Toxicity and Antiulcer Properties of Ipomoea wightii (Wall.) Choisy Leaves: An In Vivo Approach Using Wistar Albino Rats.

Humans have been using herbs to prevent and cure various ailments since antiquity, and Ipomoea wightii is a significant medicinal plant known for its wide ethnobotanical uses. Although the plant is known to treat ulcers, there is no significant scientific validation. The present study aimed to assess the acute toxicity, subacute toxicity, and antiulcer properties of the leaf methanol extract of I. wightii (IWL). In the subacute study, the extracts were given orally at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses for 28 days, and we analyzed the biochemical and histological parameters to evaluate the toxicity of IWL. Two different models were assessed to explore antiulcer properties, such as indomethacin- and ethanol-induced ulcer model. Ulcer areas and ulceration percentage histopathology of the stomach were used to study the efficacy of extracts. The acute toxicity study showed that IWL was safe to the maximum dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. In a subacute toxicity study, the oral administration of IWL did not produce any mortality in the tested animals. The analysis of haematological, liver biochemical, kidney profile, lipid profile, and in vivo antioxidant parameters depicted that all the values were within the control limits after the experimental period and were considered nontoxic to animals. Additionally, the antiulcer study demonstrated a positive response of IWL in a dose-related manner (indomethacin- and ethanol-induced models). Macroscopic analysis showed that pretreatment with I. wightii leaf methanol extract significantly reduced the gastric lesion and decreased the ulceration area (14.52 mm2), demonstrating superior results to the positive control group (27.71 mm2). The histopathological analysis revealed that pretreatment with a high dose of 400 mg/kg of I. wightii leaf methanol extract and positive control group (omeprazole) markedly protected pathological effects, and the gastric mucosa appeared normal. In conclusion, I. wightii has solid nontoxic potential as a promising native herb for an integral therapy for the treatment of ulcers.

Combined Effect of Vaccinium nilgiriensis Bark Extract and 680nm Laser Irradiation in Inducing Breast Cancer Cell Death.

BACKGROUND: Cancer refers to a collection of diseases where cells begin to multiply uncontrollably. Breast cancer is the most predominant malignancy in women. Herbal medicine is one of the important health care systems in most developing countries. Many studies have shown that naturally occurring compounds may support the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Some of the plant extracts and isolated compounds show photosensitizing activities and reduce cell proliferation whereas some have revealed photoprotective effects. OBJECTIVES: The biological properties and medicinal uses of extracts and bioactive compounds from V. nilgiriensis have not been investigated. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of V. nilgiriensis in combination with 680nm laser irradiation on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. METHODS: The inverted microscopy, ATP and LDH assay were used to analyze the cellular morphology, proliferation, cytotoxicity respectively after the treatment with V. nilgiriensis bark extract. The diode laser of wavelength 680nm and 15 J/cm2 fluency has been used for laser irradiation. The activity of apoptotic proteins was studied using ELISA and nuclear damage by Hoechst staining. RESULTS: The exposure of V. nilgiriensis extracts with laser irradiation at 680nm increases the cytotoxicity and decreases the proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The results of the Hoechst stain indicated nuclear damage. Our study proved that V. nilgiriensis holds a strong cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells alone and in combination with laser irradiation by upregulating the expression of apoptotic proteins such as caspase 3, p53 and Bax. CONCLUSION: The results from this study showed that the bark ethyl acetate of V. nilgiriensis and in combination with laser is effective in preventing breast cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Further work is warranted to isolate the bioactive compounds from V. nilgiriensis bark extract and study the effect of compounds in the cell death induction. Due to the cytotoxic properties, V. nilgiriensis can be considered as a potent therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.

Role of Photoactive Phytocompounds in Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer.

Cancer is one of the greatest life-threatening diseases conventionally treated using chemo- and radio-therapy. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising approach to eradicate different types of cancers. PDT requires the administration of photosensitisers (PSs) and photoactivation using a specific wavelength of light in the presence of molecular oxygen. This photoactivation exerts an anticancer effect via apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy of cancer cells. Recently, various natural compounds that exhibit photosensitising potentials have been identified. Photoactive substances derived from medicinal plants have been found to be safe in comparison with synthetic compounds. Many articles have focused on PDT mechanisms and types of PSs, but limited attention has been paid to the phototoxic activities of phytocompounds. The reduced toxicity and side effects of natural compounds inspire the researchers to identify and use plant extracts or phytocompounds as a potent natural PS candidate for PDT. This review focusses on the importance of common photoactive groups (furanocoumarins, polyacetylenes, thiophenes, curcumins, alkaloids, and anthraquinones), their phototoxic effects, anticancer activity and use as a potent PS for an effective PDT outcome in the treatment of various cancers.

Sphenodesme involucrata var. paniculata (C.B. Clarke) Munir.: Chemical characterization, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol extract of leaves.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Sphenodesme involucrata var. paniculata (C. B. Clarke) Munir is native as well as endemic to South India. Its leaves are used in folklore medicine to treat pain and rheumatism. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to investigate the chemical characterization, anti-nociceptive and mode of action underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extract of S. involucrata leaves (MESi). METHODS: Phytoconstituents of MESi was analyzed using colorimetric and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) methods, and the oral acute toxicity was evaluated in mice up to 2000 mg/kg. The anti-nociceptive effect was evaluated in hot plate and writhing tests; whereas the anti-inflammatory effect was investigated using carrageenan, cotton pellet and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peritonitis models at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Additionally nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory cytokines levels were also evaluated. RESULTS: MESi exhibited the high content of phenolics and flavonoids as well as compounds like austricine, benzylglucosinolate, gossypin, justicidin B and cirsimarin were detected in LC-MS. In the acute toxicity study, oral administration of MESi did not cause any toxic effect and mortality up to 2000 mg/kg body weight in mice. In the anti-nociceptive tests, MESi augmented the latency period at higher dose (400 mg/kg), on the other hand attenuated writhings at the dose of 400 mg/kg by 87.87% (p < 0.001). In the carrageenan induced paw oedema MESi significantly inhibited the oedema formation at dose 400 mg/kg by 32.1%; besides, anti-inflammatory effect was registered in the cotton pellets-induced inflammation model at doses 200 and 400 mg/kg by 27.09% (p < 0.001) and 35.47% (p < 0.001) respectively. On the other hand, MESi appreciably reduced leukocyte, neutrophils infiltration, nitric oxide, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels and increased the IL-10 level in the (LPS)-induced peritonitis model. CONCLUSION: The results conclude that MESi has no acute toxic effect and it demonstrated potent anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. Its anti-nociceptive activities are probably mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect of MESi involved the inhibition of neutrophils migration and the modulation of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, besides the attenuation of production of PGE2 and NO. LC-MS analysis revealed the predominant presence of the austricine, benzylglucosinolate, gossypin, justicidin B and cirsimarin compounds, which are possibly involved in the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of MESi. The current study provided supportive evidence for the folklore use of S. involucrata in the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions.

Cytotoxic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Syzygium calophyllifolium bark.

The present study explores the effect of Syzygium calophyllifolium bark methanol (SCBM) extract on pain and inflammation as cancer associated symptoms. The anti-proliferative and cell death-inducing ability of the extract was analysed using MCF-7 breast cancer cells. ATP and LDH levels, along with the cell morphology were noted. The anti-proliferative ability of the extract was examined in relation to pain and inflammation. Analgesic activity was determined using a hot plate, acetic acid and formalin-induced pain models in mice. Acute anti-inflammatory activity was observed in carrageenan and egg albumin induced paw oedema in Wistar rats. Chronic inflammation was induced by placing a cotton pellet under the skin at the axial region of rats. Reduced ATP and increased LDH content indicated the cytotoxic effect of the extract. SCBM at 200 mg/kg dose depicted good activity in acetic acid (77.69%) and formalin (80.81%) induced pain models compared to the standard drug indomethacin. However, only a moderate activity was observed in the hot plate method (53.85%). The higher dose of SCBM was equally effective in anti-inflammatory models. The dose (200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the paw oedema in carrageenan (96.71%) and egg albumin models (54.24%) compared to the control. The chronic inflammation was also inhibited upto 70.46% by SCBM. These activities can be attributed to the phenolic compounds detected in HPLC. The outcome of the study states that the extract can reduce both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and kill the cancer cells, proposing the dual role of SCBM in treating inflammatory pains in cancer. The result of these studies indicated that wild plants like Syzygium calophyllifolium could be taken forward for a detailed study to accomplish the demand for a better treatment against diseases.

Gastroprotective effect and mode of action of methanol extract of Sphenodesme involucrata var. paniculata (C.B. Clarke) Munir (Lamiaceae) leaves on experimental gastric ulcer models.

Sphenodesme involucrata var. paniculata (C. B. Clarke) Munir, endemic to South Asia, is used by tribal for alleviation from abdominal disorders, inflammation and body pain. However, the gastroprotective properties of this species have not yet been studied. The leaves of S. involucrata were extracted by Soxhlet extraction using different solvents successively and the extracts were analyzed for antioxidant and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities using different in vitro assays. The chemical composition of methanol extract of S. involucrata (MESi) was analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The gastroprotective action of the MESi at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg were evaluated in absolute ethanol, acidified ethanol (EtOH/HCl) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induced rat experimental models. To elucidate the mode of antiulcerogenic action, the antisecretory parameters (gastric juice volume, pH, and total acidity) and the catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level were evaluated in gastric ulcer tissue. Also the stomachs of the animals were subjected to histological assessment. MESi presented a high antioxidant activity in several oxidants in vitro systems (DPPH•, ABTS•+ and FRAP) and it demonstrated a good spectrum of inhibitory activity against H. pylori growth (MIC, 100 µg/mL). GC-MS analysis of MESi indicated the presence of twenty one compounds, among them phenol (21.84%), hexadecanoic acid (15.96%), (9E, 12E)-9, 12-octadecadienoyl chloride (11.15%) and palmitic acid-ß-monoglyceride (8.80%) were found higher. MESi (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced significant reduction (p < 0.01) of lesion area in the ethanol, acidified ethanol and indomethacin-induced ulcer models. In the pylorus ligation induced ulcer model, the treatment with MESi significantly altered the gastric secretion by decreasing total gastric juice volume and gastric acidity as well as by increasing the gastric pH. MESi pre-treatment significantly (p < 0.05) restored the depleted activity of SOD, CAT enzymes and reduced MDA levels in the gastric tissue as well as the histological analysis of the stomachs of the animals showed that the MESi also prevents local action of offensive factors. Collectively, the present study results suggest that the methanol extract of S. involucrata leaves demonstrates gastroprotective action, supporting the folkloric usage of the plant to treat gastro-intestinal disturbances.

Therapeutic effects of Syzygium mundagam bark methanol extract on type-2 diabetic complications in rats.

Plants are considered as one of the best sources of diabetic therapy. Being a reliable and sustainable medicinal hub, this study directs the use of Syzygium mundagam in exploring the antidiabetic property. Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic rats were treated with Syzygium mundagam bark methanol extract (SMBM). Based on acute toxicity study, the doses of the extract were fixed as 100 and 200mg/kg. Glibenclamide was used as reference drug. The blood glucose level and body weight of the rats were monitored for 28days. After the treatment, rats were sacrificed and the blood biochemical, serum and histopathological parameters were analysed. The in vivo antioxidant levels in liver and kidney were also estimated. SMBM extract (200mg/kg) could significantly reduce the blood glucose level from 580.60mg/dL to 237.60mg/dL on day 28. An accelerated reduction in body weight was observed in diabetic control rats and inhibited by the extract during the study. The haematological parameters were normal compared to normal rats. The values of serum parameters like triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were close to the values of normal rats. After the treatment, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione (GSH) and Glutathione reductase (GR) levels in liver and kidney were found accountable for their antioxidant properties during diabetic condition. The degree of protection set by SMBM extract was clear enough in the histopathology of liver, kidney and pancreas. The phenolic compounds studied in SMBM can be related to these activities. This study proves the ability of Syzygium mundagam to combat the diabetic condition and provides an insight on hidden properties of plants which can be utilized as novel drugs for existing disease complications.

Syzygium mundagam bark methanol extract restores skin to normal in diabetic wounded rats.

Diabetic wounds have been identified as one of the major complications associated with diabetes. This study features the use of Syzygium mundagam bark methanol (SMBM) extract in the treatment of wounds in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. The extract ointment base, at 1 and 2% respectively, was applied to the wounded areas on the rats and monitored for 21days. The wound closure, epithelialization period and histopathology of the wounds were evaluated during the study. Both the concentrations of the extract (1% and 2%) healed the wounds even under diabetic conditions induced in rats on day 21 (99.69% and 100% respectively). The 2% SMBM treated animals showed a higher rate of epithelialization of the wound (15±0.49days). The histopathology of the wounded skin on day 10 revealed that the rats treated with SMBM extract could initiate the healing and re-epithelialization. This was evident from the migration of neutrophils and proliferation of fibroblasts. On the 21st day, complete healing of the skin could be observed in the rats treated with 2% extract which was evident from the newly formed epidermis, collagen fibers and fibroblast. The results compared well with those treated with betadine (5%). The results of this study will support the use of this plant extract for diabetic healing over the use of commercially available synthetic drugs.

Study of intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of Phoenix loureiroi Kunth (Arecaceae) fruit.

Phoenix loureiroi Kunth belongs to the family Arecaceae, the fruits are widely consumed by Kurumba and Irula tribes of Tamil Nadu (India) and also used to cure intestinal related diseases in folklore medicine. Therefore, in vivo animal studies were evaluated to confirm the prevention of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with the treatment of this plant fruits. The IBD was studied in Wistar albino rats by indomethacin (s.c.), acetic acid (i.c.) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced models. The diseases parameters such as macroscopic, microscopic features, serum biomarkers levels, haematological profile, biochemical and antioxidant levels were determined. The fruit extract (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) treated enterocolitis rats significantly retain their body weight, organ weight, stool consistency, macroscopic score, histology, haematological parameters, antioxidative enzyme levels and also reduce the serum marker levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity compared to prednisolone (2mg/kg) and sulfasalazine (50mg/kg) drugs. In conclusion, regular consumption of P. loureiroi fruit may prevent IBD and strongly support the folklore use of fruit in the treatment of intestinal ailments.

Polyphenols rich Passiflora leschenaultii leaves modulating Farnesoid X Receptor and Pregnane X Receptor against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

The hepatoprotective effect of P. leschenaultii. (DC) leaves was investigated in rats under paracetamol induced oxidative stress. Leaf acetone extract (200 and 400mg/kg) were administered daily via gavage for 14days before paracetamol (2000mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. After the experiment, the levels of serum biochemical parameters and enzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Furthermore, liver tissues were analyzed histopathologically. Additionally, the molecular docking studies of the identified compounds against PXR and FXR proteins were also performed. The assessment revealed that the acetone extract significantly reduced the elevated levels of SGPT, SGOT and ALP in serum. Moreover, the enzymatic antioxidants such as SOD, CAT and LPO were also retained normally by the plant extract. From histopathological analysis, it was clearly evident that the cellular architecture of plant extract treated rat liver tissues were not affected by the paracetamol induction at the higher dose. The results of docking studies also revealed that the identified compounds showed steric interactions (between nonpolar atoms) with amino acid groups. Collectively, the present study suggests that P. leschenaultii leaves extract protects the liver from paracetamol induced hepatic damage.

Biosynthesis, characterization, and evaluation of bioactivities of leaf extract-mediated biocompatible silver nanoparticles from an early tracheophyte, Pteris tripartita Sw.

The objective of the study was to characterize silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and their bioactivities in early tracheophytes (Pteridophyta). Aqueous leaf extract of a critically endangered fern, Pteris tripartita Sw., was used for one-step green synthesis of Ag-NPs. The biosynthesized Ag-NPs were characterized using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Morphologically, the Ag-NPs showed hexagonal, spherical, and rod-shaped structures. Size distributions of Ag-NPs, calculated using Scherrer's formula, showed an average size of 32 nm. Ag-NPs were studied for in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. Ag-NPs exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw volume tests performed in female Wistar albino rats. Furthermore, Ag-NPs showed significant antimicrobial activity against 12 different microorganisms in three different assays (disk diffusion, time course growth, and minimum inhibitory concentration). This study reports that colloidal Ag-NPs can be synthesized by simple, nonhazardous methods, and that biosynthesized Ag-NPs have significant therapeutic properties.

Antidiabetic activity of Syzygium calophyllifolium in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide induced Type-2 diabetic rats.

The study was initiated to determine the antidaibetic activity of Syzygium calophyllifolium in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic rats. The rats were treated with 100 and 200mg/kg of the Syzygium calophyllifolium bark methanol extract (SCBM) and compared with the diabetic, normal and standard glibenclamide groups. The blood glucose level and body weight of the rats in different groups were monitored at regular intervals. The serum, blood biochemical and histopathological parameters of liver, kidney and pancreas were also analyzed. In vivo antioxidants like SOD, CAT, GST, GSH and GR levels were estimated in liver and kidney. SCBM (100mg/kg) extract could reduce the blood glucose level from the 15th day itself (213.67mg/dL) and the best reduction was observed till the end of the study with 259.25mg/dL (200mg/kg). Initial decrease in body weight was recovered after drug treatment and an increase in body weight was observed on the 4th week. The haematological parameters like total haemoglobin, packed cell volume percentage, total WBC and RBC content were found normal compared to that of normal untreated rats. Glibenclamide was also equally effective. The higher dose of SCBM extract could normalize the triglycerides, HDL, cholesterol and VLDL constituents in blood serum to the levels almost similar to that of normal rats. The results of the in vivo antioxidant levels showed that there are no significant difference in SOD, GSH and GR levels in all the groups compared to the normal control. SCBM and SMBM at 200mg/kg dose were much effective over the lower dose. The histology revealed that SCBM 200mg/kg could protect the cellular architecture of liver kidney and pancreas. The results from the study confirm ethnopharmacological significance of the plant and could be taken further for the development of an effective pharmaceutical drug against diabetes.

Antitumor and Wound Healing Properties of Rubus ellipticus Smith.

The present investigation has been undertaken to study the antioxidant, antitumor, and wound healing properties of Rubus ellipticus. The R. ellipticus leaves were extracted using organic solvents in Soxhlet and were subjected to in vitro antioxidant assays. R. ellipticus leaf methanol (RELM) extract, which showed higher in vitro antioxidant activity, was taken for the evaluation of in vivo antioxidant, antitumor, and wound healing properties. Acute oral and dermal toxicity studies showed the safety of RELM up to a dose of 2 g/kg. A significant wound healing property was observed in incision, excision, and Staphylococcus aureus-induced infected wound models in the treatment groups compared to the control group. A complete epithelialization period was noticed during the 13(th) day and the 19(th) day. A 250-mg/kg treatment was found to prolong the life span of mice with Ehrlich ascite carcinoma (EAC; 46.76%) and to reduce the volume of Dalton's lymphoma ascite (DLA) solid tumors (2.56 cm(3)). The present study suggests that R. ellipticus is a valuable natural antioxidant and that it is immensely effective for treating skin diseases, wounds, and tumors.

Hepatoprotective effect of Rhodiola imbricata rhizome against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats.

Rhodiola imbricata is a perennial herb of the family Crassulaceae, which has significant traditional usage as medicine and is also known to biosynthesize phytochemicals such as flavonoids, coumarins and phenyl glycosides. The present investigation was aimed to estimate the hepatoprotective activity of R. imbricata rhizome acetone extract against paracetamol (2 g/kg) induced liver toxicity. Paracetamol was administered to induce hepatic damage in Wistar rats. 200 and 400 mg/kg doses of rhizome acetone extract and silymarin (25 mg/kg) were used as treatment groups. The blood samples were analyzed for biochemical markers of hepatic injury and tissue samples were subjected for estimation of liver antioxidants and histopathological studies. Analysis of the extract treated rats (400 mg/kg) showed an elevation of superoxide dismutase (0.326 units/min/mg protein), catalase (185.03 µmole of H2O2 consumed/min/mg protein), glutothione peroxidase (19.26 mg GSH consumed/min/mg protein) and reduced glutathione (16.2 µmole of GSH/mg protein). Moreover, the biochemical parameters in serum like alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lipid profiles were also improved in treated groups compared to the control. The oral administration of different doses of rhizome acetone extract significantly protected the hepatic cells from damage. The hematological and biochemical parameters were also normal in extract treated rats compared to the control and standard (silymarin) groups. The HPLC analysis revealed the presence of some important phenolic compounds which could be responsible for the hepatoprotective activity. This study proved that R. imbricata could be taken as a good natural source of the hepatoprotective agent.

Evaluation of nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of underutilized Ficus talboti King fruit for nutraceuticals and food supplements.

This study investigated change in the chemical components and antioxidant activity of Ficus talboti fruit for the development of functional foods. Proximate compositions of crude protein, ash and fat were 23.28, 10.47 and 3.86% respectively. Macro-nutrient contents were found to be higher in the fruit when compared to micronutrients. The analysis also showed the presence of almost all the essential and non-essential amino acids especially Leucine, Phenylalanine and tyrosine in higher amount. Linolenic acid content was higher than stearic acid among the fatty acids in the fruit. Total phenolic content (35.4 ± 0.32 g GAE /100 g) was found in higher amount in acetone extract. The IC50 values of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging of acetone extract were 346, 252 and 652 µg/mL respectively. Thus, F. talboti fruit can be used as a healthy and functional food ingredient which will ensure dietary diversity and food security among the marginalized and poor communities.

Antitumor and wound healing properties of Rubus niveus Thunb. root.

The main objective of this study is to highlight the importance of Rubus niveus in the pharmaceutical industry for the development of cost-effective drugs. The study was undertaken to explore the HPLC profile, wound healing, antitumor, and free radical scavenging properties of R. niveus. The root of R. niveus was extracted using organic solvents and subjected to in vitro antioxidant assays. Acetone extract, which showed better in vitro antioxidant properties, was evaluated for in vivo antioxidant, wound healing, and antitumor properties. The polyphenolic acetone extract showed significant in vivo antioxidant, wound healing, and antitumor properties. In the wound healing study, complete epithelialization was noticed during the 13th to 17th days for treated groups. The 250 mg/kg group was found to prolong the life span of mice with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (70.04%) and reduced the volume of Daltons lymphoma ascites solid tumors (2.07 cm3). The HPLC analysis of acetone extract revealed the presence of Quercetin, a natural flavonoid with the retention time of 20.89 min. The results of the current study suggest the use of R. niveus as a valuable natural antioxidant that has an immense scope as an effective source to cure skin diseases, wounds, and tumors.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and GC-MS studies on Castanospermum australe A. Cunn. & C. Fraser ex Hook.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Castanospermum australe and to profile phytochemicals by GC-MS. The ethanolic extracts were prepared by successive solvent extraction using Soxhlet apparatus. The analgesic activity was analyzed by hot plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing test whereas anti-inflammatory study was done by carrageenan induced paw oedema model. The acute toxicity study revealed that ethanol extracts of leaf and bark of C. australe were safe even at a higher dose of 2000 mg/kg whereas ethanol extract of seed was toxic at the same dose. In both hot plate method (5.85 s) and acetic acid-induced writhing test (57%), the leaf ethanol extract exhibited significant analgesic activity (P < 0.001) at a dose of 400 mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract was exhibited by the reduction in paw linear diameter by 64.76% at 400 mg/kg in carrageenan induced paw oedema. The GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extract of leaf revealed sixteen major compounds of which 1,7-dimethyl-4,10-dioxa-1,7-diazacyclododecane, (+)-N-methylephedrine, and permethylspermine were found to be pharmaceutically and the most important. These findings justify that C. australe can be a valuable natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory source which seemed to provide potential phytotherapeutics against various ailments.

Nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach leaf.

The leaf of C. dipsaceus was evaluated for its nutritional and antioxidant properties. From the present investigation, significant amount of almost all essential amino acids and important minerals were quantified. Low levels of trypsin inhibitory units, phenolics, and tannins content were found as antinutritional content. Further, hot water extract of C. dipsaceus showed good activity especially in ABTS(+), metal chelating, nitric oxide, and DPPH assays. Hence, the results conclude that C. dipsaceus could be a valuable nutraceutical supplement to the human diet.

Antidiabetic activity of Ficus amplissima Smith. bark extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ficus amplissima commonly known as kal-itchchi have a long history of use in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani herbal preparations in Indian traditional system of medicine. It has been used in folklore medicine for the treatment of diabetes. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of the bark of Ficus amplissima (FAB) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral administration of FAB bark at the doses of 50mg/kg, 100mg/kg and 150 mg/kg was studied in normal, glucose-loaded and STZ-induced diabetic rats. RESULTS: The three doses caused significant reduction in blood glucose levels in all the models. The effect was more pronounced in 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg than 150 mg/kg. FAB also showed significant increase in serum insulin and body weight. The glycogen content in liver, skeletal muscle, total protein contents were markedly increased and marker enzymes of hepatic function of STZ-induced diabetic rats while there was significant reduction in the levels of serum triglyceride and total cholesterol. FAB also showed significant anti-lipid peroxidative effect in the pancreas of STZ-induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect of FAB was compared with glibenclamide, a well known hypoglycemic drug. Histological analysis showed the regenerative effect of FAB on the ß-cells of diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: Results of this experimental study indicated that FAB possessed anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities. Hence it could be used as a natural source of antidiabetic (Type-I) and antioxidant drug.

Free radical scavenging property and antiproliferative activity of Rhodiola imbricata Edgew extracts in HT-29 human colon cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of rhizome extracts of Rhodiola imbricata (R. imbricata) in HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. METHODS: The successively extracted rhizome of R. imbricata using various solvents was analyzed for their total phenolics, tannins and flavonoid contents. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by employing different assays, including DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging assays, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum reduction assay, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and metal chelating ability. RESULTS: Acetone and methanol extracts recorded higher phenolic content and showed comparable antioxidant activity with standard reference. Additionally, they also inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 cells upon treatment at higher concentration (200 µg/mL) (acetone and methanol, 84% and 84%, respectively). On examination acetone extract exhibited antiproliferative activity in a concentration dependent manner whereas, methanol extract showed both dose dependent and time dependent inhibitory activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained justify the traditional usage of R. imbricata from their promising antioxidant activity.