Evaluation of Botanicals Against Rodent Pests in Irrigated Paddy.

Rodents are the major limiting factor right from nursery to harvest stage in paddy. Repeated application of rodenticides for managing rodent damage may lead to development of resistance among rodents, environment risks and human health hazards. Hence, Field experiments were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of various botanicals as alternatives against rodent pests instead of continuous application of rodenticides in irrigated rice ecosystem during kharif and rabi seasons of 2011-12. The efficacy of botanicals was assessed by live burrow count before and after imposition of treatments at 7 and 15 days after treatment during tillering and panicle initiation stage of the rice crop. Among all the botanicals evaluated for their efficacy against rodent pests the commercial castor based product, Ecodon recorded highest percent control success ranging from 44.36 to 59.20 % followed by crude castor oil (10%). The Crude castor oil (10%) was also proven to be superior next to Ecodon in order of efficacy against rodent pests. The other botanicals like pongamia oil, neem oil and papaya extract shown no significant control success in suppression of rodent pests. It is inferred from the present study that botanicals cannot substitute the rodenticides in rodent management but can be used in combinations and alternate applications in minimizing their incidence in irrigated paddy.

Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Leaf Extract of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Prickly Chaff Flower).

Aim: The present study was undertaken to establish the potential role of Achyranthes aspera Linn for cure of skin diseases. Study Design: The plant is traditionally used by various tribes for curing a wide range of diseases. A 50% ethanolic extract of the leaves was subjected to phytochemical studies and further investigated for in vitro antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2012 and November 2013. Methodology: In vitro antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, β-Carotene-linoleic acid assay and reducing power assay. Antibacterial activity was studied by agar well diffusion method. Results: The total phenol and flavonoid content was estimated to be 3.363% and 6.36% respectively. The HPTLC analysis showed the presence of oleanolic acid, lupeol and β- sitosterol. The free radical scavenging activity of the extract was concentration dependent and IC50 was observed at a concentration of 62.24μg/ml for DPPH free radical scavenging activity and 68.32μg/ml for hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. The extract showed significant total antioxidant activity and reducing power. Antibacterial activity was studied by well diffusion method and the MIC was recorded at 0.75 mg/ml for S. aureus, 0.8 mg/ml for M. luteus, 2.75 mg/ml for E. coli and 0.8 mg/ml for P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: The results obtained from current study demonstrate that the leaf extract of Achyranthes aspera L possess significant antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Presence of various classes of phytocompounds e.g. Phenols, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids etc. contribute highly to its medicinal values, thus indicating its potential for cure of skin diseases.

Wound Healing Activity of Premna latifolia Roxb.

Aims: The study aims to understand the wound healing potentials of a 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Premna latifolia stem using excision wound model. Study Design: The wound healing potentials were simultaneously supported by observing the bacterial functional diversity of wound swabs using Biolog Eco plates. The antioxidant activity was performed using In vitro DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between May 2013 and November 2013. Methodology: Wound healing activity of the plant was studied using excision wound model. Animals were divided into three groups of six male rats each as control group (GI) dressed with compound free simple ointment. Test group (GII) treated with 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia stem (10% w/w) in ointment vehicle and standard group (GIII) group treated Nitrofurazone ointment, Himedia (0.2%w/w). The wound healing potential was further supported by the DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial activity of the plant. The phytochemical estimations were done using standard methods. Results: Sugar and starch content in the plant was 3.55% and 5.54% respectively. Total tannins, phenol and flavonoid content were estimated to be 0.18%, 0.54% and 2.73%. The 50% ethanolic extract of the plant showed moderate DPPH free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 of 188.02μg/ml. A 69.15% of wound closure was observed on 10th day post wounding of the rats treated with 200 mg/kg of extract. The results also indicated significant antibacterial activity of the extract. Conclusion: The 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of P. latifolia shows significant wound healing activity.

Wound Repair and Anti-inflammatory Potential of Fumaria indica in Excision Wound-induced Rats.

Aims: Objective of the study was to investigate the wound contraction and antiinflammatory activity of the 50% ethanolic extract of Fumaria indica (Hausskn.) Pugsley (Fumariaceae) by excision wound model and estimation of pro-inflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines. Study Design: Prospective. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacognosy and Ethnopharmacology, CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. December 2012 to May 2013. Methodology: Dried powdered whole plant of Fumaria indica was extracted with 50% ethanolic extract. The extract was subjected to HPTLC fingerprinting, DPPH free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. Further, 10% F. indica ointment was tested for its wound contraction, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory potentials. Results: The 50% ethanolic extract showed presence of ellagic acid, ferulic acid andquercetin. The IC50 was 0.11mg/mL and significant antibacterial activity was observed against S. aureus and E. coli. The 10% F. indica ointment applied topically to the wound area reducedits size from 500 mm2 to 40 mm2 by the end of 9th day. These results were comparable to the effect of 0.2% nitrofurazone. The extract further showed a reduction in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6) and an increase in antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Effect of Andrographis serpyllifolia Leaves Extract on Experimentally Induced Typhoid Using Salmonella Typhi.

Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the standardized ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves on experimentally induced typhoid. Study Design: Single dose of 1 ml Salmonella Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats to induce typhoid in rats. Blood culture test confirmed typhoid infectioned rats received orally the ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg twice daily for 10 days, respectively and control animals received physiological saline. Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow, between December 2011 and June 2013. Methodology: Leaves of Andrographis serpyllifolia was extracted with ethanol and concentrated on rotavapour. Single dose of 1 ml S. Typhi (106 CFU/mL) was administered orally to rats with the help of orogastric tube to induce typhoid in rats. After seven days, typhoid confirmed rats received the standardized extract subsequently subjected to in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test. Results: The treatment with ethanolic extract of Andrographis serpyllifolia at dose level of 200 mg/kg showed 75.0% to 87.5% protection and 100% protection observed at higher dose of 400 mg/kg on widal, blood culture and typhidot test respectively. Biochemical test carried out on blood culture isolates confirmed the presence or absence of S. Typhi. A. serpyllifolia extract at a concentration of 1.50 mg/disc showed antimicrobial activity susceptibility against S. Typhi. Conclusion: Andrographis serpyllifolia leaves extract showed antimicrobial activity against S. Typhi and accomplished the extract of A. serpyllifolia is recommended for clinical applications in the treatment of typhoid.

Wound healing potential of flowers extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz.

Wound healing or repair is the body’s natural process of regenerating dermal and epidermal tissue. Woodfordia fruticosa Kurz (Family: Lythraceae) is used traditionally in wound healing by the tribals of Chhattisgarh district. However, there is a paucity of scientific data in support. In this study, we evaluated antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanolic and aqueous extracts against a diverse range of gram +ve and gram -ve bacteria along with pathogenic fungi. The wound healing activity of ethanolic extract was also evaluated at dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg body wt in rats by excision, incision and dead space wound healing models along with histopathology of wound area of skin. The ethanolic extract showed potent wound healing activity, as evident from the increase in the wound contraction and breaking strength in dose-dependent manner. Treatment with ethanolic extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body wt) showed significant dose-dependently decrease in epithelization period and scar area. Hydroxyproline, hexuronic acid and hexosamine contents, the important constituents of extracellular matrix of healing were also correlated with the observed healing pattern. During early wound healing phase, pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels were found to be upregulated by the ethanolic extract treatment. The ethanolic extract exhibited a strong and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity, as compared to other extracts. It showed very low Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values and inhibited the growth of E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in concentration of 2.5 µg/disc. Thus, the results of the present study demonstrated the strong wound healing potential and antimicrobial activities of W. fruticosa, flowers, supporting the folklore use of the plant by the tribal people of Chhattisgarh district.

Pharmacological evaluation of hyperin for antihyperglycemic activity and effect on lipid profile in diabetic rats.

Antihyperglycemic potential of hyperin at 25 and 50 mg/kg doses for 30 days to streptozotocin induced diabetic rats has been reported. In oral glucose tolerance test, hyperin treated rats showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level after 120 min. It was found that hyperin exhibited dose dependent and significant antihyperglycemic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats which were nearly similar with standard drug glybenclamide. Activities of glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, glycosylated haemoglobin and level of serum urea and creatinine were significantly decreased in hyperin supplemented diabetic rats, dose dependently. Activities of hexokinase and glycogen synthase were increased with augmentation in liver glycogen, insulin and haemoglobin content in hyperin treated diabetic rats. General hematological parameters did not show any significant change in hyperin treated diabetic rats hence it is safe at these doses. Histopathological studies showed significant morphological changes in pancreatic β-cells of streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. A decreased number of secretory granules of β- cells were observed in diabetic rats and these pathological abnormalities were normalized after treatment with hyperin and standard drug glybenclamide. Further, hyperin decreases significant in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein levels coupled with elevation of high density lipoprotein in diabetic rats. These results suggest that hyperin has a pivotal role in blood glucose level in streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia by improving the function of pancreatic islets and increasing glycolysis and decreasing gluconeogenesis.

Antihyperglycemic activity of Woodfordia fruticosa (Kurz) flowers extracts in glucose metabolism and lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The ethanolic extract of W. fruticosa flowers (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly reduced fasting blood glucose level and increased insulin level after 21 days treatment in streptozotocin diabetic rats. The extract also increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase activities significantly and reduced lipid peroxidation. Glycolytic enzymes showed a significant increase in their levels while a significant decrease was observed in the levels of the gluconeogenic enzymes in ethanolic extract treated diabetic rats. The extract has a favourable effect on the histopathological changes of the pancreatic β- cells in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The results suggest that W. fruticosa possess potential antihyperglycemic effect by regulating glucose homeostasis and antioxidant efficacy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective activity of Cissampelos pareira against carbon-tetrachloride induced hepatic damage.

Administration of hydroalcoholic extract of Cissampelos pareira roots (CPRE) and standard drug silymarin in rats showed significant hepatoprotective action against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity. Elevated serum marker enzymes of AST, ALT, ALP and serum bilirubin were significantly reduced to near normal level in CPRE treated rats. Lipid peroxidation level was decreased significantly in CPRE 100, 200, 400 mg/kg doses treatment groups. In case of antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase levels were increased significantly after CPRE 200, 400 mg/kg doses, similarly it increased the enzyme levels of GST, GPx, and GSH. CPRE 200, 400 mg/kg decreased cholesterol level, and increased triglyceride level. In vitro hepatoprotective activity of the extract was evaluated at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µg/ml concentration against CCl4 (1%) induced toxicity in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. HepG2 cells showed significant dose dependent increase in percentage viability at the doses 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µg/ml of CPRE compared to CCl4 exposed HepG2 cells. Results of this study strongly demonstrate Cissampelos pariera having good hepatoprotective potential.

Immunomodulatory effect of Moringa oleifera Lam. extract on cyclophosphamide induced toxicity in mice.

Immunomodulatory effect of ethanolic extract (50%) of M. oleifera leaves (MOE) has been studied in normal and immunosuppressed mice models. Different doses of MOE i.e. 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight of mice were administered orally for 15 days. Cyclophosphamide at a dose of 30 mg / kg body weight was administered orally for the next 3 days. On day 16 and 19, hematological parameters like white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin level (Hb), percent neutrophils and organ weight were recorded. Effect of MOE on phagocytic activity of mice macrophages was determined by carbon clearance test. MOE showed significant dose dependent increase in WBC, percent neutrophils, weight of thymus and spleen along with phagocytic index in normal and immunosuppressed mice. The results indicate that MOE significantly reduced cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppression by stimulating both cellular and humoral immunity.

Effect of standardized extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. on gastric mucosal offensive and defensive factors.

The standardized methanolic extract of leaves of O. sanctum (OSE; eugenol content 5%) given in doses of 50-200 mg/kg, orally, twice daily for five days showed dose-dependent ulcer protective effect against cold restraint stress induced gastric ulcers. Optimal effective dose (100 mg/kg) of OSE showed significant ulcer protection against ethanol and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcers, but was ineffective against aspirin-induced ulcers. OSE significantly healed ulcers induced by 50% acetic acid after 5 and 10 days treatment OSE (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the offensive acid-pepsin secretion and lipid peroxidation and increased the gastric defensive factors like mucin secretion, cellular mucus, and life span of mucosal cells and had antioxidant effect, but did not induce mucosal cell proliferation. The results indicate that the ulcer protective and healing effects of OSE may be due to its effects both on offensive and defensive mucosal factors.