Sphaeranthus indicus whole herb is included as a Rasayana drug in Ayurveda and is reported for the treatment of epilepsy. S. indicus flowers have anxiolytic, hypotensive, peripheral vasodilatory and cathartic activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant activity of the extract of flowers of S. indicus in various animal models of epilepsy. The anti-epileptic activity of Methanolic extract (ME) and Acetone extract (AE) of the flowers was evaluated using Maximal electro shock (MES) seizures, Pentyelenetetrazole (PTZ) induced convulsions and Picrotoxin induced convulsions. ME (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) and AE (100 and 200 mg/kg respectively) protected animals against PTZ and Picrotoxin induced convulsion but did not have any effect against MES induced convulsion. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that both the ME and AE possess promising anticonvulsant activity. It is further suggested that the flavonoids in the extract by the virtue of their effect on benzodiazepine site of GABA receptor, might be responsible for the effect, although no study is undertaken to prove this aspect. Nevertheless, the study provides pharmacological credibility to the anti-epileptic use of S. indicus suggested in Ayurveda.

This book investigates the relationship between phytoconstituents and properties in specific plants, such as Hibiscus rosa sinesis, Cuscuta reflexa, Citrullus colocynthis, Nardostachys jatamansi and O

Hair dyes have been used since ages to modify hair color and hence ones looks. It is also used to hide the greys as it comforts an individual. This chapter provides information on the chemistry of plant drugs which could be used as hair dyes or as hair colors and the benefits offered by the same if used in hair cosmetics.

Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Research shows that up to 15 million people in the United States go to doctor for a sore throat every year out of which 70 percent of patients receive antibiotics for a sore throat according to the Infectious diseases society of America. Several researches, including those conducted by WHO in India, have revealed that over-the-counter sale and purchase of antibiotics is rampant in the country. In an era of spiraling health care costs and limited resources, policy makers and health care payers are also concerned about the cost effectiveness of antibiotics. So the aim of the work focuses on analyzing the cost effectiveness of antibiotic medications for strep throat. The cost of different brands of commonly used antibiotic medications was sorted out by referring Drugs today. The cost was calculated in INR (Indian National Rupee) for different brands according to their strength. Significant variation was observed in cost of commonly used brands. Cost for branded solid dosage forms of 250 mg and 500 mg was three times more than that of the cheaper drugs for amoxicillin, four to five times more in case of cephalexin and two to three times more in case of erythromycin. Ideally the drugs of cheaper brands should be prescribed to save the patient's money and to enhance the compliance.