Malaria and dengue are among the most widespread vector-borne diseases globally. This study evaluated the larvicidal and repellent characteristics of Alstonia scholaris (Apocynaceae) flower extracts against the Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti vectors. The crude methanolic extract was sequentially fractionated into ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions. Four different fractions were tested against Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti at concentrations ranging from 78 to 1092 ppm and 625-6250 ppm, respectively. Larval mortality was observed after 24 h and analysed using probit analysis to estimate lethal concentrations (LC50). Repellency duration was assessed for adult Aedes aegypti using the various solvent extracts. The methanolic extract exhibited high efficacy against both Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti larvae, with LC50 of 312 and 960 ppm, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract showed strong repellent activity, which is persistent up to 9 h (posttreatment) against adult Aedes aegypti. FTIR analysis of the methanolic extract identified functional groups such as aldehyde, amide, alkyl and carbonyl. GC-MS analysis revealed five major components: ursolic acid methyl ester (12.42%), lupeol (53.86%), lupeol acetate (10.95%), cycloeucalenol (2.62%) and hentriacontane (2.64%). These findings indicate that A. scholaris flower extracts in different solvents show potential larvicidal and mosquito repellent activity for the control of malaria and dengue.

Context: Medicinal herbs have gained worldwide popularity as natural raw materials, not only for herbal formulations and nutraceuticals but also in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products, while food and culinary products are available for the general population, having great benefits. However, heavy metal contamination in medicinal herbs is a dreadful health issue in the current scenario due to ever-increasing levels of environmental pollution and malagriculture practices. Aims: To investigate the existence of some metal impurities, either toxic (Pb, Hg, Cd) or essential (Ni, and Cu), along with their concentration in thirteen selected medicinal herbs that are generally utilized in Pakistan as food and medicine. Methods: The wet acid digestion method was employed for the atomic absorption spectroscopic technique to determine heavy metal contents. The system was calibrated first by preparing a standard solution for each metal in various concentrations, and then the samples were validated. Results: Different concentrations of particular metal impurities were obtained in different herbs ranging from 0.98¬-2.39, 2.25-3.75, 0.42-1.17, 0.87-2.39, and 2.03-4.96 ppm for lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), respectively. Moreover, the severity of health risk was assessed by calculating the estimated daily intake, targeted hazard quotient, target cancer risk and hazard index, which were found to be less than 1 value. Conclusions: This study revealed that all medicinal and nutritional herbs are almost within limits according to USP and USEPA, but the regular monitoring of heavy metals in edible herbs and the implementation of mitigation procedures can help in the control and prevention of adverse health consequences in the human population.

DNA-based molecular markers have great importance among other methods used for the authentication, detection, and identification of medicinal herbal species. Currently, it is more common to identify the medicinal herbal species (monoherbal or polyherbal forms) morphologically by using sensory, macroscopic, and microscopic methods. DNA-based markers made an easy for accurate detection of herbal species by using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which involves in vitro amplification of a particular region of DNA sequence.In the current study, we used heterogenic parts for isolation of DNA from twelve important medicinal herbal species followed by purity determination, and yield calculation. We optimized a PCR reaction using universal primer sets to amplify the target DNA followed by DNA sequencing, and species identification. We also performed phylogenetic analysis for determining the evolutionary relationship between the herbal species, by using MEGAX32 software. Further, we prepared adulterated herbal species samples to validate the method.The method was able to amplify the target gene through PCR in 11 out of 12 herbal species samples (sensitivity 91.66%).The DNA from cinnamon could not yield a truly amplified product. On DNA sequencing, all the amplified products were identified as true herbal species (specificity 100%). In the adulterated samples, non-specific DNA bands were observed after performing the PCR reaction, indicating the mixing of more than one herbal species.To conclude, DNA sequencing-based molecular analysis is advantageous for the correct identification, and detection of adulterated herbal species.

Climate change has been the most widely debated environmental issue since the late 20th century. It is a complex phenomenon with far-reaching effects on the environment, human societies, and economies. The term encompasses both global warming, which refers to the Earth’s rising surface temperatures, and the broader range of changes that are happening to our planet's climate system1. Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and diseases are some of how climate change is hurting people all over the world2,3. Of special consequence is that climate change has a direct implication on the lives of people in terms of their health. There has been an increase in the occurrence of respiratory diseases due to poor quality of air and diseases caused by heat.3 In addition to the consequences for health due to high temperatures, the earth is experiencing more frequent and intensive disasters such as storms, floods, and wildfires. These disasters can adversely impact the victim’s psychological well-being causing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression in the aftermath of forced shelter, loss, and other traumatic events such as witnessing or being a victim of a violation. There is an urgent need for this emerging health threat to be managed by legislators and medical practitioners to safeguard the well-being of the people globally.4

OBJECTIVE:To assess awareness and prevalence of e-cigarette among adult in Pakistan METHODOLOGY:More than 30 articles searched through Google Scholar and PubMed in July of 2023 using keywords e-cigarette, electronic cigarette, vaping, vaper, and vapor. There were 50 articles reviewed These review articles focused on utilization of e cigarette among adult using keywords e-cigarette, electronic cigarette, vaping, vaper, and vapor. CONCLUSION:In Pakistan, e-cigarettes are hugely popular among adults and teenagers. KEYWORDS: Vaping, Electronic nicotine, electronic cigarette

The present article describes the muscle relaxant and antipyretic effects of pentacyclic triterpenes, oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA) and betulinic acid (BA) isolated from roots of Diospyros lotus in animal models. The muscle relaxant effects of isolated pentacyclic triterpenes were determined by chimney and inclined plane tests. In the chimney test, pretreatment of pentacyclic triterpenes evoked significant dose dependent influence on muscle coordination. When administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) to mice at 10 mg/kg for 90 min, OA, UA, and BA exhibited muscle relaxant effects of 66.72 %, 60.21 %, and 50.77 %, respectively. Similarly, OA, UA, and BA (at 10 mg/kg) illustrated 65.74 %, 59.84 % and 51.40 % muscle relaxant effects in the inclined plane test. In the antipyretic test, significant amelioration was caused by pretreatment of all compounds in dose dependent manner. OA, UA, and BA (at 5 mg/kg) showed 39.32 %, 34.32 % and 29.99 % anti-hyperthermic effects, respectively 4 h post-treatment, while at 10 mg/kg, OA, UA, and BA exhibited 71.59 %, 60.99 % and 52.44 % impact, respectively. The muscle relaxant effect of benzodiazepines is well known for enhancement of GABA receptors. There may exist a similar mechanism for muscle relaxant effect of pentacyclic triterpenes. The in-silico predicted binding pattern of all the compounds reflects good affinity of compounds with GABAA receptor and COX-2. These results indicate that the muscle relaxant and antipyretic activities of these molecules can be further improved by structural optimization.

Prevalence of parasitic skin diseases, cutaneous leishmaniasis is very frequent in Pakistan, especially in Baluchistan where occurrence of phelbotomine sand flies (vector of protozoan parasite of genus Leishmania) is very common. This study was conducted to assess the antileishmaniasis activity of Intericutol plus ointment (2% and 3%) made with ethanolic extract of bark and leaves of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.)Planch. The antileishmaniasis effect was observed by applying the ointments on the lesions of leishmaniasis patients. 150 patients were included in the study that had single and multiple painful wet and dry ulcerative lesions on the exposed area of the body. The patients were divided into two groups of 75 patients each, applying 2% and 3% ointment respectively for 28 days. Dose of 10gm/week was applied topically on wounds. Excellent antileishmaniasis effect was observed with significant quick healing properties in the patients receiving 3% Intericutol plus ointment as compare to 2% showing 89% and 81% cure (p=0.02) respectively. It can be concluded that ointment made from medicinal plant proved to be very effective in treating cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Cancer patients suffer from the deleterious effects of the disease and its treatment. Quran Recitation therapy has been used as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) by Muslims for multiple diseases including cancer. Objective: To find the impact of Quran recitation therapy as CAM in the management of cancer. Methods: The study included full-text original research articles from a 10-year pooled data (2013 to 2023). The studies were divided into three categories i.e., cancer cell cultures, animal models and cancer patients. Results: Quran recitation on cancer cell cultures revealed an inhibition of cancer cell viability, proliferation and migration. Animal studies revealed increased T lymphocyte activity among the cancer cells and human studies revealed a significant reduction of anxiety, stress, depression, pain, nausea and vomiting during cancer management. Thus, the addition of Quran recitation therapy as a complementary medicine along with the standard medical treatment improved the prognosis and reduced the side effects of cancer treatment. Conclusions: Based on this evidence, Quran recitation can be used as a safe, non‑pharmacological treatment to improve the management of cancer.

stress on the body.Increased level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) or free radicals in the body will gradually result in prevalence of lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, and even malignant conditions of various organs [5][6][7][8][9].Nature has blessed humankind with a range of edible and medicinal plants having antioxidant potential and these are available according to seasonal variations.Incorporation of edible plants having natural antioxidants in our daily diet plan can improve our health through maintaining body's own metabolic processes ; strengthen immune system, boosting body's own free radical scavenging activity.Hence the overall health condition will be improved and the natural process of aging and age related complications could be minimized.Purpose of this research is to introduce a natural functional food after pandemic situation of COVID-19 that has antioxidant and immune boosting potential, known as "Rainbow Paratha".We made this paratha using whole wheat flour, mixing with edible Beeta vulgaris roots and leaves and Moringa oleifera that are rich in antioxidant poly phenols and can be safely consumed as are non-toxic [10,11,16,17].

Abstract Survival of living being in the universe depends upon the nature created ecosystem for foods, nutrition’s and medicines from the past several decades. Most consumable natural gifts are plant and herbs as foods and medicines for both human and animals. The affect of heavy metal contamination in plants and herbs cannot be underestimated as they are being used as major foodstuff. In the current study, we have quantitatively determined the five different heavy metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, nickel and copper in 13 selective herbal species which are commonly used for the formulation of herbal and food product as well as in culinary and cosmetic purpose. The conventional wet acid digestion method was used for sample dissolution and the heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. As result of this study we have obtained the various level of concentrations of specific heavy metals in the rage of 0.98­-2.39, 2.25-3.75, 0.42-1.17, 0.87-2.39, and 2.03-4.96 for Pb, Hg, Cd, Ni, and Cu respectively and we also compared the result with daily recommended limit of USP / B.P. While health risk assessment (EDI, THQ,TCR, and HI) of all selective herbal species have been computed along with the strict monitoring of contaminants or heavy metals in herbal, cosmetic product and food stuffs by regulatory authorities than it will be more fruitful and beneficial.

Abstract Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder in young women. Physical appearance, menstrual irregularities, and infertility are viewed as the sole causes of mental distress that affects quality of life. Methods: It was a comprehensive cross-sectional study that targeted women of reproductive age who visited the Abbasi Shaheed hospital's gynecology, obstetrics, and endocrinology departments in Karachi, Pakistan; aimed to compare health hazards associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and how they affect patients' quality of life (QOL) in Karachi, Pakistan. According to inclusion criteria; around 450 patients were included. PCOS patients' quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-12 questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics was applied on collected data; Pearson’s chi square test with a p-value of <0.05 indicating statistically significance was used to determine the association among various risk factor with PCOS along with QOL. Results: All patients showed the main indications of PCOS, like obesity (n = 360, 80%), acne (n = 268. 59.55%), hirsutism (n = 279, 62%), and irregular menstruation (n = 324, 72%). 274 (60.88%) patients had multiple cysts of >10 mm in diameter as per sonographic results. It was also found that Patients with PCOS showed a high occurrence of health hazards including hypertension (n = 98, 21.77%), diabetes mellitus (n =123, 27.33%), sleep apnea (n = 252, (56%), infertility (n = 135, (30%), high cholesterol level (n = 82, 18.22%) and hyperandrogenism (n = 279, 62%); this lead us to further investigate the relative risks associated with PCOS and a comparative study between 50 PCOS and Non-PCOS women was carried out. The majority of patients had low QOL scores (n = 370, or 82.21 percent), with depression being the leading cause. It was noticed that PCOs patients with diabetes, hypertension, lipid imbalance and most of all obese are more inclined to develop health related risk from these disorders; additionally, this risk is doubled for patients having poor self-esteem (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: It was found that depression, and poor self-esteem as a result of metabolic and reproductive complication are interrelated with low QOL in PCOS patients; emphasizing on the need of revising the management strategies and psychological health valuation of women with PCOS.

Infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria are major health concerns worldwide. We successfully synthesized cephradine gold nanoparticles (Ceph-Au NPs) and cephradine silver nanoparticles (Ceph-Ag NPs) and compared their efficacy against resistant human pathogens. X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) results showed that average particle size of Ceph-Au NPs and Ceph-Ag NPs were 7 and 12 nm, respectively. Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra revealed the conjugation of -NH2 and -OH functional moieties with the nanoparticle (NP) surfaces. These NPs significantly inhibited the biofilm of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the range of 61.25-250 mu g/mL. Ceph-Au NPs are more active than Ceph-Ag NPs and can be used to treat the diseases associated with MRSA and S. mutans.

Natural oils are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFs) like omega 3, omega 6 and other nutrients that boost physical and mental health. Traditionally these oils have been used to treat joint pain associated with several inflammatory conditions. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant and analgesic properties of the sesame oil (SO), fish oil (FO) and combination of these two oils (SO+FO). Different concentrations of the SO, FO and SO+FO combination 0.02-4mg/ml were used for assessing the free radical scavenging activity by DPPH method and the IC50 value was calculated. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test, tail immersion and hot plate models were used to determined analgesic effect. Results showed that both oils were well tolerated as no signs of toxicity or death were noticed during the observational study period. SO+FO combination showed the best antioxidant properties as shown by DPPH assay. Similarly in analgesic models, SO and FO significantly reduced the number of abdominal contractions (p<0.05) however, SO+FO (1:1) exhibited highly significant results (p<0.001) in writhing reflex test. Furthermore, SO and FO both increased the reaction time on a hot plate as well as in tail flick test (p<0.05) whereas, SO+FO significantly increased reaction time (p<0.001) in hot plate and in tail flick test as compared to SO and FO single treatments. Conclusively, our results suggest that the combination of both oils (SO+FO) exhibited significant antioxidant and analgesic potential that it could be considered as one of the active combinations for relieving pain in adjunctive treatment for joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Around fifteen percent women of reproductive age have been effected by Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS); a complicated disorder; and apparently there is no standard therapy available. Considering this lack, we design present work; for the assessment of a herbal medicine (Femitex-SP4) in managing PCOs. During 2016-17; this study was carried out at Abbasi Shaheed hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients aged between 18-44 years were included as per Rotterdam criteria. Patients received 500 mg of powdered herbs in capsule form twice daily. The primary outcomes were regular menstruation and ovulation plus change in fasting blood sugar levels. Changes in free testosterone levels and ovarian morphology was secondary outcome measures. Continuous outcomes before and after treatment were compared by Student's t-test (one tailed, independent). P = 0.05 was considered as significant. Women menstrual cycle was considerably improved. Fasting blood sugar levels did not change (p=0.103392). Progesterone levels were same at the starting point and after treatment (P=0.318322). With complete recovery in 6 patients; a notable change was found in ovarian size. Free testosterone levels were also dropped significantly (p<0.00001). Our main success was drastic improvement in normalizing menstrual cycle during therapy. Herbal treatment is proven to be clinically effective in most of the patients; particularly PCOs patients with menstrual irregularities. Hence, Femitex-SP4 can be taken as a better treatment for PCOs.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Nepeta adenophyta Hedge (Lamiaceae) is an endemic therapeutic herb from Astore, Gilgit (Pakistan). This plant species has been reported among the local communities, especially for treating abdominal pain, kidney pain, menstrual pain, headache, and controlling bleeding disorders. Therefore, the scientific basis is provided for the relief of pain as it is used in various pain management among the natives, especially as ethnogynecological herbal remedy. Aim of the study: The present study investigates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract of N. adenophyta in animal models. Furthermore, the extract was also studied to determine their valuable phytoconstituents. Material and methods: The biological effects were determined via tail-flick, hot plate, and acetic-acid-induced abdominal writhing methods. At the same time, anti-inflammatory activity was assesed via oxidative burst and antioxidant DPPH assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques were employed to understand the phytochemicals present in the crude ethanolic extract of Nepeta adenophyta. Results: In the current study, Nepeta adenophyta extract exhibited potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects on different pain models and indicated that the analgesic effect of N. adenophyta extract is mediated both in central and peripheral ways. Dose-dependent and significant (P < 0.05) increases were shown in pain threshold, at 45 min post-treatment, with 20 and 40 mg/kg of the extract in the tail-flick model. The effects of the extract were similar to aspirin but lower to those by morphine (2.5 mg/kg) in the same tests. The extract (20-40 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent inhibition of writhing with a significant (P < 0.001) increase protection against thermal stimuli in hot plate test as compared to control and similar to aspirin and morphine. Further, the anti-inflammatory activity of the crude in oxidative burst and DPPH assays showed significant inhibitory activity. The chemical profile analysis showed major phytochemicals, including long chain derivatives of alkane and alcohol, phenolics, naphthalene, naphthopyran, androsten phenanthrenone, nepetalactones, flavonoids etc. Conclusions: Nepeta adenophyta Hedge is suggested as a natural alternative for mild pain relief. Our findings endorse the folklore use of N. adenophyta in different pain managements which can be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, naphthalene derivatives, flavanoids and nepetalactones etc.

Raphanus sativus L. (Brassicacae) possesses numerous health benefits due to presence of a host of secondary metabolites in its various parts. The present study investigated the nutritive value of Raphanus sativus (RS) seeds and seed oil. Proximate and physico chemical analysis were carried out by official AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) and AOCS (American oil chemist society) methods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) described the surface morphology along with atomic elemental composition of the sample. Mineral contents were evaluated by Atomic absorption spectroscopy. Moisture content was 8.67±0.08% whereas protein, crude fiber, crude fat, carbohydrates, total ash values were reported as 20.13±0.15%, 7.86±0.15%, 32.27±0.25%, 27.32±0.85%, 3.75±0.02% respectively. EDS determined carbon, oxygen, magnesium, sulfur and potassium in seeds. All physico-chemical properties varied insignificantly for the two extraction methods, except for acid value and unsaponifiable matter, which were higher for Soxhlet's extracted oil than cold pressed oil. The mineral composition revealed potassium in the highest concentrations in seeds and seed oil i.e.1660.65±69.26 ppm and 47.80 ± 7.02 ppm respectively. The study suggested that the seed and seed oil could be a potential source of naturally originated raw material for the nutritive and pharmaceutical aid.

The novel coronavirus (nCOVID-19) has spread to endless nations and turn out to be a pandemic around the globe. Because of the developing number of affirmed cases and open public hazard owing to its high risk of infection rate, it has expected a lot of consideration from world health organizations and national health regulatory and monitoring agencies. The world is in surge to explore or discover novel treatment options and vaccine that can lead to cure. There is no proven effective treatment for nCOVID-19 however along with available antiviral therapy Chinese researchers recommended herbal treatments as effective and alternative treatments options to treat this pandemic. Herbal products are wealthy in dynamic phytochemicals, such as the terpenoids, various collection of flavonoids, sulfides, lignans constiuents, coumarins concentrates, saponins moities, polyphenolics composite, numerous alkaloids, polyines, furyl mixtures, proteins and related compounds, thiophenes and peptides groups. In this review we discussed pathogeneis, immunity and current herbal treatment strategies of nCOVID-19 to cure this world wide pandemic.

Natural oils are enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are important for our health. Recent experimental data explained that PUFAs might have a beneficial effect on various brain functions such as anxiety, dementia, epileptic seizures, depression or bipolar and other neurobehavioral diseases. The objective of the current research work was to evaluate the effect of sesame oil, fish oil and mixture of both oils (1:1) on neurobehavioral changes and cognition. For this purpose shark fish oil and sesame oil were extracted out and there poly unsaturated and saturated fatty acids were analyzed by using GCFID that exposed the presence of different PUFs in shark fish oil, sesame oil and mixture of both oils. Neurobehavioral changes were seen after 5ml/kg/day sesame oil, 5ml/kg/day shark fish oil and 1:1 combination of both oil 5ml/kg/day administration on open field, cage crossing, light and dark, stationary rod, forced swimming induced depression test and water maze test. Our GCFID results showed sesame and fish oil enriched with higher amount of PUFs and showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant like effect after 30 days of treatment (P<0.05) however combination of these both oils exhibited greater efficacy (P<0.01) in reducing anxiety and depression as imipramine standard drug. Results showed that combination of both oils (sesame oil and fish oil) could be a better option to treat neurobehavioral problems as compared to alone.

Since ancient times humans have relied on traditional medicine and herbal formulation for the cure of various diseases and disorders. Globally, interest in use of herbal medicine has increased; as drawbacks of modern medicine and have started getting more prominent. Most of the traditional system of medicine; all in their formulations depends on plants. Traditional herbal cough products have considered to be mild, nontoxic, non-sedative and even harmless. As Syrup is commonly taken for the relief of cough; we aimed to formulate a cough syrup (Graphirine) from some common indigenous herbs; Adhatoda vasica, Piper longum and Rosa Damasena and evaluate its physicochemical parameters along with the changes in accelerated stability testing. Preformulation studies, i.e. moisture content, ash, water and ethanol extractive values of all three herbs were defined. Physicochemical factors, quantitative spectral measurement, FTIR spectrum for identification of compounds; along with accelerated stability and possible microbial fungal growth; were also checked for the formulated syrup. Each and every parameter complied with the specifications.

Background: Silybum marianum is the most commonly prescribed phytomedicine for multiple Hepatic disorders. The common name of this plant is milk thistle. It exhibit its effects by the presence of flavonolignans via numerous mechanism the noteworthy are its antioxidant, anti- inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions which make it suitable applicant for treatment of Liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, Fatty liver disease, Hepatitis, Hepatocellular carcinoma and many more. The drug is available mostly with the name of Silymarin in the market Objective: The aim of the present study is to unfold miracles of milk thistle to review its efficacy and safety for management in Hepatic disorders Methodology: A thorough literature survey was carried out for the article. More than 50 articles were taken into consideration published between 2000 and 2018. Result: The review exposed the main constituents of milk thistle and its properties to protect liver against various toxins, alcohol and viral attacks. Silymarin is capable to regenerate liver and bring the hepatic markers, AST, ALT and others, to normal levels and the reported toxicities of Silymarin are few. Conclusion: Silybum marianum has proved its higher efficacy and safety in Hepatic disorders, as compare to other therapies and therefore is an agent of choice. Furthermore its cost effectiveness and ability to be developed as various dosage forms, like emulsion and nanoparticles, undoubtedly ensures its extensive use in future.