Antiurolithiatic plants: formulations used in different countries and cultures

About 12% of world population is affected by different forms of urolithiasis in which the recurrence rate in female is 47-60% and in male is 70-80%. According to WHO 75% people rely on traditional medicines for the prevention and cure of different ailments. Similarly, the majority of the world population use a number of plants to treat problems related to the urinary tract system in which urolithiasis is the major cause. The aim of the review is to collect the data of the plants used in different parts and cultures of the world against urolithiasis with their parts, mode of preparation, dosage and administration. A literature review was conducted for traditionally used antiurolithiatic plants. The articles mentioning plant, parts, mode of preparation, dose and route of administration were selected. This information was extracted to compose Mono and Poly herbal antiurolithiatic formulations used in Appalachia [region in Eastern United States], Canada, India, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latin America, Pakistan, Turkey and Yemen. The review provides an important data about plants used as antiurolithiatic in different parts of the world. The information not only useful for common people, but also for the scientific community to carry out further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies for the discovery of new, effective and safer molecules against urolithiasis

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Piper nigrum L

Objective: To evaluate and compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of pure compound, piperine along with hexane and ethanol extracts of Piper nigrum L. fruit in mice and rats. Methods: The analgesic activity was determined by tail immersion method, analgesy-meter, hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing test. While the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats. Results: Piperine at a dose of 5 mg/kg and ethanol extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg after 120 min and hexane extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg after 60 min exhibited significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity by tail immersion method, in comparison to ethanol extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg using analgesy-meter in rats. However, with hotplate method, piperine produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity at lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) after 120 min. A similar analgesic activity was noted with hexane extract at 15 mg/kg. However, in writhing test, ethanol extract significantly (P<0.05) stopped the number of writhes at a dose of 15 mg/kg, while piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg completely terminated the writhes in mice. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect using plethysmometer, piperine at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg started producing anti-inflammatory effect after 30 min, which lasted till 60 min, whereas hexane and ethanol extracts also produced a similar activity at a slightly low dose (10 mg/kg) but lasted for 120 min. Conclusions: It is concluded from the present study that Piper nigrum L possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Piper nigrum L

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate and compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of pure compound, piperine along with hexane and ethanol extracts of Piper nigrum L. fruit in mice and rats.@*METHODS@#The analgesic activity was determined by tail immersion method, analgesy-meter, hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing test. While the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats.@*RESULTS@#Piperine at a dose of 5 mg/kg and ethanol extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg after 120 min and hexane extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg after 60 min exhibited significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity by tail immersion method, in comparison to ethanol extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg using analgesy-meter in rats. However, with hotplate method, piperine produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity at lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) after 120 min. A similar analgesic activity was noted with hexane extract at 15 mg/kg. However, in writhing test, ethanol extract significantly (P<0.05) stopped the number of writhes at a dose of 15 mg/kg, while piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg completely terminated the writhes in mice. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect using plethysmometer, piperine at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg started producing anti-inflammatory effect after 30 min, which lasted till 60 min, whereas hexane and ethanol extracts also produced a similar activity at a slightly low dose (10 mg/kg) but lasted for 120 min.@*CONCLUSIONS@#It is concluded from the present study that Piper nigrum L possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Evaluation of Centella asiatica for its neuropharmacology

To determine the effect of Centella Asiatica on Neuro pharmacological activities as memory, behavior [anxiety, depression]. Experimental Study. This study was conducted in the department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi from 15[th] March 2011 to 30[th] April, 2011. Albino mice and albino rats were used. Animals were divided into control and treated groups [10 animals each]. Neuro pharmacological parameters were assessed using standard techniques as Stationary rod activity, Swimming induced depression [FST], Open field, Light and dark box test and water maze model. Control group was maintained on distilled water and treated group was fed with 8.3 mg/kg Centella asiatica for 10 days. Observations were taken on 1[st], 5[th] and 10[th] days. The results showed decline in the elapsed time taken by animal to reach the platform in Stationary rod and water maze model, significantly enhanced struggling time in FST, decreased number of peripheral square crosses but relatively increased central square crosses on 10[th] day in open field test and increased time spent in light box in Light and dark box mode. It can be concluded that Centella asiatica enhances memory and show antidepressant activity on acute administration while chronic use results in anxiolytic behavior

Studies on the chemical composition of kohl stone by x-ray diffractometer

Use of Kohl [Surma] creates toxicity or protects eye, is one of the most controversial topic of modern medicines. However, modern researches show that kohl forms a thin film on the eye lens thus avoiding the direct contract of harmful UV radiation and glare of sun with lens. Black and shining particles of galena in kohl shield the eyes from glare and reflection of sun and thus protect them from harmful effect of UV radiation emerging from the sun. Based on these findings and other properties of kohl, it was decided to undertake this study to ascertain it's chemical composition and to correlate these properties scientifically. In the present study, kohl stone obtained from Madina [Saudi Arabia] was analyzed to ascertain it's chemical composition. The chemical analysis and X-ray diffractometer results obtained, showed that the main component of kohl stone is galena [PbS]

Herbal treatment for cardiovascular disease the evidence based therapy

More than 2000 plants have been listed in the Traditional [Herbal/Alternative] systems of medicine and some of these are providing comprehensive relief to the people suffering from cardio-vascular diseases, specially [hyperlipidemia] and [ischemic heart disease]. WHO reports indicate that around eighty percent of the global population still relies on botanical drugs and several herbal medicines have advanced to clinical use in modern times. Based on these findings, present review is written to identify the [Pharmacology and Cardio-vascular Application] of four commonly used plants in Pakistan. These include, Crataegus oxycantha, Inula racemosa, Terminalia arjuna and Commiphora mukul The selection of the plants in the present study is primarily based on their chemistry and pharmacological properties including toxicology reported in various research articles and reviews. Some very interesting findings have been observed and thus recorded and reported in this review

Bioactive alkaloids produced by fungi I. updates on alkaloids from the species of the genera boletus, fusarium and psilocybe

Fungi, in particular, are able in common with the higher plants and bacteria, to produce metabolites, including alkaloids. Alkaloids, along with other metabolites are the most important fungal metabolites from pharmaceutical and industrial point of view. Based on this observation, the authors of this review article have tried to provide an information on the alkaloids produced by the species of genera: Boletus, Fusarium and Psilocybef from 1981-2009. Thus the review would be helpful and provides valuable information for the researchers of the same field

Kohl [SURMA]: retrospect and prospect

Kohl, since antiquity has always been given a prime importance in ophthalmology for the protection and treatment of various eye ailments. However, for decades various conflicting reports in the literature have been published relating to Kohl application to eyes being responsible for causing higher blood lead concentration, which may cause lead poisoning. While at the same time, a number of research studies and reports have also been published negating any such links with increased blood lead level upon Kohl [surma] application. In view of the above mentioned facts, this review article is written with the objective to highlight various data from past and present research studies and reports about Kohl, so as to provide valuable information to both the users and the research workers about it-s scientific background and effects when applied into eyes. A large number of items and topics [such as Kohl, surma, eye cosmetic, traditional eye preparations, environmental lead pollution, galena, lead sulphide etc.] have been taken into consideration while compiling this review article. In conclusion, the authors of this review article feel that the relation between Kohl and toxicity or increased blood lead concentration upon it-s application to eyes as reported elsewhere is likely to be more of theoretical nature rather than a practical health hazard