α-Glucosidase, α-Amylase and Antioxidant Evaluations of Isolated Bioactives from Wild Strawberry.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder and is a global challenge to the current medicinal chemists and pharmacologists. This research has been designed to isolate and evaluate antidiabetic bioactives from Fragaria indica. The crude extracts, semi-purified and pure bioactives have been used in all in vitro assays. The in vitro α-glucosidase, α-amylase and DPPH free radical activities have been performed on all plant samples. The initial activities showed that ethyl acetate (Fi.EtAc) was the potent fraction in all the assays. This fraction was initially semi-purified to obtain Fi.EtAc 1-3. Among the semi-purified fractions, Fi.EtAc 2 was dominant, exhibiting potent IC50 values in all the in vitro assays. Based on the potency and availability of materials, Fi.EtAc 2 was subjected to further purification to obtain compounds 1 (2,4-dichloro-6-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxytoluene) and 2 (2-methyl-6-(4-methylphenyl)-2-hepten-4-one). The two isolated compounds were characterized by mass and NMR analyses. The compounds 1 and 2 showed excellent inhibitions against α-glucosidase (21.45 for 1 and 15.03 for 2 µg/mL), α-amylase (17.65 and 16.56 µg/mL) and DPPH free radicals (7.62 and 14.30 µg/mL). Our study provides baseline research for the antidiabetic bioactives exploration from Fragaria indica. The bioactive compounds can be evaluated in animals-based antidiabetic activity in future.

Antidiarrheal and Cardio-Depressant Effects of Himalaiella heteromalla (D.Don) Raab-Straube: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Studies.

Himalaiella heteromalla (D.Don) Raab-Straube is a commonly used remedy against various diseases. Crude extract and fractions of H. heteromalla were investigated for a gastrointestinal, bronchodilator, cardiovascular, and anti-inflammatory activities. H. heteromalla crude extract (Hh.Cr) relaxed spontaneous contractions and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in jejunum tissue dose-dependently. The relaxation of K+ (80 mM) indicates the presence of Ca++ channel blocking (CCB) effect, which was further confirmed by constructing calcium response curves (CRCs) as they caused rightward parallel shift of CRCs in a manner comparable to verapamil, so the spasmolytic effect of Hh.Cr was due to its CCB activity. Application of Hh.Cr on CCh (1 µM) and K+ (80 mM)-induced contraction in tracheal preparation resulted in complete relaxation, showing its bronchodilator effect mediated through Ca++ channels and cholinergic antagonist activity. Application of Hh.Cr on aortic preparations exhibited vasorelaxant activity through angiotensin and α-adrenergic receptors blockage. It also showed the cardio suppressant effect with negative chronotropic and inotropic response in paired atrium preparation. Similar effects were observed in in vivo models, i.e., decreased propulsive movement, wet feces, and inhibition of edema formation.

Assessment of Prescriptions in the Endocrinology Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan Using World Health Organization Guidelines.

BACKGROUND: It is essential to follow World Health Organization drug prescribing indicators to ensure rational prescribing in every health care setting. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prescriptions in the endocrinology department, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), recommended Ghana guidelines for diabetes management and rational therapy. METHODS: Concurrent and retrospective study design was used. The prescriptions of 100 diabetes patients were assessed for the type of medicine, dosage form, number of drugs, diabetes type, and deviation from standard guidelines. RESULTS: In a total of 100 prescriptions, the pattern was reported as injections (31%), antibiotics (18%), and metformin (31.1%). Half of the prescriptions were according to WHO guidelines. The number of drugs per prescription was reported at 5.2. A 70% rational approach was followed in prescribing. 81% of drugs were prescribed from the Essential Drug List (EDL) of the WHO. However, the National Essential Drug List (NEDL) was followed by 27%. The percentage of drugs on generic names was 0.7%. Eighty-four patients showed net improvement in health; 16 patients showed higher glycemic range at the time of discharge. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of the present study indicates that WHO Ghana guidelines were not followed up to the mark to improve the overall health status of diabetic patients and rational prescribing.

Neuropharmacological effects of methanolic extracts of Rubusfruticosus L.

AIM: To investigate methanol extracts of various parts of Rubus fruticosus L. (Rosaceae) for various neuropharmacological activities, such as anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, antidepressant, and sedative activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The extracts were administered to albino mice orally at doses of 100, 300, and 500 mg/kg. The antidepressant activity was determined by using the forced swimming test, while line crossing in a special box was used for assessment of locomotor activity. RESULTS: All extracts were found to be anxiolytic in nature, while no muscle relaxing activity or sedative effect was observed. The order of central nervous system (CNS) depressant effect for various parts of R.fruticosus was fruit > root > leaves > stem. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that methanolic extract of various parts of R. fruticosus possess anxiolytic and CNS depressant effects but do not possess significant sedative or muscle relaxing potential.