Cytotoxic, embryotoxic, insecticidal and anti-microbial activities of standardized Areca catechu nut

The study was aimed at evaluating various biological actions of widely consumed Areca catechu nut. The nut's ethanolic extract exhibited cytotoxicity [lung cancer cell line], embryotoxicity [chick embryo], phytotoxicity [Lemna minor], insecticidal [Rhyzopertha dominica], anti-bacterial [Pseudomonas aeruginosa], anti-fungal [Microsporum canis] and mitogenic [human blood lymphocytes] actions. The standardization results revealed presence of 1.7 microg arecoline per mg of extract. In conclusion, the Areca nut is endowed with both harmful and beneficial biological actions. Keeping in view its wide consumption and ease of availability, the aforesaid information should be channelized for health and agricultural benefits

Cuscuta reflexa roxb. and its pure compounds-induced micronuclei in plant cells and downregulation of EGFR expression in NCI-H460 Cell Line

Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. [Convolvulaceae] has medicinal applications used in treating wide range of diseases including cancer. The methanolic extract of C. reflexa Roxb. [MECR] grown on host Nerium oleander L.] and its pure compounds namely, odoroside H [1], neritaloside [2] and strospeside [3] were assessed for genotoxicity using mitotic meristematic root tip cells of Allium species [A. cepa and A. sativum] and meiotic pollen mother cells from Tradescantia pallida var purpurea. The effect of pure compounds were also evaluated in human non-small cell lung cancer cell line [NCI-H460] on tumor suppressor gene [p53] and epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR] expression using agarose gel electrophoresis. The MECR between 0.1 and 1 mg/ml was ineffective in mitotically dividing cells, whereas in meiotic pollen mother cells, higher concentrations [5-20 mg/ml] caused significant induction of micronuclei [MN]. In both mitotic and meiotic cells, odoroside H and neritaloside induced significant rise in MN frequency, however, strospeside had no effect. The genotoxic potential in both cells was in the order of: [1] = [2] > MECR > [3]. MECR and odoroside H [1] caused dose dependent growth inhibition in NCI-H460 cells with GI50 of 0.92 +/- 0.04 microg/ml and of 0.08+/-0.01 microg/ml, respectively. The antiproliferative action of MECR [1 microg/ml], odoroside H [1] [0.14 microM], neritaloside [2] [.16 microM] and strospeside [3] [0.5 microM] in comparison to control, significantly downregulated expression of epithelial growth factor receptor [EGFR] by two fold with no affect on p53 gene expression. This study clearly demonstrates that MECR is genotoxic at higher doses and should be taken into account if used for medicinal purposes. The mitotic cells of Allium species were more sensitive [2x] in MN formation than meiotic cells of T. pallida pu. Furthermore, MECR and pure compounds possesses antiproliferative activity against NCI-H460 cells that might be mediated through EGFR-dependent but p53-independent pathways?

Dietary management of takayus al mebyadh [polycystic ovarian syndrome]

In Unani system of medicine the diet therapy [Ilaj bil Ghizd] is an important part for managing many diseases. Diet is one of the most important factors that keeps the Akhlat [humors] in equilibrium and ultimately maintains a balanced mizaj [temperament] on the other hand modern medicine also puts great emphasis on this aspect. PCOS [Polycystic ovarian syndrome]-insulin resistance-obesity are interconnected. The modification[s] in dietary patterns in PCOS patients improves metabolic and reproductive outcomes by reducing insulin resistance. No such article was there which accurately enlist appropriate food items for such patients. PCOS is due to Sue Mizaj-Barid Ratab [Mal temperament due to cold and moist]. Mizaj of Foods with hot and dry are the best, while cold and moist are the worst. On the other hand food with low glycemic index are best while high glycemic index should be avoided with respect to the concept of modern medicine. This review article focuses on the most healthy and unhealthy food for PCOS patients with respect to the concepts of Unani and modern medicine and enlist appropriate food items for such patients with a distinct view?

Comparative clinical evaluation of herbal and allopathic medicine in acute tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is usually caused by a viral infection or less commonly, a bacterial infection. Symptoms may include sore throat, fever, enlargement of the tonsils, pain in swallowing, and enlarged lymph nodes around the neck. Herbal remedies are popularly used due to its potential action to relieve early tonsillitis, costeffectiveness and with fewer adverse effects. This research aimed to determine the efficacy of herbal medicine for the management of acute tonsillitis. Study was conducted at Shifa-ul-Mulk Memorial Hospital for Eastern Medicine, Madinat-ul-Hikmah, Hamdard University. Patients [n=78] were randomly assigned to receive test drug lozin [500 mg] thrice a day and control drug cephradine [250 mg] thrice a day or 500 mg twice a day for 5-12 days with a follow-up visit of 2-12 days. Both medications after a 10-day treatment period caused a significant improve-ment in all the signs and symptoms. The herbal formulation lozin demonstrated similar efficacy compared to allopathic medicine cephradine for the treatment of acute tonsillitis