COVID-19-associated mucormycosis and treatments

In the current pandemic, COVID-19 patients with predisposing factors are at an increased risk of mucormycosis, an uncommon angioinvasive infection that is caused by fungi with Mucor genus which is mainly found in plants and soil. Mucormycosis development in COVID-19 patient is related to various factors, such as diabetes, immunocompromise and neutropenia. Excessive use of glucocorticoids for the treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients also leads to opportunistic infections, such as pulmonary aspergillosis. COVID-19 patients with mucormycosis have a very high mortality rate. This review describes the pathogenesis and various treatment approaches for mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients, including medicinal plants, conventional therapies, adjunct and combination therapies.

C3a Receptor Inhibition Protects Brain Endothelial Cells Against Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion

The complement cascade is a central component of innate immunity which plays a critical role in brain inflammation. Complement C3a receptor (C3aR) is a key mediator of post-ischemic cerebral injury, and pharmacological antagonism of the C3a receptor is neuroprotective in stroke. Cerebral ischemia injures brain endothelial cells, causing blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption which further exacerbates ischemic neuronal injury. In this study, we used an in vitro model of ischemia (oxygen glucose deprivation; OGD) to investigate the protective effect of a C3aR antagonist (C3aRA, SB290157) on brain endothelial cells (bEnd.3). Following 24 hours of reperfusion, OGD-induced cell death was assessed by TUNEL and Caspase-3 staining. Western blot and immunocytochemistry were utilized to demonstrate that OGD upregulates inflammatory, oxidative stress and antioxidant markers (ICAM-1, Cox-2, Nox-2 and MnSOD) in endothelial cells and that C3aRA treatment significantly attenuate these markers. We also found that C3aRA administration restored the expression level of the tight junction protein occludin in endothelial cells following OGD. Interestingly, OGD/reperfusion injury increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and C3aR inhibition significantly reduced the activation of ERK suggesting that endothelial C3aR may act via ERK signaling. Furthermore, exogenous C3a administration stimulates these same inflammatory mechanisms both with and without OGD, and C3aRA suppresses these C3a-mediated responses, supporting an antagonist role for C3aRA. Based on these results, we conclude that C3aRA administration attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress, ERK activation, and protects brain endothelial cells following experimental brain ischemia.

Phytochemistry and potential therapeutic actions of Boswellic acids: A mini-review

The pentacyclic triterpenic acids isolated from the oleo gum resin of various Boswellia species are collectively called as Boswellic acids (BA). The oleo gum resin obtained from Indian variety i.e. Boswellia serrata (Family – Burseraceae) is commonly known as Salai guggal. The resin fraction of Salai guggal is rich in Boswellic acids and its essential oil is composed of a mixture of mono, di and sesquiterpenes while gum fraction chiefly contains pentose and hexose sugars. This oleo-gum resin is quite popular among traditional practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian Systems of medicine owing to their wide range of useful biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, anti-diarrheal, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, anti-microbial anti-fungal, anti-complementary and analgesic activity, etc. It has been used as a herbal medicine since the prehistoric time to cure acute and chronic ailments including inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical investigation of this herbal medicine lead to identification of Boswellic acids which are found to be novel, potent, specific anti-inflammatory agents due to non-redox inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) enzyme. However, the other important targets of Boswellic acids also include topoisomerases, angiogenesis, and cytochrome p450 enzymes. This review is a sincere attempt to discuss and present the current status of therapeutic potential, phytochemical as well as pharmacological profile of Boswellic acids primarily obtained from B. serrata.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant potential of seed extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica

Seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica in the form of Ethanol seed extract of Vernonia anthelmintica [EEVA], Hexane extract of Vernonia anthelmintica [HEVA] and water decoction of Vernonia anthelmintica [WDVA] were evaluated for their in-vivo anti-Inflammatory potential in carrageenan induced rat paw model. The results were compared to anti-inflammatory activity of standard drug [ibuprofen] and untreated groups. In-vitro evaluation of antioxidant potential of EEVA and HEVA were also conducted by "DPPH scavenging assay". The results of present study depicts that HEVA and EEVA in higher dose possess a strong anti-inflammatory potential as compared to standard antiinflammatory drugs, whereas WDVA showed milder anti-inflammatory potential. DPPH assay has revealed strong antioxidant potential of EEVC with the percentage Radical Scavenging activity [%RSA] of 89.709 at concentrations of 500 ul as compared to standard drugs gallic acid [23.436+/-0.43] and acetyl salicylic acid [111.44+/-0.7] at concentrations of 95.95 micro M. The other extract HEVC has shown to have insignificant %RSA at the concentration of 500micro l. Hence the present study revealed that selected extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica exhibited significant in-vitro antioxidant and invivo anti-inflammatory potential

Subclinical Hypothyroidism: Frequency, clinical presentations and treatment indications

Objective: To determine the frequency, modes of clinical presentation and indications for replacement therapy in a cohort of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH]

Methods: This study was conducted at the Endocrine and Diabetes Unit of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre from September 2007 - October 2015. This was a retrospective chart analysis of prospectively collected data in which the medical records of 4448 patients who had presented to the Endocrine Clinic from 2007 to 2015 were reviewed. A total of 2760 [62.05%] patients were diagnosed with thyroid disorders, whereas 260 [9.42%] patients had SCH. The SCH patients were between the age of 12 to 70 years; TSH was >4mlU/l with normal levels of FT3 and FT4. Patients were enrolled using a predesigned structured proforma. Those having chronic systemic diseases were excluded from this study. SPSS 13 was used to evaluate the data

Results: Female patients comprised 93.8% [244 patients] of those with SCH, whereas only 6.2% [16 patients] were male. Common presenting symptoms were, lethargy in 146 patients [56.2%]; increase in weight in 102 patients [39.2%] and menstrual irregularities in 90 patients [34.6%]

TSH level of < 10mlU/l [4-10] was seen in 177 patients [68.1%] and 83 patients [31.9%] had TSH > 10mU/l. Thyroxine was given to 183 [70.4%] of these patients. Common treatment indications were TSH of > 10, which was seen in 83 patients [31.9%], subfertility in 32 patients [12.3%], troublesome symptoms suggestive of hypothyroidism in 31 patients [11.9%] and high titers of antibodies in 23 patients [8.8%]

Conclusion: SCH is frequently seen in our population, with most patients complaining of lethargy. The most common treatment indications were a TSH > 10mlU/l, whereas troublesome symptoms of hypothyroidism and subfertility were the common treatment indications in patients who had a TSH of < 10mlU/l

In vitro inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase level and antioxidant potential of seeds of Phoenix dactylifera L

Objective: To evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity, total phenolic contents (TPCs) and in vitro antidiabetic activity of various pits extracts obtained from five Omani date cultivars. Methods: Sun-dried mature fruits of five Omani date varieties, namely, Fardh, Naghal, Khalas, Khinazi and Khasab were purchased from the local market in Muscat, Oman in the month of September 2014. Four seed extracts viz. water, ethanol, methanol and acetone were prepared for each date variety and their antioxidant activities were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydrogen peroxide scavenging method and reducing power assay method, respectively. In vitro antidiabetic activity of the date pit extracts was evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase level. TPCs were also quantified colorimetrically. Results: The results indicated that TPC of date seeds was solvent dependent. Acetone, ethanol and methanol were found to be significantly better solvents than water in extracting phenolic compounds from the date seeds. Pit extracts exhibited moderate to good in vitro antioxidant activity and increased reducing power. Among all date pit extracts, water extract exhibited significant in vitro antidiabetic activity in comparison to standard drug, acarbose. Conclusions: The present study confirms that disposed waste of Omani dates is a rich source of dietary antioxidant because of its high TPC. The pits due to their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase level could be used as a monotherapy along with an appropriate diabetic diet and exercise or might be in conjunction with antidiabetic therapy to manage and prevent progression of diabetes.

Anti hyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of native date fruit variety "Aseel" [Phoenix dactylifera]

Diet rich in saturated fats and sugars have been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia and fatty liver disease. Especially high serum lipid levels are directly connected to the progression of cardiovascular disorders, which are the leading cause of death all over the world. Date palm fruit [Phoenix dactylifera] is known for numerous health benefits however little information is available about in vivo clinical and preclinical benefits, hence antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of native date variety Aseel has been assessed in hyperlipidemia induced albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into five groups with 8 animals in each group. One group was kept as normal control while remaining four groups were fed high fat high sugar diet for 8 weeks; from this one group was reserved as disease control while two groups as treated which received 300 and 600mg/kg of date fruit suspension. The fourth group served as positive control and received standard drug atorvastatin in the dose of 2.1mg/kg. After 14 days serum lipid profile, hepatic profile and fasting blood sugar were determined for all groups. Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL along with cholesterol- HDL and LDL-HDL ratio were significantly decreased at 300 mg/kg without any increase in liver enzymes as observed in positive control group. Animals received 600 mg/kg also revealed significant decline in fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, VLDL and alkaline phosphatase. Hence present results demonstrate ameliorative role of date fruit in hyperlipidemia and fatty liver however more studies are required to gain insight into the possible mechanism of action and confirmation of these effects on human subjects

Phytochemistry, Brine shrimp lethality and mice acute oral toxicity studies on seed extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica

Despite the widespread use of Vernonia anthelmintica seeds in traditional medicine, the need to establish the safety of the Vernonia anthelmintica is required to ascertain the safe use of this herbal medicine. The aim of the present study is to establish the acute toxicity profile of different extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica. Hexane and ethanol extract of Vernonia Anthelmintica has been studied for its brine shrimp lethality potential. Water decoction [WDVA], Hexane [HEVA] and Ethanol [EEVA] extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica has also been evaluated for their in-vivo acute oral toxicity in mice by Lorke's method. Phytochemistry of all three extracts was also evaluated for the presence of their secondary metabolites. All three extracts showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids, while alkaloids, tannins and fixed oils were present in HEVA and EEVA. Furthermore EEVA also showed presence of carbohydrates and HEVA also showed the presence of cardiac glycosides. Ethanol and hexane extracts of Vernonia anthelmintica showed a positive cytotoxicity in brine shrimp lethality test at 24 hours with LC50 104.16 [224.0-48.05] micro g/ml and 216.11 micro g/ml [378.2-128.7] respectively as compared to standard drug etoposide LC50 7.46 micro g/ml. The oral LD50 for EEVA, HEVA and WDVA in mice by Lorke's method was greater than 5000mg/kg. The result of brine shrimp lethality test clearly exhibited the presence of bioactive compounds with cytotoxic potential; however seems to be safe for oral use since LD50 was higher than 5000mg/kg and thus safety of acute dosing in vivo practices is justified

Medium optimization for the production of amylase by Bacillus subtilis RM16 in Shake-flask fermentation

This study was carried out in shaking incubator and covers the optimization of culture conditions of Bacillus subtilis for the maximum production of amylase. Optimal activity was found to be 350 Uml[-1] when soluble starch was used as a substrate. Parameters taken into consideration to observe their effect on the optimum production of amylase include incubation time, incubation temperature, pH, inoculum size, carbon source, nitrogen source and metallic ions. All parameters were monitored in order to obtain high level of the enzyme units in cell-free broth. The established optimized conditions for Bacillus subtiliss train RM16 were found to be: incubation time 24 hours, temperature 40[degree]C and pH 8.0. Inoculum size was 5%, starch [1%] as a carbon source while yeast extract [1.5%] as a nitrogen source. Magnesium ions [0.1%] exerted maximum stimulating effect for the production of amylase which can be further used at large scale applications

Anti-inflammatory effects of Citrus sinensis L., Citrus paradisi L. and their combinations

Citrus bioflavonoids embrace a wide group of phenolic compounds effecting the production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species and the processes relating free radical-mediated injury. Keeping in view of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Citrus sinensis and Citrus paradisi, present study was undertaken to explore the effects of C. sinensis [orange juice] and C. paradisi [grapefruit juice] at three different doses alone and their two combinations with the objective to examine the effects of these compounds in an experimental model of rat colitis induced by trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid [TNBS]. Hence biochemical parameters e.g. myeloperoxidase, alkaline phosphatase, C-reactive protein [CRP] and glutathione were assessed. Data entry and analysis was accomplished by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 and was presented as mean +/- S.E.M with 95 onfidence interval. Present result shows that these juices, mainly C. paradisi, may be efficacious for the management of inflammatory bowel disease. In acute colitis model, C. paradise encouraged a decrease in the extension of the lesion escorted by a decrease in the occurrence of diarrhea and reinstatement of the glutathione content. Related effects were produced by the administration of C. sinensis, which also prevented the myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase actions in acute intestinal inflammatory process. The effect of the citrus juices on the inflammatory process may be associated to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as revealed in present investigation. The favorable effects exerted were demonstrated both by histological and biochemical changes and were related with a progress in the colonic oxidative status

Assessment of sub-chronic, hematological and histopathological toxicities of a herbal combination

The herbal combination under study consists of Withania somnifera, Tribulus terrestris, Mucuna pruriens and Argyria speciosa. Present study is mainly designed to investigate the gross physical, sub-chronic, hematological and histopathological effects of the combination widely used for its stimulating, revitalizing and fertility boosting effects in Pakistan. Sub-chronic, hematological and histopathological outcomes of herbal combination were assessed on 27 albino rabbits weighing from 1000gm-1500gm after giving herbal combination for 60 days in two doses 27 and 81mg/kg against control. No significant toxicity was revealed during the entire period of study, however some biochemical changes were observed in kidney and liver but these changes did not coincide with histopathological findings. There was no mortality and evidence of systemic toxicity including hematological toxicity following 60 days administration of herbal combination. Results of present study suggest that further studies are required on large number of animals before reaching to a definite conclusion, more over clinical studies should also be conducted to confirm the possible toxic effects of the herbal combination

Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review

Nowadays, use of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine has gained the momentum. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents to treat several diseases. The essential or volatile oils are extracted from the flowers, barks, stem, leaves, roots, fruits and other parts of the plant by various methods. It came into existence after the scientists deciphered the antiseptic and skin permeability properties of essential oils. Inhalation, local application and baths are the major methods used in aromatherapy that utilize these oils to penetrate the human skin surface with marked aura. Once the oils are in the system, they remodulate themselves and work in a friendly manner at the site of malfunction or at the affected area. This type of therapy utilizes various permutation and combinations to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, skin ailments, swollen joints, urine associated complications etc. The essential oils are found to be more beneficial when other aspects of life and diet are given due consideration. This review explores the information available in the literature regarding therapeutic, medical, cosmetic, psychological, olfactory, massage aromatherapy, safety issues and different plants used in aromatherapy. All the available information was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search.

Quantification of total phenol, flavonoid content and pharmacognostical evaluation including HPTLC fingerprinting for the standardization of Piper nigrum Linn fruits

Objective: To carry out the physicochemical and phytochemical standardization with high performance thin layer chromatography fingerprinting of Piper nigrum L. (P. nigrum) fruits in order to ascertain the standard pharmacognostical parameters of this king of spices. Methods: Many standardization parameters like extractive values, total ash value, water soluble ash value and acid insoluble ash, moisture content, loss on drying and pH values of P. nigrum L. fruits were analyzed. The method of Harborne was adopted for the preliminary phytochemicals screening. Analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid contents, pesticides residues, aflatoxin and heavy metals were also performed. CAMAG-high performance thin layer chromatography system was used for fingerprinting of methanolic extract of P. nigrum L. fruits. Results: The results of phytochemicals testing indicated the presence of carbohydrates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, proteins, saponins, lipids, sterols and tannins in various solvent extracts. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in methanolic extract were found to be 1.728 1 mg/g and 1.087 μg/g, respectively. Heavy metals concentrations were found to be within standard limits. Aflatoxins and pesticides residues were absent. Conclusions: The outcome of this study might prove beneficial in herbal industries for identification, purification and standardization of P. nigrum L. fruits.

Angiomyomatous Hamartoma of Popliteal Lymph Node: An Unusual Entity

No abstract available.

Frequency of syphilis among antenatal clinic attendee in combined military hospital Abbottabad

Frequency of syphilis among pregnant women attending Combined Military Hospital Abbottabad Descriptive study. A screening for syphilis of 500 married pregnant women presenting to antenatal clinics was carried out using the qualitative Rapid Plasma Regent [RPR] test/ Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] test. The Treponema Palladium Haem-Agglutination Assay [TPHA] test was used as confirmatory test for all Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] test positive cases. A total of 8 women [1.6%] were positive for Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] test. Out of these 4 [0.8%] were positive for Treponema Palladium Haem-Agglutination Assay [TPHA] test. All of these cases have bad obstetrical history. The sero-positivity of Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] test is [1.6%], considered high among pregnant women reporting in obstetrics clinics of Combined Military Hospital Abbottabad. Similarly sero-positivity of Treponema Palladium Haem-Agglutination Assay [TPHA] test is [0.8%] considered high among the Venereal Disease Research Laboratory [VDRL] test population. Therefore Screening of syphilis in pregnancy especially in patients having bad obstetrical history [BOH] should be incorporated into the study

Hijama improves overall quality of life in chronic renal failure patients: a pilot study

Present study assesses the therapeutic effectiveness of Hijama [blood letting] inpatients of chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis for past several years with almost no urinary output.24 patients from Sindh Government Qatar Hospital Karachi were selected randomly under going dialysis 2-3 times/week for an average of 3 years under supervision of Dr. Khurram Danial, in-charge nephrologist at dialysis Centre Sindh Government Qatar Hospital Karachi after the written consent from patients. Each patient was subjected to Hijama session once a week after dialysis for a period of one year in a nearby hospital Aligarh Shifa with the consent of the ethical committee of the hospital. Serum urea, creatinine, complete blood count and electrolytes were determined prior to hijama as baseline values and were again recorded on monthly basis for twelve months of Hijama sessions. The patient's feedback regarding quality of life after each hijama session shows that almost all the patients reported a significant recovery from severe fatigue which they used to face during the interval between the dialysis sessions. There was significant recovery in all patients from anorexia and insomnia with the improvement in quality of life as compared to patients not undergoing hijama. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were shifted towards normal in almost all patients after Hijama. Serum Creatinine level was declined significantly, while electrolyte and hematological parameters were also improved significantly. The hemoglobin of all patients undergoing hijama was maintained near normal without any blood transfusion, which was frequently needed in patients not undergoing hijama sessions. There was insignificant improvement in Urinary output in 2 out of 24 patients. Results of the present study suggest that hijama may be performed safely in patients of chronic renal failure on dialysis with overall improvement in quality of life, since there was reduction in fatigue, improvement in appetite, quality of sleep and platelet count

Analyses of bile from gallbladders of fish [Arius platystomus, Arius tenuispinis, Pomadasys commersonni and Kishinoella tonggol]

Bile from gallbladders of Arius platystomus [Singhara], Arius tenuispinis [Khagga], Pomadasys commersonni [Holoola] and Kishinoella tonggol [Dawan] were derivatised and analysed by GC-MS for identification of bile acids and bile alcohols. Cholic acid and Chenodeoxycholic acid were found as major bile acids in Arius platystomus, Arius tenuispinis and Pomadasys commersonni. Other bile acids identified in Arius platystomus were allochenodeoxycholic acid, allodeoxycholic acid, 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha -trihydroxy-24-methyl-5beta-cholestane-26-oic acid, and 3alpha,7alpha,12alpha, 24-tetrahydroxy-5alpha-cholestane-26-oic acid. Cholesterol was found as major bile alcohol in Arius platystomus, Arius tenuispinis and Pomadasys commersonni. Cholic acid was the major bile acid identified in the bile of Kishinoella tonggol while other bile acids included 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha -tridydroxy-5alpha-cholestanoic acid and 3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha -tridydroxy-5beta-cholestanoic acid. Bile alcohol 5beta-cyprinol was present in significant amounts with 5beta-cholestane-3 alpha,7 alpha,12 alpha,24-tetrol being the other contributors in the bile of Kishinoella tonggol

Comparative effects of metformin and pioglitazone on lipid profile of rabbits

This is the initial part of study in which the effects of two oral hypoglycemic drugs metformin and pioglitazone were studied on lipid profile of rabbits. White rabbits of both sexes were equally divided in to three groups each comprising of seven animals. Control group was given distilled water 2m1/kg, animals of group II were given metformin in the dose of 22mg/kg and animals of group III received pioglitazone in the dose of 0.5mg/kg. Serum concentration of cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein [VLDL], triglycerides [TGs], low density lipoprotein [LDL] and high density lipoprotein [HDL] were measured after 8 week of oral dosing. Results shows that after 8 weeks animals received metformin did not reveal any significant change in lipid profile, but animals received pioglitazone showed significant [P<0.05] decrease in lipid profile, the decrease in cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and triglycerides is favorable however decrease in HDL is troublesome and warrant further investigations

Epithelioid hemangioma of distal femoral epiphysis in a patientwith congenital talipes equinovarus

Epithelioid hemangioma (EH) is a rare benign vascular lesion of soft tissue and bone, characterized by endothelial cells with epithelioid or histiocytoid appearance. Though tubular bones, flat bones, vertebra and short bones are common sites for this lesion, the epiphyseal involvement is extremely rare. We present an unusual case of EH of the distal femur in a young boy. Case report: A 12-year-old boy who had congenital talipes equinovarus of the right foot presented with progressively increasing pain in the right lower thigh for six months. Physical examination revealed muscular atrophy of the right lower limb and a moderately tender swelling in the medial aspect of the right knee without restriction of knee movement. An X-ray revealed an osteolytic lesion, which appeared iso- and hypointense on T1W and hyperintense on T2W MRI images in the distal epiphysis and adjacent metaphysis of the right femur. A radiological diagnosis of chondroblastoma was entertained. The patient was treated with curettage and bone grafting. Histopathology showed a tumor composed of thin-walled arteriolar capillaries lined by large, polyhedral epithelioid endothelial cells with vesicular nuclei, finely distributed nuclear chromatin, and moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. The endothelial cells were strongly immunopositive for CD34. Mitotic activity was low and the Ki-67 proliferative rate was <2%. A diagnosis of EH was made. EH is a benign lesion and it should be differentiated from its histologically similar malignant counterparts such as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma and epithelioid angiosarcoma as the lesion can be successfully treated with curettage or resection.

GC-MS analysis, determination of total phenolics, flavonoid content and free radical scavenging activities of various crude extracts of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori leaves

Objective: To perform phytochemical screening, estimate total phenolics, flavonoids and to evaluate antioxidant potential of Moringa peregrina (M. peregrina) leaves. Methods: The dried powdered leaves of M. peregrina (150 g) were extracted exhaustively by Soxhlet with ethanol and then fractionated into hexane, chloroform, ethy alacetate and methanol. All the prepared extracts were also analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to identify and characterize the chemical compounds present in the crude extracts. Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminium chloride colorimetric methods were used to estimate total phenolic and flavonoid content of extracts. Hydrogen peroxide and 1,1 diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl were used to determine in vitro antioxidant activity. Results: Phytochemical analysis of ethanol extract showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results revealed presence of 19 phytoconstituents in hexane extract, 6 in ethyl acetate and 7 compounds in methanolic extract. Methanol extract was found to contain the highest phenolic content and flavonoids. In vitro antioxidant activities of all crude extracts were significant and comparable with the standard ascorbic acid. Conclusions: Results of this study show that the leaves of M. peregrina are the rich source of phenolic compounds that can play an important role in preventing the progression of many diseases.