Advanced Forms of Sulphur Formulations for Improving Use Efficiency in Crop Species

Widespread incidences of sulphur (S) deficiency in agricultural crops and soils have been reported globally. To meet this gap, various new forms of S fertilizers are available in the market, and they are in the process of testing for their validations in varied type of crop species and soils. A current global trend of using these advanced S formulations for plant production has emerged to overcome the challenges of S nutrition in crops. This paper highlights the potential benefits of improved S fertilizers in agriculture as compared to conventional S fertilizers. However, there is also a need for increasing awareness among the growers to recognize the importance of S (fourth primary plant nutrient) and simultaneously exploring the options for elevating the efficiency of S.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant and in vivo neuropharmacological effect of Monotheca buxifolia [Falc.] barks extract

Owing to its pharmacological versatility, the current study focuses the evaluation of Monotheca buxifolia [M. buxifolia] bark crude extract and its fractions for phytochemical and pharmacological analysis. Phytochemical investigation of bark extract was carried out through GC-MS, LC-MS and FT-IR. ICP-OES was used for analyzing essential metals in bark extract. Plant samples were further investigated for their in vitro antioxidant and in vivo neuropharmacological activities in mice. Phytochemical analysis of bark extract revealed the presence of various active constituents such as serotonin, á-tocopherol, 3-deoxyestradiol, ascorbyl palmitate and cirsimaritin. Metal analysis showed presence of various metals in diverse concentration. M. buxifolia bark extract and its chloroform fraction showed significant antioxidant activity against DPPH [89.55 +/-1.29; 84.80+/-1.66%], superoxide [82.10 +/-1.86; 80.0+/-1.0%], H[2]O[2] [80.55+/-2.0; 78.10+/-2.26%] at 500Mug/mL concentration. Similarly, bark extract and its chloroform fraction demonstrated antidepressant activity in mice and improve generalized locomotive behavior. The effective use of M. buxifolia in treatment and management of depression and free radicals based disorders can be safely concluded from the results of present study

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

Pain management: an overview

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience caused by actual or potential tissue damage. This damage is nature's warning that something is not well within the body. This condition causes loss of workforce and also affects the patients family members in socio-economical and psychological terms. There is an increase in knowledge regarding pain management in recent years. These developments in pain management may provide different opportunities to the patient and their families to lead a more comfortable and productive life. Managing pain is not about making it disappear rather it is about keeping it under control. The aim is not to stop pain in its stride, but to avert the damage caused by it. Prolonged pain is demoralising and debilitating and should be controlled as fast as possible and with all possible means. For this reason in addition to pharmacological treatment now a days non pharmacological treatment options are on rise

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

Frequency of cardiorenal syndrome type-I in hospitalized children with acute heart failure in a tertiary-care hospital

To determine the frequency of cardiorenal syndrome in hospitalized children with acute heart failure. Descriptive study. Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from December 2010 to December 2011. Sixty eight [68] children with acute heart failure fulfilling the selection criteria were evaluated for worsening of renal function [WRF]. Serum creatinine was done at baseline and repeated at 72 hours to see the worsening of renal function. Estimated serum creatinine clearance was calculated by Schwartz formula. Mean age of patients was 43.6 +/- 55.2 months. There were 43 [63%] males, 70% were under 57 months of age. Mean weight on admission was 14.7 +/- 19.13 kg and mean height was 83 cm [ +/- 31.08 SD]. Mean serum creatinine on admission was 0.77 mg/dl [ +/- 1.18 SD]. Worsening renal function was noted in 55 [81%] of children, out of those, majority 36 [70.5%] were under 5 years of age. Worsening renal function was found in 81% of children admitted with the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Majority [70.5%] were under 5 years of age indicating a closer observation of renal status in younger age group to reduce, morbidity and mortality

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%.

Placenta previa accreta; comparison of outcome of antenatal diagnosed cases in previous caesarean scar with undiagnosed cases of placenta previa accreta in previous caesarean scar

To compare outcome of antenatal diagnosed cases of placenta previa accreta in previous caesarean scar with undiagnosed cases of placenta previa accreta in previous caesarean scar.Cohort Study. The study was carried out in department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Nishtar Hospital Multan. Population: Total 206 cases were included in the study divided into two groups. Group A had 103 antenatal diagnosed cases of placenta previa accreta in previous caesarean scar and Group B comprised 103 cases un-diagnosed having placenta previa accreta in previous caesarean scar. Outcome Measure: Outcome was determined in terms of morbidity [i.e Hysterectomy] and mortality. It was found that hysterectomy was performed in 47 [45.6%] vs 36 [35%] diagnosed and un-diagnosed cases respectively. 9 [8.7%] vs 2[1.9%] cases died in diagnosed and undiagnosed Cases respectively. No significant difference in term of morbidity was found between diagnosed and un- diagnosed cases of placenta previa accreta in previous caesarean scar. Mortality was high in diagnosed cases of placenta previa accreta in previaous caesarean scar

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

Effect of risk factors like age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia on coronary artery disease in Karachiites with angiographical data of local population: Number, site, severity of coronary lesion

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of major risk factors like age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, dyslipidemia on coronary artery disease in Karachiites and highlighted the angiographic data of local population like number of vessels involvement, site and severity of coronary lesions. This was a cross sectional analytical prospective study which was carried out at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi from August 2004 - July 2014. We included five hundred [500] consecutive patients [188 female and 312 male] between 26-80 years old, who came for coronary angiography with suspecting ischemic heart disease clinically or otherwise proven by relevant tests like ETT, ECHO, and Thallium stress test. Post PCI and CABG patients were excluded from study. During this study variables like age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and dyslipidemia were taken into account in relation to coronary artery disease in Karachiites. In addition we also assorted some important findings of coronary angiography like: number of vessels involved, site and severity lesions in our population and compared them with existing literature. Our study revealed that in our local population not only old age and male gender are potential threat for an early coronary artery disease but other variables like hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and dyslipidemia are also playing important role in coronary artery disease. It is also concluded that our population is more prone to multiple vessels involvement with almost involvement of LAD in majority of population

Toxicity studies on herbal formulation used in diabetes mellitus

In current study herbal formulation was prepared for Diabetes mellitus [type 2]. It consists of the extracts of Salacia reticulate, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Camellia sinensis and Gymnema sylvester. Toxicity studies were carried out on heart, liver, kidney and blood of both male and female rabbits. Drug was administered in a dose of 15mg/kg body weight daily for 90 days. On 91[th] day, blood was drawn from animals and investigated for changes in biochemical and hematological levels. After that animals were sacrificed and their organs [liver, heart and kidney] were analyzed for histo-pathological changes. In biochemical tests for lipid profile, significant decreased [male-70.64 +/- 0.321; female-69.80 +/- 0.365] in triglycerides level were observed, no significant change was recorded in Cholesterol HDL ratio, LDL, VLDL level. A significant increase [male-16.00 +/- 1.418; female-10.00 +/- 0.709] was observed in HDL level. In liver function test significant decrease was observed in Gamma GT [male-10.08 +/- 0.862; female-7.00 +/- 0.709]. Alkaline phosphatase [male-79 +/- 0.838; female-51.1 +/- 1.810], SGPT [male-54 +/- 0.709; female- 43.04 +/- 2.060], direct bilirubin [male-0.024 +/- 0.005; female-0.014 +/- 0.002] and total bilirubin [male-0.109 +/- 0.003; 0.106 +/- 0.049] were observed. Non-significant changes were observed in serum total protein, globulins, albumin and A/G ratio. No significant changes were noticed in urea level and serum electrolytes. In cardiac enzymes significant decrease was observed in LDH [male-443 +/- 5.61; female-360 +/- 1.848] and SGOT [male-27 +/- 0.709; female-28 +/- 1.418] level and highly significant rise in CPK [male- 3128 +/- 8.478; female-1598 +/- 7.483] and CK[-]MB [male-446 +/- 2.308; female- 438 +/- 2.819]. In hematological profile, significant decrease was observed in Hb [male-12.3 +/- 0.392; female-12.4 +/- 0.1], RBC count [male-6.60 +/- 0.167; female-5.74 +/- 0.25] and Hematocrit [HCT/PCV] % in both male and female rabbits [male- 45.70 +/- 0.255; female-43.50 +/- 0.448] and significant [p<0.5] increased in WBC count [male-8.40 +/- 0.401; female- 9.10 +/- 0.054]. Significant [p<0.5] decrease in blood glucose level and HbA1c [male-3.36 +/- 0.113; female-3.16 +/- 0.076] was observed. In histopathological studies mild edema was observed in heart and there was no change in histo-architecture of liver and kidneys. It is concluded that formulation does not showed any chronic toxicity in adult dose

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

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

Analgesic effects of crude extracts and fractions of Omani frankincense obtained from traditional medicinal plant Boswellia sacra on animal models

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the analgesic effect of Boswellia sacra (B. sacra), which could support the Omani traditional uses of frankincense for muscle, stomach, and arthritis pain.@*METHODS@#The crude extract, the essential oils and various sub-fractions of the crude methanol extract (each 300 mg/kg of the body weight of the animal) obtained from the resin of B. sacra were administered orally, and were evaluated for their analgesic activities by using two well known models of pain in mice, viz. acetic acid induced writhing test and formalin induced pain test in mice.@*RESULTS@#Of 13 samples, almost all of them were effective at an orally administered dose of 300 mg/kg of the body weight. The acetic acid induced writhes were inhibited in all the three phases with comparable values to the standard drug aspirin (300 mg/kg of body weight) with inhibition of 67.6% in phase I, 66.8% in phase II, and 37.9% in phase III. At the same time, all the tested samples were found effective in both the early and the late phases of formalin test. In formalin test, most of the tested samples showed more inhibitory effects as compared to the standard drug aspirin (300 mg/kg of body weight), which showed 36.2% and 29.6% inhibition in early and late phases respectively. Among the tested samples, the most significant inhibition was produced by Shabi frankincense oil (57.5% in early phase, and 55.6% in late phase). Interestingly, the extracts showed comparable percentage of inhibition to the oil and found in the following order: 60% chloroform/n-hexane sub-fraction (55.3% in early phase, and 66.7% in late phase), and 70% chloroform/n-hexane sub-fraction (59.6% in early phase, and 63.0% in late phase).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The present study provided the scientific justification about the analgesic properties of the essential oils, extract, and various sub-fractions obtained from the resin of B. sacra, thus validating its use in traditional folk medicines and other products; and hence supporting the development in the analgesic properties of bioactive natural substances.

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, antimicrobial, insecticidal and brine shrimp lethality bioassay of the crude methanolic extract of ajuga parviflora benth

Methanolic extract of medicinal herb Ajuga parviflora Benth. was evaluated for phytochemical screening [the plant extract showed the presence of aromatic compounds, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, polyphenols, quinines and dions, aminophenols, steroids/sterols, flavonoids and terpenoids], antimicrobial activities against various strains of bacteria and fungi by using disc diffusion method and insecticidal activities against red flour beetle [Tribolium castaneum], wheat weevil [Sitophilis granaries] and their larvae. The crude extract showed anti-bacterial activity against all strains with a maximum zone of inhibition of 12mm diameter against Citrobacter and Pseudomonas aurogenosa. Standard drugs Ampicillin, Gentamicin and Amoxicillin were used in parallel. The crude extract did not show antifungal activity against the tested strains of fungi even at high doses. The crude methanolic extract was also used for insecticidal activity against the two types of insects and their larva. The extract showed no significant mortality in the tested strains. For brine shrimp lethality bioassay different concentrations 10, 100 and 1000ug/ml of the medicinal herb A. parviflora methanolic extract were used. After 24 hrs the percent mortality and LD[50] value was calculated through probit analysis. The LD[50] value of extract was 321.42microg/ml while that of standard drug cyclophosphamide was 16.09ug/ml