Antileishmaniasis effects of monoherbal skin ointment made from bark and leaf of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch. in patients of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Prevalence of parasitic skin diseases, cutaneous leishmaniasis is very frequent in Pakistan, especially in Baluchistan where occurrence of phelbotomine sand flies (vector of protozoan parasite of genus Leishmania) is very common. This study was conducted to assess the antileishmaniasis activity of Intericutol plus ointment (2% and 3%) made with ethanolic extract of bark and leaves of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.)Planch. The antileishmaniasis effect was observed by applying the ointments on the lesions of leishmaniasis patients. 150 patients were included in the study that had single and multiple painful wet and dry ulcerative lesions on the exposed area of the body. The patients were divided into two groups of 75 patients each, applying 2% and 3% ointment respectively for 28 days. Dose of 10gm/week was applied topically on wounds. Excellent antileishmaniasis effect was observed with significant quick healing properties in the patients receiving 3% Intericutol plus ointment as compare to 2% showing 89% and 81% cure (p=0.02) respectively. It can be concluded that ointment made from medicinal plant proved to be very effective in treating cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Herbal Formulation Comprised of Methanol Extracts of Tribulus terristris L. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe Has Antihypertensive Effects.

People prefer to use medicinal plants rather than chemical compounds because they are low cost and have fewer adverse events. Zingiber officinale Roscoe is a natural dietary rhizome with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. Tribulus terrestris L. has been used for the treatment of impotence, to enhance sexual drive and performance and for its diuretic and uricosuric effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of 2 extracts, Tribulus terristris and Zingiber officinale (TZ) for antioxidant, enzyme modulation, liver function, kidney function, blood profile and anti-hypertensive effects, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Antioxidant potential was measured with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical method antioxidant assay (DPPH) and kojic acid was used as the standard drug for tyrosine inhibition assay. The effect of TZ on biochemical parameters of the liver (alanine transferase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], total serum protein, total serum albumin, serum bilirubin), kidney (blood urea and creatinine) and hematology (hemoglobin, red blood cells [RBC], platelets, thin-layer chromatography, neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) of Wister rats were studied by administering 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg-1 body weight TZ dose orally for 28 days. Antihypertensive effects were measured by the invasive method. The results showed that the scavenging percentage of TZ was 78.5 to 80.4, with an IC50 value of 1166.7 µg/ ml and tyrosinase inhibition was 72% compared with 93% for kojic acid. Different doses (100, 250 and 500 mg/kg) did not show an increase in serum biomarkers of liver and renal parameters. A significant increase in hemoglobin, erythrocytes, hematocrit, white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes with no significant increase/decrease in platelet count was observed but blood pressure was significantly decreased. Therefore, we concluded that TZ is safe and can be used in the treatment of hypertension.

A mechanistic study on the inhibition of bacterial growth and inflammation by Nerium oleander extract with comprehensive in vivo safety profile.

BACKGROUND: Nerium oleander (L.) is well known traditionally used medicinal plant with several pharmacological activities. However, the anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory activity and in vivo toxicity potential of floral parts of this plant are not reported. Therefore the present study was designed to investigate these activities of Nerium oleander ethanolic flower extract (NOEE) in different animal models. METHODS: Antimicrobial activity of plant extract was compared with five different antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The time-killing kinetic assay and bacterial killing mechanism of NOEE were also performed. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using granuloma induced by cotton-pellet, rat paw edema induced by carrageenan and levels of different inflammatory biomarkers on healthy Wistar rats. The protein and mRNA expressions of nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) were also measured. Acute (14 days) and sub-acute (28 days) oral toxicity studies were also performed on healthy Sprague Dawley rats. RESULTS: NOEE produced highly significant (P < 0.005) and significant (P < 0.05) zones of inhibition at 30 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL respectively against most of the tested bacterial strains. NOEE produced a more drop in viable counts of Gram-negative isolates within 20 min. After 12 h exposure with NOEE, the SEM images of MRSA showed the destruction of cell membrane. NOEE showed highly significant (P < 0.005) anti-inflammatory activity in cotton-pellet and carrageenan inflammatory models. In addition, treatment with NOEE also decreased the production of NO, PGE2, TNF-α and IL-1ß in the rat paw after treated with carrageenan. Similarly, NOEE also suppressed the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-1ß, and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA expressions. It is also showed highly significant reduction in total leukocyte count (73.09%) and C-reactive protein levels (54.60%). NOEE also inhibited COX-1, COX-2, 5-LO and 12-LO in a highly significant manner. Moreover, acute and sub-acute toxicity studies of NOEE in rats confirm the toxicity with hepatotoxicity at higher doses (2000 mg/kg) i.e. four times greater than the therapeutic dose. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that crude flower extract of N. oleander is a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent with no toxicity potential at therapeutic doses.

A comparative neurobehavioral study of sesame oil and fish oil on experimental animals.

Natural oils are enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which are important for our health. Recent experimental data explained that PUFAs might have a beneficial effect on various brain functions such as anxiety, dementia, epileptic seizures, depression or bipolar and other neurobehavioral diseases. The objective of the current research work was to evaluate the effect of sesame oil, fish oil and mixture of both oils (1:1) on neurobehavioral changes and cognition. For this purpose shark fish oil and sesame oil were extracted out and there poly unsaturated and saturated fatty acids were analyzed by using GCFID that exposed the presence of different PUFs in shark fish oil, sesame oil and mixture of both oils. Neurobehavioral changes were seen after 5ml/kg/day sesame oil, 5ml/kg/day shark fish oil and 1:1 combination of both oil 5ml/kg/day administration on open field, cage crossing, light and dark, stationary rod, forced swimming induced depression test and water maze test. Our GCFID results showed sesame and fish oil enriched with higher amount of PUFs and showed significant anxiolytic and antidepressant like effect after 30 days of treatment (P<0.05) however combination of these both oils exhibited greater efficacy (P<0.01) in reducing anxiety and depression as imipramine standard drug. Results showed that combination of both oils (sesame oil and fish oil) could be a better option to treat neurobehavioral problems as compared to alone.

Pharmaceutical evaluation of Graphirine syrup formulated from some common indigenous herbs of Pakistan.

Since ancient times humans have relied on traditional medicine and herbal formulation for the cure of various diseases and disorders. Globally, interest in use of herbal medicine has increased; as drawbacks of modern medicine and have started getting more prominent. Most of the traditional system of medicine; all in their formulations depends on plants. Traditional herbal cough products have considered to be mild, nontoxic, non-sedative and even harmless. As Syrup is commonly taken for the relief of cough; we aimed to formulate a cough syrup (Graphirine) from some common indigenous herbs; Adhatoda vasica, Piper longum and Rosa Damasena and evaluate its physicochemical parameters along with the changes in accelerated stability testing. Preformulation studies, i.e. moisture content, ash, water and ethanol extractive values of all three herbs were defined. Physicochemical factors, quantitative spectral measurement, FTIR spectrum for identification of compounds; along with accelerated stability and possible microbial fungal growth; were also checked for the formulated syrup. Each and every parameter complied with the specifications.

Chemical analysis of Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.) pod oil by (GC-MS) / GC-FID and evaluation of antioxidant potential.

Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.) is one of the important plant species having extensive commercial and medicinal uses. The current study aims to assess the chemical constituents in pod oil of Dalbergia sissoo (Roxb.) by using two spectroscopic techniques i.e. GC-FID (Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection) and GC-MS (Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy). In GC-FID technique, nine fatty acids were identified with their respective composition, capric acid (1) (1.496%) lauric acid (2) (5.695%), myristic acid (3) (4.925%), palmitic acid (4) (10.130%), palmitoleic acid (5) (2.166%), stearic acid (6) (2.862%), oleic acid (7) (10.232%), linoleic acid (8) (22.350%) and behenic acid (9) (9.283%). In second technique, i.e. GC-MS, a series of hydrocarbons (10-37) along with two triterpenoids (38-39) were found in pod oil of the plant used. Important structure indices such as Iodine value and Saponification values were also determined. These findings can be helpful to understand the important medicinal and commercial aspects of seeds oil of the plant, like fuel value, degree of unsaturation and oxidative stability. Antioxidant testing (DPPH-Radical Scavenging Assay) was also performed on pods oil but no any significant activity was found.

Effects of aqueous leaves extract of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb) Planch on liver and kidney histopathology of albino rats.

Histopathological studies are an essential element to ascertain comprehensive safety profile of a drug. Unfortunately limited data are available about the toxicity of herbal remedies. Since a popular medicinal plant Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb) Planch. contains various bioactive molecules, the present study is aimed to assess the histopathological alterations induced by aqueous extract of Holoptelea integrifolia on liver and kidney of wistar albino rat. In this study 60 rats divided in two groups; control and treated with aqueous extract of Holoptelea integrifolia (250mg/kg body weight) for 5 days. Histopathlogical studies by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were done on the liver and kidney tissues at the end of dosing by using standard procedure. Microscopic examination was then carried out to observe any pathological changes in the animals. The result showed that there is no significant variation in the basic architecture of liver and kidney as compared to control male wistar albino rats. In conclusion, aqueous extract of leaves of H. integrifolia may be safe and nontoxic. Further work on pharmacological aspects is required to evaluate the clinical potential of this plant for different ailments.

Comparison of neuropharmacological activities of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (Linn.) and Centratherum anthelminticum (Linn.) in mice.

The study is conducted to observe and investigate the effects of oral dosing of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) on neuropharmacological activities of mice. Methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) were soluble in Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) i.e. an organic solvent, so it is used in this study. Screening for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were performed using open field test, head dip test, stationary rod test, cage crossing test, light and dark box and swimming- induced depression test. Thirty animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each and numbered as 1 (control, on DMSO), 2(on methanolic extract of Cuminum nigrum (L), 3 (on methanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum (L). The extracts and DMSO were administered orally for 60 days. Any possible change in animal behavior was evaluated on day 15, 30 and 60 of dosing. The groups 2 and 3 showed significant increase (p<0.001, p<0.01) in open field activity and light and dark box test respectively, while significantly decreased activity was observed in head dip and cage crossing activity (p<0.01) after 60 days of dosing. Based on above findings, it is suggested that the extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum (L) and Cuminum nigrum (L) have antidepressant and anxiolytic potential with sedative effects.

Anti-Oxidant and digestive enzymes inhibitory based anti diabetic activity of crude and fractions of Carum carvi L. extracts.

In the present study crude ethanolic extract and its various fractions (ethyl acetate, hexane and aqueous) of medicinal plant Carum carvi L. were examined for α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition using an-in vitro model. Both digestive enzymes were extracted from bovine and green gram. The crude extract and its fractions were also studied for their antioxidant potential by DPPH and Nitric oxide activity. The quantitative assessment of phenol and flavonoid contents was also estimated. The crude extract and its fractions exhibited high in-vitro enzyme inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase at different concentrations with IC50 ranging from 421.4±7.8 to 810±5.71and 72±8.81 to 307.0±11.42µg/mL of each extract respectively. The plant showed highest total phenolic contents ranging from 29.5±0.49 to 112.5±0.36mg/g Gallic acid of extract, while the total flavonoid contents were estimated from3.08±0.02-85.4± 0.12mg/g Quercetin. The antioxidant activities of the all extracts, measured in terms of IC50 values were in the range of 53.05±1.98 to 211.5±31.06µg/mL. Nitric oxide scavenging ability exhibited their IC50 values from 26.3±5.51 to 121.3±5.32µg/mL. Ethanolic crude extract showed excellent result among all these fractions. GCMS analysis of ethanolic extract of Carum carvi L indicated the presence of several phytochemicals such as monoterpenes, unsaturated fatty acids, furan derivatives, phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Potential anti-inflammatory effect of Cissus quadrangularis L. and Lepedium sativum L. along with their combination extracts.

The anti inflammatory activity of methnolic root extract of Cissus quadrangularis L. (CQ) and seed extract of Lepedium sativum L. (LS) were studied in rats also in conjunction with using a mixture (CL) of CQ and LS. The estimation of anti-inflammatory activity was conducted by measuring volumetrically with the help of plethysmometer, the mean increase in hind paw volume of rat. Standard drug like diclofenac sodium within the dose of a 100 mg/kg is used. The doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of both plant extracts individually as well as combination were given. 0.9% NaCI (saline) solution given to control group. All the doses administered orally. Results showed that at dose of 50mg/kg showed potent activity by LS(4.06±0.03) and CQ(4.16±0.03), as CL (3.96±0.03) showed moderate activity while dose 100 and 200 mg / kg showed moderate activity by LS from respective standard i.e. Diclofenac Sodium.

Assessment of killing kinetics assay and bactericidal mechanism of crude methanolic bark extract of Casuarina equisetifolia.

Casuarina equisetifolia L. is an important medicinal plant widely used to treat various diseases particularly ulcers, diabetes, cough, diarrhea and many infectious and skin diseases. The aim of this research study was to examine the killing mechanism and killing kinetics assay of methanolic bark extract of C. equisetifolia against some highly resistant human pathogens. The comparison on antibacterial activity of extract was firstly done with six different well reputed antibiotics using disk diffusion method. The broth dilution method was used to measure the MIC and MBC values. The mechanism of killing was identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique. Results showed that higher inhibitory zones were produced by methanolic plant extract than that of some tested antibiotics. The lower MIC and MBC values indicated the antibacterial potency of plant extract. The extract of C. equisetifolia produced a more drop in optical density of S. aureus, MRSA B. subtilis and S. epidermidis up to 12 hrs. The complete destruction of the cell membrane of MRSA was observed after 12 h treatment with plant extract. It is concluded that crude bark extract of C. equisetifolia is potent antimicrobial agent and produced both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects. Its killing time was extremely faster especially against MRSA. The cell membrane rapturing is a suggested killing mechanism of plant extract.

Analgesic activities of crude ethanolic extract and various fractions of Adansonia digitata L. grown at the sindh province of Pakistan.

The current study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effects of crude extract and fractions of leaves of Adansonia digitata L. (Malvaceae). Fresh leaves were collected, dried under shade and then powdered. Moreover, powder was usedto extract with Ethanol and concentrated under reduced pressure, followed by partitioning with organic solvents i.e. Hexane, Ethylacetate, Butanol and Aqueous. These fractions were analyzed for analgesic effect at dose of 50, 100, 200; mg/kg body weight by acetic acid induced writhing, tail flick and hot plate analgesic models. No acute oral toxicity was observed and extracts considered being saved at a dose of 50-3000 mg/kg body weight. Orally administered extract of A. digitata showed analgesic activity described by decrease in writhes counts which was contrast to control. Significant (P<0.05-0.001) increased in latency period in hot plate analgesic test when compared Diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg) which is used as a standard drug. Furthermore, in tail flick test a dose of (50, 100, 200mg/kg body weight) of extracts exhibited significant (P<0.05-0.001) analgesia which is dose dependent when compared to control group. These findings of analgesic testing have revealed that leaves extract of this nutritional plants possess remarkable antinociceptive effect.

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.

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, P. 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 0.02-0.10 ppm of Cu, 0.00-0.02 ppm of Ni, 0.02-0.29 ppm of Zn, 0.00-0.04 ppm of Cd, 0.00-1.33 ppm of Hg, 0.00-0.54 ppm of Mn, 0.22-3.16 ppm of Fe, 0.00-9.17 ppm of Na, 3.27-15.63 ppm of Ca and 1.85-2.03 ppm 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.

Short communication-Evaluation of antianxiety and antidepressant properties of Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) petal extract.

Nowadays anxiety and depression are most commonly encountered diseases. They are not only difficult to diagnose but even difficult to treat since both are sometimes seen together or one predisposes the other. Apart from this side effect profile of these drugs is also high; hence there is immense scope for the herbal drugs to treat these disorders. Present study was therefore performed to evaluate the antianxiety and antidepressant effect of Carthamus tinctorius petal extract. 28 white albino rats bred in the animal house of Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi weighing 180-220gm were randomly divided into four groups (n=7/group) to assess behavioral effects. The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Carthamus tinctorius petal extract were evaluated using elevated plus maize and forced swim test respectively at100 and 200mg/kg. These effects were compared with standard drugs Diazepam (anxiolytic) 2mg/kg and Nortriptyline (antidepressant) 12.5mg/kg. Results show that CT produced highly significant anxiolytic and anti-depressant effects at both doses as compared to control, similar to standard anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs diazepam and nortriptyline. It increased the latency of first entry to closed arms and the time spent in open arms very significantly at both doses while entries to open arm were increased significantly at 100mg/kg and very significantly at 200mg/kg in EPM test and increased the immobility time very significantly in FST. Hence it can be concluded that CT may be used as an alternative therapeutic agent while treating patients with anxiety and depressive disorders.

Studies on antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities of Operculina turpethum Linn.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, Operculina turpethum has been used in a wide range of ailments such as, gastrointestinal disturbances and asthma. It is found in China, South Asia, Pacific Islands, and Australia. This study was aimed to provide a possible pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of O. turpethum in gut and airways disorders. METHODS: Castor oil-induced diarrhoeal mice model and isolated tissue preparations such as, rabbit jejunum and guinea-pig tracheal preparations were used to test the antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator effects and the possible mode of action(s) of the 70% aqueous-ethanolic extract of O. turpethum black variety (OTB). RESULTS: In the castor oil-induced diarrhoea in mice, the crude extract of OTB caused a dose-dependent (300-1000 mg/kg) protection from diarrhoea, similar to that of loperamide. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, OTB produced a dose-dependent inhibition of spontaneous and high K+(80 mM)-induced contractions with resultant median effective concentrations (EC50 with 95% confidence interval) of 1.04 mg/ml (0.59-1.54) and 0.12 mg/ml (0.10-0.15; n = 4) respectively, thus showing more potency against K+. Pretreatment of the tissue with OTB (0.01 and 0.03 mg/ml) caused a rightward shift in the concentration response curves of Ca++, similar to that of verapamil. In isolated guinea-pig tracheal preparations, OTB caused inhibition of carbachol and high K+-induced constriction at similar concentrations with respective EC50 value of 0.66 mg/ml (0.53-0.82) and 0.59 mg/ml (0.45-0.62). Activity-directed fractionation revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction was more potent than the parent crude extract and hexane fraction. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the crude extract of O. turpethum possesses antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodic and bronchodilator activities, mediated possibly through the presence of Ca++ antagonist like constituent(s), though additional mechanism(s) cannot be ruled out. Thus, this study provides the evidence for the medicinal use of plant in diarrhoea and asthma.

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 µg/dl for As, 8.1-41.4µg/dl for Pb, 0.0-9.6µg/l for Cd, 2.0-55.6µg/l for Cr, 20.0-85.9µg/l for Ni, and 0.15-3.6 µg/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.

Antidepressant effect and categorization of inhibitory activity of monoamine oxidase type A and B of ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum Linn.

Trigonella foenum- graecum Linn (Fabaceae) is an annual aromatic herb and no wit is cultivated globally like in Pakistan, Egypt, India, Middle East etc. Traditionally it was used in anorexia, as febrifuge, to soothe gastritis and gastric ulcers, as a galactagogue and as condiment, hypoglycemic agent and employed in various as nervous disorders. The study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effect of ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum and underlying mechanism of action. For assessment of antidepressant activity Forced Swimming Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), Monoamine (MAO) Assay and Locomotor Activity Test were studied. Acute toxicity, Rota Rod and Grip Strength Tests were also performed. The significant declining in immobility time as compared to control was shown in Forced swimming test as compared to tail suspension test. Considerable change was not found in open field test (OFT). EtOH extract of seeds of fenugreek represent maximum significant reduction which was 30 and 24.65% in MAO- A and B activity respectively in the rat's whole brain as compared to control animals in Monoamine oxidase (MAO) assay. All tested doses were found ineffective in impairment of muscle coordination in Rota rod and in grip strength related to muscle relaxant property. According to experimental findings it is revealed that ethanolic extract of seeds of Trigonella foenum graecum showed antidepressant effect by inhibiting the activity of MAO-A and B.

Drug development of herbomineral capsule (ALG-06) used for hypopigmentation specially in vitiligo.

Many herbomineral preparations in traditional medicines are being used from time immemorial like Kushta Abrak Safaid, Busoor-e-Labinyah etc. as therapeutics remedies in common ailments such type of preparations are known to have additive and pronounced effects to cure any obstinate disease condition. The main objective of this research study is the formulation of herbomineral capsule (ALG-06) to treat such type of condition like hypopigmentation in case of vitiligo. In order to achieve the best quality of this formulation physicochemical analysis i.e. fluorescence test, ash values, extractive values and moisture content of combined powdered drug of herbs and minerals were performed followed by phytopharmaceutical calculation of flow ability of blended powder by means of angle of repose, porosity, bulk and tap density, compressibility and hausner ratio, these properties assisted to estimate the best form of powdered material filled in right size of capsule for the desired strength i.e.500mg. Accelerated stability studies were also performed to establish the efficacy of the formulation. In this regard organoleptic properties (color, odor, appearance and taste), weight variation, disintegration and bio burden of ALG-06 formulation were monitored at 40°C/75% relative humidity (RH) along with a room temperature (RT) for a period of one month.