Evaluation of nephroprotective activity of Musa paradisiaca L. in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity

The objective of the study was to investigate the nephroprotective activity of methanolic extract of different morphological parts [bract, flower, trachea and tracheal fluid] of Musa paradisiaca L. [Family: Musaceae] against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. Gentamicin produced significant changes in biochemical [increased levels of blood urea nitrogen level, blood urea, and serum creatinine], and histological parameters in mice. Treatment with methanolic extract of bract [100 and 250mg/kg, b.w] and flowering stalk [trachea] [250 and 500mg/kg, b.w] significantly prevented biochemical and histological changes produced by gentamicin toxicity. The extracts of M. paradisiaca[bract and flowering stalk] could contribute a lead to discovery of a new drug for the treatment of drug-induced nephrotoxicity

Pharmacognostic studies on taxus baccata L.: a brilliant source of anti-cancer agents

The present investigation was undertaken to establish standardization profile of Taxus baccata L. with the help of pharmacognostic parameters, which is not done before. T. baccata [Taxaceae], is native to Europe, is an evergreen needle-leaved tree, growing up to 28 m high. A large number of phytochemicals like taxoids viz. taxusin, baccatin, baccatin, lignans, flavanoids, steroids, paclitaxel and sugar derivatives have been isolated from it. For the treatment of different types of cancer like ovarian and breast cancers, Kaposi's sarcoma and lung cancers Paclitaxel [taxol] has been approved. Paclitaxel is also under clinical trial for remedy of number of other cancers in combination with other chemotherapeutic medications. Pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical screening of T. baccata will be useful to authenticate and avoid adulteration in the raw material. The diagnostic microscopic characters, physiochemical data and FTIR will be useful in the development of monograph

Digitalis purpurea L.: a concise drug review with probable clinical uses

The exclusively important Digital is purpurea L. [Foxglove] belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae and is distributed throughout the European continent. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, anthraquinones and also triterpenes. But the most important of the phytoconstituents contributed by D.purpurea is the striking presence of numerous cardioactive glycosides that has proven to be the most important drugs in treating congestive heart failures. The glycosides of D. purpurea are not only considered to possess cardiac stimulant but also it has wound healing, hepatoprotective, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities too. Many of them exhibit slowing ventricular rate in atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, supraventricular tachycardia and premature extra systoles. The present review is therefore, an effort to present a detailed survey o f literature on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of D. purpurea

Spasmolytic activity of the aqueous extract of leaves of Coccinia grandis L. in rabbit smooth muscles

This study was aimed to provide pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Coccinia grandis L. [Cucurbitaceae] leaf aqueous extract in indigestion and constipation using the in vitro assay. The portion of rabbit jejunum was mounted in an organ bath, filled with Tyrode's Ringer solution and spontaneous movements of intestine were recorded on oscillograph and kymograph using isotonic transducer before and after applying drug samples and aqueous leaf extract. This study showed that the C. grandis L. possesses laxative activities along with spasmodic effect in the isolated tissues, mediated partially through activation of muscarinic receptors; thus, this study provides a rationale for the medicinal use of C. grandis L. leaves in indigestion and constipation. The results showed that the aqueous extract of C.grandis L. leaves has a significant spasmodic activity which supports its use in traditional herbal medicine practice. The extract produced an increase in intestinal transit comparable to normal contraction; number of contraction also increased in the presence of extract. Hence, the result indicated a remarkable increasing effect on the movement of intestinal tissues of rabbit in comparison to control

Antimalarial and insecticidal activities of newly synthesized derivatives of Benzimidazole

The bioactive benzimidazole and corresponding substituted phenacyl halides has been synthesized [11] new derivatives out of three compounds 8, 10 and 11 were found to inhibit the Plasmodium falciparum moderately after 72 hours of incubation hence acting as antimalarial agents. While these derivatives were exhibited negligible insecticidal activity too when analyzed by impregnated filter paper method

Determination of heavy metal contents by atomic absorption spectroscopy [AAS] in some medicinal plants from Pakistani and Malaysian origin

This study depicts a profile of existence of heavy metals [Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg, Mn, Fe, Na, Ca, and Mg] in some important herbal plants like [H. Integrifolia, D. regia, R. communis, C. equisetifolia, N. oleander, T. populnea, M. elengi, H. schizopetalus, R pterocarpum] from Pakistan and an antidiabetic Malaysian herbal drug product containing [Punica granatum L. [Mast] Hook, Momordica charantia L., Tamarindus indica L., Lawsonia inermis L.] using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals in these herbal plants and Malaysian product were in the range of 0.02-0.l0ppm of Cu, 0.00-0.02ppm of Ni, 0.02-0.29ppm of Zn, 0.00-0.04ppm of Cd, 0.00-1.33ppm of Hg, 0.00-0.54ppm of Mn, 0.22-3.16ppm of Fe, 0.00-9.17ppm of Na, 3.27-15.63ppm of Ca and 1.85-2.03ppm of Mg. All the metals under study were within the prescribed limits except mercury. Out of 10 medicinal plants/product under study 07 were beyond the limit of mercury permissible limits. Purpose of this study is to determine heavy metals contents in selected herbal plants and Malaysian product, also to highlight the health concerns related to the presence of toxic levels of heavy metals

Biochemical analysis of the crude extract of Momordica charantia [L.]

Momordica charantia [L.] commonly referred as bitter gourd, karela and balsam pear. Its fruit is used for the treatment of diabetes and related conditions amongst the indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India and East Africa. The study was conducted to find out the biochemical aspects of crude extract of whole fruit of M. charantia including seeds which includes blood test [Hemoglobin, RBC, Total leukocyte count, platelets count, HbA1C [Glycocylated heamoglobin Type A1C]], Lipid profile test and electrolyte balance. Hemoglobin [7.1 +/- 0.14], platelets count [827 ×10[9] +/- 1.95], Cholesterol level [111 +/- 2], HDL [high density lipoproteins] [20 +/- 1.22] at 10mg shows marked increase in values as compared to control. While 25 mg dose shows insignificant result. Electrolyte balance are found significant at 10mg and 25mg except bicarbonates [Na[+]=143 +/- 1.87, K[-]=3.45 +/- 0.35, Cl[-] =108 +/- 1.48]. Another important property of M. charantia is the elevation of platelet counts, heamoglobin and specifically high-density lipoproteins [HDL]. It also controls cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and VLDL at low dosage [10mg]. Further studies can be conducted to find out which phytochemical components acts on specific biochemical activity

Histopathologic changes in liver and kidney of male sprague dawley rats treated with extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum L.

In traditional medicine Cardiospermum halicacabum L. [Sapindeaceae] is used against various ailments such as rheumatism, nervous diseases, stiffness of the limbs and snakebite. Leaves are crushed and made into a tea, which aids itchy skin. Salted leaves are used as a poultice on swellings. Young leaves can be cooked and used as vegetables. The leaf juice has been used as a treatment for earache as well. In this study we evaluate acute toxicity [10, 50,100 and 500 mg/kg] and pathologic changes in esophagus, stomach, liver and kidney tissues with a magnifying glass and microscope in a row to mark changes to both morphological and histological in comparison to control with the treatment of ethyl acetate extract [dose of 40mg/kg] in male Sprague Dawley rats. The rats were divided into 4 groups consisting of 3 rats per group for acute toxicity and histopathological change. In conclusion, no lethality was observed in acute toxicity study for 7 days. The treatment of ethyl acetate extracts at 40 mg/kg did not show lethal toxicological changes as observed by histopathological examination in the kidney and liver tissues

Effect of Carthamus tinctorius [Safflower] on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits

Diabetes mellitus is a major threat to present and future generations. The role of herbal medication has emerged as a safe alternative to currently available medication due to its decreased potential to produce side effects, hence effect of Carthamus tinctorius was observed on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels in alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. Thirty five healthy male rabbits were divided into 5 groups with 7 rabbits in each [Normal control, diabetic control, diabetic treated with glibenclamide, diabetic treated with Carthamus tinctorius extract at doses of 200 and 300mg/kg of body weight]. Drug and extract were given orally for 30 days and the values for blood glucose levels were observed after 15[th] and 30[th] day of treatment by using standard reagent kits provided by Human Germany. While insulin levels were checked at the end of the study by using Architect i1000 by Abbott Diagnostics USA. Animals were also observed for any gross toxicity during the study. Results revealed that Carthamus tinctorius has significant hypoglycemic effect at 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg doses as compared to diabetic control group. Insulin levels were significantly increased in Glibenclamide treated as well as Carthamus tinctorius treated groups as compared to diabetic control

Antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Hibiscus schizopetalus [Mast] Hook in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

The antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of Hibiscus schizopetalus [Mast] Hook [Malvaceae] flower and leaves extracts were investigated in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The hypoglycemic activity of both the extracts [100mg/kg, body weight] was tested in fasting normal rat, glucose loaded rats. Observation on body weight was also recorded. The extracts showed a significant [P<0.001] reduction in blood glucose level in normal fasting rats. In glucose tolerance test, significant [P<0.01] decreased observed in all glucose loaded animals. While in alloxan induced diabetic rats, the percent blood glucose reduction was 59.94% and 45.14% in extracts treated groups. The results obtained were compared with the reference standard drug Tolbutamide [100mg/kg, body weight]. The diabetic rats showed sign of decreased in their body weight during the treatment period. Cholesterol and triglycerides levels were significantly decreased [P<0.001] by HFE. The results obtained demonstrated the potential hypoglycemic activity of methanolic extracts of H. schizopetalus. There is need of bioassay-directed assay of the active principles responsible for the anti-diabetic activity. The methanolic extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, saponins and glycosides.

Hematological screening of heavy metals among patients of asthma using medicinal herbs in Karachi, Pakistan

Prevalence and concentration of some toxic [Pb, Cd, and As] and essential metals [Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Co] were determined in the blood samples collected from asthmatic patients in Karachi, Pakistan using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All selected patients were habitual of taking crude drugs and home remedy as self medication to treat and prevent asthma. We detected large proportion of the patients with detectable levels of heavy metals. The percentage prevalence of Pb, Cr, Ni, and Co, were found 100% while that of As and Cd were 55% and 60% respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopic data showed the presence of metals in the analyzed samples in the range of 0.00-37.08 microg/dl for As, 8.1-41.4 microg/dl for Pb, 0.0-9.6 microg/l for Cd, 2.0-55.6 microg/l for Cr, 20.0-85.9 microg/l for Ni, and 0.15-3.6 microg/l for Co. The study will be helpful in creating awareness regarding the use of quality herbal medicines in asthma. It is suggested that along with avoidance of other risk factors, reliance on the use of quality traditional medicines free from heavy metal contamination is very essential especially incase of bronco asthmatic conditions

Assessment of total phenolic content and antioxidant potential of methanol extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum [DC.] Backer ex K Heyne

Plants are rich in a variety of chemical compounds. Many are secondary metabolites including aromatic substances most of them are phenols or their oxygen substituted derivatives. Medicinal plants are also rich in antioxidant constituents such as phenols, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, and flavonoids etc. They are found to acquire free radical scavenging activity and used worldwide for the treatment of various immune system dependent diseases. Peltophorum pterocarpum [DC] Backer ex K. Heyne [Caesalpiniaceae] is a beautiful ornamental tree, widely grown in tropical regions and its parts are used in traditional medicine as an effective therapeutic agent. Fresh pods of Peltophorum pterocarpum was evaluated for its antioxidant potential by using various methods including DPPH, superoxide anion, nitric oxide scavenging, and metal chelating activity. TPC via Folin-Ciocalteau's reagent and anti haemolytic activity red blood cells respectively have also been measured. The methanol extract of pods of Peltophorum pterocarpum was found to possess the significant amount 439.21 +/- 0.17 mg GAE [gallic acid equivalents] / g of TPC. The antioxidant potential of pods extract at mature stage showed potent activity and measured as, free radical scavenging activity 73.29 +/- 0.81%, superoxide anion scavenging activity 89.03 +/- 1.07%, nitric oxide scavenging activity 84.25 +/- 1.18%, and metal chelating activity 64.12 +/- 0.11%. The extract also showed potent anti haemolytic activity 79.09 +/- 75%. Peltophorum pterocarpum exhibited strong but varying level of antioxidant and anti haemolytic activity in various methods along with total phenolic contents

Antineoplastic activity of Holoptelea integrifolia [Roxb.] Planch bark extracts [in vitro]

Cancer remains the major public health concern with a number of cancer patients relying on chemotherapy as a treatment option. Although, advances in biomedical research have led to increased anticancer agents in recent years, the treatment is not always effective due to resistance, toxicity or other factors. Phytochemicals and their active components isolated from plants have provided diversified effective drugs many of them are currently used against cancer and other diseases. Holoptelea integrifolia [Roxb] Planch [Ulmaceae] is a widely distributed plant in many parts of the world, also grown in gardens of Pakistan. It is an ornamental plant with certain medicinal characteristics due to many valuable and active phyto constituents in various parts of the plant. We looked at in vitro antineoplastic effects of four different extracts, in butanol [BMBU], hexane [BMHx], ethyl acetate [BMET] and chloroform [BMCHF], from bark of Holoptelea integrifolia on small cell lung cancer, breast, prostate, coloretal and hepatocellular cancer cell lines. Plant extracts BMHx and BMET showed significant cytotoxic effects on breast and prostate cancer cells. These preliminary studies are encouraging to proceed further this research in future, regarding the isolation of active phytoconstituents in these extracts as well as its mechanism in chemoprevention and combination anticancer therapy

Trace element geochemistry of Manilkara zapota [L.] P. royen, fruit from winder, balochistan, Pakistan in perspective of medical geology

An integrated study of rocks, soils and fruits of Manilkara zapota [L.] [Sapotaceae] of Winder area have been carried out to elaborate trace elements relationship between them. The igneous rocks of the study area have elevated amount of certain trace elements, upon weathering these elements are concentrated in the soil of the area. The trace elements concentration in the soil were found in the range of 0.8-197 for Fe, 1.23-140 for Mn, 0.03-16.7 for Zn, 0.07-9.8 for Cr, 0.05-2.0 for Co, 0.52-13.3 for Ni, 0.03-8.8 for Cu, 0.08-10.55 for Pb and 0.13-1.8microg/g for Cd. The distribution pattern of elements in the rocks and soils reflected genetic affiliation. Promising elements of edible part of the fruit were Fe [14.17], Mn [1.49], Cr [2.96], Ni [1.13], Co [0.92], Cu [1.70] and Zn [1.02microg/g]. The concentration of these elements in the fruits is above the optimum level of recommended dietary intake, probably due to this, disorder in the human health is suspected in the inhabitants of the area

Pharmacognostic Study of coccinia grandis L.

Coccinia grandis [kanduri] belonging to Cucurbitaceae family is one of the important plant drug used in Unani system of medicine. It is used by local healers in combination with other drugs to cure skin ailments such as psoriasis, eczema, and scabies. It is also employed in bronchitis and ulcer. Part of plant is recommended in diabetes mellitus. This paper deals with its literature survey regarding diabetes mellitus cultivation, chemical information and medicinal importance. The detailed chemical, histo-chemical color test, botanical features, pharmacognostic parameters and microscopic and macroscopic evaluation of different morphological parts i.e leaf and stem were performed for the identification of genuine samples and for its utilization not only in health care system as medical aid but as raw material in detection of the adulteration in the market sample which is necessary for providing the standardized plants drug material to pharmaceutical industry and, study of the quality control parameters of the drugs

Pharmacognostic studies on roots of Operculina turpethum Linn

Adulteration of drug is a huge problem when using herbal drugs in disease condition and utilization of herbal drugs in such condition is not free from doubt. In this paper we have presented the methods of standardization [macro and microscopic features, fluorescence characteristics under UV light and quantitative analysis on the basis of colour reactions] of Operculina turpethum Linn, root to establish the quality and purity of this valuable and popular remedy which is beneficial in a variety of disorders