Polyherbal formulation development for hepatoprotective activity

Traditional system of medicine recommends various hepatoprotective agents and preparations to treat hepatic disorders. Polyherbal formulations F[1] [Crude drugs formulation], F[2] [Lab extracts formulation] and F[3] [commercial extracts formulation] were developed by using well documented medicinal plants, Cassia fistula, Coccinia indica and Vigna mungo for the treatment of liver disorders by exploiting the knowledge of Tradition system of medicine and evaluated for hepatoprotective activity using parameters including Alanine Transferase [ALAT], Aspartic Amino Transferase [ASAT], Alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and Total Proteins [TP]. Among these formulations F[2] and F[3] showed significant hepatoprotective activity at dose of 500 mg/kg, p.o., when compared to the CCI[4] control group II. Formulations F[2] and F[3] are effective against experimental liver damage. Biochemical parameters showed better results in lab extracts formulations

Investigation on three different species of Wedelia from Tamilnadu and Andaman Nicobar Islands

Comparative studies on three different species of Wedelia from Tamilnadu and Andaman Nicobar Islands have been carried out for their growth performance, Active constituents, Preliminary phytochemical screening of entire plants, extraction of essential oil, extractive values, [alcohol and water soluble]. Ash values [Total ash, Acid insoluble ash, Sulphated ash, water and insoluble ash]. Microscopical evaluation [like vein islet and vein termination number, stomatal number, stomatal index] and fluorescence analysis were also performed

Pharmacognostical evaluation of Artemisia abrotanum Linn

Artemisia abrotanum Linn, belonging to family Asteraceae commonly known as [Southernwood] in Tamil. Hence, this species has not been scientifically evaluated; the present study was aimed to bring this plant under a suitable pharmacognostical scheme. This paper deals with the pharmacognostical studies carried out on the aerial parts of Artemisia abrotanum for identification and differentiation of the plant from other species of Artemisia

Protective effect of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn, on D-galactosamine induced liver damage

The present study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of two doses of the extract of Pterocarpus santalinus Linn, on acute hepatotoxicity induced in Wistar albino rats by a single dose of D-galactosamine [400 mg/kg]. Suspensions of methanolic extract of heartwood of Pterocarpus santalinus [200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg] in 0.3% carboxy methyl cellulose [CMC] were administered p.o. to experimental animals according to the protocol followed by the i.p. administration of a single dose of hepatotoxin. Hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating aspartate amino transferase [ASAT, GOT], alanine amino transferase [ALAT, GPT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], totat bilirubin [TB], lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TGL], albumin, total protein [TP] levels and histopathological changes in the livers of P. santalinus - treated and untreated groups of animals. The results clearly indicated that the extract of P. santalinus significantly reduced the acute elevation of serum transaminases and alteration of other biochemical parameters induced by hepatotoxin, and alleviated the degree of liver damage at 24 hrs. after the intraperitoneal administration of the hepatotoxins. Silymarin [25 mg/kg], a known hepatoprotective drug was used for comparison. The results were supported by histopathological studies of liver samples showing regeneration of hepatocytes in treated animals. Based on the results obtained in the present investigation, it can be concluded that Pterocarpus santalinus exerts hepatoprotective activity and may serve as a useful adjuvant in several clinical conditions associated with liver damage

Pharmacognostical investigation and antibacterial activity of Nymphaea stellata Willd. leaves

Pharmacognostical studies of Nymphaea stellata Willd. leaves were carried out, including physicochemical parameters, phytochemical screening and TLC. Nymphaea stellata leaves are used for urinary tract infections in folk medicine. To validate the ethnomedical claim, in vitro antibacterial activity for the ethanolic extract of Nymphaea stellata leaves was evaluated against four reference bacteria by broth dilution and agar diffusion assays. The MIC of the ethanolic leaf extract was 2 mg/ml against Enterocococcus faecalis, P.-aeruginosa and 4 mg/ml against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ethanolic extract showed considerable antibacterial activity in agar diffusion assay