Vinay J Shukla

Bio: Vinay J Shukla is an academic researcher from Gujarat Ayurved University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Phytochemical & Cassia. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 114 publications receiving 1103 citations.

Indian systems of medicine: a brief profile.

Abstract: Medicinal plants based traditional systems of medicines are playing important role in providing health care to large section of population, especially in developing countries. Interest in them and utilization of herbal products produced based on them is increasing in developed countries also. To obtain optimum benefit and to understand the way these systems function, it is necessary to have minimum basic level information on their different aspects. Indian Systems of Medicine are among the well known global traditional systems of medicine. In this review, an attempt has been made to provide general information pertaining to different aspects of these systems. This is being done to enable the readers to appreciate the importance of the conceptual basis of these system in evolving the material medica. The aspects covered include information about historical background, conceptual basis, different disciplines studied in the systems, Research and Development aspects, Drug manufacturing aspects and impact of globalization on Ayurveda. In addition, basic information on Siddha and Unani systems has also been provided.

Antibacterial and antifungal activities from leaf extracts of Cassia fistula l.: An ethnomedicinal plant.

Abstract: This study was carried out with an objective to investigate the antibacterial and antifungal potentials of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn. The aim of the study is to assess the antimicrobial activity and to determine the zone of inhibition of extracts on some bacterial and fungal strains. In the present study, the microbial activity of hydroalcohol extracts of leaves of Cassia fistula Linn. (an ethnomedicinal plant) was evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity against medically important bacterial and fungal strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined in the extracts using agar disc diffusion method. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of extracts (5, 25, 50, 100, 250 ΅g/ml) of Cassia fistula were tested against two Gram-positive--Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes; two Gram-negative--Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa human pathogenic bacteria; and three fungal strains--Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus clavatus, Candida albicans. Zone of inhibition of extracts were compared with that of different standards like ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and chloramphenicol for antibacterial activity and nystatin and griseofulvin for antifungal activity. The results showed that the remarkable inhibition of the bacterial growth was shown against the tested organisms. The phytochemical analyses of the plants were carried out. The microbial activity of the Cassia fistula was due to the presence of various secondary metabolites. Hence, these plants can be used to discover bioactive natural products that may serve as leads in the development of new pharmaceuticals research activities.

In vitro antioxidant activity of hydro alcoholic extract from the fruit pulp of Cassia fistula Linn.

Abstract: The present study is aimed to investigate antioxidant activity of the extracts of Cassia fistula Linn. (Leguminosae) fruit pulp. Cassia fistula Linn., a Indian Laburnum, is widely cultivated in various countries and different continents including Asia, Mauritius, South Africa, Mexico, China, West Indies, East Africa and Brazil as an ornamental tree for its beautiful bunches of yellow flowers and also used in traditional medicine for several indications. The primary phytochemical study and in vitro antioxidant study was performed on hydro alcoholic extract of fruit pulp. Phytochemical screening of the plant has shown the presence of phenolic compounds, fatty acids, flavonoids, tannins and glycosides. Phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and was calculated as gallic acid equivalents. Antiradical activity of hydro alcoholic extract was measured by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) assay and was compared to ascorbic acid. Ferric reducing power of the extract was also evaluated by Oyaizu method. In the present study, three methods were used for evaluation of antioxidant activity. First two methods were for direct measurement of radical scavenging activity and third method to evaluate the reducing power. Results indicate that hydro alcoholic fruit pulp extracts have marked amount of total phenols which could be responsible for the antioxidant activity. These in vitro assays indicate that this plant extract is a significant source of natural antioxidant, Cassia fistula fruit pulp extract shows lower activity in DPPH and total phenol content as compared with standard which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various oxidative stresses.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Guduchi Ghana (aqueous extract of Tinospora Cordifolia Miers.)

Abstract: Background: Guduchi Ghana is one of the unique Ayuvedic classical preparation which is prepared from aqueous of extract of Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia Miers) stem It is one of the frequently used drugs to treat the Madhumeha, Pandu, Kamala, Amlapitta, Grahani, Kustha, Jirna Jwara and Viswamjwara, Trishna, Shool, Yakritavikara, etc Looking to these indications, in market most of the Pharma industries prepared Guduchi Ghana by applying the various extraction process Aim: To evaluate comparative anti-inflammatory activity of classically prepared and market sample of Guduchi Ghana Materials and Methods: Both samples were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw edema model in rats Animals were divided in three groups, having six animals in each Group A received test drug, Group B received market sample at a dose of 50 mg/kg orally, while Group C (control group) received tap water Results: Reduction in edema was observed in Group A and B at 3 h interval by 3306% and 1171% respectively Group A showed significant effects (P < 005) in comparison to control group Conclusion: These experimental results have shown anti-inflammatory activity of Guduchi Ghana

The Merck Index

Abstract: The Merck Index of Chemicals and Drugs An Encyclopedia for the Chemist, Pharmacist, Physician and Allied Professions Sixth edition Pp xiv + 1167 (Rahway, NJ: Merck and Company, Inc, 1952) 750 dollars; thumb-indexed, 8 dollars

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.

Pharmacology of medicinal plants and natural products

Abstract: time, probably by stimulation of the hepatic microsomal enzyme system3. Similar properties were exhibited by its roots. However, the petroleum ether extract (PEE) of the roots enhanced pentobarbitone sleeping time, probably due to CNS depression4. The PEE of the seed of Pongomia pinnata was further tested for nootropic activity in an experimental model of Alzheimer’s disease (created by ibotenic acid induced lesioning of nuclear basalis magnocellularis). It reversed both, the cognitive deficits and the reduction in cholinergic markers after 2 weeks of treatment. Reversal of perturbed cholinergic function appears to be the possible mechanism5.