Immunomodulatory activity of boswellic acids of Boswellia serrata Roxb.

Extract of gum resin of B. serrata containing 60% acetyl 11-keto beta boswellic acid (AKBA) along with other constituents such as 11-keto beta-boswellic acid (KBA), acetyl beta-boswellic acid and beta-boswellic acid has been evaluated for antianaphylactic and mast cell stabilizing activity using passive paw anaphylaxis and compound 48/80 induced degranulation of mast cell methods. The extract inhibited the passive paw anaphylaxis reaction in rats in dose-dependant manner (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, po). However, the standard dexamethasone (0.27 mg/kg, po) revealed maximum inhibition of edema as compared to the extract. A significant inhibition in the compound 48/80 induced degranulation of mast cells in dose-dependant manner (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, po) was observed thus showing mast cell stabilizing activity. The standard disodium cromoglycate (50 mg/kg, ip) was found to demonstrate maximum per cent protection against degranulation as compared to the extract containing 60% AKBA. The results suggest promising antianaphylactic and mast cell stabilizing activity of the extract.

Pharmacological activities of Genistein, an isoflavone from soy (Glycine max): part II--anti-cholesterol activity, effects on osteoporosis & menopausal symptoms.

Phytoestrogens represent a family of plant compounds such as isoflavones, flavones and lignans. A wide range of commonly consumed foods contains appreciable amounts of different phytoestrogens such as isoflavones and lignans. Soy and its products are particularly good sources of isoflavones and lignans. The evidence reviewed here represents the beneficial effects of most potential and promising isoflavone, Genistein in various types of diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, menopausal symptoms by accumulating evidence from molecular and cellular biology experiments, animal studies, and, to a limited extent, human clinical trials. This review suggests that phytoestrogens may potentially confer health benefits related to various diseases such as cardiovascular disorder, menopausal symptoms, and osteoporosis.

Pharmacological activities of Genistein, an isoflavone from soy (Glycine max): part I--anti-cancer activity.

Phytoestrogens represent a family of plant compounds such as isoflavones, flavones and lignans. A variety of these plant compounds have been identified in various human body fluids. A wide range of commonly consumed foods contains appreciable amounts of these different phytoestrogens, viz. soy products are particularly good sources of isoflavones and lignans. Accumulating evidences from molecular and cellular biology experiments, animal studies, and to a limited extent, human clinical trials suggests that phytoestrogens may potentially confer health benefits related to various cancers and diseases such as cardiovascular disorder. The evidences reviewed here represent the beneficial effects of most potential and promising isoflavone, Genistein in various types of cancers.