A mini review on chemistry and biology of Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. Planch (Ulmaceae)

Holoptelea integrifolia Roxb. (Indian Elm) is a very useful and popular traditional medicinal plant in India. During the last three decades, apart from the chemistry of plant compounds, considerable progress regarding the biological activity and medicinal applications of Indian Elm has been achieved. Ethno-medically, the leaves and stem bark of this plant have been used by tribes as antiviral, antioxidant, antimicrobial, abortifacient preparations and in the management of cancer. Recent studies on plant show that it has potential to fight against tumor and obesity as well. Phytochemical investigation shows the presence of chemical constituents such as terpenoids, alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, sterols, saponins, tannins, proteins and flavanoids. The isolated principles such as β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, holoptelin-A, holoptelin-B, hederagenin, hexacosanol, β-D-glucose, friedelin, epifriedelin, 2-amino naphthoquinone, 1,4-naphthalenedione, are considered as responsible for various activities. This review highlights the traditional uses, reported biological/pharmacological activities, isolated compounds and therapeutic applications of Holoptelea integrifolia which might be helpful for scientists and researchers to find out new chemical entities responsible for its claimed traditional uses.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Cayratia trifolia (Linn.) leaf

Objective: To present a detailed pharmacognostic study of the leaf of Cayratia trifolia (C. trifolia) Linn. (Vitaceae), an important plant in the Indian system of medicine. Methods: The macroscopy, microscopy, physiochemical analysis, preliminary testing, fluorescence analysis of powder of the plant and other WHO recommended methods for standardization were investigated. Results:Leaves are trifoliolated with petioles (2-3 cm) long. Leaflets are ovate to oblong-ovate, (2-8 cm) long, (1.5-5 cm) wide, pointed at the tip. The leaf surface shows the anisocytic type stomata covered with guard cells followed by epidermis layer. Leaf surface contents including veins, vein islet and vein termination were also determined. Transverse section of leaf shows the epidermis layer followed by cuticle layer and vascular bandles (xylem and phloem). The mesophyll is differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma. Abundant covering trichomes emerge from the upper epidermis. Trichomes are uniseriate and multicellular. Strips of collenchyma are present below and upper layer of epidermis. Conclusions: It can be concluded that the pharmacognostic profile of the C. trifolia is helpful in developing standards for quality, purity and sample identification.

Pharmacognostic evaluation of Cayratia trifolia (Linn.) leaf

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To present a detailed pharmacognostic study of the leaf of Cayratia trifolia (C. trifolia) Linn. (Vitaceae), an important plant in the Indian system of medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The macroscopy, microscopy, physiochemical analysis, preliminary testing, fluorescence analysis of powder of the plant and other WHO recommended methods for standardization were investigated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Leaves are trifoliolated with petioles (2-3 cm) long. Leaflets are ovate to oblong-ovate, (2-8 cm) long, (1.5-5 cm) wide, pointed at the tip. The leaf surface shows the anisocytic type stomata covered with guard cells followed by epidermis layer. Leaf surface contents including veins, vein islet and vein termination were also determined. Transverse section of leaf shows the epidermis layer followed by cuticle layer and vascular bandles (xylem and phloem). The mesophyll is differentiated into palisade and spongy parenchyma. Abundant covering trichomes emerge from the upper epidermis. Trichomes are uniseriate and multicellular. Strips of collenchyma are present below and upper layer of epidermis.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It can be concluded that the pharmacognostic profile of the C. trifolia is helpful in developing standards for quality, purity and sample identification.</p>

Antidiabetic activity of methanolic bark extract of Albizia odoratissima Benth. in alloxan induced diabetic albino mice

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the antidiabetic potential of methanolic extract of Albizia odoratissima Benth. bark in alloxan induced diabetic mice.@*METHODS@#Group-I (normal control) mice received only basal diet without any treatment. In Group- II (Diabetic control) mice, diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg i.p.) and received only Tween 80, 5% v/v in normal saline. Group- III and Group- IV mice received metformin (10mg/kg) and gliclazide (10 mg/kg) as standard drugs. Group- V and VI mice received methanolic bark extract of Albizia odoratissimaat doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight p.o., respectively.@*RESULTS@#The results of the study indicates that Albizia odoratissima bark extract significantly (P<0.01) reduced the blood sugar level. The bark extract also significantly reduced the levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and decreases level of total proteins in alloxan induced diabetic mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Methanolic extract of Albizia odoratissima has protective effects on the protection of vital tissues (pancreas, kidney, liver, heart and spleen), thereby reducing the causation of diabetes in experimental animals.

Quassinoids Part lV

Quassinoids, the bitter principles isolated from the Simarubaceous plants, are C-20 oxygenated compounds. Some quassinoids have shown promising anti-cancer, antiviral, antimalarial, amoebicidal, antileikaemic and antifeedant properties. About 300 quassinoids have been reported in the literature. A comprehensive list of quassinoids containing structural formulae, physical constants, derivatives, and natural sources are presented to compare the data of the newly isolated compounds with the reported ones

Quassinoids Part III

Quassinoids, the bitter principles isolated from the Simaroubaceous plants, are C-20 oxygenated compounds. Some quassinoids have shown promising anticancer, antiviral, antimalarial, amoebicidal, antileukaemic and antifeedant properties. About 300 quassinoids have been reported in the literature. A comprehensive list of quassinoids containing structural formulae, physical constants, UV; IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, EI mass spectral data, semi-synthetic analogues and natural sources have been presented to compare the data of the newly isolated compounds with the reported ones