Novel insights into the anti-asthmatic effect of Raphanus sativus L. (Raphani Semen): Targeting immune cells, inflammatory pathways and oxidative stress markers.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Raphanus sativus L. is a well-known medicinal plant with traditional therapeutic applications in various common ailments including inflammation and asthma. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and anti-asthmatic potential of the hydro-methanolic extract of the leaves of R. sativus L. (Rs.Cr) using various in vitro and in vivo investigations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Rs.Cr was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC profiling. The safety was assessed through oral acute toxicity tests in mice. The antiasthmatic effect of the extract was studied using milk-induced leukocytosis and ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma models established in mice. While mast cell degranulation and passive paw anaphylaxis models were established in rats. Moreover, effect of the extract was studied on various oxidative and inflammatory makers. The antioxidant effect of the extract was also studied by in vitro DPPH method. RESULTS: The HPLC profiling of Rs.Cr showed the presence of important polyphenols in a considerable quantity. In toxicity evaluation, Rs.Cr showed no sign of morbidity or mortality with LD50 < 2000 mg/kg. The extract revealed significant mast cell disruption in a dose-dependent manner compared to the intoxicated group. Similarly, treatment with Rs.Cr and dexamethasone significantly (p < 0.001) reduced paw edema volume. Subcutaneous injection of milk at a dose of 4 mL/kg, after 24 h of its administration, showed an increase in the leukocyte count in the intoxicated group. Similarly, mice treated with dexamethasone and Rs.Cr respectively showed a significant decrease in leukocytes and eosinophils count in the ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma model. The extract presented a significant (p˂0.001) alleviative effect on the levels of SOD and GSH, MDA, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner as compared to the intoxicated group. Furthermore, the histological evaluation also revealed a notable decrease in inflammatory and goblet cell count with reduced mucus production. CONCLUSION: The current study highlights mechanism-based novel insights into the anti-asthmatic potential of R. sativus that also strongly supports its traditional use in asthma.

Cyanidin as potential anticancer agent targeting various proliferative pathways.

A natural compound cyanidin, which is a type of anthocyanin present in pigmented leaves, fruits, and flowers; distributed widely in berries, apples, and oranges possess anticancer activities, thus curing various types of cancer such as breast, liver, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancer. The article provides an insight into the potential of using a single phytochemical, cyanidin to treat various cancer types including breast, liver, lung, prostate, and thyroid cancer. Information about cyanidin and its pharmacological impact on cancer was collected from books, scientific journals, and reports through electronic data search (Web of Science, Scifinder, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, ACS, Science Direct, CNKI as well as Kew Plants of the Word Online) and library. Cyanidin produces its effects against cancer probably by inhibiting (RAS, MAPK) and activating (caspases-3 and P-38) innovative molecular pathways. It may cause cell cycle arrest, cell differentiation processes and changes in redox status which trigger the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic effects. However, it also optimizes the chemotherapeutic targets which are cancer cells less responsive to chemotherapy. Cancer is considered the most widely spread disease and cyanidin from natural origin provides an essential role in treatment of cancer by approaching various mechanistic pathways.

Evaluation of Sida cordifolia L. for its potential against thrombosis in experimental models.

Thrombosis, the formation of blood clots due to platelet aggregation, vascular injury or hypercoagulability, leads to cardiovascular pathologies including myocardial or cerebral infarction. Antiplatelet and thrombolytic agents have promising effects in ameliorating thromboembolism and dissolving blood clots. However, the associated limitations generate the need to explore agents from natural origin. The aim of the study was to explore the potential of aqueous methanolic extract (Sc.Cr) of an indigenous plant, Sida cordifolia L., traditionally used for cardiovascular complaints. Sc.Cr was evaluated by clot lysis assay, acute pulmonary embolism, carrageenan-induced tail vein thrombosis and ferric chloride-induced carotid arterial thrombosis models. Hemostasis parameters were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Histological studies showed restoration with clear alveolar spaces and less red blood cell congestion. Significant reduction in infarcted length of thrombus, escalation in coagulation parameters with a profound decrease in platelet count (PC) were observed. Arterial occlusion time was increased with a reduction in weight of thrombus dose-dependently with significant augmentation in PT and APTT. Sc.Cr was also analyzed for phytochemical constituents and antioxidant potential. The results demonstrated the antithrombotic and thrombolytic potential of Sc.Cr using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

Evaluation of Anti-clotting and thrombolytic potential of the aqueous-methanolic extract of Jasminum sambac.

This study was done to investigate the anti-clotting and thrombolytic potential of ariel part of Jasminum sambac (L.). Healthy male rabbits were divided into five (5) groups with each group containing six (6) animals. Aqueous-methanolic extract of the plant was prepared and given at different doses of 200, 300 and 600mg/kg to three groups in comparison to negative and positive control groups. The aqueous-methanolic extract showed a dose-dependent increase in the activated partial thromboplastin (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), bleeding time (BT) and clotting time (CT) (p<0.05). Warfarin 2mg/kg was used as the standard. The plant extract also showed significant (p<0.05) clot lysis in comparison with standard urokinase. Moreover, it also prolonged the ADP induced platelet adhesion at doses of 200, 300 and 600µg/mL dependently. HPLC analysis showed rutin, quercetin, salicylic acid and ascorbic acid as vital phytoconstituents in aqueous-methanolic extract. Anticoagulant and thrombolytic effect of Jasminum sambac justified its therapeutic utility in cardiovascular disorders and this may be due to the presence of salicylic acid, rutin and quercetin in the extract.