ABSTRACT
The study is conducted to observe and investigate the effects of oral dosing of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum [L] and Centratherum anthelminticum [L] on neuropharmacological activities of mice. Methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum [L] and Centratherum anthelminticum [L] were soluble in Dimethyl sulphoxide [DMSO] i.e. an organic solvent, so it is used in this study. Screening for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were performed using open field test, head dip test, stationary rod test, cage crossing test, light and dark box and swimming- induced depression test. Thirty animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each and numbered as 1 [control, on DMSO], 2[on methanolic extract of Cuminum nigrum [L], 3 [on methanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum [L]. The extracts and DMSO were administered orally for 60 days. Any possible change in animal behavior was evaluated on day 15, 30 and 60 of dosing. The groups 2 and 3 showed significant increase [p<0.001, p<0.01] in open field activity and light and dark box test respectively, while significantly decreased activity was observed in head dip and cage crossing activity [p<0.01] after 60 days of dosing. Based on above findings, it is suggested that the extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum [L] and Cuminum nigrum [L] have antidepressant and anxiolytic potential with sedative effects
ABSTRACT
Eye is the most beautiful, important and sensitive organ of human body. It is not only linked with visionary complex optical system also has the ability to differentiate among the millions of colors. The apparent human personality is also associated with it. Asmad/Antimony Sulfide/Kohl/Surma powder is one of the eye preparation has been used since ancient time. There are several aesthetic and ophthalmic preparations available for human eye and they have closed association between the aesthetic and medicinal significance such as cleansing, soothing, strengthening and antiinfectious actions along with beautifying purpose of eye. The main objective of present research is to provide scientific findings regarding beneficial and toxic effects of Asmad products available in market for the frequent users. The chemical and toxicological investigations on ten selected famous brands of Pakistan samples [PHS1, PHS2, PLS, PMS and PSS] and Saudi Arabia samples [SBS, SAS, SHS, SMS and STS] were carried out through advanced and sophisticated technique Scanning Electron Microscope [SEM] linked with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy [EDS] which is used to determine the presence different percentages of organic and inorganic elements in all the brands of Pakistani and Saudi Arabian samples. The safety and toxicity depends on the Na, Mg, Ca, K, Al, Cu, Zn, Fe, Bi, Si, O, C, S and Pb percentages respectively of the Asmad products
ABSTRACT
The anti inflammatory activity of methnolic root extract of Cissus quadrangularis L. [CQ] and seed extract of Lepedium sativum L. [LS] were studied in rats also in conjunction with using a mixture [CL] of CQ and LS. The estimation of anti-inflammatory activity was conducted by measuring volumetrically with the help of plethysmometer, the mean increase in hind paw volume of rat. Standard drug like diclofenac sodium within the dose of a 100 mg/kg is used. The doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of both plant extracts individually as well as combination were given. 0.9% NaCI [saline] solution given to control group. All the doses administered orally. Results showed that at dose of 50mg/kg showed potent activity by LS[4.06+/-0.03] and CQ[4.16+/-0.03], as CL [3.96+/-0.03] showed moderate activity while dose 100 and 200 mg / kg showed moderate activity by LS from respective standard i.e. Diclofenac Sodium
ABSTRACT
Casuarina equisetifolia L. is an important medicinal plant widely used to treat various diseases particularly ulcers, diabetes, cough, diarrhea and many infectious and skin diseases. The aim of this research study was to examine the killing mechanism and killing kinetics assay of methanolic bark extract of C. equisetifolia against some highly resistant human pathogens. The comparison on antibacterial activity of extract was firstly done with six different well reputed antibiotics using disk diffusion method. The broth dilution method was used to measure the MIC and MBC values. The mechanism of killing was identified by scanning electron microscopy [SEM] technique. Results showed that higher inhibitory zones were produced by methanolic plant extract than that of some tested antibiotics. The lower MIC and MBC values indicated the antibacterial potency of plant extract. The extract of C. equisetifolia produced a more drop in optical density of S. aureus, MRSA B. subtilis and S. epidermidis up to 12 hrs. The complete destruction of the cell membrane of MRSA was observed after 12 h treatment with plant extract. It is concluded that crude bark extract of C. equisetifolia is potent antimicrobial agent and produced both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Its killing time was extremely faster especially against MRSA. The cell membrane rapturing is a suggested killing mechanism of plant extract
ABSTRACT
Natural plant products contain diversity of molecules that have different biological, pharmacological and toxicological properties. The present study was carried out to investigate the brine shrimp lethality, insecticidal and phyto-toxic potentials by using the Musa paradisiaca L. bract, flower, trachea [flowering stalk] and tracheal fluid. Brine shrimp lethality assay was determined by using the salina species of artemia and results showed that all four extracts were found inactive at low concentration while little activity was found in each part at high concentration. Phyto-toxic potential was studied on the Lemna minor L. and dose dependent phytotoxic potential of all four extracts were observed. While insecticidal activity was determined by using the direct contact method which indicated that these parts of Musa paradisiaca L. possesses no such kind of activity?
ABSTRACT
In arid and semi-arid regions of the world salinity is the one of the major problem that causes tremendous loss in the crop yield. It is required to bring these areas under utilization for maximizing the crop production either by removing salinity or by using salt tolerant crops. These plants are growing on the soil as creepers and herbs such as Citrullus colocynthis, Cres erotica, Launeae nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f. etc. One of such kind of plants, L. nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f. has been selected for the current research study. L. nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f. is abundantly found in Pakistan, especially in Karachi, parts of Sindh province and Cholistan desert. The L. nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f. Compositae [Asteraceae] is considered as facultive type of Halophyte which can grow on saline as well as non saline soil. According to the literature survey, this creeper facultive halophyte has great medicinal significance. It is recommended in Folk medicine as bitter tonic, stomachic, wound healing accelerator etc. Furthermore, it is reported to possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal and cytotoxic properties. Present study is based on standardization, phytochemical, urease inhibition and heavy metal analysis of three morphological parts of L nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f. i.e. [A]root, [B] stems, and [C] leaves. Due to significant medicinal properties, agronomy and easy accessibility of this ignored halophyte, preliminary phytochemical, physico-chemical, moisture content, total ash content and florescent analysis of all parts of plant were separately performed to establish the standard protocol for its identification that is crucial for medical use and detenuination of existing chemical components either primary or secondary metabolites in each part and their behaviors. Elemental analysis and urease inhibition activity were carried out to prove this plant as both nutritional and agronomic potential along with their toxic components present in each part of L. nudicaulis [L.] Hook.f?
ABSTRACT
Plants are an important source of antimicrobial products, most of them are efficacious against diverse organisms including fungi, yeasts and bacteria, insects and nematodes. The present study was aimed at measuring the antimicrobial effects of methanolic extract of flower and leaves of Hibiscus schizopetalus [Mast] Hook. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of H. schizopetalus extracts [HFE and HLE] were evaluated by the agar well diffusion and agar dilution methods, respectively. The flower extract of H. schizopetalus [HFE] revealed antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, S. faecalis, Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus vulgaris with zone of inhibition of 5 mm, 9 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, respectively. The extracts [HFE and HLE] showed prominent activity against human pathogens Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and specially for Candida albicans with zone of inhibition of 5 mm, 4 mm, 10 mm, 6 mm, 3 mm and 14 mm, respectively. The microbial inhibitory effects of the extracts of flower and leaves of H. schizopetalus are favorable to introduce this plant as potential candidate for new drug development regarding treatment of diseases caused by these pathogens
ABSTRACT
Globally, the significance of medicinal plant in the cure of variety of illnesses has been increasing the expansion of science of phytopharmaceuticals and desire for treatment in chronic and acute diseases which initiates new enthusiasm to develop herbal medicine. The present study was conducted on mature leaves of Adansonia digitata L. used in traditional system of medicine for curative and preventive treatment of asthma, dysentery, fever, hemorrhoids, insect bites, malaria, measles, sores trypanosomiasis, ulcers, etc. This plant is used as a staple food because it has nutritional value too. The present investigation describes phytochemical screening and standardization profile of mature leaves of A. digitata. Various extracts of leaves were prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening using different solvents and detailed microscopic and fluorescence studies were also carried out
ABSTRACT
Nowadays anxiety and depression are most commonly encountered diseases. They are not only difficult to diagnose but even difficult to treat since both are sometimes seen together or one predisposes the other. Apart from this side effect profile of these drugs is also high; hence there is immense scope for the herbal drugs to treat these disorders. Present study was therefore performed to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant effect of Carthamus tinctorius petal extract. 28 white albino rats bred in the animal house of Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi weighing 180-220gm were r and omly divided into four groups [n=7/group] to assess behavioral effects. The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Carthamus tinctorius petal extract were evaluated using elevated plus maize and forced swim test respectively at100 and 200mg/kg. These effects were compared with st and ard drugs Diazepam [anxiolytic] 2mg/kg and Nortriptyline [antidepressant] 12.5mg/kg. Results show that CT produced highly significant anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects at both doses as compared to control, similar to st and ard anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs diazepam and nortriptyline. It increased the latency of first entry to closed arms and the time spent in open arms very significantly at both doses while entries to open arm were increased significantly at 100mg/kg and very significantly at 200mg/kg in EPM test and increased the immobility time very significantly in FST. Hence it can be concluded that CT may be used as an alternative therapeutic agent while treating patients with anxiety and depressive disorders.
ABSTRACT
The present study was undertaken to assess the antidepressant effect of crude ethanolic extract of floral part of Hibiscusrosa sinensis [HRS] at doses l00mg/kg, 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg using three parameters which are forced induced swimming test [FST], tail suspension test [TST] and open field test[OFT]
Flouxetine (15mg/kg, body weight) was used as standard. Significant dose dependent decline in immobility time was observed in all the three doses in FST and TST while in case of OFT none of the dose of HRS exhibited effectual results. To determine MAO[A] and MAO[B] activity HRS extract was used and the results revealed that each dose of this plant exhibited marked effect on MAO[A], while on MAO[B] only 250mg/kg dose was found significant
ABSTRACT
Trigonella foenum- graecum Linn [Fabaceae] is an annual aromatic herb and no wit is cultivated globally like in Pakistan, Egypt, India, Middle East etc. Traditionally it was used in anorexia, as febrifuge, to soothe gastritis and gastric ulcers, as a galactagogue and as condiment, hypoglycemic agent and employed in various as nervous disorders
The study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum and underlying mechanism of action. For assessment of antidepressant activity Forced Swimming Test [FST], Tail Suspension Test [TST], Monoamine [MAO] Assay and Locomotor Activity Test were studied. Acute toxicity, Rota Rod and Grip Strength Tests were also performed. The significant declining in immobility time as compared to control was shown in Forced swimming test as compared to tail suspension test
Considerable change was not found in open field test [OFT]. EtOH extract of seeds of fenugreek represent maximum significant reduction which was 30 and 24.65%in MAO- A and B activity respectively in the rat's whole brain as compared to control animals in Monoamine oxidase [MAO] assay
All tested doses were found ineffective in impairment of muscle coordination in Rota rod and in grip strength related to muscle relaxant property. According to experimental findings it is revealed that ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum showed antidepressant effect by inhibiting the activity of MAO-A and B
ABSTRACT
Many herbomineral preparations in traditional medicines are being used from time immemorial like Kushta Ahrak Safaid, Busoor-e-Labinyah etc. as therapeutics remedies in common ailments such type of preparations are known to have additive and pronounced effects to cure any obstinate disease condition
The main objective of this research dtudy is the formulation of herbomineral capsule [ALG-06] to treat such type of condition like hypopigmentation in case of vitiligo
In order to achieve the best quality of this formulation physicochemical analysis i.e. fluorescence test, ash values, extractive values and moisture content of combined powdered drug of herbs and minerals were performed followed by phytopharmaceutical calculation of flow ability of blended powder by means of angle of repose, porosity,
Accelerated stability studies were also performed to establish the efficacy of the formulation. In this regard organoleptic properties color, odor, appearance and tosMt. weight variation, disintegration and bio burden of ALG-06 formulation were monitored at 40°C/75% relative humidity [RH] along with a room temperature [RT] for a period of one month
ABSTRACT
Cancer is a common cause of death in human populations. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy still remain the corner stone of treatment. However, herbal medicines are gaining popularity on account of their lesser harmful side effects on non-targeted human cells and biological environment. Annona squamosa Linn is a common delicious edible fruit and its leaf have been used for the treatment in various types of diseases
The objective of present study is to determine the anticancer potential of the organic and aqueous extracts of leaf of Annona squamosa L. MTT [3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2yl]-2, 5-biphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line BEL-7404, lung cancer line H460, human epidermoid carcinoma cell line KB-3-1, prostatic cancer cell line DU145, breast carcinoma cell line MDA-MB-435, and colon cancer cell line HCT-116 Human primary embryonic kidney cell line HEK293 as control were used for the study
The crude extract [Zed] and Ethyl acetate extract [ZE] were found significant anticancer activity only on human epidermoid carcinoma cell line KB-3-1 and colon cancer cell line HCT-116
ABSTRACT
Plant drugs identification is a very crucial problem in the utilization of herbal drugs when used either as a crude drug or as raw material in pharmaceuticals. Various methods are used for the identification and standardization of herbal drugs. Sometime faulty or adulterated drug causes severe health hazard, not only for the patients but also for normal healthy persons. Many drugs which are available in the markets are adulterated and misleading as they are substitutes of the original article. The standardization of herbal drug is therefore necessary to ascertain the genuineness of the herbs. In this paper the methods of standardization [organoleptic and microscopic evaluation] of the drug Holeptelea integrifolia [Roxb] Planch has been presented to establish the quality and purity of this valuable drug