Showing papers in "Pharmacognosy Reviews in 2007"

Microwave Assisted Extraction-An Innovative and Promising Extraction Tool for Medicinal Plant Research

Abstract: In recent years, the use of microwave for extraction of constituents from plant material has shown tremendous research interest and potential. Conventional techniques for the extraction of active constituents are time and solvent consuming, thermally unsafe and the analysis of numerous constituents in plant material is limited by the extraction step. This review highlights the importance of extraction step in setting up respectable standards for herbal medicine worldwide. High and fast extraction performance ability with less solvent consumption and protection offered to thermolabile constituents are some of the attractive features of this new promising microwave assisted extraction (MAE) technique. A brief theoretical background of microwave heating and the basic principles of using microwave energy for extraction have been presented for better understanding. Discussions on the main parameters influencing the extraction efficiency (namely solvent nature and volume, extraction time, microwave power, matrix characteristics and temperature) and different statistical optimization strategies are also highlighted. Finally the potential applications of this new method with comparison of its performance to that of classical techniques are also elucidated.

Plant cell elicitation for production of secondary metabolites: A review

Abstract: Pharmaceutically significant secondary metabolites or phytopharmaceuticals include alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins, resins etc. Currently, most of these secondary metabolites are isolated from wild or cultivated plants because their chemical synthesis is either extremely difficult or economically infeasible. Biotechnological production in plant cell cultures is an attractive alternative, but to date this has had only limited commercial success because of a lack of understanding of how these metabolites are synthesized. Plants and/or plant cells in vitro, show physiological and morphological responses to microbial, physical or chemical factors which are known as ‘elicitors’. Elicitation is a process of induced or enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites by the plants to ensure their survival, persistence and competitiveness. Here, we discuss the classification of elicitors, their mechanism of action, and applications for the production of phyto-pharmaceuticals from medicinal plants.

Male Sexual Dysfunction and Methods used in Assessing Medicinal Plants with Aphrodisiac Potentials

Abstract: Sexual dysfunction, that is the repeated inability to achieve normal sexual intercourse, which include various forms like premature ejaculation, retrograded, retarded or inhibited ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, arousal difficulties (reduced libido), compulsive sexual behaviour, orgasmic disorder and failure of detumesence, are on the increase world wide because of aging population and other increasing etiological factors. Several management options employed are associated with some serious side effects not readily available and are expensive. The search for natural supplement from medicinal plants is being intensified probably, because of its reduced side effect, its ready availability and reduced cost. Therefore, the increasing search for medicinal plants with aphrodisiac potentials has necessitated the need to review methods available for screening medicinal plants with aphrodisiac potentials in males.

The Chemistry and Pharmacology of the South America genus Protium Burm. f. (Burseraceae)

Abstract: The family Burseraceae is considered to contain about 700 species comprised in 18 genera. Their resiniferous trees and shrubs usually figures prominently in the ethnobotany of the regions where it occurs, given that such a property has led to the use of species of this family since ancient times for their aromatic properties and many medicinal applications. Although the family is distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world, the majority of the scientific available information is limited to Asiatic and African genera, such as Commiphora (myrrh), Canarium (elemi incense) and Boswellia (frankincense), or the genus Bursera (linaloe), occurring in Mexico. In the Neotropics, the Burseraceae family is largely represented by the genus Protium , which comprises about 135 species. The present review compiles the published chemical and pharmacological information on the South American genus Protium and updates important data since the last review reported in the scientific literature on Burseraceae species.

Olea europaea: A Phyto-Pharmacological Review

Abstract: Medicinal herbs are significant sources for treating various diseases. Olea europaea is used traditionally as diuretic, hypotensive, emollient, laxative, febrifuge, skin cleanser, cholagogue, and also used for the treatment of urinary infections, gallstones, bronchial asthma and diarrhoea. Several phytoconstituents have been isolated and identified from different parts of the plant belonging to the category glycosides, secoiridoid, flavonoids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Many studies have been conducted to prove its potential as anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and for cardiovascular disorders. The present review aims toward forming a bridge between traditional use and modern therapeutics of Olea europaea.

Approaches towards development and promotion of herbal drugs

Abstract: Herbal drugs have great growth potential in the global market. Natural product research continues to explore Indian Traditional Medicines to develop new novel drugs. In this paper we have focused on the strategies, significance, guidelines and the research methods to be followed in order to develop herbal medicines which will gain international acceptance. Chromatographic fingerprinting techniques are most significant methods which can be used for the routine herbal drug analysis and for quality assurance. The WHO guideline parameters are discussed and some in vitro models for antioxidant studies, cytotoxic studies , are given in flow chart form in order to provide simple and effective assessment of the biological screening of botanicals without animal models or extensive extraction and purification steps. KEY WORDSHerbal standardization, current status, In vitro MTT, SRB, Trypan blue, DPPH assays.

Nutritional and therapeutic potential of Ailanthus excelsa - A Review.

Abstract: Over the past decade, herbal medicine has become an item of global importance, with both medicinal and economic implications. Widespread use of herbs throughout the globe has raised serious concerns over their quality, safety and efficacy. Thus, accurate scientific assessment has become a prerequisite for acceptance of herbal health claims. Ailanthus excelsa Roxb is a tree, indigenous to central and southern India, belongs to family Simaroubaceae is widely used in Ayurveda and evidence based phytotherapy. The tribal population uses the plant for antifertility, anthelmintic and rejuvenating purpose. Alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids and bitter principles like quassinoids are reported in this plant. Several quassinoids from Simaroubaceae are designated as potent antimalarial especially against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum. The roots of this plant also serve as substitute for Oroxylum indicum, one of the constituents of an ayurvedic formulation Dasmularista . In the present review an attempt has been made to explore different aspects of Ailanthus excelsa. KEY WORDS Ailanthus excelsa , Quassinoids, Anticancer, Simaroubaceae , Canthin alkaloids, Antimalarial. INTRODUCTION During the past decade, the traditional systems have gained importance in the field of medicine. In many developing countries, a large proportion of the population relies heavily on traditional practitioners, who are dependent on medicinal plants to meet the primary health care needs. Although, modern medicines are available, herbal medicines have often retained popularity for historical and cultural reasons. Since the usage of these herbal medicines has increased, the issues regarding their safety, quality, and efficacy in industrialized and developing countries are cropped up (1). Growing interest has also prompted researcher to screen scientifically various claims regarding properties and uses of medicinal plant materials. Presently, both, common consumers and health-care professionals seek updated, authoritative information towards safety and efficacy of any recommended medicinal plant as drug prior to its use. The present attempt is to review and compile updated information on various aspects of Ailanthus excelsa a plant used in Indian system of medicine for variety of purposes. Ailanthus is a genus of tall, lofty trees, distributed in Indo-Malaya, China, Japan and Australia (2). The genus is noted for its antidiarrhoel and antidysenteric properties (3). Different species of the genus are Ailanthus glandulosa in Malay Peninsula and China, (leaflets very coarsely toothed at the base and filaments several times exceeding the anther), Ailanthus excelsa in India (leaflets coarsely toothed and filaments shorter than anthers) and Ailanthus malbarica in Indo-china (leaflets entire and filaments larger than anthers) (2). Ailanthus excelsa Roxb (Simaroubaceae) is commonly known as “Mahanimba” due to its resemblance with neem tree (Azadirachta indica ). The term Ailanthus is from ailanto which means Tree of Heaven and is the name for one of the species in the Moluccas, while in Latin excelsa means tall. The plant is known by different names like, tree of heaven in English, ardusi, aralavo in Gujarati, maruk, ghoda karanj, aakashneem, arlu in Hindi, peruvagai in Tamil and peddamanu in Telgu (2). It is a fast growing tree extensively cultivated in many parts of India towards the vicinity of villages. The tree is indigenous to central and southern India and is distributed in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, some costal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Ganjam and Puri districts of Orissa (4). The plant is known for its high commercial and economic importance (5). Botanical description It is a large deciduous tree of upto 24 m height with a straight cylindrical bole. Bark is light grey and smooth in young trees with large leaf-scars, rough, granular and grayish brown in older trees. Leaves are pinnately compound, upto 90 cm long with 8-14 pairs of leaflets. Flowers small, yellowish in panicles and fruits are single seeded samara (Fig. 1 and 2) (2). The leaves are reported to be used as an adulterant for Adhatoda zeylanica . It is cultivated as an avenue tree for its deep shade and can be used for anti-erosion purposes. It thrives best on porous loamy soil. The tree can be raised from both seeds and stumps. Its quick growth and absolute immunity to grazing gives the species first choice among the soft woods (6).

A Comprehensive Review on Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze

Abstract: Butea monosperma (Lam.) is an indispensable tree. Tribals use its flowers and young fruits. The plant is used in Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha medicine for various ailments. Almost all the parts of the plant namely root, leaves, fruit, stem bark, flowers, gum, young branches are used as medicine, food, fibre and for other miscellaneous purposes such as fish poison, dye, fodder, utensils, etc. About 45 medicinal uses are associated with the plant and out of these claims almost half the number of claims have been scientifically studied and reported. These observations are noteworthy for further studies on modern scientific lines.

Rakta Kanchan (Bauhinia variegata): Chemistry, Traditional and Medicinal uses- A Review

Abstract: Bauhinia variegata Linn. (Kanchnar / Rakta kanchan), is a widely used medicinal plant by the tribals throughout India and popular in various indigenous system of medicine like Ayurveda, Unani and Homoeopathy. Following the various traditional claims on utility of this plant in curing number of diseases, considerable efforts have been made by researchers to varify its utility through scientific pharmacological screenings. The notable biological activities reported are antitumour, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antigoitrogenic, hepatoprotective and haemagglutination. Industrially, the plant is widely used for the manufacture of woodwool board, production of gum and fibres. The plant is also utilized for afforestation to conserve the nature. This review presents a detailed survey of the literature on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, traditional and biologically evaluated medicinal uses of B. variegata.

Propolis of Stingless Bees: a Promising Source of Biologically Active Compounds

Abstract: The information published about chemical composition and biological activity of propolis from stingless bees (Meliponinae) of different genera is reviewed. The available data on the biological action of individual constituents is presented. The plant sources of this propolis are also considered. The perspectives of research and therapeutic use of Meliponinae propolis are discussed.

Screening methods of antioxidant activity: An overview

Abstract: This study was intentional to assess the antioxidant activity of drugs. The antioxidants divulge an gigantic ability to trim down DPPH, superoxide, peroxide and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity. Antioxidants restrain OH─ radical induced oxidation of protein (BSA) and LPO in hepatic microsomes. The fortitude of metal chelating competence of antioxidant indicates chelation of metal ions (Fe) to be a putative means concerned in the inhibition of OH─ radical induced BSA oxidation and LPO. Antioxidants also exhibited a noteworthy activity in discriminating oxidative tissue grievance animal model constituted by CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. The administration of the antioxidant significantly defend CCl4 induced elevation in AST and ALT in the serum, elevation in hepatic LPO, diminution of hepatic GSH and decrease in the activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes: SOD, CAT and GPX. Antioxidant gives fortification against histopathological changes produced by CCl4 such as necrosis, fatty changes, ballooning degeneration, etc.

Ethnopharmacological Review of Native Traditional Medicinal Plants for Brain Disorders

Abstract: From the earliest times, herbs have been prized for their pain-relieving and healing abilities and today we still rely largely on the curative properties of plants. Over the centuries, societies around the world have developed their own traditions to make sense of medicinal plants and their uses. Some of those traditions and medicinal practices may seem strange and magical, others appear rational and sensible, but all of them are attempts to overcome illness and suffering with an aim to enhance the quality of life. Many of the thousands of plant species growing throughout the world have medicinal uses, containing active constituents that have a direct pharmacological action on the body. The brain is much complex organ of our body and hence no surprise that only a very few drugs are approved by regulatory authorities for treating multi-factorial ailments alike Alzheimer’s disease. The oriental system of medicine like “Ayurveda” which is as old as 5000 years, had classified selected plants under “medhya rasayanas”. In Sanskrit, “medhya” means intellect/cognition and “rasayana” means “rejuvenation”. These are used both in herbal and conventional medicine and offer benefits that pharmaceutical drugs lack, helping to combat illness and support the body's efforts to regain good health and intellect. In the present article, such well known medicinal plants of Indian origin are discussed which are used in various central nervous system (CNS) disorders since ancient times. The focus of this review is an Withania somnifera, Bacopa monniera, Centella asiatica, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Emblica officinalis and Ocimum sanctum reputed for their effectiveness in CNS disorders. The other blockbuster herbal drugs of non-Indian origin like Ginkgo biloba, St. John’s wort, Kava kava and Valerian are not discussed here as these herbs have already been extensively reviewed elsewhere for their effectiveness in many brain disorders. The focus of the present article is to keep abreast with the medicinal plants used in various CNS disorders.

Pharmacological Potential of Albizzia lebbeck: A Review

Abstract: The plant Albizzia lebbeck Benth. [Mimosaceae] is reported to possess anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, antifertility and anti-diarrhoeal properties. Albizzia lebbeck is an important source of chemicals of melacacidin, Dcatechin, βSitosterol, Albiziahexoside, betulnic acid which are effective as antiseptic, anti-dysenteric, anti-tubercular and used in bronchitis, leprosy, paralysis, helmenth infection etc. Hence in view of immense medicinal importance of the plant this review is therefore an effort to compile all the information reported on its phytochemical and pharmacological activities these information will be helpful to create interest towards the plant and may be useful in developing new formulations, which are more effective and have more therapeutic value.

The Phyto-phospholipid Complexes- Phytosomes: A Potential Therapeutic Approach for Herbal Hepatoprotective Drug Delivery

Abstract: A large number of herbal drugs possess the wide spectrum of therapeutic activity. But the potential use of these herbal drugs is limited due to their poor absorption and poor bioavailability after oral administration. The bioavailability can be improved by the use of delivery systems, which can enhance the rate and the extent of drug solubilizing into aqueous intestinal fluids as well as the capacity to cross the lipid rich biomembranes. Phospholipid based drug delivery systems have been found promising for the effective and efficacious herbal drug delivery. Complexing the polyphenolic phytoconstituents in molar ratio with phosphatidylcholine results into a new herbal drug delivery system\"Phytosome\". Phytosomes show better pharmacokinetic and therapeutic profile than conventional herbal extracts. This article reviews the current status of phytosomal research and its potential application in hepatoprotective and antihepatotoxic activity.

Potential wound healers from plant origin

Abstract: Herbal medicine (medicinal plants, polyherbal formulations) is still the mainstay of about 75-80% of world population, mainly in the developing countries for primary health care. Wound is a loss of cellular and anatomic or functional continuity of living tissues. Wound healing proceeds in three interrelated dynamic phases, irrespective of the wound type and degree of tissue damage. This sequence of physiological events occurs by a process of connective tissue repair. In view of this a detailed review of literature was carried out on natural prohealers, phytoconstituents, polyherbal formulations and various nutraceuticals responsible for wound healing activity, with special emphasis on different stages of wound healing, which could be of enormous help in managing and treating various types of wounds.

Flavonoids: A Nutritional Protection Against Oxidative and UV Induced Cellular Damages

Abstract: Bioactive compounds and establishing their health effects are active areas of scientific queries. There are exciting prospects to facilitate the selection of many bioactive compounds, which are supportive to reduce the risk of many diseases, as well as chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. This review provide an summary of activities of bioactive components like flavones, flavonols, catechins, anthocyanidins (e.g., cyanidin, pelargonidin), and isoflavones (e.g., genistein, daidzein & proanthocyanidins (Polymeric flavonoids), Glucosinolates & isothiocyanates. Such bioactive components impart potential role in enzyme biology (enzyme modulator activities) and in straight line or indirect act as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protection against ultraviolet light induced damages, which affects the health. The number of bioactive compounds and the diversity of likely biological effects, numerous and diverse experimental approaches must be taken to increase our understanding of the biology of bioactive compounds. The discovery of novel health effects of bioactive compounds will provide the scientific basis for future efforts to use biotechnology to modify and make stronger food components as a means to improve public health.

Herbal Spices as Alternative Antimicrobial Food Preservatives: An Update

Abstract: In recent years, there has been a constant search for alternative and efficient agents for food preservation aiming a partial or total replacement of antimicrobial chemical additives. A large number of herbal spices have been examined for their inhibitory action against the microorganisms responsible for food spoilage and foodborne illnesses. It has been reported by several researchers that natural antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of herbal spices reduce the risk of bacteria and fungi in foods and play a key role for enhancing shelf-life of foods and controlling food pathogens. Instead of these substantial findings, spices are still branded almost purely as flavoring agents. Recent research on antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of spices forms the basis for its application in raw and processed food preservation. It is now considered as a promising source of unique natural products to elucidate alternative food preservatives. This review gives a bird’s eye view mainly on the recent research on antimicrobial potential of herbal spices and their derivatives against some pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms in foods, their antioxidant activities along with possible adverse effects and advocates for more research to elucidate their commercial utilization in food preservation.