Introduction: Globally, the use of traditional medicines is being encouraged for the treatment of chronic disorders, as synthetic drugs may cause untoward effects. The genus Stachytarpheta Vahl (Verbenaceae), known as “porter weed” [English], “gervao,” includes many species widely distributed in tropical and subtropical America and Africa with few members in tropical Asia and Oceania. It is valued traditionally for its different species that possess anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, and antipyretic activities. Interestingly, current research on genus has revealed the presence of phenylethanoid with various pharmacological properties and multispectrum therapeutic applications. A relatively large number of studies cited here have adduced the possible areas where the important species of this genus can exhibit their therapeutic activities in the treatment of chronic ailments or diseases including ulcers, fever, renal disorders, and atherosclerosis. Materials and Methods: An extensive search in three electronic databases (Unbound Medline, PubMed, and Science Direct) and internet search engines (SciFinder and Google Scholar) was used to connote the studies on genus Stachytarpheta. Results and Discussion: This review amplifies the recent studies on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, which alludes, these species have excogitated with noteworthy therapeutic activities. Conclusion: The present piece of write up will also draw the attention of scientists toward the issues and challenges associated with the probable approaches that may be reconnoitred to encourage people take the maximum benefit of these potentially useful species.
As coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) instances still exist in an alarming manner, there are no efficient and effective remedies or treatment to fight against the deadly coronavirus infection. The morbidity rate concerned with COVID-19 also shoots up in the case of individuals with a weak immune system such as children, older patients, or sufferers with already have health-related problems. In the present, herbal medicinal products can serve as healing agents, to assist human beings in combating the COVID-19 infection through boosting their immune responses. Herbal remedies must fulfill the regulatory standards of quality, safety, and efficacy to get market approval. At present, the requirements and regulations of herbal remedies differ based on the regulatory requirement of country, which raises a dispute for the manufacturing of standardized herbal remedies in the global market. The main intention of this review article is to compile and discuss various traditional herbal medicine and their remedies to assist in strengthening the immune system and even plays the better role in fighting against coronavirus.
Aim: Plant-mediated synthesis of nanomaterials has been rapidly gaining popularity due to its eco-friendly design and cost-effectiveness. In the present research, we synthesized silver (Ag) nanoparticles using ethanolic extracts of fresh leaves of Annona squamosa (family Annonaceae) medicinal plant as bioreducing agents. Materials and Methods: This method allowed the synthesis of nanoparticles, which was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy. UV-vis spectra and visual observation showed that the color of the fresh leaf extract of A. squamosa turned into grayish brown and brownish yellow, respectively, after treatment with Ag precursors. Moreover, ethanolic leaf extract of A. squamosa silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was separately tested for their In vitro antioxidant, anti-arthritic, and thrombolytic activity. Thrombolytic activity was evaluated using the in vitro clot lysis model. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used to evaluate the antiarthritic potential. Results: Nitric oxide generation radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and Phosphomolybdenum assay of the synthesized AgNPs increased in a dose-dependent manner as compared to ascorbic acid the standard reference used. The maximum percentage inhibition by BSA method was observed as 71.4% at 200 μg/mL concentration for antiarthritic activity. During assay for thrombolytic activity, it revealed that 85.620 ± 2.6% lysis of clot, while standard streptokinase and water used as positive and negative controls, demonstrated 72.835 ± 1.702% and 2.725 ± 0.983% lysis of clot, respectively. Conclusion: This result confirmed that A. squamosa is a potential biomaterial for synthesizing AgNPs which can be exploited for its antioxidant activity, anti-arthritic, and thrombolytic activity.
Objective: Anxiety and depression are common psychiatric conditions that cause changes in the lifestyle of humans and impose huge costs for the treatment to the patients. The present study was carried out to find antianxiety and antidepressant activity of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon (AECD) in mice. Methods: AECD was prepared by maceration method. The yield was 5% w/w. The AECD was screened for antianxiety activity by elevated plus maze (EPM) and light and dark box and for antidepressant activity by forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in mice. For each model, animals were divided in four groups of six animals. Group I served as control and received gum acacia aqueous suspension 10 ml/kg. Groups II and III served as test group and received AECD 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively. Group IV served as standard group and received diazepam 1 mg/kg for antianxiety activity and fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) for antidepressant activity. All drugs were administered by gavage. Results: AECD 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant (P 0.05) with that of fluoxetine in both the models. Conclusion: Results of our study su
Introduction: It is imperative to ascertain and validate the importance of medicinal plants (MPs) as one of the significant pointers of socio-economic development. Value chains (VCs) and effective supply chain management system are essential tools for establishing a network of farm produce until it is end-use as a value-added processed product. This necessarily requires throughput policy initiatives for bridging raw produce until grass-root innovative practices are attained as value addition. This hierarchical platform in Indian context is being catered to by National MPs Board under Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. Key step lies in connecting socio-ecological, ethnopharmacological, and socio-economic factors and deciphering all the probable pathways leading to revenue generation by involving all stakeholders in a VC. Methods: Through extensive literature search encompassing 90 articles and book chapters, 8 web links, 3 conference proceedings, and 5 reports released by the World Health Organization, USAID, and Food and Agriculture Organization respectively on VC analysis of MPs in Indian context, we prepared metadata. Results: This metadata comprehensively led to our understanding of identifiable gaps in ethnopharmacological studies and a need to re-route the VC involving institutional settings and NGOs in particular. This also led to our understanding of further exploratory studies aimed at the establishment of pharmacovigilance centers, DNA barcoding for unknown species, and best conservation practices. Discussion: Essentially, VCs act as a conglomerate of agriculture/horticulture, technical interventions leading to innovations, sustainable and viable business models with utmost profit to main stakeholder – The farmer. Need of an hour is to stringently monitor and establish an equilibrium between demand versus supply. This can be facilitated by a convergence of all stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, industrialists, innovators, policymakers, and traditional healers. Conclusion: Different policy initiatives have been envisaged and executed by Government support systems to establish a cohesive approach between producers and consumers with an impetus to innovative technology development followed by its transfer to industrial counterparts. This integrative concept would not only lead to value proposition in MPs sector but would also have a way for the establishment of special-purpose vehicles leading to financial sustenance hence promoting a probabilistic gateway to circular economy.
Aim: Effect of methanolic extract of Corchorus trilocularis Linn. in diabetic nephropathy (DN) with special reference to anti-oxidant activity. Materials and Methods: C. trilocularis Linn. were collected from local medicinal garden of college campus and authentified by botanist. Dried leaves of selected plant were successively extracted using petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and finally water. In the previous study, methanolic extract showed potent activity so we have further selected methanolic extract for the other model. Animals were fasted for overnight then a single intra peritoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin (50 mg/kg dissolved in citrate buffer pH 4.5) was injected and Nephropathy was induced by Ligation of the left renal artery. Blood was collected on 0, 14, and 28 day by retro-orbital on 28 days from eye for the estimation of biochemical parameters. The withdrawn blood was centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 10 min by using centrifuge and plasma was collected and different biochemical parameters were determined by auto analyzer. Some antioxidant parameters, that is, Malondialdehyde, glutathione, Catalase, and superoxide dismutase were also determined. Results: Here body weight of rat is decreased in DN group in comparison to normal control group while increased significantly in extract treated group at 28th day in comparison to DN group. Here blood glucose level of DN group was increased in comparison to normal control group while decreased significantly in extract treated group at 14th, 21st, and 28th days in comparison to DN group. Conclusion: The overall results of this study have clearly indicated that extract treated in a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg ameliorate the renal ischemia reperfusion induced nephropathy in diabetic rats. The action of methanolic extract contributed by renoprotective, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties of C. trilocularis Linn.
Background: Rajat Bhasma (RB) is a herbomineral formulation used in Ayurvedic practice. The traditional system of medicine expresses that bhasma contains various metals and minerals, used in different disease conditions but due to the presence of heavy metals, and is questioned for their safety aspect by regulatory authorities. Phytotherapeutics require a scientific approach to deliver the components in a sustained manner to increase the patient compliance and avoid repeated administration. Aim: To study comparative evaluation of herbally prepared silver nanoparticles and Rajat Bhasma using modern analytical Instruments and acute toxicity study. Materials and Methods: The ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale) and fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum) extract were selected due to its antidiabetic activity and silver in the form of RB is recommended for antidiabetic activity in Ayurveda. The crude extract was prepared by maceration method and synthesis of silver nanoparticles was done by adding dropwise extract of herbal in silver nitrate solution. Further, acute oral toxicity was performed on Wistar albino rat. Results and Discussion: Herbal silver nanoparticles (HSNs) were comparatively evaluated with RB using modern analytical technics. Acute toxicity study revealed the safety of HSN over the RB. Conclusion: Integrating nanoscience as a novel drug delivery system (NDDS) in traditional medicine enriches the potential of herbal drugs for treating chronic diseases. In the present study, HSNs were prepared using ginger rhizomes (Z. officinale) and fenugreek seeds (T. foenum-graecum) extracts and were compared with marketed RB by employing acute toxicity studies and characterization was done using ultraviolet spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, particle size analyzer, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The results of the study showed that HSN can be an alternative for herbomineral formulations.
Due to poor solubility, many drugs are not able to produce the desired effect those drugs are categorized into Biopharmaceutical Classification System Class II drugs. For the enhancement of their solubility, cosolvent technology and development of double-layer tablet technology play a very important role. For enhancement of dissolution, the various methods can be used by which we can increase the solubility, by which we can increase the surface area or the methods such as lipid emulsion and microemulsion can be used. The most promising method for developing sustained-release and controlled-release combination formulations is two-layer tablet technology. In this study, different polymer methods can be used for a typical antipsychotics drug for formulation.
Introduction: Pharmacists’ role had been changed to be focused more as an expert on medication therapy such as collaborative drug therapy management in the US and supplemental prescriber and independent prescriber in the UK. The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan published a notice, “Enhancing the team approach in health care system by the cooperation of heath care provider,” that stated outlines about pharmacists’ role as an expert on medication therapy. In this manuscript, we compare the regulations among the US, the UK, and Japan and discuss how Japanese pharmacists should conduct their expected role. Materials and Methods: Databases used to identify laws and regulations on the new pharmacists’ role in the three countries are as follows; WestLaw® for the US, the legistration.gov.uk for the UK, and “Database services of acts and regulations on health, labor and welfare” at the MHLW website for Japan. Results: Comparison on the laws and regulations shows each regulatory authority established each way to regulate the new pharmacists’ role even though the role in each country is quite similar. In Japan, pharmacists have limited prescription rights by sharing the rights with the physician under the protocol within the Japanese team approach model, but the regulations are minimum. Discussion and Conclusions: The laws and regulations for the new pharmacists’ role are broken away from sameness or identify among the three countries. In Japan, an individual pharmacist must build up strong credibility with the team members and the patient and must show his/her capability to them when playing the new pharmacists’ role.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to synovial inflammation, destruction of articular cartilage, bone erosion, deformities, accompanied by pain, swelling, and stiffness, most commonly in limbs. The pathophysiology elaborates on the role of T-helper (Th1) cells secreted in response to interleukin-1 (IL-1) and 12, thus producing pro-inflammatory ILs whereas Th2 cells activated by IL-4 secretes anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, 5, 10 and 13). A neutralization of endogenous anti-inflammatory cytokines mainly IL-10 by the production of anti-IL-10 monoclonal antibodies, results in the downregulation of antiinflammatory cytokines which lead to more severe collagen-induced arthritis. Conventional treatment for RA includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, non-biologics, and biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, a conjugate of the humanized monoclonal antibody, dendritic cells, etc. Although, conventional therapy and newer treatments are effective but suffer from several limitations like serious adverse effects, high cost, and invasive intervention. The information regarding disease, pathophysiology, treatment, and novel interventions was collected through vigorous literature search from authentic search engines, books and journals using relevant keywords. Novel herbal therapies using phytochemicals of Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, Tripterygium wilfordii, Boswellia serrata, Camellia sinensis, Tanacetum parthenium, Commiphora wightii, Mukul, Plumbago zeylanica through their promising novel drug delivery systems like microspheres, transdermal patches, ethosomes, liposomes, and phytosomes. have shown promising response and efficacy via well-defined immune mechanism along with their easy accessibility, mild or negligible adverse effects, thus gaining the edge over conventional and invasive therapies for RA. This review indicates that there is a need to study these novel formulations, extensively on preclinical and clinical levels and develop these herbal therapies as a promising alternative to conventional therapies for the treatment of RA.
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare, genetically inherited autosomal recessive disorder that manifests as bone marrow failure syndrome. Defects in genes with 16 complementation groups alter the stability of the DNA which is characterized by congenital malformations and progressive pancytopenia. This, in turn, can predispose to acute myeloid leukemia and other solid tumors. The most common diagnostic methods used in the detection of FA includes bone marrow biopsy and chromosome breakage test. We report a case of a 6-year-old Asian female child who presented with major complaints of lower abdominal pain, difficulty in swallowing, generalized tiredness, and gum bleeding. Her physical features were manifested as short stature, partial ptosis, hypopigmented spots on both hands, and thumb hypoplasia. Her bone marrow aspiration and biopsy showed markedly hypocellular bone marrow with reduced trilineage hematopoiesis which was suggestive of FA.
Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the preliminary evaluation of hydrogel formulation of methanol fraction of Martynia annua for anti-inflammatory activity using different types of animal models. Materials and Methods: Five different hydrogel formulations containing extract and one control without extract were prepared according to standard method using different proportions of Carbopol 940 and sodium CMC. Prepared hydrogel was characterized for optimization and screened for anti-inflammatory activity using xylene-induced ear edema and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. Effect was observed by the measurement of percent inhibition of ear edema and biochemical parameters, for example, nitric oxide level and MPO level. Results: Phytochemical screening showed that petroleum ether extract of Martynia annua showed the presence of sterols, terpenoids, and fatty oils while the ethanol extract showed the presence of glycosides, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and amino acids. Results of all other evaluation parameters, for example, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and consistency were found suitable in optimized formulation as 1.5 g of Carbopol 940 and 1% of sodium CMC for best drug release profile. Effect of MAMFH was observed greater percentage of edema inhibition (66.67%) and was comparable to standard group of treatment (65.59%). Results showed that MPO level of inflamed ears (inflamed control, treated only with gel base) was significantly higher in comparison with the non-inflamed control (P < 0.01) and with hydrogel formulations. The results showing the ability of croton oil to induce neutrophil influx into mice ear tissue. This may be reduced by treatment with extract hydrogels, as well as Voltaren Emulgel, reduced significantly (P < 0.05) the MPO levels in mice ears. Conclusion: Methanol fraction of Martynia annua was capable of inhibiting ear edema induced by xylene. It may be due to the ability of extract to either inhibit the synthesis, release, or action of xylene involved in the inflammation. Methanol extracts were exhibits its anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the synthesis, release, or action of histamine. Significant activity may be due to the presence of flavonoids in methanol extract fraction of Martynia annua leaves.
Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Ocimum sanctum leaves in the formulation of hydrogel using different types of animal models. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extract of O. sanctum leaves was fractionated with methanol to get methanolic fraction. Methanolic fraction (1%vw/w) was used for hydrogel formulation with different combinations of Carbopol 940 and sodium CMC. Prepared hydrogel was characterized for optimum physical characters, pH, spreadability, homogeneity, viscosity, release profile, and irritation effect. Optimized hydrogel was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effect using xylene-induced, croton oil-induced ear edema, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma model in animals. Effect was monitored by the measurement of percent inhibition, nitric oxide (NO), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in mice ears after acute inflammation induced by croton oil. Results and Discussion: Physical evaluation confirmed that the color of the prepared hydrogels was brownish and appearance was homogeneous and smooth on application. All other evaluation parameters, for example, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and consistency were found suitable in F3 hydrogel formulation combination. Hence, the optimize composition of F3 formulation was observed as 1.5 g of Carbopol 940 and 1% of sodium CMC. Percent inhibition of edema in xylene-induced ear edema in mice was found comparable to standard group of treatment (65.59%). In the present study, result indicates that prepared hydrogel OSMFH possesses inhibitory effects against acute inflammation. The results showing the ability of croton oil to induce neutrophil influx into mice ear tissue. This may be reduced by treatment with extract hydrogels, as well as Voltaren Emulgel, reduced significantly (P < 0.01) the MPO levels and NO levels in mice ears. Conclusion: The methanol extracts were exhibits its anti-inflammatory action significantly may be due to the presence of flavonoids in O. sanctum leaves.
Background: Jasminum elongatum belonging to the family Oleaceae have been used widely in ethnomedicinal practices for its medicinal value. However, no published work is available till date on pharmacognostical characterization. Objective: The objective of the study was to conduct pharmacognostical and phytochemical study of leaves of J. elongatum. Materials and Methods: Evaluation of leaf samples was performed by determining morphological, microscopical characters, physicochemical, and phytochemical analysis recommended by the World Health Organization. Results: Morphologically, the leaves are opposite with ovate to lanceolate in shape and acute apex. Microscopically, the epidermal region shows the presence of glandular and covering trichomes along with anomocytic stomata. The midrib region consists of horseshoe-shaped vascular bundles with spiral-shaped xylem vessels. Powder microscopy revealed the presence of spiral-shaped xylem vessels, spindle-shaped fibers, and stone cells. Physicochemical analysis and phytochemical analysis resulted a valuable data to establish standards for the plant. Conclusion: The establishment of pharmacognostical parameters of leaf material will be useful in identification and standardization of J. elongatum in obtaining quality formulations.
Objective: This study was undertaken to investigate the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract of Schisandra (magnolia vine) (MEMV), Muntingia calabura (MEMC), and Alangium salviifolium (MEAS) fruits. Materials and Methods: Rindless fruits were subjected to treatment with pure methanol in a sufficient quantity at room temperature for a period of one week with intermittent shaking. The resultant extract then underwent double filtration, first through a cotton plug and then through Whatman filters paper No. 1. Evaporation under reduced pressure was carried out on the filtrate to get a dark green viscous mass which was stored till use at 4°C. Hydroxyl radical (OH) scavenging activity determination of reducing power, lipid peroxidation induced by carbon tetrachloride, and inhibitory test on protein oxidative modification were carried out for evaluation of the antioxidant activity of MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS fruits generated methanolic extract. Results: The inhibitory ratio of MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS on albumin oxidative modification was as high as 78.94 at a concentration of 1000μg/ml that showed an increasing proportionality trend with concentration. The reducing power of MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS increased with increasing concentration of MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS. Conclusion: All the tested concentrations of MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS showed significant (P < 0.001) activity than control, the MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS (at all tested doses 100 μg, 200 μg, and 300 μg) significantly (P < 0.001) showed scavenging activity on OHs, which were generated by the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid/H2O2 system, in comparison to control. A similar increase in percent scavenging of OH radicals by MEMV, MEMC, and MEAS was observed with an increase in dose.
Aim: The ethanolic, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts of Nymphoides hydrophylla at the doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg were administered for the evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities (both in vitro and in vivo). Materials and Methods: Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing, tailflick method, and Eddy’s hot plate method in albino rats. Paracetamol and tramadol were used as a standard reference drugs for analgesic activity. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by Human red blood cell membrane stabilization method and protein denaturation method. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw edema in albino rats. Diclofenac sodium was employed as reference drugs for antiinflammatory studies. Results and Discussion: The administration of ethanolic, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts of N. hydrophylla in rats with 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) reduced pain and inflammation, indicating that ethanolic extract possesses better analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities compared to other two extracts. The maximum analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were observed in rats receiving 500 mg/kg b.wt. of N. hydrophylla ethanolic extract. Conclusion: Our study indicates that N. hydrophylla extracts possess both antiinflammatory and analgesic activities and it may be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent in inflammation-related disorders.
Introduction: Cirunakappu is the regional name of Cinnamomum wightii (flower bud) which is also known as Nagakesaram in Tamil. The flower bud of C. wightii is used in many Siddha formulations. The aim of this communication is to identify the phytoconstituents of few column chromatographic fractions of the ethanolic extract of Cirunakappu through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Materials and Methods: Cirunakappu flower bud was coarsely powdered, extracted with ethanol at room temperature (yield: 184 g). This extract was subjected to column chromatography over silica gel and eluted with hexane and mixture of hexane and chloroform in increasing polarities. Fraction I eluted with hexane-chloroform (98:2), fraction II eluted with hexane-chloroform (90:10), fraction III eluted with hexane-chloroform (80:20), and fraction IV eluted with hexane-chloroform (50:50) were subjected to GC–MS using the HP 5 MS column of 30 m × 0.25 mm ID and 0.25 μm film thickness analysis. Results and Discussion: Fraction I yielded six peaks in which linalool, γ-muurolene, α-cadinol, γ-sitosterol, and n-hexadecanoic acid were identified. The fraction II separated 15 peaks, among which eugenol, δ-cadinene, epiglobulol, cadina-1,4-diene, triacontyl acetate, and 3,5-bis-tert-butylphenol were identified. Fraction III showed 15 peaks: α-copaene, cetene, (+)-epibicyclo-sesquiphellandrene, tetradecene, 1-octadecene, 1,2-dimethylcyclo hexadecane, 1-docosene, cyclotetracosane, and 1-nanodecene were identified. From fraction IV, γ-sitosterol, cetene, 1,2-diethyl-cyclohexadecane, 1-tetradecene, 1-eicosene, cyclotetracosane, 1-nanodecene, 1-octadecene, 2,4-bis-(1,1-dimethylethyl) phenol, and 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone were identified. Conclusion: These chemicals are 1st time explored from this plant.
Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anxiolytic and hypnotic effects of ethanolic root extract of Carica papaya in mice. Materials and Methods: Anxiolytic activity was observed using behavior paradigms such as elevated plus maze, Ymaze, open field test, and hole board apparatus, while the hypnotic activity was assessed by sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis in mice. In elevated plus maze and Y maze, the animals were treated with the extract at dose (75 and 150 mg/kg) po for 7 days and were observed on 7th day of treatment. Anxiolytic activity using open-field apparatus and in sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, the effects were observed on day 1, 7, 15, and 30 days of treatment. Results and Discussion: In the elevated plus maze, there was an increase in the number of entries and time spent in the open arm. In Y maze decrease in the number of visits to three arms was observed. In the hole board test observed increase in the number of head dippings. In sodium pentobarbital-induced hypnosis, there is a significant increase in the duration of sleep and a decrease in the latency of sleep. The anxiolytic and hypnotic effects were substantially greater at dose 150 mg/kg in comparison to dose 75 mg/kg. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that ethanolic C. papaya root extract might have significant anxiolytic and hypnotic activity.
Background: Cancer has received a major attention globally due to its high mortality rates. Yet, few successful therapies are available. Plant-based products are gaining momentum in the treatment of most diseases including cancer. Aim: The present study aims to assess the antitumor potential of one of the popularly known weed plants Leucas aspera flower (LAE) extract against Ehrlich ascetic tumor in vitro and in vivo models. Materials and Methods: A preliminary antioxidant assay was carried out to assess the extract showing optimal activity. Based on this, ethanol extract was used for studying the in vitro cytotoxicity by Trypan blue assay. Further, in vivo studies were performed on Ehrlich ascetic carcinoma-induced mice. The parameters assessed were mean survival time (MST) and increase in the lifespan along with hematological and enzyme profiles. Results: The study revealed that optimal activity was observed in the ethanol extract of LAE. Further, antioxidant studies using ferric-reducing antioxidant power and diphenylpicrylhydrazy assays revealed that best radical scavenging potential was exerted by 100 μ g/ml of LAE in both the assays. Further, in vitro cytotoxicity showed a concentration-dependent increase in the cytotoxicity up to 200 μ g/ml with an IC 50 value of 102.14 μ g/ml. Further, in vivo studies showed that LAE treatment enhanced the MST of tumor-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner and this enhancement was better in 400 mg/kg body weight. The percent increase in lifespan was 119.65% at same concentration. The reduced blood cells and enzyme levels also reached normal in the treated mice groups with better results in the group treated with 400 mg/kg body weight. Conclusion: The study forms the basis for establishing L. aspera as a plant with potent anticancer activity. Further studies on these lines will pave avenues for preparing an optimal formulation from the plant for therapy against cancer.
Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the antitumor and antioxidant activities of the methanol extract of Cordia dichotoma (MECD) against EAC in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The present study evaluated the anticancer effect of the methanolic extract of C. dichotoma (MECD) bark against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells induced in albino mice and against human cancer cell lines (malondialdehyde-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells). Results and Discussion: There was significant fall in the red blood cell count and hemoglobin (Hb) content, and a significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count in the EAC control mice as compared to normal control mice. Treatment with MECD (500 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) or 5-Fluorouracil (20 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) in EAC-cell bearing mice caused a significant (P < 0.01) increase in Hb levels while a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in WBC levels compared to EAC control rats. Furthermore, increase in the concentration of MECD dose-dependently increased the percent cytotoxicity and decreased the cell viability in both cell line types. The results with MECD were comparable to the tamoxifen. The maximum gain of body weight was observed in the EAC control group. In case of MECD and 5-Fluorouracil treated groups, the body weight was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced. The tumor volume and tumor weight were found to be significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) decreased in MECD treated animals at the doses 250 and 500 mg/kg and 5-Fluorouracil (20 mg/kg) when compared with EAC control animals. With MECD treatment, the survival of EAC bearing mice significantly (P < 0.01) increased as compared to EAC bearing control group. In treated group, mean survival time (MST) was significantly increased to 29.0 ± 1.98 (%ILS = 69.04), 34.12 ± 1.84 (%ILS = 81.25), and 36.87 ± 1.67 (%ILS = 87.79), respectively, when compared to EAC control group. Conclusion: The results of the current study propose that the antitumor activity of MECD can be inferred from the increased life span of EAC bearing mice which is due to its antioxidant activity.
