Parasiticidal and brine shrimp cytotoxicity potential of crude methanolic extract of rind of Punica granatum Linn against round worms and tape worms

Rind of Punica granatum is traditionally used for anthelmintic purposes. The current work describes the possible anthelmintic activity of crude methanolic extract of Punica granatum [Pg. Cr] against round worms [Ascaridia galli] and the tape worms [Raillietina spiralis]. Brine shrimp cytotoxicity is also performed. Brine shrimp cytotoxic activity was tested using different concentrations [1000µg/ml, 100µg/ml and 10µg/ml] of Pg.Cr. In vitro anthelmintic activity of Pg. Cr was determined against the parasites using albendazole and piperazine citrate as st and ard anthelmintic drugs in concentration 10 mg/ml. LC50 value for Brine shrimp cytotoxicity was 189.44+/-28µg/ml. In test concentration of 40mg/ml of the Pg. Cr, Raillietina spiralis was paralyzed in 23 minutes. However, for parasiticidal activity [death of the parasite], it took less time [40 minutes] as compared to st and ard Albendazole. Time taken for death of the parasite Raillietina spiralis, in concentration 40 mg /ml, is 40 min. While st and ard drugs took more time to kill the Raillietina spiralis. Pg. Cr took 19 minutes to paralyze the Ascaridia galli at concentration 40 mg/ml whereas; it took 48 minutes for to kill the parasite Ascaridia galli. The current work confirms the traditional use of rind of Punica granatum as anthelmintic against Raillietina spiralis and Ascaridia galli. Results of brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay warrant for the isolation of cytotoxic compounds. List of abbreviation: Pg. Cr = Crude methanolic extract of Punica granatum

Acute toxicity and antispasmodic activities of achillea wilhelmsii C. Koch

Since Achillea wilhelmsii is used as antispasmodic in traditional medicine, we conducted our current work to investigate its rationale on scientific grounds. Acute toxicity studies of crude methanol extract of Achillea wilhelmsii [Aw. CMeOH] is also performed. Effect of Aw. CMeOH and its fractions were tested on isolated sections of rabbits' jejunum at test concentrations 0.01, 0.03, 1.0, 3.0, 5.0 and 10mg/ml. The test extracts, in similar concentrations, were also tested on KCl-induced contractions. Calcium chloride curves were constructed for those fractions which relaxed KCl induced contractions in the absence and presence of the test samples to investigate its possible mode of action through calcium channels. Aw. CMeOH tested positive for flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides, terpenoids, sterols, phenols, carbohydrates and proteins. LD[50] for acute toxicity studies is 2707 +/- 12.6 mg/kg. Mean EC[50] values for Aw. CMeOH on spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions are 3.41 +/- 0.18 [2.56-3.8, n=6] and 0.68 +/- 0.05 [0.6-0.85, n=6] mg/ml, respectively. Respective EC[50] values for n-hexane fraction on spontaneous and KCl-induced contractions are 3.06 +/- 0.08 [2.8-3.3, n=6] and 1.68 +/- 0.8 [1.4-1.9, n=6] mg/ml, respectively. Corresponding EC[50] [mg/ml] values for chloroformic, ethylacetate and aqueous fractions of Achillea wilhelmsii on spontaneous rabbits' jejunum preparations are 4.8 +/- 0.2 [4.41-5.63, n=6], 5.07 +/- 0.15 [4.7-5.58, n=6] and 5.2 +/- 0.13 [4.91-5.64, n=4], respectively. Constructing calcium chloride curves, in the presence of 0.1 mg/ml of Aw. CMeOH, mean EC[50] value [log molar [Ca[++]]] is-1.98 +/- 0.03 [-1.89-2.05, n=6] vs. control EC50 [log molar [Ca[++]]]-2.41 +/- 0.02 [-2.32-2.44, n=6]. Mean EC50 value [log molar [Ca[++]]] for 0.3 mg/ml n-hexane fraction is-1.76 +/- 0.05 [-1.70 -1.93, n=6] vs. control EC50 [log molar [Ca[++]]] value-2.18 +/- 0.07 [-2.0-2.46, n=6]. While in the presence of chloroformic fraction [3 mg/ml], mean EC50 [log molar [Ca[++]]] value is -2.4 +/- 0.1 [-2.78 - 2.9, n=6] vs. control EC50 [log molar [Ca[++]]] value-2.70 +/- 0.05 [-2.5-2.8, n=6]. Mean EC50 value [log molar [Ca[++]]] for ethyl acetate fraction [1 mg/ml] is-1.94 +/- 0.07 [-1.75-2.05, n=6] vs. control EC50 [log molar [Ca[++]]] value-2.69 +/- 0.04 [-2.57-2.79, n=6]. Mean EC50 [log molar [Ca[++]]] value for residual aqueous fraction [3 mg/ml] is-1.8 +/- 0.3 [-1.71-1.84, n=6] vs. control EC50 [log molar [Ca++]] -2.6 +/- 0.04 [-2.59-2.76, n=6]. Whereas, the verapamil [0.1 micro M] EC[50] value [log molar [Ca[++]]] is-1.7 +/- 0.1 [-1.6-1.8, n=6] vs. control EC50 value [log molar [Ca[++]]]- 2.4 +/- 0.09 [-2.3-2.47, n=6]. The present research work confirms that the intestinal relaxation effect of Achillea wilhelmsii is supporting its traditional use as antispasmodic. The plant species can be a source for calcium antagonist[s], which can preferably be isolated from n-hexane fraction

Effect of decoction of camellia sinensis on blood pressure and heart rate

Camellia sinensis as a tea [hot decoction] is so widely used throughout the Asia. Therefore to find out, their effects on all the body functions are the need of hour. In the current study the effect of Camellia sinensis on human [females] blood pressure has been evaluated. Observational study. This study was conducted at Pharmacy Department, University of Malakand. The blood pressure before and after giving the decoction of Camellia sinensis to seventy six individuals was evaluated by using sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. A moderate increase in the blood pressure had been noted. Also a great decrease in the heart rate of individuals has been identified after taking the decoction. From the current study it can be concluded that green tea have an effect of increasing blood pressure in the females, so the heart patients have to take care while using green tea in excess quantity

CNS stimulant activity of Qurs saffron [a herbal medicine] in experimental animal models

To confirm the safety and efficacy of the product for human health due to its wide use and to explore its effects on CNS. Experimental and observational. This study was conducted at Frontier medical college Abbottabad Pakistan in March 2011. Thirty rabbits divided into five groups were administered Qurs saffron at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, Caffeine 100mg/kg orally and the last group was taken as control group, received normosaline. The animals were observed for behavioral changes at 30 min intervals. At 50mg/kg of the drug were found to have mild stimulant activity, while 100mg/kg were found to have a moderate CNS stimulant properties same like caffeine at a dose of 50mg/kg. While at a dose of 200mg/kg_Qurs saffron were found to have a strong stimulant properties. From the current study it can be concluded that the product have dose dependent CNS stimulant effects