Showing papers in "Clinical Phytoscience in 2018"
TL;DR: Guava extract shows antinociceptive activity and is also effective in liver damage inflammation and serum production, and can be used for the treatment of infertile males.
Abstract: Psidium guajava (guava) is well known tropic tree which is abundantly grown for fruit. Many countries have a long history of using guava for medicinal purposes. This plant finds applications for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, hypertension, diabetes, caries and pain relief and for improvement in locomotors coordination. Its leaf’s extract is being used as a medicine in cough, diarrhea, and oral ulcers and in some swollen gums wound. Its fruit is rich in vitamins A, C, iron, phosphorus and calcium and minerals. It contains high content of organic and inorganic compounds like secondary metabolites e.g. antioxidants, polyphenols, antiviral compounds, anti-inflammatory compounds. The phenolic compounds in guava help to cure cancerous cells and prevent skin aging before time. The presence of terpenes, caryophyllene oxide and p-selinene produces relaxation effects. Guava leaves contain many compounds which act as fungistatic and bacteriostatic agents. Guava has a high content of important antioxidants and has radio-protective ability. Quercetin is considered as most active antioxidant in the guava leaves and is responsible for its spasmolytic activity. Its ethyl acetate extract can stop the germ infection and thymus production. Guava possesses anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-plaque and anti-mutagenic activities. Guava extract shows antinociceptive activity and is also effective in liver damage inflammation and serum production. Ethanolic extract of guava can increase the sperm quality as well as quantity and can be used for the treatment of infertile males.
126 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated in-vitro antioxidants, antimicrobial and safety of Nigerian Zingiber officinale (MEZO) extract for phytochemical composition, total flavonoids and phenol contents using standard procedures.
Abstract: Zingiber officinale is a rhizome commonly consumed as a delicacy, medicine or spice. It is considered as a safe spice with several medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate in-vitro antioxidants, antimicrobial and safety of Nigerian Z. Officinale. Methanol extract of Nigerian Z. Officinale (MEZO) was evaluated for phytochemical composition, total flavonoids and phenol contents using standard procedures. Antibacterial study was carried out via the agar well diffusion method. Antioxidant activities were carried out using 2, 2′- diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant properties (FRAP) assay. Twenty five (25) wister rats were randomly grouped into five (A-E) of five animals each. Animals in Groups A-D were orally administered 75,150, 300 and 600 mg/kg bwt of the extract on daily basis for 4 weeks while those in Group A (control) received distilled water. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents of the extract were 15.24 ± 0.02 mg GAE/g and 19.84 ± 0.32 mg/g CE respectively. The extract promoted an inhibition of free radicals with IC50 values of 47.05 ± 2.03 μg/mL and 89.15 ± 0.29 μg/mL in DPPH and FRAP assay. At extract concentration of 100 μg/mL, K. pneumoniae showed the highest susceptibility of 29.04 ± 0.35 mm, followed by P. aeuruginisa (26.03 ± 0.41 mm), while S. aureus (15.08 ± 0.20 mm) was least susceptible. The serum concentrations of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), sodium, albumin, total proteins and the computed organs/body weight ratios compared favorably (p > 0.05) with control at all extract doses tested. The bilirubin, urea and creatinine levels significantly (p < 0.05) increase while chloride decreases in rats dosed 600 mg/kg bwt. However, potassium level increases significantly (p < 0.05) in rats dose 300 mg/kg of the extract when compare with the control. This study revealed the strong antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials of methanol extract of Nigerian Zingiber officinale. It was also found to be relatively safe for consumption and thus could serve as a source of candidate for the development of new antioxidants and antimicrobial drugs.
47 citations
TL;DR: GC-MS results revealed the presence of several phytochemical compounds in leaves and bark of QL extract and are recommended as a plant of pharmaceutical importance and antibacterial analysis showed that both the extracts have antibacterial activity against all gram positive and gram negative bacterial strains.
Abstract: Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus (QL) belongs to the family Fagaceae, commonly known as Banj oak in the Garhwal region of Himalaya, where it is the principal source of fuel, fodder, and medicine. In the present study, GC-MS analysis has been performed for profiling the chemical composition of methanolic extracts of leaves and bark of QL. The antibacterial activity was evaluated by using the disk diffusion method against five bacterial strains. Total 23 components in bark and 62 components in leaves extracts of QL were identified. The major components identified in the bark extracts were Linoleic acid (19.77%), Lupeol (17.91%), Epi-psi-Taraxastanonol (14.20), and cis-Vaccenic acid (13.10%), while others were present in relatively small amounts. For the leaves extract, the major components were Linoleic acid (17.09%), Simiarene (15.29%), Flavone 4′-oh, 5-oh,7-di-o-glucoside (15.26%), and D-Quinic acid (9.29%), respectively. As far as antibacterial assays are concerned, it was observed that both the extracts are active against most of the tested bacterial strains with the zone of inhibition ranging between 8.53 ± 0.50 to 19.07 ± 0.31 mm, respectively. The GC-MS results revealed the presence of several phytochemical compounds in leaves and bark of QL extract and are recommended as a plant of pharmaceutical importance. The antibacterial analysis showed that both the extracts (leaves and bark) of QL have antibacterial activity against all gram positive (S. aureus, B. subtilis and S. pyogenes) and gram negative (E. coli, P. aeruginosa) bacterial strains.
31 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that ethanol leaf and bark extracts of A.officinalis were effective in inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase and also have antioxidant, antimicrobial potentials which justify the ethnobotanical use of this plant.
Abstract: Avicennia officinalis is a medicinally important mangrove plant and used in traditional medicinal practices to treat various ailments like rheumatism, paralysis, asthma, dyspepsia, tumors etc. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the carbohydrate metabolizing enzyme inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of ethanol leaf and bark extracts of A. officinalis. The carbohydrate metabolizing enzyme inhibition potential was studied by α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. The antioxidant activity was investigated by measuring the scavenging potential of extracts against DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals. The antimicrobial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method and the cytotoxicity potential by MTT assay. The study revealed that A.offiicnalis bark extract inhibited the activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 value of 0.66 and 0.71 mg/ml respectively. The leaf extract also demonstrated inhibition potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 0.29 and 1.19 mg/ml respectively. The ethanol bark extract also exhibited scavenging potential against DPPH, ABTS and superoxide radicals in a dose dependent manner with IC50 values of 112, 114 and 82 μg/ml respectively and ethanol leaf extract with IC50 values of 200, 41.9 and 207.6 μg/ml respectively. Both leaf and bark extracts exhibited dose dependent antiproferative activity on TC1 murine cell lines. Both leaf and bark extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fungi (Candida albicans, C. krusei). The qualitative phytochemical assay, UV-Vis and FTIR analysis revealed the presence of different phytoconstituents in the leaf and bark extracts of A.officinalis. The results suggest that ethanol leaf and bark extracts of A.officinalis were effective in inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase and also have antioxidant, antimicrobial potentials which justify the ethnobotanical use of this plant.
28 citations
TL;DR: Results of the present study confirmed potential anthelmintic activity of Piper sylvaticum stem extract and all compounds were found to be effective in computer aided drug design models.
Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the anthelmintic activity of methanol extract of Piper sylvaticum stem (MEPSS) in experimental model followed by in silico molecular docking study and ADME/T analysis. Anthelmintic activity was determined by an aquarium worm (Tubifex tubifex). Then, molecular docking study was performed to identify compounds having maximum activity against TUBULIN-COLCHICINE enzymes by using Schrodinger-Maestro v 10.1 docking fitness. Additionally, ADME/T profiles were checked by Swiss ADME Analysis and Molinspiration Cheminformatics software. A preliminary phytochemical analysis of MEPSS revealed that it contained alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins. MEPSS exhibited a dose-dependent and statistically significant anthelmintic activity on aquarium worm (Tubifex tubifex).The best concentration of MEPSS for anthelmintic activity on Tubifex tubifex compare with reference standard Levamisole (1 mg/mL) is 11.90 mg/mL. On the other hand, our molecular docking study shows that piperine has the best fitness score of − 6.22 kcal/mol with TUBULIN-COLCHICINE enzyme among three major compounds of Piper sylvaticum. Moreover, predicted properties of all compounds were in the range to satisfy the Lipinski’s rule of five to be recognized as drug like potential. Results of the present study confirmed potential anthelmintic activity of Piper sylvaticum stem extract and all compounds were found to be effective in computer aided drug design models.
20 citations
TL;DR: The evaluation of possible CNS depressant activity of C. diffusa in mice models provides support for the use of this species in traditional medicine and warrants further pharmacological investigations that could lead to novel leads in future.
Abstract: Commelina diffusa Burm. (Family: Commelinaceae) is usually known as “climbing dayflower or spreading dayflower” in Bangladesh. The plant is used in fever, malaria, insect, bug bites, rheumatoid arthritis, gonorrhea, influenza, and bladder infection etc. The present investigation was undertaken which deals with the evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of methanolic extract of C. diffusa in mice models. The central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity of C. diffusa was evaluated by the classical models of depression as open field, hole cross, forced swimming, tail suspension, and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests in mice. The animals were divided into control, positive control, and three test groups containing five mice each. The test groups received extract at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg body weight orally where as the control group received distilled water (0.1 mL/mouse, p.o.). Diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard drug. It is clear that the plant extract significantly decreased the locomotor activity of mice in open field and hole cross tests when compared to the control (p < 0.05). It is observed that the extract showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased in immobility time in forced swimming and tail suspension tests in mice. In addition, the extract produced prolongs the sleeping time with onset of action in contrast to the control group. The present work depicts the evaluation of possible CNS depressant activity of C. diffusa in mice models. The obtained results provide support for the use of this species in traditional medicine and warrants further pharmacological investigations that could lead to novel leads in future.
17 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors carried out a phytochemical screening to determine the phenolic compounds content, to investigate the antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of water, water-ethanol and ethanol extracts of S. ochocoa.
Abstract: The search for new anti-cancer molecules is one of the main concerns of oncology researchers. Scyphocephalium ochocoa is a plant of Myristicaceae family, used in traditional medicine against inflammatory diseases and several types of cancer. It is well established that free radicals, chronic inflammation and angiogenesis play an important role in initiation, tumor progression and metastasis formation. The aim of this study was to carry out a phytochemical screening, to determine the phenolic compounds content, to investigate the antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of water, water-ethanol and ethanol extracts of S. ochocoa. Phytochemical screening and determination of phenolic compounds content were performed using standard methods. Antiangiogenic activity was assessed using chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model and Drabkin test. Anti-inflammatory activity was estimated by protein denaturation and erythrocyte membrane stabilization method. Finally the antioxidant activity was appreciated by DPPH radical inhibition and phosphomolybdenum assay. The results of phytochemical studies show that extracts of bark of S. ochocoa are rich in polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids, proantocyanidins, saponosides, flavonols, flavanonols, sterol and triterpenes. The water extract showed good antiangiogenic activity (IC50 = 1.153 μg/mL). Strong anti-inflammatory activity was observed with all extracts, IC50 ranging from 34.775 ± 2.543 μg/mL to 74.577 ± 3.456 μg/mL for protein denaturation inhibition test and IC50 values ranging from 36.793 ± 0.529 μg/mL at 48.912 ± 0.957 μg/mL for antihemolytic activity. In addition, all extracts showed good antioxidant activity marked by a strong inhibition of the DPPH radical (IC50 ranging from 4.969 ± 0.263 μg/mL to 16.188 ± 0.336 μg/mL and AAI ranging from 3.090 ± 0.065 to 10.080 ± 0.517) and by greater total antioxidant capacity (with contents ranging from 37.654 ± 0.995 to 131.302 ± 1.102 VtCE (mg)/g dry extract). Ultimately, these results could justify the use of S. ochocoa extracts in traditional medicine in the treatment of diseases related to angiogenesis and cancer, inflammatory diseases and diseases due to oxidative stress. A phyto-product with such a pharmacological profile could be a good candidate for the development of anticancer.
16 citations
TL;DR: The present study corroborated the traditional uses of the aerial parts of Acanthus ilicifolius L. in allergic diseases and in helminthiasis and confirmed the safety of the extract for in vivo administration.
Abstract: Acanthus ilicifolius L. is admired for its traditional usage in the folk medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases including allergy and helminthiasis in various parts of the planet. The ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of this shrub (EEAI) was investigated in the present study for its major phytochemical groups, antiallergic activity, anthelmintic activity, cytotoxicity and for acute toxicity. Antiallergic activity was carried out using Toluene 2, 4-diisocyanate (TDI)-induced allergic mice model by assessing various symptoms of allergic rhinitis like sneezing, scratching, swelling and watery rhinorrhea as well as counting the total and differential leukocytes profile of blood. The paralysis and death time of parasites, Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda) and Paramphistomum cervi (Trematoda) were used for anthelmintic activity test. Mortality of mice was counted to evaluate the acute toxicity whereas the mortality of brine shrimp was taken into account to assess cytotoxic potential of the extract. Phytochemical screening of the extract demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids. Oral pretreatment of the extract significantly ameliorated the TDI-induced allergic symptoms like sneezing (p < 0.05), scratching (p < 0.05), swelling and watery rhinorrhea in experimental mice. The extract also reduced the differential count of leukocytes in the blood which was increased due to induction of allergic conditions through TDI sensitization. In anthelmintic activity test the extract revealed a dose dependent decrease in the relative index of paralysis and death for both H. contortus and P. cervi parasites and thus indicated the extract to be parasiticidal at higher concentrations. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay of toxicity assessment, the LC50 of the standard drug vincristine sulfate was 0.43 μg/mL whereas the extract showed the LC50 as 44.57 μg/mL indicating a promising cytotoxicity of the extract. In acute toxicity study the highest dose 3 g/kg failed to show any mortality in Swiss albino mice and thus confirmed the safety of the extract for in vivo administration. The present study corroborated the traditional uses of the aerial parts of Acanthus ilicifolius L. in allergic diseases and in helminthiasis.
15 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assessed the phytochemical nature, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Crotalaria pallida stem.
Abstract: Antioxidants play an important role in protecting cellular damage by reactive oxygen species. The aim of the present study is to assess the phytochemical nature, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Crotalaria pallida stem. The preliminary screening of the various extracts was carried out using standard methods. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined by the modified Folin-Ciocalteu method and antioxidant activities were assayed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power assay, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reduction of ferric ions. Antibacterial activity of different extracts were assayed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains by observing the zone of inhibition using disc diffusion method, where Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used as bacterial strains. Petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts of stem exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity in terms of all the assays tested. Petroleum ether extract (PEE) showed DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 value of 126.96 µg/ml. In antibacterial assay, the PEE and chloroform extract (CE) showed mild to moderate antibacterial activity against all the bacterial strains except B. cereus while methanol extract (ME) showed no inhibitory effect against any of the tested bacteria. PEE, CE and ME of C. pallida stem were found to be the most effective free radical quencher and a potent source of natural antioxidants as well as antibacterial activity. Thus justifying their traditional use in green therapeutics.
13 citations
TL;DR: Treatment with Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extracts at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significantly higher serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, and lower serum total protein, albumin, LDL-ch cholesterol, cholesterol, as compared with the control, in the salt loaded rabbits.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of oral administration of extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves on some serum parameters that are indicators or risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, in salt loaded rabbits. Thirty experimental rabbits used for this study were randomized into five groups (A to E) of six rabbits. Rabbits in groups A to D were given salt loaded diets. Groups B and C animals were also treated with aqueous and ethanol extracts of Acalypha wilkesiana leaves respectively while rabbits in group E served as control. Salt loading resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum albumin, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and lower serum globulin, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, as compared with the control. Treatment with Acalypha wilkesiana leaf extracts (aqueous or ethanol), at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight, resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) higher serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, globulin, and lower serum total protein, albumin, LDL-cholesterol, cholesterol, as compared with the control, in the salt loaded rabbits. Acalypha wilkesiana may be useful in the management of risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.
13 citations
TL;DR: The results of the present study showed that the DPLME possesses hepatopotective, antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic activity, which could be due to the presence of the bioactive components in the extract and warrant further investigation on the nature of the phytochemical(s) responsible for the observed effects.
Abstract: Dendrophthoe pentandra (L.) Miq. is a mistletoe species used in traditional medicine. Juice of leaves is used in wound healing, skin infection and cancer; whereas the whole plant is used to treat hypertension and cough. D. pentandra leaf extract has attracted interest due to its pharmacological properties including antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we have investigated the hepatopotective, antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic potential of D. pentandra leaf extracts in rats. D. pentandra leaf methanolic extract (DPLME) at a fixed dose of 400 mg/kg body weight was evaluated for its effects on fasting glucose levels of rats. DPLME at the same dose was also used to determine the antidiabetic potential in alloxan-induced diabetic rats and the hepatopotective effects on Paracetamol (PCM) intoxicated rats. Oral administration of DPLME exhibited a significantly notable oral glucose tolerance in rats. Single doses of the DPLME displayed very significant antidiabetic activity which was comparable to the activity of the standard antihyperglycemic agent Metformin (MET). DPLME also offered significant hepatoprotection to PCM-intoxicated rats at levels commensurable to the standard hepatoprotective drug Silymarin (SIL). The results of the present study showed that the DPLME possesses hepatopotective, antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic activity. All these results could be due to the presence of the bioactive components in the extract and this warrant further investigation on the nature of the phytochemical(s) responsible for the observed effects.
TL;DR: Findings of the present study assure that Typha elephantina Roxb.
Abstract: Typha elephantina Roxb. is a widely scattered grass like medicinal plant in Bangladesh and thus demands biological investigations to discover its therapeutic potentiality. The aim of our present study was to assess analgesic and anxiolytic properties of methanolic extract of Typha elephantina Roxb. For evaluating analgesic activity, the methanolic extract was subjected to intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered acetic acid-induced writhing test & subcutaneously administered (s.c.) formalin-induced hind paw licking test in Swiss-albino mice. The anxiolytic activity was conducted by using elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole board models. For both methods of analgesic test experimental plant extract was found to have significant (p < 0.001) analgesia at the dose of 200 mg/kg & 400 mg/kg body weight in mice when compared to control, where acetyl salicylic acid (100 mg/kg body weight) was used as standard drug. The percentages of inhibition found in case of acetic acid-induced writhing test were 26.27%, 50.45% and 20.29% respectively for acetyl salicylic acid (100 mg/kg), 200 mg/kg extract dose and 400 mg/kg extract dose. On the other hand, during formalin-induced hind paw licking test, the percentages of inhibition also increased when the extract dose increases from 200 mg/kg to 400 mg/kg by 53.95% to 61.79% at early phase and 71.62% to 78.8% at late phase respectively while acetyl salicylic acid (100 mg/kg), responsible for 25.58% and 38.74% of inhibition at both phase sequentially. Again, the crude extract significantly (p < 0.01; p < 0.001) raised the time spent in the open arm (149.2 ± 27.63** sec) & the number of head-dips (50.00 ± 4.66***) at the dose 400 mg/kg body weight in case anxiolytic test, while reference drug diazepam (1 mg/kg body weight) also exhibited significant (p < 0.01) result in case of time spent in open arm (107.0 ± 12** sec) but not for head dipping (14.83 ± 1.6). Findings of the present study assure that Typha elephantina Roxb. may be effective for the treatment of pain and anxiety with the demands of further investigations to isolate the active compound(s).
TL;DR: The findings from this research indicates that the ethanol extract of Justicia tranquebariensis, Aloe vera and Curcuma longa are effective in inhibiting the growth of wound associated pathogen and faster the process of wound healing.
Abstract: This particular study emphasis on the in vivo wound healing and in vitro antibacterial activity of herbal lotions preparated from Ethanolic extract of Justicia tranquebariensis, Aloe vera and Curcuma longa. Each plant powder (10 g) was soaked in 30 ml of ethanol in a sterile bottle for 48 h at 4 °C. Herbal lotion formulation I (10%) and II (20%) was prepared. Antibacterial activity by Agar Well diffusion method for three medicinal plant lotions was tested against skin and wound pathogens, like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The excision wound model was employed for wound healing activity in albino rats. Healthy albino rats (150-200 g) of either sex were taken for excision wound model. Animals were divided into four groups of six animals in each. The Group 1 is control. The Groups 2 and 3 animals were treated with 10% and 20% ointment of herbal lotion and Group 4 animals were treated with Soframycin that served as standard. All animals had free access to pelleted food and water. Temperature was maintained at 23 ± 1 °C. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM. Further sample tissues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed and blocked with paraffin at 40–60 °C, and then sectioned into 5 μm thick sections. The significance of differences between the means was analyzed by student’s t- test followed by Turkey’s test. Complete wound healing was observed with lotion formulation I and II treated rats in 15 days as that of Soframycin ointment. These findings were further confirmed by histological examination of granulation tissue with a lesser amount of collagination and absence of inflammatory cells. The findings from this research indicates that the ethanol extract of Justicia tranquebariensis, Aloe vera and Curcuma longa are effective in inhibiting the growth of wound associated pathogen and faster the process of wound healing.
TL;DR: The results provided basic information demonstrating the antibacterial activity and immunostimulatory activity of T. clypeatus on both cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
Abstract: Termitomyces clypeatus (T. clypeatus) is an edible mushroom specie which grows in various areas in Cameroon. It is indicated by several healers in treatment of several infectionsand is frequently used for this purpose. However, no study has been reported on its antibacterial and immunomodulatory activities which were the aim of this study. Disc diffusion method was used to appreciate the bactericidal activity against 4 bacteria and 2 yeast species. The immunomodulatory activities were assessed in mice, where the extract was administered by gavage and as supplement in the feed. The treatment was done for 10 days. Delayed type hypersensitivity test was carried out to assess the cell mediated immune response while the effect on humoral immunity was evaluated using hemagglutination assay and mice lethality test.. The body weight was also recorded in mice used for delayed hypersensitivity. It was found that extract of T. clypeatus highly inhibited the growth of bacteria and yeast at different ratios compared to the medium (P < 0.05). The extract of T. clypeatus has reversed the immunosuppressed effects of dexamethasone on antibody formation. In addition, it significantly decreased of the mice lethality rate in mice infected by Pasteurella multocida (P < 0.05). Administration of T. clypeatus also significantly increased the delayed type hypersensitivity response in healthy and dexamethasone immunosuppressed mice (P < 0.05), but it significantly reduced the body weight of mice after 10 days. The results provided basic information demonstrating the antibacterial activity and immunostimulatory activity of T. clypeatus on both cell-mediated and humoral immunity.
TL;DR: It is confirmed that methanol extract of TC exhibited hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver damage.
Abstract: Tetracarpidium conophorum (TC) is a tropical plant used in ethno medicine for treating various diseases including hepatic ailments. The present study investigated the effect of methanol extract of T. conophorum seeds in rats intoxicated with CCl4 24 h and 48 h after intoxication respectively. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were distributed equally into seven groups. Group IA (control) received distilled water and olive oil (i.p), group IIA rats were intoxicated with CCl4 in olive oil (600 mg/kg, i.p.) only on the 8th day, while groups IIIA, IVA and VA were given 100 mg/kg of sylimarin, 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of methanol extract respectively for 7 days, thereafter they were intoxicated with CCl4 on the 8th day. Groups VIA and VIIA were intoxicated with CCl4 on the 8th day and administered 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of methanol extract of T. conophorum seeds at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h, 18 h and 24 h and the animals were sacrificed 24 h after intoxication with CCl4.This procedure was repeated for a different set of thirty-five (groups IB-VIIB) male rats but the animals were sacrificed 48 h after intoxication with CCl4. Fasting blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical analyses. There were significant increases (p˂0.05) in serum hepatic enzyme markers (ALT, AST, ALP, and γ-GT) activities, as well as bilirubin and significant reduction in antioxidant enzymes (P˂0.05) in rats intoxicated with CCl4 when compared to control group, but administration (pre-treatment and post-treatment) of methanol extract of T. conophorum seeds at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight and standard sylimarin drug attenuated the toxic insult of CCl4 in a dose-dependent manner at 24 h and 48 h after intoxication respectively. Our findings confirm that methanol extract of TC exhibited hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced liver damage.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated in vitro antioxidant, brine shrimp lethality bioassay, antimicrobial, anthelmintic activities and in vivo peripheral analgesic activity of methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Cassia renigera seed.
Abstract: To investigate in vitro antioxidant, brine shrimp lethality bioassay, antimicrobial, anthelmintic activities and in vivo peripheral analgesic activity of methanol and petroleum ether extracts of Cassia renigera seed. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts was carried out. Antioxidant activity was determined using seven different methods. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay and anthelmintic activities were done using nauplii of Artemia salina and adult earthworm (Pheretima posthuma), respectively. The antimicrobial potential was investigated against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria. Acetic acid induced writhing test was performed to evaluate peripheral analgesic activity. Both methanol and petroleum ether extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. While alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids were only found in the methanolic extract. Methanolic extract showed more potent 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide scavenging capacity, cupric reducing and reducing power capacity than petroleum ether extract. While petroleum ether extract showed better results in total phenol and total antioxidant activities. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay methanolic and petroleum ether extracts showed the LC50 value of 74.44 and 121.49 μg/mL, respectively. In overall antimicrobial study methanolic extract showed better activity than petroleum ether extract. Methanolic extract of 50 mg/mL showed maximum anthelmintic activity comparable to the standard (Piperazine Citrate, 10 mg/mL). Both 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight dose of the methanolic extract exhibited significant 39.64% and 58.73% writhing inhibition (푃< 0.05) in test animals, consecutively. In a nutshell, the results suggested that the seed can be used as a potential source for the aforesaid bioactivities.
TL;DR: Group G (silymarin:FA (1:1) + P (10%) appeared to be the most effective combination in treating the liver diseases envisaging an industrially viable product of Sily marin as a contemporary therapeutic agent with enhanced bioavailability and medicinal value.
Abstract: Popularity of herbal remedies is increasing day by day despite the presence of synthetic drugs to treat the Liver Diseases owing to the adverse effects and high cost of synthetic drugs. Silymarin has tremendous potential for the treatment of various liver disorders because of its high antioxidant potential as liver diseases are associated with increased oxidative stress. The low oral bioavailability of Silymarin continues to be a major challenge in the development of its formulations having clinical efficacy. Our idea was to constitute a pharmaceutical composition of Silymarin with natural products as bioenhancers that might work positively and synergistically in the control of hepatotoxicity. In this work, various combinations of Silymarin with natural bioenhancers such as Lysergol (L), Piperine (P) and Fulvic acid (FA) were prepared and their hepatoprotective activities were evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in animal model. Although, all the combinations decreased the liver enzymes and changed protein level significantly, group G (silymarin:FA (1:1) + P (10%) was found to be most significant as compared to the toxic control. It also displayed better protection when compared to the marketed tablet containing silymarin alone. None of the combinations showed any signs of cytotoxicity when screened on MCF-7 cells by MTT assay. Group G (silymarin:FA (1:1) + P (10%) appeared to be the most effective combination in treating the liver diseases envisaging an industrially viable product of Silymarin as a contemporary therapeutic agent with enhanced bioavailability and medicinal value. Further this combination can be examined for safety and efficacy in clinical studies.
TL;DR: The results of this study suggest that Citrus macroptera exerts hepatoprotective activity via promoting the antioxidant defense against CCl4-induced oxidative liver damage.
Abstract: Citrus macroptera has been used as a culinary fruit and medicinal plant in traditional medicine system in Bangladesh. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of phenolic compounds in Citrus macroptera peel powder and the protective effect of Citrus macroptera against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters such as liver marker enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological changes in the liver of different groups were also studied. Administration of CCl4 increased the serum ALT, AST, ALP enzymatic activities and lipid peroxidation products but decreased the cellular antioxidant activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in rats which were brought back to near normal levels by the treatment with Citrus macroptera. Citrus macroptera administration has also shown to decrease the necrotic zones, fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in CCl4 treated rats. HPLC-DAD analysis of Citrus macroptera extract showed the great presence of caffeic acid and (−) epicatechin. The results of this study suggest that Citrus macroptera exerts hepatoprotective activity via promoting the antioxidant defense against CCl4-induced oxidative liver damage.
TL;DR: Hippuric acid is a byproduct of chlorogenic acid and reported to be responsible for inducing diuretics and could be used as a biomarker to detect the polyphenolics induced diuretic activity in M. emarginata.
Abstract: Medicinal and aromatic plants exhibit important pharmacological activities to human. The present study evaluates the diuretic activity of aqueous extract of Merremia emarginata (MEAE). Female Wistar albino rats were used for diuretic activity in vivo studies. Urinary hippuric acid of treated animal group was successfully quantified by RP-HPLC. UPLC-MS/MS is used for the identification of important bioactive compound in MEAE. Diuretic activity was confirmed through analyzing the disparity in total volume and diuretic markers (total sodium and potassium concentration of urine) which was compared to normal group rats. MEAE plays a crucial role for inducing diuretics without side effects such as glycosuria or proteinuria. This activity was significantly high (p < 0.05) compared to control group rats and diuretic responsible polyphenolic compound chlorogenic acid was identified in MEAE through RP-HPLC and UPLC-MS/MS. Hippuric acid is a byproduct of chlorogenic acid and reported to be responsible for inducing diuretics. Secondary metabolites such as chlorogenic acid and their byproducts might be responsible for diuretic activity. Hippuric acid can act as a diuretic agent as well as it could be used as a biomarker to detect the polyphenolics induced diuretic activity. M. emarginata can act as an excellent diuretic agent, without causing any harmful side effects.
TL;DR: This result shows that S. dasyphyllum has neuroprotective activities, however HFSD shows the most potent bioactivities in maintaining mitochondria integrity by preserving the electron transport system.
Abstract: In the past few years, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of plant-based health supplements with respect to their safety and efficacy in diseases treatment and prevention. Solanum dasyphyllum, also known as Africa eggplant is ethnomedicinally used as an antivenom, pain reliever and anticonvulsant in various part of Nigeria, however, there is no scientific data to support some of these claims. This study evaluated the protective effect of solvent fractions of Solanum dasyphyllum, hexane fraction of S. dasyphyllum (HFSD), dichloromethane fraction of S. dasyphyllum (DFSD), ethylacetate fraction of S. dasyphyllum (EAFSD), methanolic fraction of S. dasyphyllum (MFSD) and crude fraction of S. dasyphyllum (CFSD) on cyanide-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in vitro in the cerebral cortex. Neuroprotective activities were evaluated by assaying for markers of oxidative stress, neurotoxicity and electron transport system enzymes via evaluating lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), NADH-succinate dehydrogenase (NSD), NADH-cytochrome c reductase (NCR), and succinate-cytochrome c reductase (SCR) in the homogenate of cerebral cortex. The results showed that all solvent fractions of S. dasyphyllum significantly ameliorated cyanide-induced oxidative stress (P < 0.05). It inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase-HFSD (68.42 ± 5.37%), DFSD (36.32 ± 5.45%), EFA (20 ± 0.69%), MFSD (33.16 ± 4.8%) and CFSD (35.79 ± 2.8%), increased the activity of NSD [HFSD (94.74 ± 7.3%), EAFSD (78.95 ± 5.4%) and CFSD (60.53 ± 4.6%)], while DFSD (− 5.26 ± 1.4%) and MFSD (− 7.9 ± 0.4%) had a negative effect, increased the activity of NCR [HFSD (91.89 ± 7.1%), DFSD (90.54 ± 8.2%), EAFSD (62.16 ± 4.7%); MFSD (306.76 ± 7.2%) and CFSD (154.0 ± 8.1%)]. All the solvent fractions also significantly increased the activity of SCR [HFSD (70.59 ± 3.8%), EAFSD (58.82 ± 6.4%), MFSD (88.24 ± 9.0%) CFSD (76.47 ± 8.2%)] apart from DFSD (− 5.88 ± 1.2%) in rat cerebral cortex. This result shows that S. dasyphyllum has neuroprotective activities, however HFSD shows the most potent bioactivities in maintaining mitochondria integrity by preserving the electron transport system. Further work can be done on isolating and characterizing the bioactive compound in HFSD for novel natural product in the treatment of neurological disorders.
TL;DR: A tiered approach applying in vivo and in vitro studies to investigate the pharmacodynamic activity and underlying mechanisms of action of Bronchipret TP is reported, finding that the interaction of different compounds seems to be required for its overall inhibitory effect on leukotriene production.
Abstract: The herbal medicinal product Bronchipret® TP film-coated tablets contains a fixed combination of thyme and primula dry extracts (BRO) and has long and successfully been used for the treatment of acute bronchitis. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of action have not been determined so far. We report a tiered approach applying in vivo and in vitro studies to investigate the pharmacodynamic activity and underlying mechanisms of action, and to identify possible active ingredients contributing to the product’s pharmacodynamic activity. In an LPS-induced rat model of bronchoalveolitis oral administration of BRO effectively ameliorated the influx of leukocytes into the lung. This was accompanied by reduced levels of leukotriene (LT) B4, cysteinyl-LTs (cysLT), and prostaglandin (PG) E2. We also found that BRO potently reduced the production of LTB4 in vitro in rat whole blood stimulated with the Ca2+-ionophore A23187 whereas the effect on PGE2 was much less pronounced. The transferability of these findings to human cells was assessed by measuring the effects of BRO on A23187-stimulated human monocytes and neutrophils. BRO and thyme extract were potent inhibitors of LTB4 and cysLT production. We further investigated the effects of BRO, thyme extract as well as single compounds of thyme extract on enzymatic activity of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). 5-LO activity was potently reduced by BRO and thyme extract. Of the single ingredients, thymoquinone and rosmarinic acid showed most potent inhibitory activity against 5-LO, with lower potency for thymol and carvacrol. BRO attenuates inflammation-induced leukotriene formation in vivo and affects leukotriene biosynthesis in vitro via 5-LO inhibition. This inhibitory activity appears to be primarily related to the thyme extract component. However, none of the single ingredients tested seems to fully account for the activity of thyme extract alone. Rather, the interaction of different compounds seems to be required for its overall inhibitory effect on leukotriene production.
TL;DR: Abutilon hirtum extract and fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic and antipyretsic activities which may be attributed by the presence of active phytoconstituents.
Abstract: Many plants of genus Abutilon are traditionally used for treatment of inflammation, bronchitis, piles, gonorrhea, diabetes and fever. Abutilon hirtum is traditionally used to ease the pain of kidney gravel, to treat diarrhoea, cough and toothache, to cure bladder inflammations, wounds and ulcers and as an antipyretic, demulcent, diuretic and mouth wash. The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic effects of the total ethanolic extract and different fractions of Abutilon hirtum (Lam.) Sweet leaves. Air dried powder of A. hirtum leaves were extracted using 95% ethanol and fractionated successively with petroleum ether, chloroform and finally with ethyl acetate. The extracts were concentrated to afford petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions and were investigated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic and antidiabetic activities using carrageenan-induced paw edema, hot plate, yeast -induced pyrexia and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia methods, respectively. The total ethanolic extract and the chloroform fraction exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activity with a percentage of inhibition 50.8% which is close to that of indomethacin (52.4%). The aqueous extract exhibited the maximum analgesic activity (216.6%) with a rapid onset and a longer duration followed by petroleum ether and chloroform fractions and total extract (189.8, 186.9 and 183.0%, respectively), which is almost similar to that of acetylsalicylic acid (186.4%). The total ethanolic extract showed higher activity compared to the used standard acetylsalicylic acid with a rapid onset (30 min) and a longer duration exhibiting the maximum activity. The crude polysaccharides fraction showed a significant lowering in blood glucose level (81.08%). The total extract and petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions exhibited a significant anti-diabetic activity after 5 h (47.49, 47.79, 50.04, 49.80 and 46.36%, respectively) compared with that of metformin (55.45%). Abutilon hirtum extract and fractions exhibited anti-inflammatory analgesic, antipyretic and antipyretic activities which may be attributed by the presence of active phytoconstituents.
TL;DR: The complex herbal medicine Sinupret® syrup alleviates effectively the symptoms of acute viral rhinosinusitis in children and the prescription of antibiotics was also reduced.
Abstract: This study was designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the complex herbal medicine Sinupret® syrup in the treatment of acute viral rhinosinusitis in children. Patients aged 6 to 11 years were included in a randomised controlled study with two parallel groups. Both groups received standard treatment including Weber’s douche and symptomatic medicine on therapeutic grounds. Isotonic sea salt solution was applied four times daily for 10 days. The intervention group received Sinupret® syrup three times daily as add-on therapy. Using a five-point scale (0–4 points) the physicians evaluated the following symptomatic parameters within four successive visits (Day 0, 5, 7, and 10): nasal congestion, nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, headache, and facial pain. Using a 11 -point scale (0–10 points), each patient gave a daily self-assessment of the following parameters from Day 1 to Day 10: rhinorrhoea, headache, and facial pain. In total, 184 patients (mean age 8.1 years) were included. In accordance with physicians’ assessment compared to saline irrigation alone, significant improvements were detected in three out of five symptomatic parameters under combined treatment including Sinupret® syrup as assessed by the physicians. The between-group differences in the severity of facial pain and headache were insignificant. The Sinupret® group also showed a trend to an antibiotic-sparing effect (2.17% in the Sinupret® group vs. 5.26% in the control group). Further, the frequency of the transition of viral rhinosinusitis to the post-viral phase tended to decrease (1.08% in the Sinupret® group vs. 5.26% in the control group). No adverse reactions to the herbal medicine occurred during the study period. The complex herbal medicine Sinupret® syrup alleviates effectively the symptoms of acute viral rhinosinusitis in children. Furthermore, the prescription of antibiotics was also reduced.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the phytochemical content and the evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, larvicidal and antidiabetic activities of the methanol extracts of S.caryophyllatum (Bark, leaves, fruit pulp and seeds).
Abstract: The systematic screening of plant species with the purpose of discovering new bioactive compounds is prerequisite for any bioprospecting study. Therefore the present study was carried out to assess the phytochemical content and the evaluation of in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, larvicidal and antidiabetic activities of the methanol extracts of S.caryophyllatum bark, leaves, fruit pulp and seeds. The quantitative estimation of total phenol, flavonoid and tannin content of the extracts of S. caryophyllatum bark, leaf, fruit pulp and seeds were analyzed by using standard methods. The present study also conducted to screen antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS assays), antimicrobial, antidiabetic (in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays) and larvicidal (against fourth instars larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus) activities of methanol extract of S. caryophyllatum. The results of quantitative phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of maximum amount of phytoconstituents such as phenol, flavonoids and tannins in the leaf, bark and seed extract when compared to fruit pulp extracts. Free radical scavenging activity indicated that methanol bark, leaves, fruit and seeds extracts has significant free radical scavenging ability on DPPH with percentage inhibition of 88.15%, 81.31%, 75.24% and 83.36% respectively. The in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory studies of the methanol crude extracts of four different plant parts of S. caryophyllatum (Bark, leaf fruit pulp and seed) showed good inhibitory activities in concentration dependent manner. The maximum percentage inhibitory activity of 78.03% was showed at concentration of 500 μg/ml seed extracts followed by bark (78.03%), leaf (69.4%) and fruit pulp (56.9%) at the same concentration. While the percentage inhibitory activity of four extracts also showed potent inhibition of α-glucosidase; maximum inhibition exhibited at the concentration of 100 μg/ml by bark extract (80.9%) compared with other extracts, leaf (78.2%), seed (77.59%) and fruit pulp (63.35%). The leaf essential oil and four extracts showed significant mortality against fourth instars larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus respectively. Thus the present study suggests that S.caryophyllatum plant parts can be used as natural antioxidant source to prevent diseases associated with free radicals. Also, this plant can be a good source for further purification studies for isolation and characterization of compounds related to these antioxidants, antidiabetic and antibacterial activities.
TL;DR: It is proposed that HIE modulates the oxidant/antioxidant in favor of reducing oxidative stress, hypoglycemia and improved the lipid profile in treated groups.
Abstract: Hemidesmus indicus is an important medicinal plant and extensively used in Ayurvedic and Unani system of medicine. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic potential of methanolic extract of roots of Hemidesmus indicus (HIE) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic mice. HIE was analyzed by LC-MS to determine its phytochemical composition. The in-vitro antioxidant activity of HIE was analyzed through inhibition of free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), total antioxidant power (TAP) and reducing power. Diabetes in mice was induced by a single dose of STZ followed by HIE treatment. The antioxidative, hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic activity were studied ex-vivo in tissues of diabetic mice. Phytochemical composition of hemidesmus indicus roots (HIE) revealed the presence of phenols, flavanoids, terpenoids and about 40 different phytoconstituents by LC-MS analysis. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and modulation in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S- transferase (GST) activity and glutathione (GSH) content showed potent antioxidant activity of HIE in STZ induced diabetic mice, which was also substantiated by in-vitro antioxidant assays. The decrease in fasting blood glucose and serum lipid profile was also observed in mice administered HIE. It is proposed that HIE modulates the oxidant/antioxidant in favor of reducing oxidative stress, hypoglycemia and improved the lipid profile in treated groups.
TL;DR: In this paper, the root-bark extract of Zanthoxylum budrunga (ZBRB) has been investigated to explore antioxidant, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and a cytotoxic activity of ethanolic root bark extract and quantify the major bioactive polyphenolic constituents by HPLC analysis.
Abstract: The root-bark of the medicinally important plant Zanthoxylum budrunga (ZBRB) brooks a variety of uses in ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal practice in Bangladesh and thus demands biological investigation to reveal its therapeutic potentiality. So, the present study was perpetrated to explore antioxidant, analgesic, antidiarrhoeal, and a cytotoxic activity of ethanolic root-bark extract of Zanthoxylum budrunga and was also to quantify the major bioactive polyphenolic constituents by HPLC analysis. Total phenolic content was measured spectrophotometrically by using Folin Chiocalteu’s reagent while in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by means of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay. HPLC analysis was performed to identify and quantify the major bioactive polyphenolic constituents present in the extract. Acetic acid induced writhing test and hot-plate test were conducted to evaluate the analgesic activity of the crude extract. On the other hand, in vivo antidiarrheal potentiality was investigated by using experimentally castor oil induced diarrhoea in mice and brine shrimp lethality bio-assay was implemented to check the cytotoxic potentiality of the crude extract. Zanthoxylum budrunga showed DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 54.27 μg/mL), while the total phenolic content was 647.91 mg GAE/100 g of extract. ZBRB also showed concentration dependent ferric reducing power activity. At the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, ZBRB exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of writhing in test mice (64.58 and 77.78%, respectively). In hot-plate test, ZBRB, at the above dose levels, significantly (P < 0.001) prolonged pain threshold with response time of 5.80 and 6.81 s, respectively. In castor oil induced diarrhoeal episode in mice, ZBRB exhibited 66.56% and 83.39% inhibition of defecation at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.001). The LC50 (Median lethal concentration) value of ZBRB in brine shrimp lethality bioassay was found to be 21.84 μg/mL. In the HPLC analysis, (+)-catechin, caffeic acid and quercetin were detected with the concentration of 17.94 mg/100, 3.72 mg/100 and 11.95 mg/100 g of ethanolic extract of ZBRB, respectively. The results rationalize the uses of the plant in traditional medicine for diarrhoeal as well as pain management. Catechin, caffeic acid, and other phenolics constituents might have some function in the observed activity.
TL;DR: The findings of efficacy and safety from these trials for the different preparations appear to be promising, and have encouraged an increasing number of studies to search for new medical herbs or their combinations for allergic rhinitis therapy.
Abstract: Allergic rhinitis is one of the most important medical conditions; with around 10–25% of the global population suffering from allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis also increases the risk of bronchial asthma, chronic sinusitis, and otitis media. While allergen-specific immunotherapy, antihistamine drugs, cromones, and topical and systemic corticosteroids are commonly used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, phytotherapy for allergic rhinitis as alternative treatment is not commonly employed world-wide. Furthermore, like conventional therapies, specific plants may demonstrate adverse effects as they may possibly act as sources of allergens, which can cause immediate or delayed-type allergic reactions resulting in unexpected clinical manifestations. Despite the prevalence of a generally critical and sceptical attitude towards the use of phototherapy for treatment of allergic rhinitis, the search for herbal drugs for the treatment of this disease is underway. In this regard, some studies confirm a lack of efficacy for some herbal medicine, while other trials provide evidence for relatively high efficacy of phytodrugs for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Despite the shortcomings of many of these trials, the findings of efficacy and safety from these trials for the different preparations appear to be promising, and have encouraged an increasing number of studies to search for new medical herbs or their combinations for allergic rhinitis therapy. This article reviews the available evidence-based information on the experience of phototherapy for allergic rhinitis employed in oriental and European medicine.
TL;DR: Evaluating the phytochemical nature with Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, analgesic, antipyretic activities of the methanolic plant extract of Lathyrus sativus L. seeds demonstrated that the plant extract has potential CNS depressant , analgesic and antipyRETic activity.
Abstract: Lathyrus sativus L. (Fabaceae) has long been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments such as Scabies, eczema, and allergy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical nature with Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant, analgesic, antipyretic activities of the methanolic plant extract of Lathyrus sativus L. seeds in different experimental models. Preliminary phytochemical screening and proximate analysis was carried out using different standard methods. CNS depressant activity was evaluated observing the effects of plant extract on Swiss albino mice using open field and hole-cross method. Acetic acid induced writhing and formalin induced paw licking methods were used for the appraisal of analgesic activity while 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) induced pyrexia model was used to investigate the antipyretic activity. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test using SPSS (version 20). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of wide range of phytoconstituents in the plant extract. Our investigation demonstrated that the methanolic plant extract significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the locomotor activity of mice in open field and hole-cross method at both the tested doses (200 and 300 mg/kg) which were comparable to the standard drug diazepam (1 mg/kg). The plant extracts significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited the writhing induced by acetic acid in mice to 87.09% and 80.65% (200 and 300 mg/kg respectively) compared to the standard indomethacin (70.97%). The extracts (200 and 300 mg/kg respectively) also significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the writhing to 43.39%, 64.15% in early and 46.15%, 97.44% in late phase of formalin-induced licking and biting. In 2,4-DNP induced pyrexia the extracts exhibited protection at 200 and 400 mg/kg, similar to standard drug aspirin at 150 mg/kg. The results demonstrated that the plant extract has potential CNS depressant, analgesic and antipyretic activity.
TL;DR: The results of the study show that the extract of Ganoderma lucidum possesses aphrodisiac activity in male Wistar rats, and has significantly increased the mounting behavior and mating performance of the rats.
Abstract: Ganoderma lucidum was traditionally used to manage male sexual dysfunction. This study was designed to investigate and establish the traditional aphrodisiac potential of the herb. Aphrodisiac potential was evaluated following the oral administration of two different doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) of ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum. Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and distilled water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies, mating performance, and orientation activities towards females, towards the environment, and towards self were observed. Serum testosterone levels were also evaluated. The results of the study show that the extract has significantly increased the mounting behavior and mating performance of the rats. There was also significant increase in the number of intromissions and ejaculations. The rats treated with extract were more interested in female rats as indicated by significant increase in the number of anogenital sniffing and climbing. Serum testosterone levels were also significantly increased in the treatment groups. Ethanol extract of Ganoderma lucidum possesses aphrodisiac activity in male Wistar rats. The lower dose of 150 mg/kg was more effective in terms of aphrodisiac potential of the extract.
TL;DR: This study demonstrates the possession of significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of D. malabarica extract which could be helpful for drug development program.
Abstract: Diospyros malabarica is a well known flowering plant indigenous to Indian subcontinent which is used in folklore medicine for several purposes. Our study is designed to assess the neuropharmacological and antibacterial efficacy of the ethyl acetate extract of D. malabarica seeds. The behavioral anxiolytic activities of the extract were assessed by using open field (OFT), hole cross (HCT), elevated plus maze (EPZ), hole board (HBT), light dark test (LDT); and antidepressant activities through forced swimming (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Antimicrobial potential was assessed through disc diffusion method. In OFT and HCT, the extract treated groups significantly (*p < 0.05) decrease the movement of animals when compared to vehicle-treated group. Higher dose (400 mg/kg b.w.) of extract greatly increased the spending time in open arm of EPZ, which endorses anxiolytic-like behavior of extract. The observed effect may be due to binding of any phytoconstituent with GABAA receptor. HBT and LDT results support the exploratory behavior of mice. The extract significantly decreased the immobility time in FST (20.71% for 200 mg/kg, and 31.59% for 400 mg/kg extract) and TST, which indicates the occupancy of antidepressant-active constituents. Gram negative bacteria were susceptible to extract than Gram positive strains; however the antimicrobial effect is not significant, hence trivial to declare. Our study demonstrates the possession of significant anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of D. malabarica extract which could be helpful for drug development program. Before potential therapeutic use, finding of the exact phytoconstituents with their mechanisms, and clinical trial are recommended.