New insights on the utilization of ultrasonicated mustard seed cake: chemical composition and antagonistic potential for root-knot nematode, / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

This study focused, for the first time, on the effect of ultrasonic features on the extraction efficiency of secondary metabolites in mustard seed cake (MSC). The nematostatic potential of sonicated seed cake was examined against the second-stage juveniles (J2s) of root-knot nematode,

Prevalence and clinical correlates of psychiatric morbidity among caregivers of patients attending a psychiatric hospital in North India

Background: Consequent to the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in present day world, their caregivers form an important group in the public health. Research on the physical and psychological well-being of caregivers is being carried worldwide with varied results. Psychological health of these caregivers is usually ignored both by these persons themselves and the health-care providers. The objective of the study was to screen for psychiatric morbidity among caregivers of patients attending a psychiatric hospital in North India, and to study the clinical correlates of the same.Methods: A total of 205 patients and their caregivers were consecutively recruited over a one month period. Sociodemographic and clinical information of patients was obtained either from the hospital records or from the caregiver. Scoring of the patient’s global assessment of functioning (GAF) was done by clinicians. The caregivers were administered a sociodemographic questionnaire, general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Zarit Burden interview. The presence of psychiatric morbidity was confirmed by a consultant psychiatrist.Results: Among the caregivers, 32.2% had GHQ scores of 3 and above. Majority of caregivers in this study were females (59.0%) while as majority of the patients were males (61.9%). Factors associated with psychiatric morbidity among caregivers include the high level of subjective burden of care, low level of functioning, and comorbid medical and psychiatric conditions.Conclusions: The study reveals a high level of psychiatric morbidity among the caregivers of patients with mental health problems.

Phytochemical screening and assessment of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hematological properties of the fruit of Berberis baluchistanica

Traditionally Berberis species have been used as anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic and anti-anemic drugs. This study was aimed to determine chemical constituents and to assess analgesic, anti-inflammatory and hematological effects of the crude extract of the berries of Berberis baluchistanica to verify these folkloric claims. Phytochemical screening, carried out by using different chemical reagents and techniques like Thin Layer Chromatography [TLC] and Fourier Transform Infra-Red [FTIR] indicated presence of flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols and carbohydrates including reducing sugars. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed on mice by using acetic acid induced writhing method and formalin method. Potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were observed during these experiments. The extract also showed anti anemic effect as it increased the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells significantly. Increase in the platelet count was also noted. The extract of the berries was used at oral doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg during experiments. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were determined by comparing with the standard i.e. aspirin 300 mg/kg. Both doses produced significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at P-0.05. These activities were seemingly attributable to flavonoid and saponin contents of the drug. These results justify the folkloric claims that the drug could be used as good anti-inflammatory, antirehumatic, analgesic and anti-anemic drug. However, further chemical investigations on the drug are suggested for isolation and identification of compounds that could be safer and more effective than the currently available medicines in treating these disorders

Phytochemical and biological assessments on Lipidium meyenii [maca] and Epimidium sagittatum [horny goat weed]

The effects of Lipidium meyenii [maca, LM] and Epimidium sagittatum [horny goat weed, ES] have been investigated due to their involvement in fertilization. Both of the drugs showed good results before, during and after fertilization in male and female mice. The results revealed that the crude extract of Lipidium meyenii caused a significant decrease in the no. of writhes at 300 and 500mg/kg [p<0.05] as compare to control, Epimidium sagittatum and standard drug. The gross behavioral, open field, exploratory behaviour, forced swimming test for stress, diuretic activity, chronic toxicity with the effect on reproduction of both male and female and change in body weight were also studied. The phytochemical study showed the presence of tannin, alkaloid, carbohydrate, rich protein and absence of sterol in LM, whereas ES shows presence of sterol and less protein. LS improve in muscle activity and exploratory behaviours without any toxic effects on mice and their pups. It does not have diuretic effect for first two hour but act normally after initial phase of drug therapy. Epimidium sagittatum has dual action that is at low dose it has slight stimulation action and at high dose little depressive effect. ES also has some diuretic effect. Overall these results suggest that LM is highly effective remedy for treatment of impotency and reduces stress and depression, because of dual effect ES not only suggested as an anxiolytic medicine but also effective in female hormonal disorder

Evaluation of acute toxicity, sedative and analgesic effects of Taverniera glabra methanolic extract on mice

Present study was conducted on crude methanolic extract of stem and root of Taverniera glabra. In Pakistan T. glabra is found in the region of Balochistan only. T. glabra has numerous therapeutic uses in traditional medicine and it is also used for the pain relief. Current study was carried out to evaluate acute toxicity, analgesic and CNS depressant activity of the plant. Acute toxicity was carried out by oral administration of the T. glabra extract from 250 to 2000mg/kg oral dose. Analgesic activity was carried out by acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin test. Central Nervous System [CNS] depressant activity was carried out by exploratory activities [open field activity, cage crossing activity, rearing test] and forced swimming test. Oral administration of the methanolic extract of T. glabra was nontoxic at the dose of 1500mg/kg in the acute toxicity test. Exploratory behavior of mice treated with the methanolic extract of T. glabra showed sedative effects [P<0.05] in open field, cage crossing, traction and rearing test, particularly at the dose of 500mg as compared with standard drug Diazepam. In forced swimming test, mobility time was significantly [P<0.05] increased at 500mg/kg oral dose, and results were significant as compared with control. Methanolic extract of T. glabra produced significant [P<0.05] analgesic effects at the dose of 500mg/kg in the acetic acid induced writhing test and the formalin test. In conclusion, results show that the crude methanolic extract of T. glabra possess sedative as well as potent analgesic effects. Present pharmacological studies are the first ever studies conducted on the methanolic extract of T. glabra

Apis mellifica - an effective insect drug

Apis mellifica [Syn: Apis mellifera] belonging to family Apidae. Its extract contains melittin, glycosidase, hyaluronidase, phosphatase-glucosidase, phospholipase A2, phospholipase B, protease inhibitor, apamine, adolapine, secapine, minimine, histamine, tertiapin, dopamine, mast cell degranulating peptide, pamine, procamine A, noradrenalin,-aminobutyric acid, -amino acids, glucose, fructose, complex ethers, potassium, calcium, magnesium. A. mellifica extract was made from whole insect. It is used in bites, stings, sore throat, urine retention, pain and headaches. There are no documented side effects associated with it

Evaluation of wound healing effects between Salvadora a persica ointment and Solcoseryl jelly in animal model

In this research study very first time a herbal ointment contain 10% Salvadora persica extract was compared with Solcosseryl jelly 10% and blank Vaseline to evaluate wound healing effects using excision wound healing model in animals. Three groups of rats [n-6] were experimentally wounded on the back of their neck. Group I was dressed with Vaseline containing 10% test drug, Group II was treated with thin layer of Solcoseryl jelly 10% as reference drug while Group III was dressed with thin layer of blank Vaseline as control group. The effect of vehicle on rate of wound healing were assessed and in all cases there were progressive decreased in wound area with time but wound dress with Vaseline containing S. persica extract and wound treated with Solcosseryl jelly significantly healed earlier than those treated with Vaseline. It is concluded that S. persica extract significantly enhance the acceleration rate of wound enclosure in rats

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on methanolic seeds' extract of Dolichos biflorus

The Dolichos biflorus is a well known medicinal plant in folklore for its medicinal properties. In herbal medicine the seeds of it are mainly used as tonic, astringent, diuretic, and are also recommended in asthma, bronchitis, urinary discharges, hiccoughs, ozoena, heart trouble and other diseases of brain. The main purpose of this study is to explore and to provide experimental data on the traditional use of plant Dolichos biflorus. For this purpose we investigated the plant seed extract phytochemically and pharmacologically. Phytochemical analysis was performed on extract and powder form of the drug. Procedure use for evaluation were Identification of chemical constituent by color reaction, Fluorescence analysis of powder drug, pH [in powder and extract forms], loss on drying, Thin layer chromatography, Infrared spectroscopy, acid and saponification values. In pharmacological studies [diuretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities] were tested on the extract of plant seed. The tests were carried out over albino mice taking different concentration of seed extract. Seeds extract of Dolichos biflorus has exhibited mild analgesic activity, the results were [84.6 +/- 6.68] at dose 300mg/kg and [92.2 +/- 6.81] at dose 500mg/kg which were not much significant as compared to reference drug Aspirin [300mg/kg] having result [36.4 +/- 2.27]. While seed extract of Dolichos biflorus exhibited remarkable diuretic activity, the values at 300 mg/kg was [1.33 +/- 0.13] and at 500 mg/kg were [2.66 +/- 0.31] which are highly significant as compared to drug Lasix [20mg /kg] having result [2.38 +/- 0.23]. Anti-inflammatory effects of crude extract of Dolichos biflorus obtained at 0.06mg/kg and 01mg/kg were [26.6 +/- 2.96] and [36 +/- 1.67] respectively. While the value for aspirin as standard drug [300mg/kg] were [17.44 +/- 1.59].This study provides a platform for further investigation for the isolation of active principles responsible for biological activity

Anti-dermatitis, anxiolytic and analgesic effects of Rhazya stricta from Balochistan

Current study was carried out on Rhazya stricta. Plant material was collected from Jhalmagsi Dist. Balochistan, Pakistan. Methanolic extract of Rhazya stricta was tested for anti-dermatitis, analgesic, anxiolytic effects, insecticidal activity and Brine shrimp Bioassay. Crude extract showed significant anti-dermatitis activity, as the results of intensity score showed mild Excoriation or erosion, moderate Edema or populations and absence of Erythema or hemorrhage, Scratching time was decreased to 1.45 and histological observations of mice treated with crude extract showed mild changes and few inflammatory cells in several microscopic fields. The results of analgesic activity were significant and the percentage inhibition of writhes were 73.54% and 69.38% at 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively. The overall response of crude extract in anxiolytic activities were depressive and crude extract showed sedative effects. In Brine shrimp [Artemsia salina] lethality bioassay crude extract showed dose depended significant activity, and showed positive lethality with LD50 3.3004 micro g/ml. Insecticidal activity was positive against Callosbruchus analis, the percent mortality was 40%.

Antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of some medicinal plants

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of medicinal plants. The antibacterial activity of methanolic extracts of three medicinal plants [Swertia chirata, Terminalia bellerica and Zanthoxylum armatum] were tested against Gentamicin [standard drug] on eleven gram positive and seventeen gram negative bacteria by agar well method. It was revealed that seven-gram negative and six gram positive bacterial species were inhibited by these plant extracts. Minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC] of the extracts were determined by broth micro-dilution method. The significant MIC value of Swertia chirata was 20mg/ml against Serratia marcesens, Zanthoxylum armatum was 10 mg/ml against Aeromonas hydrophila and Terminali bellerica was 20mg/ml against Acinetobacter baumanii as well as Serratia marcesens. Antifungal screening was done for methanolic extracts of these plants by agar well method with the 6 saprophytic, 5 dermatophytic and 6 yeasts. In this case Griseofulvin was used as a standard. All saprophytes and dermatophytes were showed resistance by these plants extracts except Microsporum canis, which was inhibited by Z. armatum and S. chirata extracts. The significant MIC value of Zanthoxylum armatum was 10mg/ml against Microsporum canis and Swertia chirata was 10mg/ml against Candida tropicalis. The anti-oxidant study was performed by DPPH free radical scavenging assay using ascorbic acid as a reference standard. Significant antioxidant activities were observed by Swertia chirata and Zanthoxylum armatum at concentration 200microg/ml was 70% DPPH scavenging activity [EC[50]=937.5microg/ml] while Terminalia bellerica showed 55.6% DPPH scavenging activity [EC[50]=100ug/ml]. This study has shown that these plants could provide potent antibacterial compounds and may possible preventive agents in ROS related ailments

Anti-nociceptive activity of seed extract of Vernonia anthelmintica willd

Vernonia anthelmintica is commonly known as kali ziri. Its seeds are used for several therapeutical purposes. Its seeds contain many constituents of medicinal importance as vernodlin, vernodalol, and vernolic acid. It is commonly used psoriasis and leucoderma or white leprosy. It is potent wormicidal agent. The present study was conducted on seed's extract of V. anthelmintica to determine its analgesic potency. The activity was conducted on mice by using acetic acid induced writhes,hot plate method and by tail flick method using water bath. The results of the writhing test were highly significant and comparable with Aspirin, which produced 26 and 20 writhes. The percentage of inhibition of writhes with the two doses of crude extract was 65.45% and 64.28% at 300mg/kg, while 83.63% and 71.42% at 500mg/kg, where as with Aspirin it was 52.72% and 28.57% in first and second phase respectively. Hot plate and tail flick method also indicated that vernonia has potent analgesic activity. The drug can be utilized as anti-nociceptive agent

Hepatoprotective and toxicological studies of Salvia bucharica methanolic extract in rabbits

Most of the species of genus Salvia are famous for having medicinal properties due to their chemical constituents. Salvia bucharica [Lamiacea] is found in Balochistan near Quetta in Hannaurak and Kalat. It is used in traditional system of medicine and claims to cure liver ailments. In current study crude methanolic extract [CME] of Salvia bucharica was obtained from the leaves and tested for hepatoprotective activity and possible toxicity in rabbits. Liver toxicity was induced in rabbits by administration of carbon tetra chloride [CCl[4]] and evaluated by biochemical tests and histopathology of tissues. In this study rabbits were divided in to 3 groups [5 rabbit in each group]. Rabbits of group I [control] were administered only vehicle [0.9% sodium chloride] orally. Rabbits of group II were given CCl[4] and group III were treated with CCl[4] and S. bucharica CME orally. For hepatoprotective effect serum enzyme level and total protein level were calculated. Histopathology of liver sections of rabbits was also carried out to observe protective effect. Biochemical, hematological and histoptahological parameters were studied on rabbits for toxicological studies. S. bucharica CME showed significant liver protection with reduction in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase [ALT], Aspartate aminotransferase [AST], Alkaline phosphatase [ALP], gamma glutamyl transpeptidase [gamma-GT]. And decrease in Albumin and globulin. In toxicological studies, biochemical and histoptahological parameters showed no significant toxicity in liver, heart and kidneys. It is concluded that S. bucharica CME showed hepatoprotective effects with nontoxic profile

In vivo evaluation and safety profile evaluation of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [L.] Spreng. extract in rabbits

The aim of our research work was to investigate the effects of low dose of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi [L.] Spreng. on rabbits. Crude extract was administered for 90 days in rabbits and hematology, biochemistry parameters and histopathology changes were analyzed. In result of it gender-based variations were observed in hematological, kidney function, liver function, cardiac enzymes and lipid profile. Urine analysis revealed same results as that of standard and control drug. No significant pathology was observed in heart, stomach, liver and kidney tissues of rabbits, treated with A.uva-ursi in a dose of 25 mg/kg/day. Our results justify the use of A. uva-ursi in medicine for treatment of variable pathologies

Antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Symplocos racemesa roxb. Bark

The antidiarrheal activity of the drug Symplocos racemosa was performed in-vivo on isolated rabbit intestine. The effects of crude extract and fractions were observed at different doses. The overall response of the crude extract on isolated tissue of rabbit intestine was decreased in the tone of smooth muscle. Further studies were carried out on different fractions [ethylacetate, chloroform, n-butanol and aqueous] of crude extract of S. racemosa. The standard drugs were also used for further screening of the fractions of S. racemosa. Hot plate, writhing test, formalin test and carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice and rats were performed for determination of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities respectively on S. racemosa bark extract. The results exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect at 300 and 500mg/kg doses

Compatibility and stability of polygeline [Haemaccel] with different drug products

Compatibility and stability of the polygeline-based blood plasma expander/plasma substitute Haemaccel with different drug products i.e., Profenid, Stemetil, and Lasix were examined in the context of its potential use in surgical, spinal, septic shock and in circulatory insufficiency, because treatment, safety, acceptability and efficacy of drug product may be affected by drug instability or incompatibility. Therefore, drug stability and compatibility are critical elements in accurate and appropriate delivery of drug therapy to patients. This study was initiated to specifically and critically assess the compatibility of Haemaccel with different drug products with the aim of delivering safe, suitable, acceptable and efficacious administration of two different drug products simultaneously in emergency conditions. All of these different brands of drug products were physically and chemically compatible with Haemaccel and all of the test results were almost similar before and after mixing different drugs in Haemaccel. This study revealed that Lasix, Profenid and Stemetil can be administered/co-administered with Haemaccel safely. Different drug product must be studies in detail before it's co-administration with Haemaccel

Assessment of anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and neuropharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus Linn.

This article reports the assessment of anti-inflammatory, antiulcer and neuropharmacological activities of crude extract of Cyperus rotundus. The plant exhibited significant property to act as an anti inflammatory agent. In experimental design, inflammation was produced by carrageenan in rats and compare with saline treated and Aspirin treated group. Simultaneously the drug was also observed for its antiulcer response and found effective enough [these two activities were observed at the dosage of 300mg/kg and 500mg/kg]. The anti ulcer activity was observed 41.2% as a dosage of 500mg/kg. Neuropharmacological activities [open field, head dip, rearing traction and forced swimming test] were also observed at 300 and 500mg/kg of C. rotundus extract. The crude extract showed mild decreased in all test and exhibited slight muscle relaxant effect. Powder drug studies and FTIR analysis were performed for the authentication of C. rotundus

Evaluation of phytoconstituents of three plants Acorus calamus linn. Artemisia absinthium Linn and Bergenia himalaica boriss by FTIR spectroscopic analysis

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of plant extracts can be achieved by using different spectroscopic techniques. In current research work we deal with the nature of the absorption and spectra of extract of Acorus calamus, Artemisia absinthium and Bergenia himalaica using FTIR spectroscopic technique. The present study was focused on standardization of crude extracts by utilization of infrared light. The spectra of crude extracts [A. calamus, A. absinthium and B. himalaica] displayed very clear diagnostic peaks of functional groups i.e. O-H alcoholic/acid, C-H alkyl and aromatic ring, carbonyl, and C-O-C groups. The spectra of all the three plants did not show any peak at 2220-2260cm[-1], which is indicative of the absence of nitrogen containing groups. These results exhibited that these plants does not contain any toxic substances

Phytochemical screening and Anti-oxidant activity of the two plants Ziziphus oxyphylla Edgew and Cedrela serrata Royle

Phytochemical studies of medicinal plants are a basic and helping tool for the isolation of active secondary metabolites

The isolation of active compounds is made easy by the help of preliminary phytochemical studies, which the presence of a specific class or group of compounds present in these medicinal plants. Ziziphus oxyphylla and drela serrata are medicinal plants with valuable local uses

The present study is for the first Phytochemical investigation of these two medicinal plants which consists of, Quantitative tests showing very good results except Ztiphus oxyphylla plants which does not showed the results for Ester value and Peroxide value

Color reactions are studied for all the crude extracts showing the presence of a number of chemical groups belonging to the class of Alkaloids, Phenol compounds, Phenothiazines, Aromatic compounds, Amino acids, Sulfur compounds etc. Brine shrimp activity was performed which showed a LD[50] value of 45.74 and 53.36 in the case of Ziziphus oxyphylla roots and Cedrela serrata bark respectively, which is comparable to the standard drug Cyclophosphamide results of 16.09

Insecticidal activity did not show any promising result indicating the absence of any insect killing potency

Antioxidant activity was very positive for all the extract particularly, the Ziziphus oxyphylla roots, which showed even better results than the standard drug Ascorbic acid used in various dilutions

Phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of different fractions of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (Vill.) Brenan

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant ability of methanolic extract and different fractions of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (A. graecizans subsp. silvestris).@*METHODS@#Methanolic extract of A. graecizans subsp. silvestris was obtained by cold maceration and then methanolic extract was subjected to fractionation and different fractions i.e. n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions were obtained. Methanolic extract and all other fractions were subjected to phytochemical investigation by performing different phytochemical group tests like alkaloid, tannins, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc. In vitro antioxidant activity of A. graecizans subsp. silvestris was evaluated by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric thiocyanate assay, total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum, ferric reducing antioxidant power, total phenolic content and lipid peroxidation methods.@*RESULTS@#Maximum antioxidant activity was shown by n-hexane fraction of the extract by carrying out DPPH (86.44±0.23), ethyl acetate fraction by total antioxidant (0.95±0.06) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (299.45±1.48) methods, while by employing total phenolic contents and inhibition of lipid per oxidation assays, methanolic extract (92.88±4.16) and n-hexane fraction (69.47±0.68) exhibited maximal activity. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the least IC50 values by DPPH assay, hence a more pronounced potential for antioxidant activity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results indicate that A. graecizans subsp. silvestris has antioxidant potential and can be utilized as a natural source of antioxidant.

Phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant evaluation of different fractions of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (Vill.) Brenan

Objective: To evaluate the phytochemical and in vitro antioxidant ability of methanolic extract and different fractions of Amaranthus graecizans subsp. silvestris (A. graecizans subsp. silvestris). Methods: Methanolic extract of A. graecizans subsp. silvestris was obtained by cold maceration and then methanolic extract was subjected to fractionation and different fractions i.e. n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions were obtained. Methanolic extract and all other fractions were subjected to phytochemical investigation by performing different phytochemical group tests like alkaloid, tannins, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, etc. In vitro antioxidant activity of A. graecizans subsp. silvestris was evaluated by using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric thiocyanate assay, total antioxidant activity by phosphomolybdenum, ferric reducing antioxidant power, total phenolic content and lipid peroxidation methods. Results: Maximum antioxidant activity was shown by n-hexane fraction of the extract by carrying out DPPH (86.44±0.23), ethyl acetate fraction by total antioxidant (0.95±0.06) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (299.45±1.48) methods, while by employing total phenolic contents and inhibition of lipid per oxidation assays, methanolic extract (92.88±4.16) and n-hexane fraction (69.47±0.68) exhibited maximal activity. Ethyl acetate fraction showed the least IC