Abstract: Quercetin is a flavonoid with notable pharmacological effects and promising therapeutic potential. It is widely distributed among plants and found commonly in daily diets predominantly in fruits and vegetables. Neuroprotection by quercetin has been reported in several in vitro studies. It has been shown to protect neurons from oxidative damage while reducing lipid peroxidation. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it inhibits the fibril formation of amyloid-β proteins, counteracting cell lyses and inflammatory cascade pathways. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the recent literature exploring the relationship between quercetin and cognitive performance in Alzheimer’s disease and its potential as a lead compound in clinical applications.

Elucidating Mechanisms of Endophytes Used in Plant Protection and Other Bioactivities With Multifunctional Prospects.

Abstract: Endophytes are abundant in plants and studies are continuously emanating on their ability to protect plants from pathogens that cause diseases especially in the field of agriculture. The advantage that endophytes have over other biocontrol agents is the ability to colonize plant’s internal tissues. Despite this attributes, a deep understanding of the mechanism employed by endophytes in protecting the plant from diseases is still required for both effectiveness and commercialization. Also, there are increasing cases of antibiotics resistance among most causative agents of diseases in human beings, which calls for an alternative drug discovery using natural sources. Endophytes present themselves as a storehouse of many bioactive metabolites such as phenolic acids, alkaloids, quinones, steroids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids which makes them a promising candidate for anticancer, antimalarial, antituberculosis, antiviral, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, and immunosuppressive properties among many others, even though the primary function of bioactive compounds from endophytes is to make the host plants resistant to both abiotic and biotic stresses. Endophytes still present themselves as a peculiar source of possible drugs. This study elucidates the mechanisms employed by endophytes in protecting the plant from diseases and different bioactivities of importance to humans with a focus on endophytic bacteria and fungi.

The role of microbiome in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder with multifactorial etiology; both genetic and environmental factors are known to be involved in pathogenesis. Treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) plays an essential role in controlling disease progression and symptoms. DMARDs have immunomodulatory properties and suppress immune response by interfering in various pro-inflammatory pathways. Recent evidence has shown that the gut microbiota directly and indirectly modulates the host immune system. RA has been associated with dysbiosis of the gut microbiota. Patients with RA treated with DMARDs show partial restoration of eubiotic gut microbiome. Hence, it is essential to understand the impact of DMARDs on the microbial composition and its consequent influences on the host immune system to identify novel therapies for RA. In this review, we discuss the importance of antirheumatic-drug-induced host microbiota modulations and possible probiotics that can generate eubiosis.