ABSTRACT
Accumulation of metal in fish flesh is increasing because of heavy metal pollution in rivers of India, which poses significant threat to the consumers’ health. Here, we studied the concentrations of heavy metals [cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)] in the muscle tissues of Banded or Striped gourami, Trichogaster fasciata Bloch & Schneider collected from the river Ganges and its tributaries in order to assess the risk the consumers are put to. The order of metal accumulation (Zn>Pb>Cu>Cr>Cd) was found to be the same in both the fish muscle and the water samples. Significant values of correlation of coefficient (R = 0.9184-0.9612) of length-weight relationship and mean condition factor ranging between 1.876-2.420 g/cm3 of different populations of the fish were recorded. All metal concentration was negatively correlated with the fish size and condition factor except Zn in Ghaghara and Yamuna (P <0.05) and Pb in the Ganges (P <0.05) and Yamuna (P <0.001). Estimated daily intakes by the fish-eating inhabitants were lower than the maximum tolerable daily intake value except for that of Zn. The target hazard quotient and health index showed that intake of these heavy metals was quite safe by the fish consuming local populations including both the male and females. This study could be used as an essential piece of information for the management purposes of river Ganga to prevent heavy metal pollution and risk associated with it.
ABSTRACT
Parkinson’s disease (PD) results primarily from the death of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra. Treatment of PD has been shifted recently towards herbal medicines.Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. (BM) and Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC (MP) are traditional herbal plants known to have neuroprotective effects due to the presence of bacosides in whole plant extract of Bacopa monnieri (BME) and L-DOPA in MP seed extract (MPE). In this study, the comparative effect of BME and MPE in Parkinsonian mice induced by chronic exposure to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) was evaluated. Twenty four Swiss albino mice (35-45 g) were grouped into Control, MPTP, MPTP+BME and MPTP+MPE (6 mice in each). Experimental mice were given 40 mg/kg body wt. BME, 48 mg/kg body wt. MPE treatment was given orally for one month with prior use of 15 mg/kg body wt. of MPTP for 2 wk. After the treatment period, behavioral study was performed and assessment of neuroprotective effect was done via neurochemical analysis, Immunohistochemical parameters studied included functional viability of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra by Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) using monoclonal antibody against TH and apoptotic study through caspase-3 and m-RNA expression of neurogenic gene in substantia nigra region of brain. Treatment with BME or MPE for one month significantly decreased the elevated levels of oxidative stress found in Parkinsonian mice. In behavioral tests, comparative analysis of BME and MPE showed a significant increase in spontaneous locomotor activity and grip strength test. Moreover, it was found that the use of BME considerably improved the tyrosine hydroxylase activity, caspase-3 and expression of neurogenic gene in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The results suggest that BME may provide a better platform for future drug discoveries and novel treatment strategies for PD as compared to MPE.
ABSTRACT
Dietary components present in foods, spices and herbs are source of natural compounds viz. phenols, flavonoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid and carotenoids with potential benefits. Ginger is one such herb commonly used throughout the world as a spice for dietary as well as medicinal purpose since ancient period. Here, we investigated the methanolic extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome (ZOME) for anticancer activity against human cervical cancer HeLa cells and breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and antioxidant activity using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) cation decolorization test. Antiproliferative activity was substantiated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and colony formation assay for cell viability and cell proliferation, Hoechst staining was performed to examine apoptosis. Our results demonstrated that ZOME inhibited the proliferation and colony formation in HeLa and MDA-MB-231 cells, in a dose- and time-dependent manner and induced typical changes in nuclear morphology, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, membrane shrinkage and blebbing in both cells indicated apoptotic property of Z. officinale. ZOME exhibited potent antiradical activity against DPPH and ABTS. On the basis of the results of the present study, it may be suggested that Z. officinale has promising anticancer and antioxidant properties. Since, Z officinale has been commonly used throughout the world as a spice for dietary as well as for medicinal purposes since prehistoric times. Therefore, enriched use of Z. officinale as dietary material could be recommended in ethno-medicine for the management of cervical and breast cancers. Moreover, further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the potent compounds for further adjuvant therapy against such malignancies.
ABSTRACT
Solanum nigrum is a traditional Indian plant acclaimed for its medicinal properties since antiquity. Among all plant parts fruit berries have shown to be most pharmacologically active part. In the present investigation, we tried to characterize the bioactive principles of chloroform fraction of S. nigrum (CFSn) fruit berries using GC-MS analysis. We could identify 29 compounds belonging to different chemical classes viz. alkaloids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, phytosterols, proteins, phenolic compounds, and saponins. More specifically, we found two novel phenolic compounds, benzoiisovanillin and syringic acid (4-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethoxybenzoic acid), which may be responsible for its pharmacological properties. Our phytochemical investigation of CFSn was well supported by its total phenolic content and antioxidant activity which we evaluated subsequently. Further, we investigated the anticancer activity against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) as well. Our in vitro results indicated that CFSn exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against both these cell lines and due induction of cancer cell death through apoptosis. Our study emphasizes the need for isolation and characterization of specific bioactive compounds of CFSn and determination of their mechanism of action responsible for its anticancer activity in breast cancer cells.
ABSTRACT
Zight-ud-Dam Qawi [Hypertension] is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure and kidney disease. High blood pressure was listed as a primary or contributing cause of death for over 347,000 adults in 2008. It was projected to cost the United States $93.5 billion in health care services in 2010, medications and missed days of work current situation after 5 years. Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of arteries. In normal adult it is defined as a blood pressure of 120 mm Hg when the heart contracts [systolic pressure] and a blood pressure of 80 mm Hg when the heart relaxes [diastolic pressure]. It is well established that when systolic blood pressure is persistantly equal to or above 140 mm Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure is constantly equal to or above 95 mm Hg the blood pressure, it is considered to be raised or high. In Unani system of medicine, Zight-ud-Dam Qawi [hypertension] is not defined as a disease but as a cause of various disorders and can be traced in the classical literature under the clinical features and complications of diseases such as sanguineous headache, dizziness, vertigo, etc. The management provided by allopathic medicine is target based which has its consequences in the form of side effects. In this paper efforts have been made to elaborate the real concept of Zight-ud-Dam Qawi [hypertension] in Unani system of medicine as well as its classification, aetiopathology, characteristic features and holistic management
ABSTRACT
Unani Medicine is based on the principles put forward by Hippocrates and exploited assimilated by the Physicians of Medieval period. Hippocrates was the first person to establish that disease was a natural process, that its symptoms were the reactions of the body to the disease, and that the chief function of the physician was to aid the natural forces of the body. He introduced the method of taking medical histories. Several assets of Unani medicine are available in different global languages i.e. Arabic, Urdu, Persian and other regional languages. These literary assets are easily accessible and thus have been susceptible to misuse across the world. In other words, Classical Unani text is being exploited for bio-prospecting. So it is often misappropriated, because it is assumed that since it is in public domain, communities have given up all claims over it
Theft of Unani formulations for the treatment of various diseases is not new but it is a matter of concern since last couple of decades. However, information regarding Unani Medicine exists in Arabic, Urdu, Persian and other regional languages. The examiners of different national/ international patent offices are unable to understand this information as prior art, before granting patents due to language barrier
Some of the examples of case studies of misappropriation of Pistacia lentiscus Linn is discussed in which the indication of Pistacia lentiscus Linn i.e. anti-inflammatory [mentioned in Unani classical texts] has been claimed for wrong patent
ABSTRACT
Phrenic nerve palsy causing hemidiaphragm paralysis is a very uncommon feature of thoracic aortic aneurysm. In one case, a 45-year-old man complained of chronic chest pain, dysphagia, and hoarseness of voice; posteroanterior view chest radiograph revealed lobular enlargement of the superior mediastinum and elevated right hemidiaphragm. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the thorax revealed a giant partially thrombosed aneurysm originating from the ascending aorta and extending into the aortic arch, causing a widening of the aorta-pulmonary window and a compression of the thoracic esophagus. Right hemidiaphragm elevation was explained by the gross mass effect of the aneurysm on the right hilum, causing right phrenic nerve palsy. The patient was to be operated on for surgical correction of the aneurysm, but died before surgery due to spontaneous rupture.
Subject(s)
Deglutition Disorders , Hoarseness , Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic , Paralysis , Phrenic NerveABSTRACT
Renal diseases have always remained a major area of concern for physicians and researchers since long time. It is the ninth leading cause of death in developed countries. Renal diseases leading to renal failure has increased up to two folds over the last two decades. This is due to the over use of drugs and adulteration of food items by heavy metals and aflotoxins. Heavy metals are proven to be renal toxics. Several studies have been carried out to establish the efficacy of Nephroprotective medicinal plants. A review of the work already undertaken has been carried out and summarized here. This paper will provide a base line for researchers in this field for further studies. In this review, a summary on pharmacologically active nephroprotective medicinal plants such as, Moringa oleifera Linn., Smilax china Linn. and Euphorbia hirta etc. have been included. Since a review was already available till 2005, so in this paper the experimental studies which have been conducted from 2005 to 2012 have been included
Subject(s)
Kidney Diseases/prevention & control , Euphorbia , Moringa oleifera , Metals, Heavy/toxicityABSTRACT
A single blind standard controlled study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of Safoof-e-Darchini in the management of Primary Hyperlipidaemia. The study was conducted at ZVM College Pune. Before starting study ethical clearance was obtained from Ethical Committee. Sixty diagnosed patients were selected on the basis of inclusion criterion. Patients were randomly divided into two groups 'A' and 'B' comprising 30 patients in each group. In group 'A' test drug was given in a dose of 3 gram twice a day whereas in group 'B' standard drug Atorvastatin 20 mg was given once a day for the period of 60 days. Assessment of efficacy was done on the basis of objective parameters. In this study both test and control group exhibited significant hypolipidaemic activity [P<0.001]
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Hyperlipidemias , Hypolipidemic AgentsABSTRACT
Hepatitis is one of the most prevalent diseases since ancient times. A survey suggests that 10% population of the world and 15% Indian population is affected by hepatitis. It has 0.5-3% fatality rate4. Hepatitis is called as Warm-e-Kabid in Unani system of medicine. It is characterized by jaundice, pyrexia, anorexia, nausea and vomiting etc. In Unani system of medicine various drugs are described in ancient textbooks for the treatment of hepatitis. These drugs have yet to be tested on modern scientific parameters. Keeping this objective in view an attempt has been made to evaluate the effect of Ab-e-Murawwaquain for the treatment of hepatitis. Ab-e-Murawwaquain consists of two drugs, Ab-e-Mako [Solanum nigrum] and Ab-e-Kasni [Cichorium intybus]. This study was conducted in the Faculty of Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh. 30 patients of viral hepatitis were selected for the study. They were given Ab-e-Murawwaquain for 30 days After the completion of trial there was significant reduction in hepatic enzymes. The reduction in hepatic enzymes is attributed to the effect of Unani drugs
ABSTRACT
Herniation of an emphysematous bulla is extremely rare. A 55-year-old male patient presented with complains of shortness of breath and cough for the last 10 years which had exacerbated in the last two days. The patient was a diagnosed case of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chest x-ray showed bilateral hyperinflated lung fields along with loss of lung markings in left upper lobe and a thin white line in right upper lobe suggestive of wall of bulla. High resolution computed tomography of the chest revealed anterior herniation of a pulmonary bulla from left to right side across midline. Patient was put on antibiotics, hydrocortisone and aminophylline by intravenous route and nebulization of steroid and bronchodilator. However, the patient expired after 5 days following admission
ABSTRACT
The use of honey [Asl Khalis] in the treatment of external and internal ailments must be much older than the history of medicine itself. According to Unani medicine, it is used as nutritive agent and therapeutically has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, detergent, deobstruent, lithotryptic and wound healing properties. Honey consists of glucose, fructose, water, maltose, trisaccharides and other carbohydrates, sucrose, mineral, proteins, vitamins and enzymes. An attempt has been made here to review the scientific evidences regarding usefulness of Honey [Asl Khalis] as a drug used in Unani medicine.
ABSTRACT
Bael [Aegle marmelos] is an important medicinal plant used in Unani System of medicine, which is cultivated throughout India. It is popularized for having antidiarrhoeal and antidysenteric activity. The present paper is an attempt to summarize the pharmacological actions and medicinal uses of the BaeI plant mentioned in Unani medical literature as well as in currently reported studies
Subject(s)
Medicine, Unani , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
Sahajna [Moringa oleifera Lam.] is a plant drug used in Unani System of Medicine since long. It is useful in the treatment of various diseases like paralysis, epilepsy, rheumatism, gout, pain, hepatitis, asthma, bronchitis, headache, and inflammatory conditions etc. The present paper is aimed to discuss the pharmacology and phytochemistry of the plant
Subject(s)
Plants, Medicinal , Medicine, Traditional , Medicine, Unani , Paralysis/therapy , Epilepsy/therapy , Rheumatic Diseases/therapy , Gout/therapy , Pain/therapy , Hepatitis/therapy , Asthma/therapy , Bronchitis/therapy , Headache/therapyABSTRACT
Cassia occidentalis. Linn, [commonly known as Kasondi], one of the very valuable indigenous drugs of India, is commonly used as a hepatoprotective agent. In Unani System of Medicine it is used to treat liver, skin and respiratory diseases. Recently its antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and most importantly antihepatotoxic activities have been reported. The present paper is meant to discuss the drug in detail
ABSTRACT
Darchini [Cinnamomum zeylanicum] is a common drug used in many single as well as compound formulations. It is described as Carminative, Expectorant, Hepato-tonic, Diuretic and Emmenagogue etc. in Unani literature. The present paper is meant to discuss pharmacological actions and uses of Darchini
Subject(s)
Medicine, Unani , Pharmacologic Actions , Plant Extracts , Expectorants , Diuretics , Menstruation-Inducing AgentsABSTRACT
Liquorice [Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.] is a wellknown Unani drug. The present paper is an attempt to review the Liquorice-based' Unani pharmacopoeia1 formulations as well as branded products in the Indian market. Liquorice consists of the dried unpeeled roots and stolons of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. [Leguminosae], Better known as Mulethi and Rubul Sus in Unani medicine, the roots are used as tonic, demulcent, expectorant, diuretic, laxative and bronchodilator. There are a number of liquorice-based Unani formulations used to treat a variety of disorders