Antifungal and Antiproliferative Activity of Pistagremic Acid and Flavonoids Extracted from the Galls of Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima.

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J.L. Stewart) Rech. f. is a plant known for its therapeutic applications in traditional medicine, which are related to its antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrheal, and muscle relaxant properties. The galls of P. chinensis are rich in triterpenes and flavonoids, and we here report the extraction of pistagremic acid (1), apigenin (2) and sakuranetin (3) from this source. The isolated compounds were tested against Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Fusarium solani, Microsporum canis and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. The results highlighted the antimicrobial activity of flavonoids 2 and 3, suggesting that this class of molecules may be responsible for the effect related to the traditional use. On the other hand, when the compounds and the extract were tested for their antiproliferative activity on a panel of 4 human cancer cell lines, the triterpene pistagremic acid (1) showed a higher potential, thus demonstrating a different bioactivity profile. Structure-based docking and molecular dynamics simulations were used to help the interpretation of experimental results. Taken together, the here reported findings pave the way for the rationalization of the use of P. chinensis extracts, highlighting the contributions of the different components of galls to the observed bioactivity.

Density functional theory, molecular docking, In vitro and In vivo anti-inflammatory investigation of lapachol isolated from Fernandoaadenophylla.

Medicinal plants are the main source of active chemical constituents responsible for curing or mitigating various ailments. To discover new, safe, and effective drug candidates the isolation and screening of natural products are essential. In the current research work, lapachol was isolated from Fernandoa adenophylla, which was evaluated for anti-inflammatory effect followed by molecular docking. The isolated compound was tested for anti-inflammatory effects using in vitro (HRBC assay) and in vivo (xylene-induced ear edema) experimental models. Various concentrations of lapachol demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects with a percent potential of 77.96 at 100 µM. Different concentrations of Lapachol demonstrated a dose-dependent anti-edematous effect with a maximum percent effect of 77.9 % at a higher dose. The histopathological study revealed that the application of xylene led to a significant increase in ear thickness, along with clear signs of ear edema and infiltration of inflammatory cells, as well as epidermal hyperplasia of the dermis when compared to the control group. However, treatment with the investigated compound showed a significant reduction in ear thickness and pathological differences comparable to those observed in the group treated with diclofenac. Density functional theory calculations are accomplished to gain insight into structural and spectroscopic properties. Geometry optimization, FMO, and MEP analyses are performed. Overall, the molecular docking results indicate that lapachol has potential as a COX inhibitor by binding to the active sites of both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes.

Flavonoids from Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima with leishmanicidal activity: computational and experimental evidence.

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima is a valuable medicinal plant as its parts and extracts found application for treating diarrhea, fever, liver disorders, asthma, and inflammation. In this study, we report the leishmanicidal activity of sakuranetin, spinacetin, and patuletin extracted from P. chinensis. The tested compounds revealed a strong anti-leishmanial activity in vitro against Leishmania major showing IC50 values of 7.98 ± 0.16 µM, 9.23 ± 0.23 µM 11.09 ± 0.87 µM for sakuranetin, spinacetin, and patuletin, respectively. Moreover, to explore the potential mechanism(s) by which the compounds may act, computational docking studies were performed against dihydrofolate reductase and pteridine reductase, showing that the flavonoids could target these two key enzymes to exploit their leishmanicidal activity. In accordance with in vitro results, patuletin was highlighted as the most promising compound of the set, and binding energy values of -6.72 and -6.74 kcal/mol were computed for the two proteins, respectively.

Gastroprotective potential and mechanisms of action of Hedera nepalensis

Abstract Hedera nepalensis (H. nepalensis) , belonging to the family Araliaceae, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat stomach problems. The current study investigated the gastroprotective potential and the mechanism of action of H. nepalensis in diclofenac-and ethanol-induced ulcer models. Anti-oxidant and lipid peroxidation inhibitory prospects of H. nepalensis were checked out by free radical scavenging assay and UV spectrophotometer respectively. Effect of H. nepalensis on the pH, gastric total acidity of gastric juice and protective effects of H. nepalensis against ulcer models have been examined. Histopathological studies have been carried out. The aqueous methanol extract of H. nepalensis (100 µg/mL) showed anti-oxidant (83.55%) and lipid peroxidation inhibitory (70.88%) potential at 1000 µg/mL; the extract had no buffer potential. The extract (400 mg/kg) significantly (81.12% and 63.46%) showed gastroprotective effect in diclofenac and ethanol-induced rat ulcer models respectively. Histopathological studies confirmed the biochemical findings. FTIR analysis showed the presence of carboxylic acid, alkanes, conjugated alkanes, aldehydes and alkyl-aryl ethers. Gallic acid, M-coumaric acid and quercetin were found by HPLC analysis. H. nepalensis exhibited significant protection against diclofenac and ethanol induced gastric damage by anti-oxidant and lipid peroxidation suppression effects suggesting potential broad utility in treatment of diseases characterized with gastric damage.

Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Extracts and Carpachromene from the Stem of Ficus benghalensis.

Ficus benghalensis is one of the potential medicinal plants which is used locally for the treatment of various ailments such as diabetes, antiasthmatic, and wound healing. To provide a scientific background to these folklores, the current study was designed to evaluate the extract and isolated compound against various enzymes such as ureases, tyrosinase, and phosphodiesterase. The methanolic extract and carpachromene demonstrated a significant urease inhibition effect with maximum percent inhibition of 72.09 and 92.87%, respectively. Regarding the tyrosinase inhibition, the percent antagonist effect of carpachromene and the methanolic extract was 84.80 and 70.98%, respectively. The phosphodiesterase was also significantly antagonized by crude extract and carpachromene with a maximum percent inhibition of 82.98% and 89.54%, respectively. The docking study demonstrated that the carpachromene fits well into the active site of all three enzymes with significant interactions. Carpachromene might possess the potential to inhibit all three enzymes and can effectively treat different diseases associated with the hyperactivity of these enzymes. In conclusion, the crude extract and carpachromene exhibit significant urease, tyrosinase, and phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity which might be used against various diseases. In conclusion, the crude extract and carpachromene exhibit significant urease, tyrosinase, and phosphodiesterase inhibitory activity which might be used against diabetes and bronchoconstriction. Further, the current study provides scientific backup to the folklore (antidiabetic and antiasthmatic) of Ficus benghalensis.

Anti-Inflammatory, analgesic and anti-pyretic activity of Fagonia bruguieri DC in rats.

Traditional medicine has employed the plant Fagonia bruguieri DC. to alleviate inflammation, fever and pain. The goal of this study was to test the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of the methanol extract of whole plant of Fagonia bruguieri (F. bruguieri). The writhing test and Eddy's hot plate test were used to assess the analgesic potential of F. bruguieri at three different doses. Carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was applied to investigate anti-inflammatory activity, whereas antipyretic activity was estimated in Brewer's yeast induced pyrexia model. Flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins and glycosides were found in F. bruguieri's phytochemical analysis. F. bruguieri at 750 mg/kg reduced writhing count by 62.23 percent, while F. bruguieri enhanced latency in Eddy's hot plate test. In carrageenan-induced edema, F. bruguieri at 750 mg/kg exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory effect (41.11 percent) after 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th hours of therapy. F. bruguieri was also found to show antipyretic properties. The anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties of F. bruguieri were confirmed in this study, which might be attributable to the presence of several phyto-constituents.

Effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation in addition to resistance exercise training and manual therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the added benefits of short-term glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation in combination with manual therapy and resistance exercise training in the management of knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: A parallel-design, double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted from January to September 2020 at the Foundation University Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences and Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised of knee osteoarthritis patients of either gender having radiological evidence of grade III or less on Kellgren classification. The subjects were randomly allocated to active comparator group A and experimental group B. Both the groups received manual therapy and resistance exercise training, while group B additionally received glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation for 4 weeks. Study outcomes included pain, function, quality of life, range of motion, strength, fall risk, skeletal muscle mass, visceral fat area, body fat, intracellular water ratio, and segmental lean and fat mass. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. RESULTS: Of the 24 subjects, there were 12(50%) in each of the two groups. Each groups had 9(75%) males and 3(25%) females. In terms knee osteoarthritis grade, there was no significant difference between the groups (p=1.00). No significant differences were observed in any of the outcome measures neither at 2 weeks, nor at 4 weeks post-intervention between the groups (p>0.05) except for percentage change in segmental lean mass of the right leg at 2nd week and of the left leg at 4th week (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Manual therapy and resistance exercise training are effective in the management of knee osteoarthritis, however, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplementation for 4 weeks showed no additional benefits. Clinical Trial Number: NCT04654871. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04654871.

In Vitro α-Glycosidase Inhibition and In Silico Studies of Flavonoids Isolated from Pistacia integerrima Stew ex Brandis.

The galls of Pistacia integerrima are used in folk medicine for curing diabetes. The main aim of this study was the purification of flavonoids from galls of P. integerrima. The methanolic extract was subjected to column chromatographic analysis which afforded six flavonoids, namely, 3,5,7,4'-tetrahydroxy-flavanone (1), naringenin (2), 3,5,4'-trihydroxy,7-methoxy-flavanone (3), sakuranetin (4), spinacetin (5), and patuletin (6). These isolated compounds (1-6) were tested against α-glycosidase. The maximum antagonistic effect was noted against compound 6 (97.65%) followed by compound 5 (90.42%) and compound 1 (90.01%) at the same concentration (0.2 µg). The inhibitory potential of all tested compounds was significant with a degree of variation from each other. Docking studies showed that all studied compounds interact with the active site residues via hydrogen bond interactions with hydroxyl groups, and thus, inhibition was enhanced. Hence, this finding would be the first screening of isolated flavonoids for α-glycosidase activity and with the mechanism of action. These flavonoids should be further investigated as candidate drugs for combating diabetes mellitus.

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms isolated from medicinal plants improve growth of mint.

The current research project involves isolation and characterization of PSM (phosphate solubilizing microorganisms) from the rhizospheric soil of certain medicinal plants and to determine their effect on plant growth. Medicinal plants, Aloe vera, Bauhinia variegata, Cannabis sativa, Lantana camara and Mentha viridis were selected for the isolation of PSMs. Soil status of the selected medicinal plants was also checked. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were observed under stereomicroscope for their morphological characteristics and Gram's staining. Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) were also identified microscopically. Colony diameter, halo zone diameter and solubilization index were determined on PVK agar plates. TLC results indicated that citric acid was the most common acid produced by PSM strains. All strains were found to be non-pathogenic in pathogenicity test. A positive plant growth response to PSM inoculation was observed in all studies. In study 1, individual inoculation of PSM showed a significant increased effect on plant growth parameter i.e., fresh and dry weight, plant height and root and shoot length as compared to control. In study2, composite inoculation of PSM along with different P sources revealed that rock phosphate (RP) with PSM increased growth of plants significantly. The present study suggests that PSM inoculation along with RP amendment can be used as biofertilizer.

Extraction and Fractionation of Prokinetic Phytochemicals from Chrozophora tinctoria and Their Bioactivities.

Chrozophora tinctoria is an annual plant of the family Euphorbiaceae, traditionally used as a laxative, a cathartic and an emetic. A methanolic extract of Chrozophora tinctoria (MEC) whole plant and an n-butanol fraction of Chrozophora tinctoria (NBFC) were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to detect the phytochemicals. MEC and NBFC were tested for in vitro anti acetylcholinesterase (AChE) potential. The effect of both samples on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmolytic activity in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was also studied. About twelve compounds in MEC and three compounds in NBFC were tentatively identified through GC-MS. Some of them are compounds with known therapeutic activity, such as toluene; imipramine; undecane; 14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid methyl ester; and hexadecanoic acid. Both NBFC and MEC samples were checked for acute toxicity and were found to be highly toxic in a dose-dependent manner, causing diarrhea and emesis at 1 g/kg concentration in pigeons, with the highest lethargy and mortality above 3 g/kg. Both the samples of Chrozophora tinctoria revealed significant (p ≤ 0.01) laxative activity against metronidazole (7 mg/kg) and loperamide hydrochloride (4 mg/kg)-induced constipation. NBFC (81.18 ± 2.5%) and MEC (68.28 ± 2.4%) significantly increased charcoal meal intestinal transit compared to distal water (41.15 ± 4.3%). NBFC exhibited a significant relaxant effect (EC50 = 3.40 ± 0.20 mg/mL) in spontaneous rabbit jejunum as compared to MEC (EC50 = 4.34 ± 0.68 mg/kg). Similarly, the impact of NBFC on KCl-induced contraction was more significant than that of MEC (EC50 values of 7.22 ± 0.06 mg/mL and 7.47 ± 0.57 mg/mL, respectively). The present study scientifically validates the folk use of Chrozophora tinctoria in the management of gastrointestinal diseases such as constipation. Further work is needed to isolate the phytochemicals that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.

Isolation and characterization of phytochemicals from ethyl acetate fraction of Solanum nigrum using GC-MS.

Solanum nigrum plant has rich therapeutic potential and different developed countries utilize this plant as a chief element for oriental medicinal practice including cancer therapy. The current study determines the isolation and purification of S. nigrum bioactive constituents through column chromatography from ethyl acetate extract of the plant followed by the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) to analyze the isolated compounds Different gradient elutions followed by thin layer chromatography of collected fractions were done and structural analysis of the isolated compounds was performed following GCMS analysis, More specifically the compounds were identified as 1, 2 benzene dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (95%) and as Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (84%) along with 3 hydroxy 4 carboxy 2 methyl 6 pyridine (58%) with reference to chemical abstract service which may be responsible for its pharmacological properties. According to the best information available, no documented information exists regarding GC-MS based identification of the isolated chemical compounds from the S. nigrum. Present findings will help in exploring the therapeutic potential of 1, 2 benzene dicarboxylic acid, diisooctyl ester (95%), Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (84%) and 3 hydroxy 4 carboxy 2 methyl 6 pyridine (58%) will be helpful in the development of new composites in pharmaceutical fields.

Comparative effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and passive vertebral mobilization for neck disability in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Passive Vertebral Mobilization (PVM), both when given in adjunct to routine physical therapy (RPT), on neck disability in patients with mechanical neck pain (MNP). METHODS: A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 patients with MNP at the National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, Islamabad, Pakistan, from September 2015 to March 2018. The participants aged between 18 and 65 years were recruited through a simple random sampling technique and randomly divided into three groups i.e. PNF + RPT, PVM + RPT, and RPT. Each participant was evaluated pre and post-intervention (after four weeks) through neck disability index (NDI). The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The MANOVA was run on the pre-post mean differences of the variables to determine the changes within the groups which showed that the participants improved significantly in all the groups in terms of the NDI components and overall NDI score (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis with the post-hoc comparison and Tuckey HSD correction was used to determine the differences between the groups which showed that there was a significant difference between the interventional groups in the overall pain intensity, as well as pain experienced while performing personal care activities, reading, doing work, driving, sleeping, recreation and in the total NDI score (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PVM (in adjunct to RPT) was more effective than PNF (in adjunct to RPT) for the patients with MNP to manage themselves in daily activities. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03813680 (at clinicaltrials.gov) (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03813680).

Prokinetic and Laxative Effects of Chrozophora tinctoria Whole Plant Extract.

Chrozophora tinctoria (Euphorbiaceae) has been used as an emetic, anthelminthic, and cathartic agent in traditional medicine. We used gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to characterize the composition of ethyl acetate (EAC) and dichloromethane (DCMC) fractions from the whole Chrozophora tinctoria plant. EAC and DCMC fractions were evaluated for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity and acute toxicity. Their effects on intestinal propulsive movement and spasmogenic activity of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) muscle were also assessed. The compounds detected in both fractions were mostly fatty acids, with about seven compounds in EAC and 10 in DCMC. These included pharmacologically active compounds such as imipramine, used to treat depression, or hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, an antioxidant. Both EAC and DCMC fractions inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity with IC50 values of 10 µg and 130 µg, respectively. Both the fractions were found to be toxic in a dose-dependent manner, inducing emesis at 0.5 g or higher and lethargy and mortality from 3-5 g upwards. Similarly, both of the fractions showed laxative activity in metronidazole- and loperamide-induced constipation models. EAC relaxed the intestinal muscle at a lower dose (1 mg/mL) than DCMC. Similarly, the EAC extract showed a significant relaxation effect (EC50 = 0.67 ± 0.15 mg/mL) on KCL-induced contraction in rabbit jejunum as compared to DCMC (EC50 = 5.04 ± 0.05 mg/kg). The present study strongly supports the folklore that this valuable plant is a cathartic agent. Further work is required to isolate and validate the bioactive compounds that act as diarrheal agents in Chrozophora tinctoria.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Muscle Relaxant, and Sedative Activities of Extracts from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels in Mice.

In the current study, the folklore medicine, Syzygium cumini, was experimentally evaluated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects. The extract and fractions of S. cumini were found safe up to 1000 mg/kg with no mortality, except for slight sedation as a minor side effect. Both, the extract and various fractions of S. cumini demonstrated significant inhibition (86.34%) of carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice. Acetic acid induced writhes were attenuated (p < 0.001) by S. cumini in a dose-dependent manner, except for the n-hexane fraction. The maximum effect was observed at a dose of 500 mg/kg in mice. The maximum muscle relaxant effect of all tested samples was recorded at a dose of 500 mg/kg bodyweight, where the percent inhibition exhibited by dichloromethane fraction was 82.34%, followed by chloroform fractions (71.43%) and methanolic extract (70.91%). Our findings validate the folklore medicinal claims of S. cumini, as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Novel acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole prevent inflammatory arthritis in rats via suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Benzimidazole ring system is an important pharmacophore with diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of newly synthesized acetamide derivatives of 2-aminobenzimidazole (N1 and N2) in rats. FTIR and NMR spectroscopies were used to characterize these compounds. Carrageenan (CRG) induced paw edema model was used to test the acute anti-inflammatory activity of various doses (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg) of N1 and N2 compounds. Based on acute anti-inflammatory effects, the most potent dose of each compound was selected and investigated in complete freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammatory arthritis (RA) model (n = 4 in each group). Histopathological, hematological, radiographic, and RT-qPCR analyses were performed to assess the progression or resolution of inflammatory arthritis. The tested compounds produced a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity against CRG induced paw inflammation and similarly reduced edema in CFA induced inflammatory arthritis model. Histopathological and X-ray analyses of ankle joints revealed minimal inflammation and normal joint structures in N1 and N2 treated groups. The tested compounds also reduced the levels of autoantibodies and restored hematological parameters. Interestingly, the tested compounds did not elevate aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels and displayed a better safety profile than methotrexate. N1 and N2 compounds also attenuated the transcript levels of IRAK1, NF-kB1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL17 and MMP1. In addition, N1 displayed a greater inhibition of mRNA levels of COX1, COX2, mPGES1 and PTGDS as compared to N2. Our findings demonstrate that N1 and N2 compounds possess strong anti-arthritic activity which can be attributed to the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators.

Light and scanning electron microscopic comparative studies of geminivirus infected and healthy Eclipta alba (L.).

Eclipta alba (L.) is a valuable medicinal plant. However, its medicinal efficacy can be affected by geminivirus infection. Therefore, identification of healthy specimen is essential before to use as medicine. The present study provided the taxonomic characterization of geminivirus infected and healthy E. alba plant by studying apparent morphology and microscopic features through light and scanning electron microscopy. Before taxonomic characterization infected and healthy specimens were separated through molecular detection of geminivirus. Results of morphological studies reported that geminivirus infected E. alba plant showed systematic symptoms of infection like stunted growth, distortion and chlorosis of leaves, decrease in size of root, shoot and fruit, and so forth in comparison to healthy specimen. Anatomical findings reported that in both plants anomocytic and anisocytic types of stomata with multicellular warty trichomes were present. However, variations were observed in quantitative measures such as size of trichomes, epidermal, subsidiary and guard cells. Palynological observations identifies that both plants possessed tricolporate type of pollen but variation was mainly observed in size and shape of pollen, thickness of exine and intine, P/E ratio, pore size, interspecific difference, size of colpi, and pollen ornamentation. Overall this study concluded that both healthy and infected E. alba do not reported much variations in qualitative taxonomic features, but can be differentiated in terms of quantitative taxonomic evidences. Future studies are recommended for pharmacological analysis of both healthy and virus infected plants. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Eclipta alba has incredible therapeutic worth, but due to geminivirus infection the plant is affecting badly. Hence, the present studies give a comprehensive taxonomic report on the geminivirus infected and healthy plant species.

Withania somnifera Chemical Constituents' In Vitro Antioxidant Potential and Their Response on Spermatozoa Parameters.

Background: Phytomedicine is becoming more acceptable as an alternative medicinal approach in the modern era. Objectives: The current study examined the antioxidant capacity and in vitro response of phytochemical constituents of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) on standard parameters of healthy volunteer semen. Methods: The phytochemicals and their pharmacological response in a hydroethanolic (30:70 v/v) extract of W. somnifera roots were determined using standard protocols. Results: The constituents included flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenoids were reported. High-performance liquid chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy determined a diverse array of biologically active chemical constituents in the extract. The extract of W. somnifera exhibits substantial antioxidant properties, including total antioxidant capacity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition, H2O2 scavenging, and Fe3+ reducing potential (P < .05). The analysis of essential natural minerals explored adequate levels determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Cytotoxic studies revealed significant thrombolytic, RBC membrane stabilization, and DNA damage protection activity (P < .05) while remaining non-mutagenic against Salmonella typhi TA98 and TA100. The best protective response of W. somnifera extract on human semen parameters (n = 30), such as total motility, progressive motility, and viability, demonstrated a significant (P < .05) improvement, particularly at the dose of 25 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL. Conclusion: The study concludes that W. somnifera possesses favorable in vitro characteristics that could aid in the preservation of sperm during intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Exploring the potential of curry leaves on mercury-induced hepatorenal toxicity in an animal model.

Herbal drugs play an imperative role in healthcare programs in developing countries. Curry leaves have wide medicinal importance and are used to treat various diseases traditionally. The current study was carried out to estimate the extent of mercury toxicity and the potential effect of curry leaves against defined toxicity. The study group comprised 24 rats weighing between 130 and150 g. Group 1 was kept normal, and group 2 was exposed to mercury at 0.4 mg/kg of body weight in the form of mercuric chloride (HgCl2). The group 3 animals were treated with curry leaves with a dosage of 300 mg/kg of body weight. Group 4 was treated with curry leaves along with mercury with a dosage of 300 and 0.4 mg/kg consecutively. After 28 days, the rats were killed. Blood sample of all groups were evaluated separately to determine the results of different parameters. The results show that ALP, AST, ALT, urea, bilirubin, and creatinine increased with mercury application and decreased with curry leaf exposure. SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR of the liver as well as the kidney depleted on mercury exposure whereas they increased with curry leaf application. HDL increased with curry leaf application and decreased with mercury treatment, while LDL, triglyceride, and cholesterol decreased with curry leaves and increased with mercury exposure. Organ index in mercury along with curry leaf application got close to normal.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of Aerva lanata in ovalbumin induced allergic asthmatic mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Aerva lanata Linn. (A. lanata) is traditionally used for cough, sore throat and asthma. AIM OF STUDY: The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potentials of A. lanata in allergic asthmatic mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were administered with three different (methanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate) extracts of A. lanata two weeks after immunization with ovalbumin and continued for 7 days. Inflammatory cells count was estimated in blood and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RT-PCR was used to find out mRNA expression levels of inflammatory mediators. GC-MS analysis was also carried out. RESULTS: Among three extracts of A. lanata, ethyl acetate extract ameliorated (p < 0.001) count of inflammatory cells both blood and BALF remarkably. This study indicated that ethyl acetate extract of A. lanata lowered (p < 0.001) the level of inflammatory modulator TNF-α and IgE antibodies. A. lanata reduced (p < 0.001) interleukin 4, 5, 13 and enhanced (p < 0.001) expression levels of AQP1 and AQP5 in asthmatic mice. GC-MS analysis of ethyl acetate fraction indicated the presence of various anti-oxidant phyto-constituents. The groups treated with A. lanata improved inflammatory, goblet cells hyperplasia scoring and alveolar thickening. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-asthmatic effect of A. lanata might be contributed by the suppression of edema, pro-inflammatory cytokines and IgE antibodies, and elevation of aquaporin expression levels, suggesting future study and clinical trials to propose it as a candidate to treat allergic asthma. The anti-oxidant phytochemicals present in A. lanata might be responsible for such potential.

Medicinal plants show remarkable antiproliferative potential in human cancer cell lines.

Molecules isolated and identified from plant origin are used to manufacture most chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment. We assumed that these plant extracts contain prolific bioactive compounds with potent antiproliferative activities and could be effective against different human cancer cells. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from Chelidonium majus, Myrica cerifera, Fumaria indica, Nigella sativa, and Silybum marianum, and the antiproliferative assay was performed in HepG2 and HeLa human cancer cell lines. All plants extract exhibited antiproliferative potential against studied cancer cell lines in the dose and time-dependent manner. Chelidonium majus and Silybum marianum have shown promising results against HepG2 and HeLa cells, respectively, followed by Myrica cerifera, Fumaria indica, and Nigella sativa. Results indicated that utilization of whole plant extract as anticancer compounds could be of great value in generating novel chemotherapeutic drugs.