Showing papers in "International Journal of Applied Research in Natural Products in 2009"

Herbal medicines for wound healing among tribal people in Southern India: Ethnobotanical and Scientific evidences

Abstract: Summary: Results of an ethnobotanical study of wound healing treatments among the tribal people of Tirunelveli hills in southern India are presented. A total of 46 plants belonging to 44 genera and 26 families have been documented for their therapeutic use against wounds and related injuries such as cuts, burns, bruises caused by external injury, boils, sores, abscess and wounds created during delivery. Leaves were the most frequently utilized plant part and most herbal remedies are prepared as paste and applied externally; in some cases medicinal preparations were also administered orally. Of the plants collected in the present study none of the plants have been reported to have such specific wound healing compounds except Areca catechu and Scoparia dulcis . The present study suggested that further clinical experimentation is needed to scientifically evaluate these widely used herbal remedies for possible bioactive effects. Industrial Relevance: The study of ethnomedical systems and herbal medicines as therapeutic agents of a paramount importance in addressing health problems of traditional communities and third world countries as well as industrialized societies. Of the reported plants, Acalypha indica , Anacardium occidentale , Areca catechu , Calotropis gigantea , Cissampelos pareira , Cleome viscosa , Eupatorium odoratum , Euphorbia hirta , Ficus racemosa , Ixora coccinia , Morinda pubescens , Opuntia dillenii , Pongamia pinnata , Scoparia dulcis and Vitex altissima were studied in animal models for wound healing, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity on the basis of their use in traditional medicine as wound healers and these plants can be used to formulate drugs in pharmaceutical companies.

Comparison of Antioxidant Potential and Rat intestinal a-Glucosidases inhibitory Activities of Quercetin, Rutin, and Isoquercetin

Abstract: Summary: Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidases involved in the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates can decrease the postprandial increase of blood glucose level after a mixed carbohydrate diet. Therefore, the inhibitory activity of quercetin and its glycoside derivatives such as rutin and isoquercetin against rat intestinal α- glucosidases (sucrase, maltase, glucoamylase, and isomaltase) and porcine pancreatic α-amylase were compared in vitro. Among the tested three flavonols, quercetin had the highest maltase, glucoamylase, and isomaltase inhibitory activities. The isomaltase and α-amylase inhibitory activities of the above three flavonols were also compared to a known type 2 diabetes drug (Acarbose), strong α-amylase inhibitor. Compared to acarbose, quercetin and its derivatives showed a significant inhibition of isomaltase but did not show high inhibitory activity against porcine pancreatic α-amylase. Furthermore, the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) of these flavonols was evaluated. Quercetin had the highest peroxyl radical absorbing activity, followed by rutin and isoquercetin. These results suggest that the selected flavonols which have high ORAC value with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and low α-amylase activity could be physiologically useful for treatment of diabetes, although in vivo experiments are needed. Industrial relevance: The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity in quercetin would be helpful to manage glucose uptake and the glucose-induced increased levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) linked to hyperglycemia. This in vitro study therefore provides the biochemical rationale for the benefit of quercetin- based dietary supplement and enzymatic conversion from rutin or isoquercetin to quercetin for enhancing bioactive food components using high rutin-contained grain such as buckwheat.

Evaluation of the wound healing activity of a crude extract of Rubia cordifolia L. (Indian madder) in mice

Abstract: Summary: India has a rich tradition of plant based knowledge on healthcare. A large number of plants are used by folklore traditions in India for treatment of cuts, wounds and burns. Rubia cordifolia Linn. (Rubiaceae) is popular all over the world for its medicinal uses in skin diseases like eczema, dermatitis, skin ulcers, etc. In India, it is used traditionally for various types of skin diseases. Hence, the present study was aimed to evaluate its scientific validity. The alcoholic extract and the hydrogel of same were investigated for the evaluation of its healing efficiency on excision wound model in mice. A different formulation of alcoholic extract was topically applied on the excision wound surface as a single dose. Wound area and histopathology were used to evaluate the effect on wound healing. The effect produced by gel, in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure, decrease in surface area of wound, tissue regeneration at the wound site and histopathological characteristics were significant (p < 0.01) in treated mice. The present study thus provides a scientific rationale for the traditional use of this plant in the management of the wounds. Industrial relevance: R. cordifolia is used for the treatment of skin itches and as an antiseptic for wounds. It has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of cancers, ulcers, swellings, eczema. In traditional systems there was only claim for the wound healing activity of this plant. However, there is no scientific data to support the wound healing activity of R. cordifolia on excision wound model. Hence, we have conducted the present study to explore the wound healing activity of R. cordifolia crude extract as well as its gel formulation against the specific microorganisms which generally infect wound. The gel is an effective topical dosage form and easy to formulate. It would be an economical option for treatment of wounds.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Methanolic Extract of Solanum nigrum Linn Berries

Abstract: Summary: The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of berries of Solanum nigrum Linn. The medicinal values of the berries of Solanum nigrum (Black night shades) have been mentioned in ancient literature as useful in disorders of inflammation. Dried pulverized berries of Solanum nigrum were extracted with methanol by using soxhlet apparatus. The effect of methanolic extracts of berries of Solanum nigrum were studied on carrageenan induced paw edema. The methanolic extract decreased the edema induced in hind paw. The methanolic extract of Solanum nigrum (375 mg/kg b.w.) has showed significant anti-inflammatory. It has been concluded that methanolic extract of berries of Solanum nigrum Linn (375 mg/kg b.w.) augments that it is having good anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan induced paw edema. Industrial relevance : The herbal medicines are getting more importance in the treatment of inflammation because of the toxic effect of the current therapy used to treat those inflammation using synthetic drugs. Herbal medicine are less toxic and less costly when compared to the synthetic drugs. The present study will help the industry to produce herbal drug with less side effect, less costly affordable and more effective in the treatment of inflammation. Finally the phytochemical screening or elucidation of the bioactive compounds from the plant would be effective drug against inflammation.

The Aqueous Seed Extract Of Carica papaya Linn. Prevents Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Hepatotoxicity In Rats

Abstract: Summary: Carica papaya Linn. is known to have a versatile application in African folkloric medicine. In the current study, the dose-dependent (100 – 400 mg/kg/day/oral route) and time-course protective effects of the 400 mg/kg/oral route of the aqueous seed extract of unripe and mature Carica papaya fruit ( CPE ) were investigated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) hepatotoxic rats for 72 hours. Results showed the extract to cause significant (p<0.05, p<0.001), dose related attenuation in the elevation of serum liver enzyme markers of acute hepatocellular injury (ALT, AST), serum lipids (TG, TC, HDL-c, LDL-c and VLDL-c) and serum proteins (TP and ALB). Maximum hepatoprotection was offered at an oral dose of 400 mg/kg/day of the extract. The biochemical results obtained were corroborated by improvements in the CCl 4 -induced hepatic histological changes. In addition, maximum hepatoprotection was offered at the 400 mg/kg of CPE for up to 3 hours post-CCl 4 induction. In conclusion, the results obtained in the current study justify the folkloric application of CPE in the treatment of drug-related hepatic injury. Industrial relevance: Results of the current study provide some scientific information to develop safe and effective products such as food supplements, dietary supplements, etc. that could be useful in the clinical management of patients with drug related hepatic disorders.

Efficacy of aqueous extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica for the management of diabetes in experimental model rat: A correlative study with antihyperlipidemic activity

Abstract: The present study reports the effects of aqueous extract of seed of Holarrhena antidysenterica for the management of streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetes in rat. For the management of the carbohydrate metabolism in diabetes by the said extract, the activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes like glucose-6-phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and hexokinase in liver along with quantification of glycogen in liver and skeletal muscle were measured and noted a significant recovery in respect to diabetic control group. As hyperlipidemia is one of the disorders of diabetes so, we have also assessed the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLc) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc). The said aqueous extract also resulted a significant recovery in the levels of above mentioned biosensors of lipid profile when treated to experimentally induce diabetic rat. The extract has no toxic effect in general which has been focused here by the monitoring of GOT and GPT activities in liver and kidney. The results of this study enlighted that the aqueous extract of said plant part has both antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities. Industrial relevance: Diet therapy along with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agent, an important way of treatment for the management of diabetes though the hypoglycemic agents used in this purpose have several demerits. Plants have been used for the treatment of different diseases from ancient time in the world. Herbal drugs are mostly less side effect than the chemical drugs. At present, lots of herbal formulations are available in the market as tablet form consisting of all raw materials. Our study will help to the herbal industries to form a new herbal drug for the management of diabetes with less side effects and minimum cost as the plants are available in the nature. The screening of the active principal (s) of the plant part would be a more potent target drug against diabetes which will help the herbal pharma industries for the generation of new and more effective drug in this purpose.

Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Pisonia alba Span. Leaves on Blood Glucose levels and Histological Changes in Tissues of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic rats

Abstract: Summary: The ethanolic extract of Pisonia alba Span (Nyctaginaceae) (PAEt) was found to have antidiabetic activity that reduces blood sugar level in alloxan induced diabetic rats. In this study, a 15 days antihyperglycemic effect of the two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg b.w.p.o) of PAEt was investigated. Glibenclamide was used as a reference drug at a dose of 0.6 mg/kg b.w. Treatment of alloxan diabetic wistar rats with the extract caused a significant (P<0.01) reduction in the blood glucose levels when compared with control. PAEt also showed significant lipid peroxide scavenging in vitro, besides exhibiting significant activity in quenching 1,1-diphenyl-2 picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, thereby indicating its potent antioxidant effects. Treatment with PAEt of the diabetic animals helped to maintain the body weight at near normal values and maintain the glucose levels of urine below 2% like glibenclamide. Treatment with the ethanol extract of Pisonia alba Span (Nyctaginaceae) (PAEt) was found to almost restore the normal histological architecture of the liver, kidney and pancreas of alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Industrial relevance: Herbal medicines are getting more importance in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus and other ailments because of the hazardous adverse effects of the current therapy used to treat these ailments using synthetic drugs. Diabetes can be controlled by allopathic medicine as well as herbal medicine. In case of allopathic medicine, complete cure and tolerance are major problems. Herbal medicine is free from side effects and less costly when compared to synthetic hypoglycemic agents. Nowadays a lot of herbal formulations are available as tablets and other dosage forms. The present study will help the industry to produce herbal drugs with fewer side effects, which are affordable and more effective in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus.

Studies on the anti-diarrheal properties of seed extract of Monodora tenuifolia

Abstract: Summary: The anti-diarrheal effect of methanol extract (ME) of seeds of Monodora tenuifolia Benth (Annonaceae), a wildly growing orchid flowering tree whose seed is traditionally used as antidiarrhea remedy, was studied using rodent models of diarrhea, enteropooling and gastrointestinal motility induced by castor oil. Acute toxicity and lethality (LD 50 ) and phytochemical constituents of ME were also evaluated. The results showed that ME significantly ( P <0.05) reduced the watery texture and number of fecal droppings over 4 h. It also significantly ( P <0.05) reduced the volume and weight of intestinal content in a non-dose-related manner. On gastro-intestinal motility, ME significantly ( P <0.05) reduced the small intestinal transit of charcoal meal in mice induced by castor oil in a non-dose-related manner. Phytochemical analysis showed that ME tested positive to carbohydrates, saponins, proteins, resins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, fats and oil. Acute toxicity and lethality studies on ME revealed an oral LD 50 greater than 5000 mg/kg in mice. These results showed that seeds of M. tenuifolia possess anti-diarrheal properties mediated through inhibition of hyper-secretion and gastrointestinal motility which substantiate the use in the treatment of diarrhea in traditional medicine. Industrial relevance: The industrial relevance of findings from this study derives from the possibility of formulating the powdered seed of this plant or its alcohol extract, into a herbal anti-diarrhea remedy. From this study and the age long use as condiment, toxicity may not preclude use as a medicament.

Anticonvulsant Effect of Drosera burmannii Vahl

Abstract: Summary: The antiepileptic activity of the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the whole plant of Drosera burmannii was examined against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizures in mice. Acute toxicity studies were carried out to evaluate the drug’s toxicity and to determine the minimum lethal dose of the drug extracts, using swiss albino mice. It was found that alcoholic and aqueous extracts up to a dose of 3000mg/kg body weight, did not show any toxic manifestations or death. In PTZ induced seizures, the administration of Drosera burmannii alcoholic extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg 1 h prior to the injection of PTZ, significantly (p<0.01) delayed the onset of convulsions. Neither alcoholic nor aqueous extracts at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight could exert any significant protective effect on PTZ induced convulsions. Diazepam in a dose of 4mg/ kg, totally abolished the episodes of convulsions. Alcoholic extract at the dose level of 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant antiepileptic activity. Industrial relevance: Convulsion has now become the most serious disorder, which accounts for about 1% of the world’s burden of diseases. A number of synthetic anticonvulsant drugs are available in the market. However, the side effects and the drug interactions are major restrictions in its clinical utility. Herbal medicines are widely used due to their therapeutic efficacy coupled with least side effects, which initiate the scientific research regarding the anticonvulsant activity. The present study will help the industry to develop herbal medicine in the treatment of convulsion with fewer side effects. In future the development of formulation by these plant constituents will give good anti-convulsion drug at lower cost.

Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities of Olax viridis root bark extracts and fractions

Abstract: Summary: Olax viridis root bark is used in ethnomedicine for management of wound ulcers, diarrhea, venereal disease, craw - craw and ring worm. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Olax viridis root bark extracts and fractions are investigated. The pulverized plant material was extracted with hexane (F1) and methanol (F1) in succession in a soxhlet and the extracts fractionated into F3 – F9. All the fractions were screened for activity against some clinical strains of bacteria and fungi. F1 was also screened for anti-inflammatory activity. At 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg (i.p.) F1 showed significant (P<0.05) activity with edema inhibition of 23.08, 14.53 and 42.72 % respectively. The LD 50 of F1 was 2154 mg/kg. F1 and F2 showed broad spectrum antibacterial activity, but lacked activity against the fungal species tested. F3 showed very high activity against Bacillus subtillis , Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 400, 350 and 300 μg/ml respectively. F7 and F8 also showed very high and broad spectrum antibacterial activity comparable to ciprofloxacin. This study provides the rationale for some of the traditional uses of the extracts of Olax virids root bark. Industrial relevance: Inflammatory disorders are a major course of morbidity for the working force throughout the world. Medicinal plants have shown great promise in the management of various inflammatory disorders and have continued to serve as alternative and complementary therapies. Olax viridis root bark has been used in ethnomedicinal management of some inflammatory conditions and this has been validated by the present study. The observed antimicrobial effect of the plant material will be much desirable in the modulation of inflammation caused by microbial inversion. The present work is a step towards the isolation and characterization of lead anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents from the extract of Olax viridis , which can be developed into better therapeutic molecules targeted towards some specific inflammatory diseases.

Some Nutriceutical Potential of Beniseed Oil

Abstract: Summary: Beniseed ( Sesame indicum ) and its oil were evaluated for their physicochemical and nutritional profile, and also for possible pharmaceutical application as an adjunct in self- emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFS) for future use as drug delivery vehicle for poorly aqueous soluble drugs. Beniseed oil was extracted using standard procedure. Both the seed and oil were subjected to proximate, physicochemical, phytochemical, and toxicological evaluations following standard methods, and SEOFS were developed and evaluated accordingly. The results obtained demonstrated their notable good safety profile, while their nutritional and phytochemical compositions indicate their obvious usefulness as health promoting nutritional supplements. The developed SEOFS formulations containing Beniseed oil were found to be stable and the recorded emulsification times indicate its potential ability to facilitate fast and efficient release of any embedded drug. Industrial Relevance: Beniseed (Sesame indicum) belongs to the family Pedaliacea. It is commonly called Beniseed in Nigeria. The tiny spherical seeds are edible, having milky flowering flavour. The oil is widely employed in cooking and in the manufacture of margarine and pharmaceuticals. The antioxidant beta-carotene and steroid have also been found in Beniseed oil. Given the findings in this present study, seeds and oil extract from the seeds of Sesame indicum present useful applications as nutritional supplements, and also as possible pharmaceutical adjunct in self- emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFS) for future use as drug delivery vehicle for poorly aqueous soluble drugs. The developed SEOFS formulation containing Beniseed oil is expected to be a welcome addition to the clinical arsenal for the delivery of poorly water soluble drugs. There is also need for further pre-clinical and clinical researches involving the oil towards pharmaceutical applications in the delivery of specific drug agents.

Duration dependent effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of leaf of S.hernandifolia and root of A.aspera on testicular androgenic and gametogenic activity: An approach for male herbal contraceptive development

Abstract: Summary: The present study was conducted to investigate the duration dependent antifertility activity of the hydro-ethanolic (1:1) composite extract of Stephania hernandifolia ( S. hernandifolia ) and Achyranthes aspera ( A. aspera ) at a ratio of 1:3 and at a dose of 80 mg/100g body weight on male rats. Hydro-ethanolic (1:1) composite extract was administered orally at a dose of 80 mg/100g body weight for 7 days or 14 days or 28 days. Epididymal sperm count, androgenic key enzymes activity, plasma level of testosterone, oxidative stress parameters, spermatogenic cell cycle at stage VII along with seminiferous tubular diameter (STD) and toxicity tests of liver and kidney were performed. Composite extract treatment for 14 days and 28 days treatment showed a significant decrease (P< 0.05) in the epididymal sperm count, androgenic key enzyme activities, and plasma testosterone level along with increase in the level of testicular cholesterol in respect to control. But the relative weights of accessory reproductive organs, number of different generation of germ cells at stage VII of seminiferous epithelial cycle and STD were reduced significantly only after 28 days of treatment. Significant decrease (P< 0.05) in sperm motility, catalase activity, along with increased levels in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and conjugated dienes (CD) in sperm pellet were noted in all the durations of treatment. The said effects were more prominent when the treatment was continued for 28 days. Activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase(GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in liver and kidney were not differ from the control level after 28 days of treatment. The hydro-ethanolic (1:1) extract of S. hernandifolia and A. aspera in composite manner at a ratio of 1:3 and at a dose of 80 mg/100g body weight has a better antifertility effect when treatment regimen was for 28 days. Industrial relevance: Population explosion is one of the major problems in the developing countries. There are several contraceptive agents including hormonal agent available but none are without side effect. Now herbal formulations are gaining more popularity for treatment of several diseases including reproductive health problems. This study would be helpful for the industries to develop herbal preparation with fewer side effects and cost effective treatment for birth control. Isolation of bio-active molecule(s) from the composite extract will help us for the development of male contraceptive.

Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activities of a Chinese Herbal Recipe (DJW) in Animal Models

Abstract: Summary: Since in our previous study, Duhuo Jisheng Wan (DJW), which means pill of pubescent angelica root and mulberry mistletoe combination, demonstrates clinically comparable efficacy to diclofenac in the symptomatic treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee after 4 weeks of treatment. Therefore, in order to verify its mechanisms of action, this study was performed to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of DJW in various animal models. The antinociceptive activity of DJW was investigated by using the formalin test in mice model. The acute inflammatory model using the carrageenin-induced hind paw edema in rats and the chronic inflammatory model using the cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats were utilized. Results showed that DJW possessed a marked antinociceptive activity in both phases of the formalin test in mice. However, in the carrageenin-induced hind paw edema model, which is known to be sensitive to cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors, DJW showed an insignificant anti-inflammatory effect, and in the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, it had no antigranuloma formation and showed no effect on the transudate weight. In addition, DJW showed no suppressive effects on weight gain and the thymus weight of the rats. In conclusion, the overall results demonstrate that DJW possess both central and peripheral antinociceptive activities. However, its anti-inflammatory activity, if any, could not be demonstrated in these two inflammatory models in the present study and remains to be elucidate. Industrial relevance: Since drug therapy in OA patients, such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and topical analgesics may prove ineffective in some patients, and long-term therapy with NSAIDs often have been associated with serious adverse effects. Such patients are turning increasingly to herbal medicines and DJW may be an alternative since it demonstrates clinically comparable efficacy to diclofenac in the symptomatic treatment of OA of the knee after 4 weeks of treatment in our previous study. The present study would help clarifying its mechanism(s) of action. With this additional information, it would be helpful for the industry to produce herbal formulation with known mechanism of action, less side effects, and has clinically comparative efficacy to conventional medicine in the symptomatic treatment of OA of the knee.

Determination of Organic Volatile Impurities in Herbal Formulations and Extracts by Capillary Gas Chromatography

Abstract: Summary: Organic volatile impurities (OVIs), residual solvents in herbal formulations and extracts were monitored using gas chromatography (GC) with Flame Ionisation detector (FID). As per GMP, measuring residual solvents is mandatory. It is now possible to take advantage of GC equipment with faster temperature ramping capabilities, in combination with shorter capillary GC columns, to achieve considerable gain in efficiency and reduction in analysis time. In the present study Gas chromatographic method for the determination of methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol at residual levels in herbal formulations and extracts was developed using a flame ionization detector and the separation was carried out on BP 624 column (30m X 0.53mm i.d. X 0.25µm coating thickness), using GC 17 A shimadzu, with nitrogen as carrier gas in the split mode by direct injection method. The retention time for standard methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol was found to be 3.72, 5.26 and 6.28 min respectively. The linearity for methanol, ethanol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was found to be in the range of 10-400µLmL-1 ,10 - 500 µL mL-1 and 1 -240 µLmL-1 respectively. The method was validated according to ICH guidelines. The method described is simple, sensitive, rugged, reliable and reproducible for the quantitation of methanol, ethanol and isopropyl levels from herbal formulations and extracts and their levels are found to be within the ICH limits. Industrial relevance: ICH guidelines have mentioned the limits for solvents according to their toxicity level. They have classified the solvents into four Classes, Class 1 limits 2, 4, 15 ppm for benzene, carbon tetrachloride and 1, 1, 1-trichloro ethane. Class 2 solvents viz; methanol 3000 ppm, Class 3 ethanol and isopropyl alcohol 5000 ppm. Since various solvents have been used for the extraction, granulation, film coating, cleaning and miscellaneous. It is impossible to remove the residual solvents completely; they cause serious hazardous to human health, thus determination of residual solvents has become mandatory to control the herbal extracts and formulation. Regulatory bodies have been very particular about the limits of various solvents.

Rubia cordifolia, Fagonia cretica linn and Tinospora cordifolia exert anti-inflammatory properties by modulating platelet aggregation and VEGF, COX-2 and VCAM gene expressions in rat hippocampal slices subjected to ischemic reperfusion injury.

Abstract: Summary: The formation of cerebral edema and central nervous system (CNS) inflammation are a result of cerebral ischemia. Pharmacological strategies to reverse or minimize acute ischemic brain injury include "antiplatelet" agents, anticoagulants, and thrombolytics. However, these therapies have either exhibited undesirable side effects or are not cost-effective for the common people. We report here the neuroprotective effects of three herbs Rubia cordifolia (RC), Fagonia cretica linn (FC) and Tinospora cordifolia (TC) as potent anti-inflammatory agents in view of their ability to downregulate the expressions of COX2 and VCAM genes and upregulate VEGF expression and inhibit platelet aggregation induced by multiple agonists in hypoxic-ischemic hippocampal slices. All the three herbs exhibited appreciable anti-inflammatory properties. Industrial relevance: The above work will lead to development of new anti-inflammatory drugs with less toxic preparations and has the potential to generate employment among people who will go farming of such medicinal plants.

The Physicochemical Evaluation and Applicability of Landolphia owariensis latex as a Release Modulating Agent in its Admixture with Carbosil® in Ibuprofen-loaded Self-Emulsifying Oil Formulations

Abstract: Summary: The need to address the problematic gastric irritation side effects and inconsistent bioavailability of most poorly soluble drugs has drawn the attention of researchers to self emulsifying drug delivery system as one of the possible solutions to these problems. Secondly self emulsifying oil formulations good as they may be could be associated with leakage from their hard gelatin capsules. This further motivated the introduction of gelling agents to address this problem. The objective of this work was to investigate some preliminary properties of Landolphia owariensis latex, including its applicability as a release modulating agent when admixed with Carbosil ® , a gelling agent in Ibuprofen-loaded Palm Kernel oil (PKO)-based self-emulsifying oil formulations (SEOFs). Purification and precipitation were carried out on the oil and the latex respectively. Some physicochemical properties of the latex were also determined. SEOFs were formulated using varying concentrations of PKO, Tween 80 and Span 85 and thereafter tested for isotropicity. Drug-loaded SEOFs with or without Landolphia owariensis latex (LOL) and Carbosil-LOL admixture respectively were evaluated for stability, emulsification time, drug release, aqueous dilution, freeze thaw and drug precipitation tests. Results showed that LOL contained some phytocostituents, had a reasonable adhesive strength, and could retard aqueous permeation. Three out of nine batches of the SEOFs passed the isotropicity test, witnessed no phase separation when emulsified and diluted, and could resist drug precipitation after dilution. LOL did not at all delay drug release from SEOFs unlike LOL-Carbosil admixture. LOL-Carbosil admixture significantly (p<0.05) reduced emulsification time. There was no consistent trend in the dynamic viscosity result. Stability of the SEOFs was maintained at refrigeration temperature of 2 0 C. The above results indicated that LOL, an oil-soluble latex possesses excipient usefulness when incorporated into SEOFs and can therefore be used to modulate the drug retarding effect of Carbosil in their SEOF formulations while retaining Carbosil’s gelling property. Industrial relevance: The major challenge confronting the biopharmaceutical properties of some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and poorly water soluble drugs include gastric irritation and poor GIT solubility/unpredictable bioavailability respectively. Self-emulsifying oil formulation is a lipid-based drug delivery system that addresses the above two challenges by fine globule-drug entrapment/solubilisation. In the GIT the o/w emulsion formed fortifies the drug enough for avoidance of direct drug-mucosal surface irritation and/ or erosion and better absorption profile cum consistent bioavailability. The industrial translation of SEOF is very easy; this is because it involves very

Residual aqueous fraction of stem bark extract of Xeromphis nilotica and behavioral effects in mice

Abstract: Summary: Xeromphis nilotica is a lowland shrub widespread in Northern Nigeria where it is used for treatment of mental disorders. This study aimed at evaluating the behavioral effects of the residual aqueous fraction of the stem bark extract of X. nilotica which is of relevance to its application in folklore medicine. The tests conducted were diazepam induced sleep in mice, beam walk assay in mice, hole-board test as well as acute toxicity test and Phytochemical analysis. The results revealed a high yield of the extract (3.02%). The LD 50 was calculated to be 471.2 mg/kg intraperitoneally. Phytochemical analysis revealed tannins. The extract also showed a dose dependent prolongation of diazepam induced sleep which was significant (p≤ 0.05) at 40 mg/kg (from 75±4.0 min in normal saline to 130.2±10.2 min). No significant effect on onset of sleep was however observed. In the hole-board test, an overall increase in exploratory activity was observed (22.0±1.2 mean number of head dips at 40 mg/kg) compared to diazepam 2 mg/kg (8.6±1.4 mean number of head dips). The extract had no effect on time spent on beam in the beam walk assay in mice but a significant (p≤ 0.05) difference was observed in the number of foot slips compared to diazepam 1 mg/kg, used as a standard reference drug. The extract showed 0.8±0.2, 1.0±0.4 and 1.2±0.2 mean number of slips at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg compared to diazepam with 7.2±2.0 mean number of slips. The overall results of this study revealed sedative effect of this fraction which might have contributed to the application of the stem bark of Xeromphis nilotica in ethno-medicine for treatment of mental disorders. Industrial relevance: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) about 450 million people suffer from a mental or behavioral disorder. Only a few of this population receives basic treatment. Many of them in the developing countries still rely on traditional healing practices and medicinal plants for treatment of these conditions. A number of medicinal plants are used in the management of mental or behavioral disorders. Scientific research is needed to provide evidences of the safety and efficacy of beneficial medicinal plants as well as develop from these plants newer agents with greater efficacy, minimal side effects and a favorable drug-drug, drug-food interactions. Behavioral studies are usually employed in the search for new drugs. These studies identify psychotropic effects of potential medicinal plants. Central nervous system depressant effect is observed in sedatives, hypnotics and tranquilizers as well as antidepressants at high doses. This study therefore will aid ultimately in the development of an agent to be used in treatment of one of the aforementioned neuropsychiatric (mental) disorders.

QTL Mapping: A Few Key points

Abstract: Summary: With the recent development in molecular marker analysis, it is now feasible to analyze both the simply inherited and quantitative traits and identify individual genes controlling the traits of interest. Molecular markers could be used to tag quantitative trait loci (QTL) to evaluate their contributions to the phenotype by selecting favorable alleles at these loci in a marker-aided selection scheme aiming to accelerate the selection and genetic advance. Several important questions regarding accuracy of QTLs are addressed based on results from many previous QTL mapping studies. Among them, the types QTLs as well as identify and isolate genes governing important trait are of great interest to molecular breeders. Two major types of QTLs, main-effect QTLs and epistatic QTLs are recognized. The effects (both main and epistatic) of individual QTLs affecting specific phenotypes may vary considerably. It is expected that the development of high resolution maps will also facilitate the isolation of actual genes (rather than markers). Three main approaches lead to the cloning of genes of interest; positional cloning, insertional mutagenesis and candidate gene approach. Industrial relevance : Molecular markers are effective aids to selection in three ways. First, markers can aid selection on target alleles whose effects are difficult to observe phenotypically. Second, markers can be used to select for rare progeny in which recombinations near the target gene have produced chromosomes that contain the target allele and as little possible surrounding DNA from donor parent. Third, markers that are unlinked to a target allele can also be useful in marker-assisted backcrossing, by permitting selection for those progeny with higher proportions of the recurrent parent genetic background.

Effect of intake of aqueous stem extract of Anisopus mannii on haematological parameters in rats

Abstract: Summary: These studies were conducted to investigate changes in haematological parameters of rats fed with prolong graded doses of Anisopus mannii . The limit dose test of Up and Down procedure as revised by Dixon was employed to determine the acute oral toxicity of the plant. The result revealed that the Median lethal dose of the plant is greater than 3000mg/kg body weight. The repeated administration of graded doses of the extract showed a significant (P 0.05) difference in the total white blood cells and differential leukocyte count in all the treated groups of rats compared to there respective day zero and control group. These results show that the aqueous stem extract of Anisopus mannii is relatively safe following oral administration and have possible stimulatory effect on red blood cell production. Industrial relevance: Blood is a good indicator to determine the physiological and pathological status of man and animal. The parameters measured include packed cell volume, haemoglobin, white blood cell count and platelets count. The normal ranges of these parameters can be altered by the ingestion of some toxic plants. The plant Anisopus mannii (Family Asclepiadaceae), is known as ‘Sakayau’ or ‘Kashe zaki’( meaning sweet killer) among the Hausas of the northern Nigeria, where a cold decoction of the stem is traditionally used as remedy for hyperglycaemia. Despite the widespread use of this plant in this environment, there is little literature on the scientific evaluation of its haematological effect thus screening of plants for toxicity aiming at ascertaining their safety seems to be promising, as toxicity following overdose or the active principles present in the plant could pose as limitation to their potential usefulness and may even lead to death. This present study therefore investigates the changes in haematological parameters of rats fed with the aqueous extract of the stem of Anisopus mannii with a view of providing base line information on the safety of the plant used in folkloric medicine as oral hypoglycaemic agent.

Anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effects of dioclenol flavonoid isolated from stem bark of dioclea grandiflora on mice

Abstract: Summary: The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the anxiolitic and anticonvulsant effect of fraction (alcoholic) obtained from the stem bark of Dioclea grandiflora (Dg) and Dioclenol on mice using several behavioural assays. Groups of mice treated by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route with doses of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg (i.p.) of the fraction and Dioclenol with a dose of 10 mg / kg showed significant action in the Elevated Plus-maze (EPM) (time spent in open arms and time in spent in the closed arms). The Hole-board Test also showed a significant increase in the time spent in the Head-dip and Marble-Burying Tests. The same treatment increased the duration of the sleeping time induced by Sodium Pentobarbital, and showed a significant increase in protection against Pentylenotetrazole induced convulsion. These results indicate an anxiolitic-like and anticonvulsant-like effect of the fraction of stem bark of Dg and Dioclenol in mice . The phytochemical analysis suggests that the alcoholic fraction has higher concentration of flavonoid active (Dioclenol) and deserves further analysis. The studies conducted with the Dioclea grandiflora , can contribute, in the long term, in the field of its action in the CNS this flavonoid. Industrial relevance: The studies conducted with the Dioclea grandiflora , can contribute, in the long term, in the field of its action in the CNS.