ABSTRACT
Present study evaluates the anti-hyperglycemic potential of two Indian spices Cinnamomum zeylanicum [CZ] and Cumin cyminum [CC] [whole powder and aqueous extracts] using in vitro techniques like glucose adsorption assay, amylolysis kinetics and ex vivo assays like amylase, Sucrase and ?-glucosidase assay. CZ displayed higher glucose adsorption and glucose diffusion retardation than CC, as shown by glucose adsorption and amylolysis kinetics assay. CZ showed lower inhibition of alpha-amylase and sucrase where as CC has no effect on both the enzymes. In case of alpha glucosidase, CC had better inhibition than CZ. Further research is needed to understand the mechanism through which both the spices act to regulate the hyperglycemia
ABSTRACT
Introduction: One of the greatest risk factors for cardiovascular diseases is hypercholesterolemia. Moringa oleifera is a good source of phytochemicals and is well explored for its antioxidant properties. Methods: The main aim of the present study was to assess the potential cholesterol lowering effect of Moringa oleifera leaf polyphenols (MOP) in an animal model. Five groups of male Wister rats were fed for 45 days as follows: a standard diet (GI); high fat-cholesterol diet (GII); high fat-cholesterol with MOP (100 and 200mg/kg body wt GIII & GIV respectively); and high fat-cholesterol with statins (Atorvastatin) (G-V). Results: Administration of MOP rich extract (GII and GIV) significantly (p=0.05) lowered the serum cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. A significant (p=0.05) decrease in the activity of the HMG CoA reductase enzyme was observed in GIII, GIV and GV but not in GI & GII. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that the polyphenol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves has a significant cholesterol lowering effect through inhibiting HMG CoA reductase activity and faecal bile acid binding.
ABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic protozoan disease, caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The infection can result in more severe symptoms with potentially life-threatening in case of immunocompromised individuals. Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are the two drugs used as a part of standard therapy for toxoplasmosis. Researchers have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants for toxoplasmosis, which can be used as an alternative to standard drug therapy with reduced side effects. Traditional herbal plants are used by people to cure a large number of parasitic disorders. This review provides new insights into various medicinal plants that are used traditionally for the treatment of toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections, which can be useful as an alternative treatment option for Toxoplasma gondii infections.
ABSTRACT
Toxoplasmosis is a globally distributed parasitic protozoan disease, caused by Toxoplasma gondii. The infection can result in more severe symptoms with potentially life-threatening in case of immunocompromised individuals. Sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine are the two drugs used as a part of standard therapy for toxoplasmosis. Researchers have demonstrated the therapeutic effects of medicinal plants for toxoplasmosis, which can be used as an alternative to standard drug therapy with reduced side effects. Traditional herbal plants are used by people to cure a large number of parasitic disorders. This review provides new insights into various medicinal plants that are used traditionally for the treatment of toxoplasmosis and other parasitic infections, which can be useful as an alternative treatment option for Toxoplasma gondii infections.
ABSTRACT
The usage of Swietenia mahagoni, a popular medicinal plant in India and some African countries, dates back to ancient times for its curative properties in diseases like malaria, diabetes, and diarrhea. It is also used as an anti-pyretic, bitter tonic and astringent. Its pharmacological activities are being widely explored. Although many important groups of phytochemicals have been identified and isolated from various parts of the plant, most of these researches have been focused on seeds. Toxicological studies have established the safety of many of these plant extracts, and found insignificant side effects. Here we present a comprehensive review of all the pharmacological effects and constituent phytochemicals of the plant.