Pharmacology and Ethnomedicinal Potential of Selected Plants Species from Apiaceae (Umbelliferae).

BACKGROUND: The Apiaceae or Umbelliferae is one of the largest families in terms of species representation in the plant kingdom. It is also a prominent family in the field of phytochemicals and pharmacology. The family is also quite prominent in the production of spices and condiments and food supplements in nutrition, aside from the potential of species in the family to induce apoptotic, antimicrobial, antitumor, and hepatoprotective activities. OBJECTIVE: This work presents a detailed structural elucidation and functional aspects of phytochemicals from the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family. METHODS: Furthermore, the application of members of this family in traditional and modern pharmacology is emphasized. This review also highlights the linkage of phytochemicals used in the conventional system of medication for the development of novel therapeutics through a chain of pre-clinical and clinical trials. CONCLUSION: This study may represent a valuable step ahead in the clinical development of natural drugs for curing several ailments, including respiratory and virus-related diseases.

Drynaria quercifolia suppresses paracetamol­induced hepatotoxicity in mice by inducing Nrf-2.

Paracetamol is a popular and safe drug preferred by victims of pain or pyrexia; however, its overdose or abuse is a growing concern worldwide. Here the hepatoprotective effect of an ethnomedicinal plant Drynaria quercifolia against paracetamol­induced toxicity in murine model is demonstrated. This fern, native to tropical countries including the Northeast India, is used by local tribes to treat inflammatory conditions. Paracetamol 500 mg/kg body weight was orally administered on alternate days for a period of 21days to mimic a chronic overdose. Drynaria quercifolia acetone extract (DQA) treatment interspaced with paracetamol significantly decreased serum biomarkers of hepatotoxicity (ALT, AST and ALP) renal toxicity (urea, creatinine), lipid peroxidation level, histological damage in liver and kidney. The protein and mRNA expressions of the transcription factor, Nrf2, and its target antioxidant genes (SOD1, CAT and GST) as well as activities of these antioxidant enzymes were downregulated by paracetamol administration but significantly recovered following the DQA treatment (Tab. 3, Fig. 5, Ref. 31). Keywords: acetaminophen/paracetamol, Drynaria quercifolia, renal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, Nrf-2.

Ricinus communis L. stem bark extracts regulate ovarian cell functions and secretory activity and their response to Luteinising hormone.

Ricinus communis L. has ethnopharmacological contraceptive reputation but its stem bark has unexplored mechanisms of action in female reproductive system. In the present study, the effect of methanolic and aqueous extracts from the stem bark of the plant was examined on basic porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions and its response to Luteinising hormone (LH)-the upstream hormonal regulator. Systemic treatment of methanolic and aqueous extracts stimulated cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA) and also promoted cell apoptosis (caspase-3). Aqueous extract has inverted the stimulatory effect of LH on PCNA but not on caspase-3. Methanolic extract stimulated as well as inhibited progesterone release and stimulated testosterone secretion. Whereas aqueous extract inhibited both steroid releases and suppressed the stimulatory effect of LH on progesterone release and promoted the inhibitory effect of LH on testosterone release. In conclusion, the present study unveils the mechanism of action of R. communis stem bark in in vitro condition. These suggest its possible contraceptive efficacy by exerting its regulatory role over LH and on basic ovarian cell functions and secretion activity.