Evaluation of Anti-Depressant Potential of Medicinal Ghrita

This article aims to evaluate the possible antidepressant effect of the Ghrita prepared from the combination of these plants and to provide probable scientific explanations for using medicated Ghrita (ghee) in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Herbs for Ghrita like Marsilea quadrifolia, Lawsonia inermis, Mimosa pudica, Piper betle were collected freshly during the month of June. One part Kalka (herb bolus), 4 parts pure cow ghee, and 16 parts Dravadravya were used to make Ghrita (Swarasa). Anti-depressant potential of the Ghrita was evaluated by forced swimming, tail suspension, locomotor activity, rota-rod test (motor co-ordination), elevated plus maze (EPM) model, and hole board test were used to assess the Ghrita's anti-depressant potential. According to the Irwin schedule, Gritha medication reduces alertness but has no effect on other parameters, but imipramine treatment reduces responsiveness, alertness, grooming, and writing reflexes to some extent. Following 14 days of therapy with medicinal Ghrita, the immobility time in the forced swim test and the tail suspension test were reduced by 29% and 42%, respectively. In the rotarod test, it had no significant effect on muscle gripping ability when compared to control animals, whereas imipramine produced a significant result. It was observed that the medicinal Gritha significantly (p<0.05) decreases the locomotor activity in actophotometer test and head dips counts in hole board test as compared to control at the end of 14 days study in a 5 minute observation. Ghrita increased the number of entries in the elevated plus maze by 50% and the time spent in the open arm by 72%. The results of this investigation suggest the possible antidepressant potential of medicinal Ghrita.

Susceptibility of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Shigella spp to Ethanoic Extract of Lawsonia inermis

Background: The acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of healthcare and the development of microbial resistance to the available antibiotics has led researchers to investigate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts. Aim: This was to evaluate antibacterial activity and potential effect of Lawsonia inermis leaves against three tests organisms namely: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella. Methodology: Ethanoic extracts of Lawsonia inermis was obtained. The extracts were boiled, macerated, soaked and the implementation of the extracts to determine the antimicrobial activities on culture was performed by diffusion method. Three antibiotics (Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefataxime) were used as control for the test organisms respectively. Results: The inhibition of each test organism was achieved in one or two extracts. Escherichia coli had the highest (7.25mm) zone of inhibition from soaked extract with lowest (5.00mm) zone of inhibition from boiled extract, Salmonella typhi had the highest (11.63mm) zone of inhibition from boiled extract with lowest (8.25mm) zone of inhibition from macerated extract, and Shigella had the highest zone of inhibition 19.50mm from soaked extract, and had the lowest zone of inhibition 12.63mm from boiled extract. Furthermore, the soaked ethanoic extract had a zone of inhibition ranging from 7.25mm- 19.50mm. Also, the ethanoic extract boiled had zones of inhibition ranging from 5.00mm – 12.63mm, and the ethanoic extract macerated had a zone of inhibition range of 6.63mm- 17.75mm. The zones of inhibition produced by the controls are; gentamicin produced zones of inhibition ranging from 25.00mm – 26.00mm, ciprofloxacin produced zones of inhibition ranging from 20.00mm – 22.00mm, and cefataxime produced zones of inhibition ranging from 18.00mm – 21.00mm. The Statistical analysis was applied to the result using the one-way ANOVA test to compare the differences in the means. Conclusion: The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the effects of the ethanoic extracts of Lawsonia inermis on the tests organisms S. typhi, E. coli and Shigella and the controls. (p<0.05, F Cal = 0.103, F Tab = 4.257).

Antifungal Effect of Henna (Lawsonia inermis) Extract on Pathogenic Fungi

The study aimed at undertaking preliminary phytochemical studies and antifungal activities of Lawsonia inermis leaf extracts against clinical Candida isolates from female patients attending Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital (DASH) Lafia, Nasarawa State. HVS (High Vaginal Swab) samples were collected from 185 subjects and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Microbial culture and isolations were done on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), Blood agar, Potato dextrose agar (PDA) and Sabouraud dextrose broth. Identification of clinical isolates was done following standard guideline for Candida identification including microscopic, cultural and biochemical characteristics (sugar utilization and fermentation). Antifungal susceptibility tests of the plant extracts at different concentrations were carried out against Candida isolates. Distilled water and ketoconazole drug served as negative and positive control respectively. Zones of inhibitions, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the extracts were determined. Data were analysed on the Minitab 16.0 software for descriptive (mean with standard error) and inferential statistics and Chi Square at 95% confidence limit. In conclusion, L.inermis leaf has been shown to have antifungal properties since it contained quality phytochemicals in sufficient quantity that may be explored in the synthesis of drugs against some species of Candida. This finding is crucial in the management and control of candidiasis in the study.

Genetic diversity in henna based on gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA multiplicity

Aim: The present study was undertaken to analyze the extent of genetic variability existing among twenty accessions of Lawsonia inermis, collected from Rajasthan and Gujarat states of India, using gene targeted SCoT, arbitrarily amplified ISSR and nuclear rDNA markers. Methodology: Twenty henna accessions, vegetatively established at the Institute were collected from Rajasthan (7) and Gujarat (13). Twenty-six SCoT and twenty ISSR markers generating distinct, unambiguous and scorable fragments were selected, after preliminary screening for assessment of genetic diversity. Data analysis was performed using NTSYS-pc, GenAlEx 6 and POPGENE version 1.31 programs, and dendrograms were generated using unweighted pair group method for arithmetic mean (UPGMA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA was amplified using universal primers followed by sequencing and dendrogram generation. Results: SCoT markers revealed lower values of similarity coefficients ranging from 0.87 - 0.93 compared to 0.93 - 0.98 for ISSR. SCoT markers delineated the L. inermis cultivars into three distinct clusters while ISSR markers demarcated them into five clusters. Interpretation: The Gujarat population of L. inermis was richer in genetic diversity than that of Rajasthan. SCoT markers proved better than the ISSR markers for genetic diversity analysis. Substantial variation in ITS-1 region due to SNPs, INDELS and ITS length polymorphism the nucleotide sequences signified its phylogenetic utility in assessing genetic diversity in of L. inermis.

Screening Of Wound Healing Activity Of Madayantika (lawsonia Inermis Linn.) In Albino Wistar Rats

Madayantika (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) is a miracle medicinal plant used in the treatment of various skin diseases especially in wound healing activity in the Indian system of medicine. Aim and Objective: The objective of the study presented in this article was to evaluate the wound healing potential of aqueous extract. The models usually used for evaluation of wound healing activity are Excision wound model, Incision Wound Model and Dead Space model. Among those excisions wound model is selected for the study. Healthy wistar strain Albino rats of either sex weighing 150-200gm were used for the study. Animals are acclimatized in a laboratory and then it were anaesthetized and then dorsal surface of rats were shaved to about an area of 500mm2 and then it was cut carefully with sterilized forceps and left undressed for open environment, then extracts of test drugs, Scaffolds containing aqueous extract and standard drug were applied and then observed and noted. Results: The extract of Madayantika (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) treated wounds were found to epithelize faster and rate of wound contraction was significantly (p<0.0001) increased as compared to control group (p< 0.01). The extract treated animals showed from 502 �364 to 25.1�252 reduction in wound area when compared with control groups from 502� 0.538 to 40.71� 0.166. Conclusion: Madayantika (Lawsonia inermis Linn.) possess significant wound healing effect which may beneficial in treating wounds. This drug showed extremely significant results in wound healing activity.

In vitro Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of selected Moroccan medicinal plants.

The aim of the present study was to examine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of three Moroccan ethno medicinally important plants. The antioxidant activity was performed using β-Carotene bleaching assay, DPPH, ABTS and Ferric reducing assays. In vitro anti-inflammatory assays was also studied through the evaluation of membrane stabilization potential and inhibition of protein denaturation. Results revealed that Lawsonia inermis L leaves extract had significantly higher phenolics-content (5.23 g GAE/100g DW) and exhibited the highest antioxidant activity based on DPPH (IC50 = 18.26 μg/mL). The highest flavonoids content was found in Rosa damascena. L flower (3.97 RE/100g DW) which shows the highest antioxidant activity based on ABTS (30.39 mmol TE/100g DW), FRAP (38.54 mmol TE/100gDW) and β-Carotene bleaching assay (IC50 = 56.33 μg/mL). Concerning the anti-inflammatory potency, the highest membrane stabilization effect was found in Rosa damascena. L flower (IC50 = 125.02 μg/mL) and the highest anti-denaturation of protein effect was found in Lawsonia inermis L leaves extract (IC50 = 103.21 μg/mL). Consequently, to conclude flavonoids and related phenolics present in studied plant materials may possibly be responsible for the important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Effectiveness of Lawsonia inermis L. Leaves Methanol Extracts on Gingivitis Healing (In vivo Study on Sprague dawley Rats).

Lawsonia inermis L. leaves has been used to healing wound and antibacterial caused of active content like essential oils, steroids, triterpenes, saponins, flavonoids and tannins. Lawsonia inermis L. leaves methanol extract showed effective against S. sanguinis with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) at 31.250 µg/mL and no toxic as tested in mice and human gingival fibroblasts. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of L. inermis L. leaves methanol extracts to heal gingivitis in Sprague dawley rats. Forty subjects were divided into group A (n=30) and B (n=10). A group created artificial inflammation in the mandibular labial gingiva with 10% H2O2. Group A was divided into 3 groups of treatment, positive, and negative control groups. Treatment groups were given Lawsonia inermis L. leaves methanol extract in 3 concentrations (62.500, 31.250, and 15.625 μg/mL). Positive and negative control groups were given povidone Iodine 1% and aquabidest respectively. Group B as an healthy rats group was divided into 15.625 μg/mL concentration and aquabidest groups. Histopathological changes were observed on day 3 by the condition of gingival epithelium, epithelial connective tissue relationships, and the distribution of inflammatory cells. Statistic analysis showed no difference in healing between the three concentrations of Lawsonia inermis L. leaves methanol extract and povidone iodine (α=0.694>0.05) while there were differences among the 3 concentrations. Higher concentration (62.500 µg/mL) can accelerate the inflammatory cells reduction and epithelial connective tissue relationships repair. It was concluded that Lawsonia inermis L. leaves methanol extract can heal gingivitis at concentration up to 62.500 µg/mL.

Henna through the centuries: a quick HPTLC analysis proposal to check henna identity

Henna leaves are the raw material of commercial body and hair dyes. According to historical and ethnobotanical information, henna was one of the first plants used for such purpose. However, differences can be observed between henna products by the origin of the raw material, the presence of other plants, or the addition of various contaminants that may cause allergies and permanent scarring. Nowadays henna is used everywhere but it lacks the necessary controls. We report a pharmacognostic study focused on quality control of henna's raw materials from different countries or based on other plants. The analytic approach based on High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) was proposed as a reliable technique to evaluate natural products complex mixtures, as it is also the case of derived botanical marketed products.

In vitro Antioxidant, Antihyperglycaemic and Antihyperlipidaemic Activities of Ethanol Extract of Lawsonia inermis Leaves.

Aim: This present study investigated the free radical scavenging activities, antihperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic activities of ethanol extract of Lawsonia inermis leaves. Study Design: Twenty male rats were randomly and evenly distributed into four groups, and were subsequently exposed to the following treatments for twenty-one days: Group I (Control): Normal saline; Group II: Untreated Diabetic control; Group III: Diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (600mg/Kg. b.wt); Group IV: Diabetic rats treated with ethanol extract of Lawsonia inermis (400mg/Kg b.wt). Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria between November 2012 and February 2013. Methodology: Phytochemical screening and the antioxidant activities of the plant extract were carried out. Brine shrimp lethality assay was also carried out on the plant extract for In vitro toxicity assay. Blood samples collected from the experimental rats were used for the determination of fasting blood sugar and biochemical profiles following the last oral treatment and an overnight fast. Results: Lawsonia inermis showed maximum inhibition of 77.39%, 50.78% and 83.18 % at 100μg/ml DPPH free radical scavenging activity, in vitro lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide respectively. Following twenty-one days of treatment with oral administration of ethanol extract of Lawsonia inermis leaves, fasting blood glucose was significantly reduced (P<0.001) compared to the untreated diabetic control. Activities of AST, ALT, and ALP were significantly decreased (P<0.001) in the diabetic rats treated with the extract compared to the untreated diabetic control rats. Diabetic rats treated with ethanolic leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis showed statistically significant decrease (P<0.001) in the levels of total cholesterol, total triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with untreated diabetic rats. Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Lawsonia inermis leaves showed antioxidant, antihyperglycaemic and antihyperlipidaemic activities.

Toxicity Induced Histological Changes in Selected Organs of Male (Wistar) Rats by Lawsonia inermis Leaf Extract.

Aim: To describe the adverse effects of the leaf extract of Lawsonia inermis plant (Henna), extensively used for medicinal benefits in traditional Arab/African culture, on the histology of liver, kidney and spleen of male rats. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Biology Department, College of Science and Arts at Onaiza, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, between August 2011 and November 2011. Methodology: Henna leaf solution was given to male rats at doses of 200 mg and 1000 mg/Kg/day for a period of six weeks/42 days. Rats were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period and their effects were studied specifically focusing on the histology of the liver, kidney and spleen; organs involved in detoxification, hematopoiesis and immune functions. Results & Conclusion: No pathological changes were evident at 200 mg dose for liver, kidney and spleen sections. However, significant pathological changes were observed in the liver and kidney at 1000 mg dose suggestive of degenerative or apoptotic changes. In view of these pathological relevant results, it is not advisable to use such high doses of Henna leaf extract in clinical formulations. Additional future pharmacokinetics studies are suggested.

Antibacterial activity of sequentially extracted organic solvent extracts of fruits, flowers and leaves of Lawsonia inermis L. from Jaffna

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To reveal the antibacterial activity of sequentially extracted different cold organic solvent extracts of fruits, flowers and leaves of Lawsonia inermis (L. against) some pathogenic bacteria.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Powders of fruits, flowers and leaves of L. inermis were continuously extracted with dichloromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate and ethanol at ambient temperature. The dried extracts were prepared into different concentrations and tested for antibacterial activity by agar well diffusion method, and also the extracts were tested to determine the available phytochemicals.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Except DCM extract of flower all other test extracts revealed inhibitory effect on all tested bacteria and their inhibitory effect differed significantly (P<0.05). The highest inhibitory effect was showed by ethyl acetate extract of flower against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and ethyl acetate extract of fruit on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis). The ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of flower, fruit and leaf expressed inhibition even at 1 mg/100 µl against all test bacteria. Among the tested phytochemicals flavonoids were detected in all test extracts except DCM extract of flower.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The study demonstrated that the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of fruit and flower of L. inermis are potentially better source of antibacterial agents compared to leaf extracts of respective solvents.</p>

Anti-ulcer potential of Lawsonia inermis l. Leaves against gastric ulcers in rats.

To evaluate antiulcer effects of aqueous, chloroform and ethanol extracts prepared from the henna leaves in rats employing the pylorus ligation and aspirin induced models. Gastric ulcers induced in Swiss albino rats (200g, N=6) by oral administration of aspirin suspension and pylorus ligation. The antiulcer activity was assessed by determining and comparing the ulcer index in the test drug groups with that of the vehicle control and standard ranitidine. In case of aspirin induced ulcers, the chloroform extract showed significant reduction of ulcers in a dose dependent manner. The parameters taken to assess antiulcer activity were volume of gastric juice, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index. The results indicated that aqueous, ethanol and chloroform extract significantly (p<0.001) decreased the volume of gastric acid secretions, free acidity and total acidity and ulcer index.