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Background: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a common ulcerative disease of the oral mucosa, which is difficult to treat. In Ayurveda, several medicinal plants have been evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in many oral diseases as an alternative for modern medicines. Method: A study with open-label, non-comparative single-arm design was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of “Stomatab” capsules in improving oral health in 30 subjects with RAS. The secondary objectives were to assess the improvement in oral health and tolerability of the herbal formulation. Subjects were instructed to take one capsule thrice daily after meals for 14 days. Patients were evaluated at three assessment points: screening and baseline (Visit 1, Day 0) with follow-ups done at Visit 2 (Day 5 ± 2) and Visit 3 at the end of the study (Day 14 ± 2). Results: There was a significant reduction in the mean ulcer size from 3.66 ± 1.27 mm (V1) to 0.64 ± 0.78 (V3). The mean number of ulcers reduced from 1.97 ± 0.72 (V1) to 0.90 ± 0.66 (V3). Significant improvement in ulcer-related symptoms of pain (Ruja), burning sensation (Daha) and redness (Raktavarnata) was noted. The total ulcer symptom scores decreased from 7.67 ± 2.38 (V1) to 0.63 ± 0.56 (V3). No side effects were reported by the study participants. Conclusion: These results show that the polyherbal formulation “Stomatab” capsule is safe and effective for the treatment of RAS.
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome is one of the leading causes for infertility in women. One in Five women of the population is affected by PCOS. The synthetic drugs currently used are targeted to provide an artificial support for the hormonal imbalance in the body which leads to various adverse effects. Natural herbs serve as a best remedy for many of the diseases as they cure the root cause and target the disease specifically. Selection of herbs is a crucial part in the formulation. In silico studies play an important role in analyzing the activity of the compound with the selected target. The herbs which had reported biological activity on uterus were selected and their vital chemical constituents were docked with the identified target of PDB ID 3RUK and 1E3K, respectively. The values obtained shows the potential effect of chemical constituent with the suitable target. Among the list of herbs selected, Sesamin from Sesamum indicum and lanosterol from Ficus religiosa had good binding affinity with both the selected proteins and had better drug likeliness properties. Hence, further studies on these compounds for targeting PCOS is expected to give potent activity and produce promising results.
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The traditional medicine involves the use of various different plant extracts or the bioactive constituents. The study such as ethno medicine keenly r presents the best avenues in searching new economic plants for medicine. This type of study gives the health application at affordable cost. The present study carried out to find out the phytochemical constituents in the Ficus religiosa bark. The Ficus religiosa was collected from the Rama University Campus. The shadow dried bark materials were grained and extracted with petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and ethanol: water (50: 50). Photochemical analysis was carried out according to standard procedures. The bark powder was successively extracted ith Phytochemical screening shows the presence of carbohydrate, glycoside, alk loid, protein, amino acid, phytosterol, tannin & flavonoids. The result of the study could be useful for description and phytochemical analysis of the plant.
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Objective: Because of adverse side effects, caused by NSAIDs, tolerance, and dependence induced by opiates, the use of these analgesic agents has not been successful in all cases. Therefore, alternative analgesic drugs from plant sources are the new target now days. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic activity of ethanolic extracts of stem barks and leaves of Ficus religiosa. Methods: The analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of stem barks and leaves was evaluated in the Swiss albino mice model using acetic acid-induced writing response and Eddy’s hot plate method. Analgesic activity was demonstrated with the percentage inhibition of acetic acid induced writings and the percentage increased in latency time of paw licking. The potency of test extracts was compared with standard drug, Diclofenac. Results: Ethanolic extract of leaves and bark of F. religiosa showed potential analgesic activity from both methods. From Eddy’s hot plate model, it was observed that the percentage of increased latency time at 90 min by ethanolic extract of leaves and stem bark was found to be 70.81 % (8.54 min) and 70.78 % (8.53 min) respectively at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Both of these results are statistically significant (p<0.05) as compared to the test group. Furthermore, both of these extracts showed the dose-dependent and time-dependent increased in latency time and these results are compared to that of standard drug Diclofenac. Similarly, ethanolic extract of leaves and stem at 400 mg/kg significantly inhibited the number of writhings induced by acetic acid. The percentage inhibition of writhings by ethanolic extract of leaves at a dose of 400 mg/kg was 68.47 % which was similar to that of standard drug Diclofenac (68.47 %). However, ethanolic extract of bark showed relatively lower percentage inhibition (60.79 %) as compared to leaf extract and standard, but the result was significant as compared to that of the test group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Ethanolic extracts of F. religiosa stem bark and leaf possess both central and peripheral analgesic properties and these effects may be beneficial for the management of pain.
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ABSTRACT In our previous studies, quantified saponins-rich fraction from adventitious root extract of Ficus religiosa L., Moraceae, showed anticonvulsant effect in acute, as well as chronic mice models of epilepsy. The present study was designed to reveal putative anticonvulsant mechanism of quantified saponins-rich fraction using target specific animal models. The anticonvulsant effect of quantified saponins-rich fraction was initially studied in maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol test at 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg; i.p. doses. Based on the results of initial anticonvulsant testing, different groups of mice were injected with vehicle or quantified saponins-rich fraction (4 mg/kg; i.p.), 30 min prior to an injection of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (100 mg/kg; s.c.), bicuculline (5 mg/kg; i.p.), strychnine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg; i.p.), BAY k-8644 (37.5 µg; i.c.v.), veratridine (500 µg/kg; i.p.) and the convulsive episodes were studied. Treatment with the extract (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg) showed significant protection in maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion tests, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, quantified saponins-rich fraction at 4 mg/kg dose showed significant increase in latency to clonic convulsions, decrease in seizure severity and increase in average wave amplitude in bicuculline, BAY k-8644 and veratridine tests, respectively, as compared to vehicle control. However, SRF treatment failed to abolish N-methyl-D-aspartic acid and strychnine-induced convulsions, indicated by insignificant change in the appearance of turning behavior and onset of tonic extension, respectively, as compared to vehicle control. From the results of present study, it is concluded that quantified saponins-rich fraction suppress maximal electroshock, pentylenetetrazol, bicuculline, BAY k-8644 and veratridine-induced convulsions, indicating its GABAergic, Na+ and Ca2+ channel modulatory effects. Further it can be correlated that quantified saponins-rich fraction causes deactivation of voltage-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels, without effecting ligand-gated Na+ and Ca2+ channels. More studies are required at molecular levels using in vitro techniques to understand the exact molecular interactions of quantified saponins-rich fraction with these pathways.
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Introduction: From ancient times, plants with medicinal values are being tested and used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. Aims and Objectives: The present in vitro study was designed to assess the antifungal activity of three commonly available medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting oral Candida albicans in comparison to standard antifungal agents. Materials and Methods: Bark of G. glabra, stem of F. religiosa, and husk of P. major were collected, crushed into fine powder, and dissolved in 67% ethanol. Extracts were subjected to antifungal efficacy test against oral C. albicans (ATCC 66027) using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured by HI antibiotic zone scale. One‑way ANOVA using Tukey’s post hoc and t‑test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: G. glabra was found to be most effective among the three with highest mean ZOI measuring 19.8 ± 0.83, 19.4 ± 0.54, and 18.2 ± 1.09 at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Tukey’s post hoc test showed statistically nonsignificant difference between antifungal activity of F. religiosa and P. major with itraconazole 10 mcg. Conclusion: G. glabra, F. religiosa, and P. major showed acceptable potency against C. albicans (ATCC 66027) comparable to that of synthetic antifungal agents. However, further studies should be undertaken to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different concentrations and clinical utility.
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Introduction: From ancient times, plants with medicinal values are being tested and used in treatment of various infectious disease. Aims and Objectives: The present in vitro study was designed to assess the antimicrobial activity of three commonly available medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting Primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Bark of G. glabra, Stem of F. religiosa, and husk of P. major were collected, crushed into fine powder, and dissolved in 67% ethanol. Extracts were then subjected to test antimicrobial efficacy against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens using Kirby‑Bauer disc diffusion method. Mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured by HI antibiotic zone scale. One‑way ANOVA using Tukey’s post hoc and t‑test were applied for statistical analysis. Results: G. glabra was found to have potential antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens with highest mean ZOI measuring 9.2 ± 1.09 mm and 10.6 ± 0.54 mm at 24 h, respectively. F. religiosa showed antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers only at 48 h with mean ZOI of 2.6 ± 0.54 mm. P. major showed no antibacterial activity against any of the microorganism in this study. Tukey‘s post hoc test showed statistically nonsignificant difference between G. glabra and standard antibiotic (vancomycin 10 mcg) for periodontal pathogens. Conclusion: G. glabra and F. religiosa showed antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens. However, further studies should be undertaken to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different concentration and clinical utility.
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AbstractFicus religiosa L., Moraceae, is widely planted in the tropics. The chemical constituents of F. religiosa include tannin, saponin gluanol acetate, β-sitosterol, leucoanthocyanidin, and leucoanthocyanin. These are used for the treatment of pain, inflammation, impotence, menstrual disturbances, and urine related problems, and as uterine tonic. The present study aimed to evaluate hepatoprotective effects of F. religiosa latex on cisplatin induced liver injury in Wistar rats. In experimental protocol contained five groups of rats (n = 6). In which, group I (control) was administered acacia (2%, w/v) of 5 ml/kg throughout the experiment for 16 days. The group II (cisplatin treated) was administered single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg i.p.) on 1st day. Group III (extract control) was administered 300 mg/kg p.o. of extract for 1stto 10th day. Group IV (Protective) was administered extract (300 mg/kg p.o.) of F. religiosa latex for 1st to 10th day and administered single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg i.p.) on 11th day and group V (Curative) received single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg i.p.) on day 1st, and administered extract (300 mg/kg p.o.) from 7th to 16thdays. On the 6th day in cisplatin treated, 10th day in extract control and 16th day in control, protective and curative, blood withdrawn from retro-orbital sinus of rats for biochemical estimation for serum and dissected out the livers for estimation of antioxidant enzymes and histopathological works. The cisplatin-treated group 2 showed a significant increase in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and hepatocytes cells degeneration inflammatory infiltrate and necrosis it's were significantly (**p < 0.01) alleviates by protective groups.
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Ficus religiosa L. is a tree of immense cultural heritage in Asian countries. It is respected by followers of many religions and faiths. Fruits of Ficus religiosa L. are the ‘figs’ and possess many medicinal properties reported in ethnomedicinal and pharmacological studies. These medicinal properties range from antidiabetic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antiviral and antioxidant activities. In the figs, pollination takes place with ‘wasp’. Till date no work on ‘fruit tissue culture’ has been reported in this species. For the first time the callus cultures have been developed using ‘fig fruits’. Fruit callus was multiplied on solid medium using 2 mm to 3 mm diameter fruits. During the present study, lectin/hemagglutinin activity was detected in fruits and fruit callus extracts for the first time. Both In vivo fruits (figs) and In vitro fig callus were used to assay the hemagglutinin activity using pronase treated and untreated rabbit blood erythrocytes. Fruit extract showed 4-8 times more hemagglutination activity in presence of pronase treated erythrocytes. It is the first report of callus/suspension culture and detection of thermostable (up to 70ºC) hemagglutinin/lectin from fruits in this species. Preliminary biochemical characterization of the lectin activity e.g. metal ion requirement, EDTA, pH and temperature stability was carried out during the present study.
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In the present study we investigated antimicrobial activity of diethyl ether and methanol extractions of bark and leaves of Ficus religiosa plant against three bacteria (E.coli, Staphylococcus aureus & Pseudomonas aurignosa) and one fungi (Aspergillus niger). The results showed that the methanol extracts of both leaves and bark showed antimicrobial activity on three tested bacteria and no effect on A.niger. In methanol extracts S.aureus showed maximum sensitivity (inhibition zone 28mm) followed by E.coli (inhibition zone 16mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (inhibition zone 12mm). Diethyl ether extracts of leaves were also showed maximum inhibition on S.aureus followed by E.coli and P.aeruginosa. Both methanol and diethyl ether extracts of bark showed antimicrobial activity on three types of tested bacteria and very less inhibition activity on A.niger. But comparatively bark extracts of both the solvents were showed less antimicrobial activity than leaves extracts on the tested microbes.
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Present study is an attempt to evaluate the difference in rate of sulphur dioxide (SO2) absorption by deciduous (Ficus religiosa) and evergreen (Carica papaya) plants, under elevated concentration of the gas in ambient air. Two-way ANOVA for SO2 in air and sulphate (SO4) accumulation in both the selected plants showed significant difference (p<0.01) at different study sites; different months as well as interaction effect of both site and months. The linear correlation coefficient among ambient air SO2 and SO4 in leaves was always significant (p<0.001) in case of deciduous plant; however, the same in evergreen plants showed heterogeneous result. Air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of F. religiosa (deciduous) and C. papaya (evergreen) was found to be 19.73 and 81.10 respectively, proving that the former has low tolerance capacity and is sensitive, while the latter is resistant to the elevated ambient air SO2.
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Ficus religiosa (Bo tree) is the most popular member of the genus Ficus, commonly named as Peepal. Various parts of the plant, like bark, fruit, leaves and seeds are widely used in indigenous system of medicine. F. religiosa showed a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities like, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, anti-amnesic, anti-anxiety, anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer. The present review is an attempt to provide a detailed survey of the literature on traditional uses and pharmacological properties of the plant.
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Presence of heavy metals in the aquatic systems has become a serious problem. As a result, there has been a great deal of attention given to new technologies for removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated waters. Biosorption is one such emerging technology which utilized naturally occurring waste materials to sequester heavy metals from industrial wastewater. The aim of the present study was to utilize the locally available agricultural waste materials for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater. The wastewater containing lead and hexavalent chromium was treated with biomass prepared from ficus religiosa leaves. It was fund that a time of one hr was sufficient for sorption to attain equilibrium. The equilibrium sorption capacity after one hr was 16.95 ± 0.75 mg g-1 and 5.66 ± 0.43 mg g-1 for lead and chromium respectively. The optimum pH was 4 for lead and 1 for chromium. Temperature has strong influence on biosorption process. The removal of lead decreased with increase in temperature. On the other hand chromium removal increased with increase in temperature up to 40ºC and then started decreasing. Ion exchange was the major removal mechanism along with physical sorption and precipitation. The biosorption data was well fitted to Langmuir adsorption model. The kinetics of biosorption process was well described by the pseudo 2nd order kinetics model. It was concluded that adsorbent prepared from ficus religiosa leaves can be utilized for the treatment of heavy metals in wastewater.