Ajuga Parviflora Research Articles

Quality Control Method (UPLC-PDA) of Ajuga parviflora Benth. and Its Antiadipogenic Effect on Differentiated Preadipocytes

IntroductionAjuga parviflora is traditionally used for fever, diabetes, and digestive problems. Currently, Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-Photodiode array (UPLC-PDA) method to determine ajugasterone C, cyasterone, and vanillic acid in A. parviflora was focused to develop and validate a method for quality control perspective. Further, the evaluation of antiadipogenic and antidiabetic potential of A. parviflora was also targeted. MethodsUPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for targeted compounds as per International Council on Harmonisation guidelines. The validated method was used to determine marker compounds in A. parviflora extracts (Ethanol: EtOH, 50% EtOH, and water; leaves and roots). Further, UPLC-ELSD was used to determine free sugars in samples. Moreover, the antiadipogenic effect of A. parviflora extracts was examined on 3T3-L1 murine preadipocytes cell line. Cells were subjected to various dosages of leaves and root extracts, and the extent of lipid accumulation was evaluated. Furthermore, cells were treated with different extracts prior to hydrogen peroxide exposure, and then the effects of A. parviflora treatments on oxidative stress, cell survival, and insulin sensitisation were assessed. ResultsThe validated UPLC-PDA method was found reproducible to determine ajugasterone C, cyasterone, and vanillic acid. These compounds were found in all the samples. Biologically, leaves and roots extract of A. parviflora drastically suppressed adipogenesis by lowering intracellular lipid accumulation in dose-dependent manner. They improved insulin sensitivity by promoting glucose uptake and protected cellular health from oxidative damage by reducing reactive oxygen species generation and reversing apoptosis. ConclusionsFindings suggested that ethanol extract of leaves exhibited potent antiadipogenic properties and UPLC-PDA will be a reproducible method to assess quality of A. parviflora and its derived products.

Thermotolerant and halotolerant Streptomyces sp. isolated from Ajuga parviflora having biocontrol activity against Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas campestris acts as a sustainable bioadditive in growth promotion of Cicerarietinum

Beneficial rhizobacteria are important determinants of plant health and productivity. They influence nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, disease resistance, biodiversity etc. We have isolated bacterial isolate Streptomyces sp. (AB-11) from rhizospheric soil of an important medicinal plant Ajuga parviflora, displaying growth promoting attributes like production of siderophores, indole acetic acid, phosphate solubilization, calcite solubilization, nitrogen fixation etc. In-vitro plate assay of AB-11 displayed heat stress tolerance up to 45 °C and salt stress tolerance up to 0.9 M NaCl. The culture filtrate of bacterial isolate AB-11 showed antagonistic activity against two different plant pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato and Xanthomonas campestris with inhibition zones 26 ± 1 mm and 21 ± 1 mm respectively. Due to increase in world's population by 2050, sustainable agricultural practices as envisaged in United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being focused nowdays, thus the role of AB-11 supplementation both by primary inoculation (1°) using seed biopriming and subsequent secondary inoculation (2°) (supplementation in plants) in chickpea plants was investigated. Bioinoculation led to increase in root length (25.52%), fresh weight (37.10%), relative water content (10.94%) and total chlorophyll content (37.28%). Development of shoot and root system was also prominent due to multiple branching in shoots and roots and appearance of numerous root hairs was also observed. This is the first study related to Streptomyces sp. from A. parviflora which suggests that Streptomyces sp. (AB-11) can be considered as a sustainable bioadditive.

Ethnomedicinal plant use value in Lower Swat, Pakistan

Background: Plant-based traditional or folk medicines hold a great deal of promise as the foundation for medications for different diseases. Hence, the purpose of the present study is to document and preserve traditional knowledge among the people of Lower Swat. Methods: The field survey was conducted in 2018–2021, and 90 participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Information was collected predominantly from traditional practitioners, who are thought to have comparatively more knowledge and experience of using herbal medicine. During the discussions, notes were taken on the participants' demographics, plant names, plant parts used, and methods of herbal preparation. The collected data were analyzed through statistical indices in Microsoft Excel (2016). Results: It was found that 118 species represented by 107 genera and 62 different families were used for various medicinal purposes. Our findings depicted that herbs (57.5%) were the most commonly used as compared to trees and shrubs, while leaves (37.06%) were commonly used plant part for therapeutic purposes. Lamiaceae (16 species) was the most important family, followed by Rosaceae and Asteraceae (7 species each). Among the modes of preparation, decoction, drying, heating, and infusion were the applied approaches. The data was also analyzed by using qualitative indices such as relative frequency of citation (RFC), use report (UR), fidelity level (FL) and use value (UV). The highest RFC (0.96) was recorded for Mentha spicata and Foeniculum vulgare while the highest FL for Berberis lycium (78%) and, Ajuga bracteosa (70%). The highest UR (4) was recorded for Ajuga parviflora, Pinus roxburghii and Pinus wallichiana. The highest UV (0.50) was recorded for Ziziphus oxyphylla. Conclusions: The results of the present study reflect that medicinal plants are the most important source of health care in lower Swat. But in the absence of understanding and intuitive collective approaches, mainly therapeutic plants are overexploited in the area. There is a dire need for awareness about sustainable use of medicinal plants and threatened species in particular. Keywords: Lower Swat, ethnobotany, medicinal plants, traditional knowledge, mode of preparation, aliments.

Metabolome analysis, nutrient and antioxidant potential of aerial and underground parts of Ajuga parviflora Benth

Ajuga parviflora is a traditionally important herb to treat fever, diarrhoea, obesity, and diabetes. Earlier reports suggested that a limited chemical including nutritional information’s are available for A. parviflora. Hence, its metabolome analysis, nutritional and antioxidant activities are required to understand the role in health benefits. Metabolomics studies of aerial and underground part extracts (water, ethanol and 50 % ethanol) of A. parviflora were performed using UPLC-ESI-MS, UHPLC-Q-TOF-IMS coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. An UPLC-ESI-MS had identified sixty metabolites while 675 were using UHPLC-Q-TOF-IMS data-based search against METLIN database. Among thirteen targeted polyphenols, eight polyphenols were shown presence with higher concentration of vanillic acid (0.057 ± 0.002 mg/g), caffeic acid (0.002 ± 0.001 mg/g), and ferulic acid (3.766 ± 0.054 mg/g). Further, total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (TF), iridoid (TI) contents, nutritional components, amino acids, and antioxidant activities of extracts were conducted and found significant. Ethanol extracts of A. parviflora showed highest TP, TF, and TI contents while energy value was between 0.826 and 3.964 Kcal. Moreover, targeted, and untargeted metabolites diversifications among samples were monitored by multivariate statistical analysis. The metabolic variabilities were visualized with the percentage variance in PC 1–5 as 77.26, 21.06, 1.26, 0.25 and 0.15, respectively. The metabolomics-based information predicted a speculative metabolites biosynthetic pathway. The current understandings of metabolome information, nutritional component and antioxidant activities has supported A. parviflora for health benefits. This comprehensive investigation will help in quality agrotechnological interventions and value-added health benefit products.

In vitroantidiabetic, antioxidant activities and chemical composition ofAjuga parvifloraBenth. shoot

Introduction: Ajuga parviflora Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an herbaceous plant that possesses ethnomedicinal values and is well known for its folkloric management of diabetes. This study was aimed to provide an experimental justification for its traditional antidiabetic use. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of A. parviflora shoot was quantified for its total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) spectroscopy were also used for their chemical nature. Additionally, the extract was evaluated for its inhibitory potential against key enzymes linked with hyperglycemia by in vitro means. Subsequently, for estimation of the antioxidant capacities 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activities were determined.Results: GC-MS analysis revealed numerous biologically active phytoconstituents including brassicasterol, phytol, and palmitic acid. The presence of different active functional groups such as alcohol, nitrile, amine, alkyl halide, alkene, and alkane was confirmed by FTIR analysis. The extract showed a significant (P≤ 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition for α-amylase enzyme (132.38±1.18 μg/mL), α-glucosidase enzyme (22.66±0.11 μg/mL), DPPH radical (103.03±1.59 μg/mL), ABTS radical (140.10±3.40 μg/mL) and H2O2 radical (298.26±4.37 μg/mL). TPC, TFC, and TTC were found 64.06±0.35 mg/g of the gallic acid equivalent (GAE), 45.27±0.58 mg/g of the rutin equivalent (RE), and 127.42±1.82 mg/g of the tannic acid equivalent (TAE), respectively. Conclusion: A. parviflora extract showed significant antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials. Thus, this plant might be served as a novel approach for discovering new and effective drug molecules against hyperglycemia.

AjugaL.: A Systematic Review on Chemical Composition, Phytopharmacological and Biological Potential

Background:The Himalayan region has been reported as rich accumulation of natural wealth, particularly of aromatic and medicinal plants. Indian Ajuga species (Ajuga brachystemon, Ajuga integrifolia, Ajuga macrosperma and Ajuga parviflora) belonging to Lamiaceae family have been reported from different parts of Uttarakhand. Phytochemical studies revealed presence of various bioactive compounds including neo-clerodane diterpenoids, steroids, phytoecdysteroids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, iridoids, triglycerides, withanolides, phenylethanoid glycosides and quinols. Modern pharmacological activities of Ajuga species including anti-inflammatory, anti plasmodial activity, anti-platelet activity, antioxidant activity, analgesic assay, anti diabetic activity, antifungal activity, insecticidal activity and cytotoxity have been published by various researchers.Objective:The present study is aimed at exploring chemical composition, pharmacological and biological activities of Ajuga species as worked out by researchers and scientific community. Due to the excessive use of Ajuga species it needs to be conserved and requires important measures for its conservation.Methods:The analysis of essential oils and plant extract has been reported through solvent extraction, steam distillation method, GC-MS analysis and HPLC.Results:Literature survey revealed reports of Ajuga L. to be used against various ailments such as stomach-ache, dermatitis, malaria, snake-bite, ear-ache, arthritis, bleeding, wounds, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory problems, fever, dysentery, and joint pain.Conclusion:The detailed description would be helpful in future studies. Recent biotechnological approaches have been reported useful to conserve A. bracteosa due to over exploitation for research purpose whereas A. brachystemon and A. macrosperma have been reported rarely in the wild.

Development and Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation for Diabetes

Objective: Treatment of diabetes without any adverse effects is a big challenge to the medical fraternity. There is need for alternative drugs with no side effects. The present study is aimed to develop a polyherbal formulation for effective management of diabetes using some of the indigenous plants taking lead from ethnobotanical information. Ajuga parviflora, Saraca asoca, Potentilla fulgens and Aconitum heterophyllum were selected for the development of antidiabetic formulation. Materials and Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of selected plants were performed. In-vitro antidiabetic activity of plants and standard drug acarbose was evaluated by α-amylase inhibition assay. The polyherbal suspension prepared and its antidiabetic activity was evaluated in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics and tannins in the plants. The prepared formulation was brown, easily pourable from the container and have redispersibility property with optimum particle size distribution. Sedimentation studies showed that the sedimentation volume of a formulation is in-between a range of 1. Administration of polyherbal formulation at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg dose for 21 days to diabetic rats decreased fasting blood sugar 159 ± 2.81 mg/dL and 147.74 ± 2.03 mg/dL respectively as compared to the diabetic control group 361 ± 3.89 mg/dL. Conclusion: The present findings indicated that developed polyherbal formulation at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg showed significant antihyperglycemic activity (***p<0.001) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rat model.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory properties of Ajuga parviflora Benth.

Leaves of Ajuga parviflora Benth. (Lamiaceae) are widely used for treating hyperglycemia in the Himalayas' foothills of India. Hydroalcoholic and hexane leaf extracts of A. parviflora were evaluated for their inhibitory potential against carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes linked with hyperglycemia (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) and the effect of extracts on glucose uptake by the yeast cells by in-vitro means. Additionally, antioxidant capacities of both extracts were tested and chemical compositions were also studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For estimation of the antioxidant capacities, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS •+ ) scavenging activities, Fe 3+ and MO(V) reducing assay were determined. GC-MS analysis revealed various biologically active compounds in which oleic acid , phytol and palmitic acid are present in both the extracts. The TPC and TFC contents were found higher in hydroalcoholic extract than hexane extract. The IC 50 value of both hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts exhibited significant potency for DPPH (113.13 ± 1.4 and 206.8 ± 9.43 μg/mL) and ABTS (156.67 ± 6.76 and 128.2 ± 1.71 μg/mL) as well as for α-amylase (103.55 ± 2.5 and 116.34 ± 2.08 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (61.38 ± 0.25 and 74.76 ± 0.29 μg/mL) respectively. Both extracts showed a remarkable improvement in the rate of glucose uptake into yeast cells. These findings indicate that A. parviflora leaf possesses antidiabetic and antioxidant properties which justify its traditional antidiabetic use. Based on our findings, we suggest that A. parviflora might be used as an effective phytopharmaceutical in the management of type II diabetes. • Ajuga parviflora Benth. is used in folk medicine for treating hyperglycaemia in India. • Potential of extracts are evaluated by antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory properties and their chemical composition. • Oleic acid, phytol, palmitic acid like biologically active components were present in both extracts. • Extracts exhibited promising antioxidant and inhibitory action against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. • This type of study on A. parviflora is being reported for the first time.

Quantification of potentially toxic elements in degraded mining soils and medicinal plants: a case study of Indus Kohistan region Northern Pakistan

In recent years, a series of environmental and ecological problems have occurred due to enhanced anthropogenic disturbances for precious mineral mining. Traditional medicines have become an important pillar in national homeopathic treatment system, especially in mountainous environment of developing countries. The current study investigated the level of potentially toxic elements’ (PTEs) contamination in degraded mining soils and medicinal plants along the mafic–ultramafic rocks in Kohistan region. Soil samples and medicinal plant species were collected from the degraded mining areas and screened for PTEs (Pb, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn and Cd) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS-Perkin-Elmer, 2380). Various pollution indices were used for PTEs such as contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and translocation factor (TF) in degraded mining soils and medicinal plants. The mean concentrations of selected PTEs in soil were in the order of Mn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Zn > Cd, while in medicinal plants the mean concentrations were in the following order: Pb > Cr > Mn > Ni > Zn > Cd. Highest bioaccumulation was observed in Ajuga bracteosa (Cr = 349 mg kg–1), Phlomis bracteosa (Pb = 335 mg kg–1), Chenopodium ambrosioides (Mn = 304.3 mg kg–1), Isatis costata (Ni = 169 mg kg–1), Ajuga parviflora (Zn = 38.4 mg kg–1) and Salvia moorcoftiana (Cd = 11 mg kg–1). Furthermore, the concentrations of PTEs were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in degraded mining soils and medicinal plants than the reference site, which may be attributed to the mining and open dumping of mining wastes. The present study reveals that chromite mining and open dumping of mining wastes can cause serious environmental problems in the study area. Furthermore, medicinal plants grown in degraded mining soils may pose risk to the local inhabitants as most of the people consume these plants for various health problems.

Phytochemical, acute toxicity and renal protective appraisal of Ajuga parviflora hydromethanolic leaf extract against CCl4 induced renal injury in rats

BackgroundDegenerative kidney diseases are mostly associated with oxidative stress. Natural products are considered as the antioxidants enrich food that can restrict the progress of oxidative stress induced disorders. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the renal protective effect of Ajuga parviflora leaf extract in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats.MethodsThe hydromethanolic extract of A. parviflora leaves was obtained by extracting twice in 60% methanol. The principal bioactive constituents were detected by LC/MS analysis. Toxicity of plant extract was assessed using brine shrimp lethal toxicity test and acute toxicity model on healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats. Nephroprotective effects of plant extract were also evaluated on rats by inducing CCl4 renal toxicity in comparison with positive control and naïve groups. The dose of A. parviflora administered to animal was 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. All administrations were given orally on an alternate day basis for 30 days. Urine and serum biomarkers were analyzed, along with antioxidant enzymes. Finally, the DNA damages, lipid peroxides, hydrogen peroxides and nitrites were assessed in rat’s renal tissue. The histopathology alterations in renal tissues were further studied for kidney damages.ResultsThe LC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of different important pharmacological compounds in A. parviflora methanolic leaf extract. The key bioactive compounds include pyocyanin, zonisamide, D Saccharic acid, altretamine, carbocyclic thromboxane A2, Sinapyl alcohol, and vitamin C. The important polypeptides identified include Lys-Tyr-Lys, His-His-Lys, Met-Asp-Arg, Phe-Val-Arg, and PyroGlu-Val-Arg. The LD50 of A. parviflora was found to be > 1000 μg/mL. A. parviflora administration significantly subsides CCl4 toxicity in rats, reduced the elevated level of RBCs, pus and epithelial cells. The abnormal elevated level of specific gravity, creatinine, urobilinogen, urea and albumin were also reduced to normal physiological level. The reduced urinary protein and pH were also normalized. The serum urobilinogen, urea and total bilirubin levels were also reversed to normal levels while the diminished albumin and total protein levels also came to normal. The important phase I and II enzyme levels were also reversed in A. parviflora administered rats. The H2O2, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitrite levels were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the damaged DNA and histopathological changes in CCl4 exposed rats were also highly significantly reversed after the administration of A. parviflora. All effects were significant (P < 0.05) and highly significant (P < 0.005) at 100 and 300 mg/kg respectively.ConclusionThe restored urine and serum profile of various parameters to normal physiological levels suggests that the A. parviflora has potential antioxidant and repairing potential in renal disorders.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Ajuga parviflora Benth and Digera muricata Leaf extract: Their Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity

The aim of the present study is to search out nontoxic silver nanoparticles synthesized from the leaf extract of two plants Ajuga parviflora Benth and Digera muricata for antimicrobial activity. The plants used in this investigation are rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, protein, amino acids, carbohydrate, quninones, phenols and tannins. The formation of nanoparticles were confirmed by UV/Visible spectroscopy, peaks at 423nm for Ajuga parviflora Benth and 408nm for Digera muricata. The morphology of the silver nanoparticles was established through state of the art spectroscopic tools. SEM analysis reveals average size of AgNPs 18 nm for Digera muricata and 22 nm for Ajuga parviflora Benth respectively while transmission electron microscopy confirms that AgNPs are spherical in shape. The synthesized nanoparticles were subjected to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results suggest that the silver nanoparticles have promising activity against all the bacterial strains and can be used an effective bactericides.

Evaluation of phytochemical and antibacterial potential of Ajuga parviflora Benth.

Ajuga parviflora Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an annual and short-lived perennial herb grows in Himalayas’ foothills of India, Afganistan and Pakistan. In the present study hydroethanolic and hexane leaf extracts of A. parviflora were investigated for the antibacterial activities against gram negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The qualitative phytochemical screening and identification of active chemical components of hydroethanolic and hexane extracts of A. parviflora using FTIR spectrum. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenols, steroid and terpenoids as major components in both extracts. However, the FTIR spectrums confirmed the presence of alcohols, alkanes, alkene and alkyl halides in these extracts. Antibacterial potential of extracts were evaluated by well diffusion method, showed significant sensitivity against both the tested bacteria's and the range of inhibitory zone were 8±0.23 to 20.33±0.52 mm at 25 to 200 μg/ml and the maximum zone of inhibition (ZOI) was observed in E. coli at 200 μg/ml.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Ajuga Parviflora in Diabetic Rats

The aim of the study was to evaluate the antidiabetic activity of ethanolic extract of whole plant of Ajuga parviflora in diabetic induced Sprague Dawley rats. Acute toxicity study was done on screened rats for 14 days. The rats were divided into four groups like normal, diabetic, treated and standard (diabetes treated with Glibenclamide). Streptozocin 160mg /kg body weight was administered intra peritoneally to rat for the induction of diabetes. After the confirmation of diabetes, the rats were subjected to further in-vivo studies. The formulation obtained by ethanolic extract of whole plant of Ajuga parviflora (60mg/kg) were administered orally to diabetic rats for 28 days. The body weight and fasted blood glucose level measured in diabetic and non-diabetic rats at the end of experiments. The formulation shows significant reduction in blood glucose level in Streptozocin induced rats that is comparable to Glibenclamide.. Methanolic extract of medicinal herb Ajuga parviflora Benth. was evaluated for phytochemical screening the plant extract showed the presence of aromatic compounds, carbohydrates and others. Keywords: Ajuga parviflora, Sprague Dawley rat, Streptozocin , Phytochemical screnning.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, IN VITRO ANTIBACTERIAL, AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL FROM LEAVES OF AJUGA PARVIFLORA BENTH

Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the phytogenic chemical compounds and assess their antibacterial and antioxidant activity of essential oil of Ajuga parviflora Benth. growing in the Himalayan region. Methods: In the present study, the phytochemical constituents of essential oil were isolated by steam distillation and screened by gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis from A. parviflora is rich in oxygenated monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids. The essential oil was further evaluated for their antibacterial by well-diffusion method and antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay at various concentrations. Results: The major chemical constituents were α-cadinol (21.36%), α-muurolol (14.2%), cubebol (12.76%), germacrene D-4-ol (9.6%), germacrene D (4.32%), farnesyl acetate (3.58%), longifolol acetate (2.76%), and β-bourbonene (2.35 %) whereas monoterpenoids were minor constituents. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) shown by essential oil against test bacterial strains at concentration of 500 μg/ml to Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.6 mm), Escherichia coli (5 mm), Salmonella typhimurium (8.6 mm), and Proteus vulgaris (10.7 mm) and Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis (8.3 mm). At the same time, ZOI of standard antibiotic ciprofloxacin against test bacterial strains was P. aeruginosa (9.6 mm), E. coli (14.3mm), S. typhimurium (19.3 mm), P. vulgaris (17.8 mm), and B. subtilis (20.6 mm), respectively. The free radical scavenging property of A. parviflora employed by in vitro assay methods like scavenging activity of DPPH was 81% at 500 μg/ml concentrations, respectively. Conclusion: Our study showed that α-cadinol, α-muurolol, and cubebol as the major components in this oil which was absent in previous findings of A. parviflora and essential oil had potent antibacterial and antioxidant activity, respectively.

Phytochemical profiling and antiviral activity of Ajuga bracteosa, Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium and Citrus lemon against Hepatitis C Virus

Hepatitis C is a serious health issue and cause liver disorders in millions of people. Available therapeutic agents require long term administration with numerous side effects. Therefore, there is a dire need to find alternative treatment options for this disease. Since ancient times, medicinal plants are widely used to cure various diseases with no or less harmful effects. Therefore, this study was designed to find out phytochemicals and investigate antiviral activity of methanol extract of Ajuga bracteosa, Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium and Citrus lemon against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV infection). Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was performed using various chemical tests. Toxicity of the plant extract was determined against using trypan blue exclusion method. Antiviral activity of the selected plant extract was find out against HCV infected HepG2 cells. For this purpose, HepG2 cells were seeded with HCV positive and negative serum and nontoxic doses of plant extract for 24 and 48 h. After this RNA was extracted and viral load was determined using Real-time PCR. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids and phenols in all plant extracts while amino acids, alkaloids and tannins were present in B. lycium and saponins were detected in C. lemon. Toxicity assay showed that all plant extracts were nontoxic at maximum concentration of 200 μg/ml except B. lycium, which showed mild toxicity at 40 μg/ml and were extremely toxic at 60 μg/ml and above doses. Real-time PCR quantitation result revealed that after 24 h treatments A. parviflora showed highest antiviral activity, followed by A. bracteosa, while B. lycium extract had low (35%) and C. lemon has no antiviral effects. The 48 h treatments showed an increase antiviral activity by A. bracteosa followed by A. parviflora and B. lycium while C. lemon showed negative effect. Our results depicted that mentioned plants might be used as an alternative therapeutic regime or in combination with existing treatments against HCV.

Observations on traditional usage of ethnomedicinal plants in humans and animals of Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh in North-Western Himalaya, India

Ethnobotanical relevanceMedicinal plants are frequently used by Gaddi and Gujjar tribes of Kangra and Chamba districts of Himachal Pradesh, India to cure various ailments in humans and livestock. Therefore, extensive field work was conducted to document the traditional use of ethnomedicinal plants by these tribes. Materials and methodsDirect interviews of 208 informants were conducted. The data generated through interviews was analysed using quantitative tools such as use-value (UV), factor informant consensus (Fic) and fidelity level (Fl). ResultsA total of 73 plant species in 67 genera and 40 families were observed to be medicinal and used to cure 22 ailment categories. The highest number of ethnomedicinal plants was recorded from the family Asteraceae followed by Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Acanthaceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Polygonaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae and Rutaceae. Leaves were the most frequently used plant part used to treat various ailments followed by whole plant and roots or rhizomes. Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium, Viola canescens, Vitex negundo and Zanthoxylum armatum were the most important medicinal plants used for treating human diseases, whereas Achyranthes bidentata, Aloe sp., Cassia fistula, Podophyllum hexandrum and Pogostemon benghalensis were the most important medicinal plants used for treating animal diseases as per use value. The important ailment categories classified on the basis of factor informant consensus were gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders. ConclusionThe present study revealed that people of the study area are extensively using the ethnomedicinal plants to cure various ailments. Plants with high use value and fidelity level should be subjected to pharmacological investigation for scientific validation.

Essential Oil Composition of Ajuga parviflora Benth. Growing in Western Himalayan Region of Uttarakhand (India)

The volatile constituents of Ajuga parviflora Benth. were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. β-caryophyllene (22.4 %), γ-muurolene (12.7 %), γ-terpinene (6.3 %), caryophyllene oxide (6.2 %), α-humulene (5.8 %), δ-cadinene (4.3 %), α-amorphene (3.8 %) and β-selinen (2.5 %) were found to be the major constituents of the essential oil along with other minor constituents. The composition of oil is being reported for the first time.

Dihydroquinol And Quinol Derivatives From Ajuga Parviflora

Dihydroquinol derivative 1, quinol glucopyranoside 2 and quinol derivative 3 have been isolated from the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of Ajuga parviflora and their structures have been elucidated through spectroscopic studies as methyl 2-[2,2-dimethyl-6-oxo-7-dihydro-1,3- benzodioxol-3(6H)-yl]aceate (1), 2-hydroxy-4β-methyl-4a-(β-D-glucopyranoside)-2,5-cyclohexadien- 1-one (2) and (4-oxo-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-yl)acetic acid (3). The known quinol 4 has also been isolated for the first time from this species

Chemical Constituents of Ajuga parviflora

Two new antifungal withanolides, (1) and (2) have been isolated from the defatted methanolic extract of Ajuga parviflora. Their structures were established as 3β,17β,20-trihydroxy-1-oxo-(20R, 22R)-witha-5,14,24-trienolide (1), 28-hydroxy-14,20-epoxy-1-oxo-(22R)-witha-2,5,24-trienolide (2) on the basis of spectroscopic data including two dimensional NMR tech­niques. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids senecionine (3) and integerrimine (4) are also reported for the first time from A. parviflora

Ajugin E and F: Two withanolides from Ajuga parviflora

Two withanolides, Ajugin E and F, were isolated from the defatted methanolic extract of Ajuga parviflora. Their structures were established via spectroscopic analysis, including high resolution one- and two-dimensional NMR spectrometry as 14α,17β,20,27-tetrahydroxy-1-oxo-(20 R, 22 R)-witha-3,5,24-trienolide 1, and 14α,17α,27-trihydroxy-1-oxo-(20 R, 22 R)-witha-5,24-dienolide 2, respectively.