Evaluation of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Bergenia ciliata Sternb [Rhizome] crude extract and fractions

Biologically, screening of medicinal plants extracts have been since pre-historic to determine the antioxidants and antimicrobial profile. The present study was aimed to investigate and evaluate crude extract and different fractions of Bergenia ciliata Sternb [rhizome] for bioactivity which is most considerable medicinal plants. The chloroform fraction was found to be highly anti-oxidative with the IC50 value [4.15 +/- 0.82] as compare to ethyl acetate and n-hexane fraction. In addition, neither crude extract nor any fraction showed inhibition against fungal strains, i.e. Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Furthermore, the crude extract and fractions of B. ciliata [rhizome] exhibiting promising activities against Bacillus atrophoeus, Bacillus subtilis, Kleibsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. In summary, B. ciliata is recommended as a source of bioactive compounds which might be used against oxidative stress and drug resistance bacteria

Ethnomedicinal plant species used against jaundice in Dr kohistan valley [Khyber Pukhtunkhwa] Pakistan

The paper enumerates the traditional uses of 54 plant species belonging to 34 families, which are used by the village communities of Dir Kohistan Valley [Khyber Pukhtunkhwa, Pakistan] for the treatment of jaundice. Some of these useful species are under serious threat due to unsustainable activities. Hence, a proper documentation of useful plants with their present status and local traditional knowledge as well as practices is urgently needed. Efforts should also be made to implement appropriate conservation measures for preservation and sustainable use of useful medicinal plant species

Pharmacognostical study of leaf and root of cichorium intybus L.

Pharmacognostic study of the root and leaf of Cichorium intybus L. [Kasni], a common weed of winter of high medicinal value for various ailments, has been carried out on the basis of microscopic characters, powder analysis, fluorescence characteristics, photochemical and medicinal aspects

Ethnobotanical studies of some useful shrubs of dir kohistan valley, NWFP, Pakistan

Field studies were carried out on the shrubs of Dir Kohistan valley, NWFP, Pakistan. Local medicinal uses of shrubs in this valley have helped people prevent and treat various diseases such as to purify blood, jaundice, internal wounds, and as diaphoretic, purgative, poisonous and cardiac, circulatory stimulant, febrifuge and for fuel wood, fodder, ornamental, agricultural tools, thatching, fencing, naming [folk lore] and fruit yielding purposes. In the present paper 41 shrubby plant species are reported on the basis of information gathered from local peoples of Kohistan Valley. Several species like Berberis iycium, Indigofera heterantha, Skimmia laureola, and Daphne oleoides are under severe pressure from local population and require protection, conservation strategies