The present study was carried out for identification of the phytochemicals present in the Vitex negundo leaves and also evaluate the total phenols, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity of the leaf extract. Total phenols was carried out by Folin Ciocalteu method and the phenolic content was 27.72 mg/100 of gallic acid equivalent (GE). Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH method and the leaves of V. negundo showed 23.21 mg/100 of ascorbic acid equivalent antioxidant capacity (AEAC). The GC-MS study also carried out and it showed the presence of phytochemicals like 4H-Pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-(RT:6.17), Phytol (RT:19.67) and Vitamin E (RT:25.11).

	 

	Key words: Total Phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, DPPH, GC-MS.

https://www.academicjournals.org/article/article1380110714_Kumar et al.pdf

Screening of antioxidant activity, total phenolics and GC-MS study of Vitex negundo

Inflammation, although first characterized by Cornelius Celsus, a physician in first Century Rome, it was Rudolf Virchow, a German physician in nineteenth century who suggested a link between inflammation and cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, pulmonary diseases, neurological diseases and other chronic diseases. Extensive research within last three decades has confirmed these observations and identified the molecular basis for most chronic diseases and for the associated inflammation. The transcription factor, Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) that controls over 500 different gene products, has emerged as major mediator of inflammation. Thus agents that can inhibit NF-kappaB and diminish chronic inflammation have potential to prevent or delay the onset of the chronic diseases and further even treat them. In an attempt to identify novel anti-inflammatory agents which are safe and effective, in contrast to high throughput screen, we have turned to "reverse pharmacology" or "bed to benchside" approach. We found that Ayurveda, a science of long life, almost 6,000 years old, can serve as a "goldmine" for novel anti-inflammatory agents used for centuries to treat chronic diseases. The current review is an attempt to provide description of various Ayurvedic plants currently used for treatment, their active chemical components, and the inflammatory pathways that they inhibit.

Identification of Novel Anti-inflammatory Agents from Ayurvedic Medicine for Prevention of Chronic Diseases: “Reverse Pharmacology” and “Bedside to Bench” Approach

Herbal medicines as diuretics: A review of the scientific evidence

The wealth of India. A dictionary of Indian raw materials and industrial products. Vol. 7; N-Pe.

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.

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

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of mature fresh leaves of Vitex negundo.

Diuretic activity of Spilanthes acmella flowers in rats.

The decoction (D) of the bark of Ficus racemosa Linn (Family: Moraceae) is claimed as an antidiuretic by some Sri Lankan traditional practitioners. However, the validity of this claim has not been scientifically proven or refuted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidiuretic potential of D of the bark of F. racemosa (made as specified in traditional use) in rats using three doses (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) following oral administration. The reference drug used was ADH. The results demonstrated both the low- and high-doses of D and ADH significantly impaired the total urine output. The D-induced antidiuresis had a rapid onset (within 1 h), peaked at 3 h and lasted throughout the study period (5 h). However, antidiuretic potential of D was about 50% lower than that of ADH. The D was well tolerated even with subchronic administration. The D caused a reduction in urinary Na+ level and Na+/K+ ratio, and an increase in urinary osmolarity indicating multiple mechanisms of action. The results provide scie...

https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1556/ABiol.54.2003.3-4.13.pdf

Antidiuretic activity of aqueous bark extract of Sri Lankan Ficus racemosa in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiinflammatory potential of an aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of Ixora coccinea (Rubiaceae) in rats after oral administration (500, 1000 and 1500 mg=kg). This was done using the carrageenan-induced paw edema (acute inflammatory model) and cotton pellet granuloma tests (chronic inflammatory model). In the former test, ALE significantly impaired both early and late phases of the inflammatory response and also the edema maintained between the two phases. In the latter test, it significantly suppressed granuloma formation (only highest dose tested). Collectively, these data show promising anti-inflammatory activity against both acute and chronic inflammation. ALE showed strong antihistamine and antioxidant activities that can account for its anti-inflammatory potential. In addition, inhibition of prostaglandins and bradykinins may play a role.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ixora coccinea.

This study examined the effects of rhizomes of Alpinia calcarata Roscoe (Zingiberaceae) on male sexual competence and fertility, using a hot water extract (HWE) and rats. Different doses of HWE (150, 250 and 500 mg/kg) were orally administrated to male rats and their sexual behaviour was monitored (for 15 min) 3 h later using receptive females. Fertility was determined in a separate group (with the highest dose) using a noncompetitive copulation test. In the sexual behaviour study, the HWE impaired the number of rats ejaculating and markedly prolonged the latency for ejaculation. Further, the number of rats mounting and intromitting, and the latencies for mounting and intromission were inhibited. Collectively, these observations indicate a strong aphrodisiac action. The other parameters remained unchanged indicating non-impairment in libido, sexual arousability, sexual vigour and sexual performance or penile erectile ability. However, a slight impairment was evident in sexual motivation (with the highest dose) in a partner preference test. In the fertility test, HWE induced profound oligozoospermia but fertility was uninhibited. The highest dose of HWE also elevated the serum testosterone level and the number of spontaneous penile erections rapidly and markedly. Further, the HWE was nontoxic. It is concluded that A. calcarata rhizomes possess a strong and safe oral aphrodisiac activity.

/pdf/effects-of-aqueous-extract-of-alpinia-calcarata-rhizomes-on-2jhm4moehf.pdf

J. R. A. C. Jayakody

Papers

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of mature fresh leaves of Vitex negundo.

Diuretic activity of Spilanthes acmella flowers in rats.

Antidiuretic activity of aqueous bark extract of Sri Lankan Ficus racemosa in rats.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ixora coccinea.

Effects of aqueous extract of Alpinia calcarata rhizomes on reproductive competence of male rats.