Alcoholic Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Exploration of Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Neuropharmacological and Antidiabetic Activities of Clerodendrum viscosum Root Extract

In the traditional systems of medicine, Clerodendrum viscosum (CV) has important medicinal uses for the treatment of asthma, ulcer, inflammation, pyrexia, diabetes etc. In this study, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antidiabetic effect of root extract of C. viscosum (CV) was investigated. Mice (Swiss albino) of either sex of 25-30 g were distributed into 4 groups as control (normal water), standard (STD), CV 250 mg/kg and CV 500 mg/kg (n=6). Analgesic effect was investigated by acetic acid initiated writhing test, formalin initiated paw licking test and hot plate test. Anti-inflammatory effect was investigated by xylene and croton oil initiated ear edema test and cotton pellet pleurisy test. Pentobarbital mediated sleeping time and hole cross tests were applied to assess neuro-pharmacological activity. Antidiabetic effect was evaluated by in-vitro alpha amylase inhibitory assay. In the acetic acid initiated writhing test, formalin test and hot plate test, the alcoholic extract of root showed significant antinociceptive activity (p<0.01) at 500 mg/kg dose. The test extract lowered inflammation in xylene, croton oil and cotton pellet test which was significant (p<0.001). The 500 mg/kg dose significantly (p<0.001) increased onset time of sleeping and significantly reduced sleeping duration (p<0.01) in sleeping time test. It also showed insignificant effect in hole-cross test. The extract exhibited a good alpha amylase inhibitory potential (IC50=1.24 mg/ml). C. viscosum root exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic as well as CNS stimulant effect in model mice used for experimental purpose. More investigations are needed for the evaluation of such activities as well as the potential of this plant. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 164-174, 2024 (July)

SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF ANTIBIOTIC WITH GREEN SYNTHESIZED SILVER NANO PARTICLES AGIANST UROPATHOGENIC E.COLI BIOFILM

The bacterial ability to form biofilm had been complicated the infection healing process, due to antibiotic resistance. Urinary tract infection is an optimal example of such infections that caused by bacterial biofilms. So the current study aimed to find an alternative method to inhibit the uropathogenic bacteria using nanotechnology. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) was isolated from 110 clinical samples. These bacterial isolated were tested for their ability to form biofilm by two methods: Microtiter plate and congo red agar. Antibiotic susceptibility was detected to determine the multidrug-resistant isolates. An ecofriendly green method was depended for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using alcoholic extract of Lepidium meyenii yellow root. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by several techniques, and it was detected with a diameter of 44.89 nm. Anti-biofilm activity of AgNPs alone and with antibiotic was detected and the Scanning electron microscopy observations clearly indicated that 7.1825 mg/ml AgNPs prevented the biofilm formation. This is the first worldwide evidence-based research study about the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from alcoholic yellow root extract of plant Lepidium meyenii and use it against UPEC biofilm.

Fabrication of microspheres and characterization of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity isolated fraction from total alcoholic extract of Cassia Fistula (Linn.) in carrageenan-Type-IV induced inflammatory rats

The Cassia fistula Linn is known as the golden shower tree. It’s also referred to as a "disease killer" in Ayurvedic medicine. The current study investigates the effect and estimate of antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory activity guided fraction isolated from alcoholic extract of Cassia fistula (Linn.) root on carrageenan-Type IV induced Inflammatory rats for using Column fraction of alcoholic extract of root of Cassia fistula (Linn.) An in vivo carrageenan-induced paw edoema model was used to confirm further the anti-inflammatory effect of the fraction aloe-emodin and physcion-loaded microspheres. This study was designed first time for the isolation of alcoholic fraction of aloe emodin and Physcion by root extract and screening of pharmacological activities of Cassia fistula. Aloe-emodin and Physcion fraction demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal effectiveness against the studied pathogens in a dose-dependent manner, according to anti-microbial activity. 50 mg/ml concentration of Physcion-containing microspheres and aloe emodin's antibacterial efficacy against tested pathogens. The anti-inflammatory activity of Aloe emodin and Physcion was found in an equal manner. Both Microsphere samples were found capable of controlling the inflammation till 6 hours. According to the findings of this research, the chosen plant extracts have an immediate anti-inflammatory effect. There are three stages during which carrageenan-induced inflammation mediators are released.

Relative estimation of beta-sitosterol in alcoholic extracts of roots and small branches of oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz by HPTLC for plant part substitution, medicinal uses and conservation

Beta-sitosterol is a common and useful ‘phytosterol’, present in roots and small branches of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz It has mainly cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and dietary properties. O. indicum is a rare medicinal plant in the traditional medicine system. This study comparatively identified and estimated beta-sitosterol in the methanolic extracts of roots and the small branches of O. indicum by the development of a validated HPTLC method. Chromatographic separation was performed on precoated TLC plates by toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid: water (6:3:1:0.2, v/v/v/v) with standard procedures using HPTLC assembly. Marker was identified at RF 0.60 as prominent bands and quantified at 540 nm with sharp peaks corresponding to beta-sitosterol by calibration method. The method was validated as per ICH guidelines with a good linear relationship i.e. r2 = 0.9973 ± 0.000405 in 100 – 500 ng band−1 with respect to the peak area. The LOD and LOQ were calculated as 35.22 and 106.73 ng/band, respectively. The quantity of marker in extracts of roots and the small branches was found to be 268.7% w/w and 208.5% w/w respectively in 0.5 g of the sample. The method was simple, accurate, and reproducible for rapid screening and quantification of beta-sitosterol in roots and aerial parts of O. indicum. The study may helpful for plant part substitution study, medicinal practises, sustainability, and conservation of such vulnerable plant species. It may useful to establish the quality and efficacy of plant in traditional applications and in routine standardization (quality control) of different commercial preparations of O. indicum.

Achyranthes Aspera Root Extract Attenuates the Damage Caused by High Fat Diet and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats

Achyranthes aspera is an herb found in the Indian subcontinent and has been used for decades because of its traditional anti-diabetic and antiobesity properties. Since studies are not reported on Achyranthes aspera protection in high-fat diet and diabetes-induced animal models, our aim was to investigate the protective effect of root extract of Achyranthesaspera on the combined effect of high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced biochemical changes in Wistar rats. To achieve this aim, the objectives of the study were to estimate the body weight, serum glucose, insulin, Glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA- IR), serum lipid profile, and liver glycogen among the Wistar rats which were divided into 6 groups having 6 rats in each group. Group 1 - control rats Group 2 - diabetic group rats, Group 3 – HFD diabetic rats and the rats from groups 4 to 6 were given a high-fat diet+ Streptozotocin 40 mg/kg + a low dose of root extract of Achyranthes aspera (250 mg/kg), high dose of root extract of Achyranthe saspera (500 mg/kg), metformin (250 mg/kg), respectively treated for 35 days. Body weight followed by serum glucose, insulin, HBA1C, HOMA- IR, serum lipid profile, and liver glycogen were evaluated. HFD + Diabetic group showed an elevated level of lipid profile and alterations in serum glucose, HbA1C, HOMAIR, Insulin and liver glycogen. Administration of Metformin and hydro alcoholic root extract of Achyranthes aspera500 mg/kg to HFD + diabetic group protected the biochemical alterations and serum insulin, glucose levels, HbA1c, HOMA- IR, liver glycogen. In comparison with HFD group, there was 1.76,2.02, and,1.3-fold decrease in Glucose levels in HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, and HFD+STZ+HEAA500 groups respectively. In comparison with HFD group, there was a 1.38,1.15 and,1.59-fold increase in Insulin levels in HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, and HFD+STZ+HEAA500 groups respectively. The HbA1C levels (mean±SEM) of control, STZ, HFD+STZ, HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, and HFD+STZ+HEAA500 were 7.36±0.22,10.18±0.74,8.94±0.33,8.10±0.22,8.94±0.22 and 7.0±0.41 respectively. The HOMA-IR levels (mean±SEM) of control, STZ, HFD+STZ, HFD+STZ+ Metformin, HFD+STZ+HEAA250, andHFD+STZ+HEAA500were 2.08±0.12,3.99±0.85,17.05±3.53,1.61±0.28,2.46±0.74 and 2.01±0.20 respectively The study findings reveal the protective role of Achyranthesaspera on high-fat diet and a diabetic induced biochemical changes.

Effect of alcoholic extract of roots ,stems and leaves capparis spinosa on microbial growth isolated from mouth and gum infections in Al-Diwaniya City

This study included to determine the effect of alcoholic extract of the Caper plant( roots , stems and leaves) to grow at the isolates microbial isolated from people with mouth and gum infections .After collection of 50 smears oral, the results of diagnosis of microbes as follow :15 isolates of t Streptococcus viridans (37.5%) , 8 isolates belonging to the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes (20%), 5 isolates belonging to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%),2 isolates of bacteria Escherichia coli (5%), one isolate of Staphylococcus saprophyticus (2.5%) and 8 isolates of yeasts as Candida albicans (20%) and 1 isolates of Candida tropicalis (2.5%). isolates showed full resistance to antibiotics has been tested to determine the effect of alcoholic extracts of three parts of Caper plant (roots, stems and leaves) on them. The results showed that extracts Caper capable inhibitor high against the growth of microbes and there was variation in the diameters of inhibition where the greater focus increased diameters of inhibition, and the alcoholic extract of the roots were more effective in its impact on the isolates of bacteria and yeast under study compared alcoholic extracts of leaves, stems, as it showed high ranges of the diameters of inhibition zones ranged between (20-42) mm to S. aureus

Evaluation of diuretic activity of root extract of Mangifera indica in albino rats

Background: Diuretics increase urine flow and sodium excretion are used to maintain the volume and composition of body fluids in a variety of clinical situations Objectives: To evaluate the diuretic activity of alcoholic (AERMI) extract of roots of Mangifera indica in albino rats. Methods: 5 groups of Albino rats were used to evaluate the diuretic activity by using metabolic cages. The group I serves as normal control received vehicle, the group II received Furosemide (10 mg/Kg, p.o) ; other groups III, IV, V were treated with low, medium, and high doses of AERMI and immediately after extract treatment all the rats were hydrated with saline (15 ml/kg) and placed in metabolic cages. Total volume of urine collected was measured at the end of 5 h. Concentration of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride in the urine were estimated. Results: Compared to control group the AERMI at different dose levels (100,200 and 400 mg/kg) has significantly increased the urine volume and also enhanced the elimination of Sodium, Potassium and Chloride. Conclusion: Single dose of AERMI as 100, 200 and 400 mg/Kg and Frusemide have increased the urine output along with an increase in concentration of Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride.

Assessment of Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Proliferative Potential of Euphorbia hirta Roots: An in vitro Analysis

Background: The current study focuses in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative evaluation of the alcoholic extract of euphorbia hirta roots. Anti-inflammatory potential was screened by incorporating inhibition of protein denaturation assay and anti-proliferative potential by MTT assay. Methods: Anti-inflammatory potential of extract was evaluated by calculating the percentage inhibition of protein denaturation and anticancer activity of the alcoholic extract was assessed by evaluating the cell viability. Alcoholic roots extract of euphorbia hirta was treated with MCF – 7 cell lines and cell viability was determined at the wavelength of 570 nm by MTT method. Results: The results suggested the significant anti-inflammatory potential as it effectively inhibits the protein denaturation. The alcoholic roots extract of euphorbia hirta also showed anti-proliferative effect against MCF - 7 celllines (p ≤0.05) in a dose dependent manner. Conclusion: The root extract showed potential anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative potential. As from the results, it was concluded that extract had capability to constrain the propagation of cancer cells. Therefore, it appears to be a virtuous contender to provide protection against growth of tumour cells.

Autistic Effects of Nootropic Drug Brahmi against Propionic Acid-induced Behavior and Memory Impairment in Rat Model

Aims: To evaluate the hydro alcoholic effect of Brahmi against propionic acid-induced behavior and memory impairment in rat model.
 Study Design: This includes preclinical study on Sprague Dawley rats in which Propionic acid induced and evaluation of in vivo and in vitro models were performed.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, C L Baid Metha College of Pharmacy Jan 2019 to June 2021.
 Methodology: We include a total of 27 adult Sprague Dawley Rats and induced propionic acid intracerebroventricular route to induce autism. Drug treatment using hydro alcoholic extract of Bacopa monnieri was given in 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg was compared with negative group rats and control groups. In vivo parameters like Actophotometer and marble burying test was done, In vitro analysis of Serotonin and Glutamate was estimated in the above treated groups.
 Results: The locomotor activity of rat was recorded individually for each animal using Actophotometer. HAEBM (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) treated rat produced an increase in the level of significance (P<0.0001) on day one. In marble burying test Rats were located for thirty minutes in a standard cage covered with 5 cm depth of wood chip bedding with ten marbles evenly spaced. HAEBM (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.001) level of burying when compared to group-II rats (P<0.01). In this research study 5HT level showed a significant (P<0.001) increase in Group III, Group IV when compared with group-II (P<0.01). Glutamate is an excitatory Neurotransmitter. Group II showed significant increase (P<0.001) in the level of Glutamate but on drug treated groups III and IV shows decrease in concentration of glutamate.
 Conclusion: The present study findings showed that the hydro alcoholic root extract of brahmi possesses neuroprotective activity with significant nootropic effects. The hydro alcoholic root extract of Bacopa monnieri. L showed the presence of various Gabapentin and flavonoids phenols may be the reason for its neuroprotection and memory improvement effects.

Glycyrrhiza glabra alcoholic root extract ameliorates hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and glycation-induced free iron-mediated oxidative reactions.

Hyperglycemia-associated oxidative stress leads to various pathophysiological complications in diabetes mellitus. Here, the effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) root extract of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic changes and the associated free iron-mediated oxidative reactions were investigated. The animals were divided into five group, Group 1: Control (NC received buffer); Group 2: STZ-induced (DC); Group 3: Control treated withG. glabraroot extract (NT, 60mg/Kg b.w daily for 1month); Group 4: Diabetic treated withthe extract(60mg/Kg b.w daily for 1month); Group 5: Diabetic treated with glibenclamide (DTG, 8.6mg/Kg b.w for 1month). STZ (i) induced hyperglycemia, abnormal intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), increased HbA1c and decreased plasma insulin levels (ii) hyperlipidemia (iii) lowered antioxidant enzyme activities (iv) diminished RBC membrane fluidity (v) enhanced hemoglobin glycation-induced iron release and associated free radical reactions. Treatment with the extract resulted in significant reversal of hyperglycemia (DC: 205.0±7.0mg/dl vs. DT: 87.5±4.5mg/dl, p<.05); HbA1c (DC: 11.5±2.0 vs. DT: 7.5±0.8 vs. DT: 7.5 ± 0.8, p<.05); insulin (DC: 0.3±0.06 vs. DT: 1.25±0.15 μgm/L, p<.05); free iron (DC: 150.4±7.07 vs. DT: 98.8±7.7 μgm/gm of Hb, p<.05); TBARS (DC + H2 O2 : 24.62±11.30 vs. DC + H2 O2 : 9.82±2.56 mmoles/h, p<.05); carbonyl (DC: 40.40±1.57 vs. DT: 25.50±1.12 mmoles/g of Hb, p<.05) levels and β-cell count/pancreatic islet (DC: 85±15 vs. DT: 125±20, p < .05). Thus, G. glabra extract is quite effective against hyperglycemia and the associated free iron-mediated oxidative stress. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Chronic use of oral hypoglycemic synthetic drugs may produce side effects and drug resistance. Recently, various plant extracts are being researched to explore their antihyperglycemic potential. Here, the effects of this alcoholic powdered root extract on STZ-induced diabetic changes and associated oxidative stress, including hemoglobin-induced free iron-mediated oxidative reactions were examined. The STZ-induced diabetic changes and hemoglobin-glycation-induced free iron-mediated oxidative reactions were alleviated in the Wistar rats after 1-month of treatment with the extract. We have also reported previously that glycyrrhizin, a bioactive constituent of Glycyrrhiza glabra root inhibits peroxidase, esterase activities of hemoglobin and hemoglobin-mediated oxidative damage without affecting oxygen-binding capacity of the protein. This preclinical work further substantiates the potential therapeutic use of the G. glabra whole root extract in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

THE RED BLOOD CELLS CATALASE ACTIVITY IS INFLUENCED BY TARAXACUM OFFICINALE

Natural antioxidants protect cells against oxidative stress, which is directly involved in ageing processes and in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and neoplastic diseases. Taraxacum officinale (TO) due to its rich content of biologically active ingredients has been commonly used in traditional medicine. It contains a wide spectrum of compounds with antioxidant activity. The content depends of parts of this plant. The roots are rich in phenolic and terpene compounds, sesquiterpene lactones, fructosans and inulin, while leaves are rich in substances belonging to flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins and vitamins, especially vitamin A. The literature results prove that antioxidant activity of TO depends on several factors including the plant part, the solvent used, as well as the duration of extraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate and to compare the action of alcoholic extracts of roots and leaves of TO on RBC’s catalase activity. Material and methods. Raw Taraxacum officinale plant material consisted of dried leaves and roots were harvested from a natural site. The extracts for analysis were prepared using 20, 25, 40, 50 and 80% (v/v) ethanol mixtures used as solvents. The catalase activity was established by using RBC of healthy persons. Conclusions. Phytotherapeutic herbs and plants continue to play an important role in the discovery and development of drugs. Leaves and roots of dandelion represent a rich source of bioactive compounds for potential exploitation in nutraceuticals and pharmacological sectors. Taraxacum officinale has a high ability to act as an antioxidant. The highest influence on RBC’s catalase activity was reported in case of roots ethanolic extracts of 25%. These actions are realized due to multiple substances, whose content probably depends of ethanol’s concentration. Additional studies are needed to characterize biological activities of these extracts.

Active Components from Cassia abbreviata Prevent HIV-1 Entry by Distinct Mechanisms of Action.

Cassia abbreviata is widely used in Sub-Saharan Africa for treating many diseases, including HIV-1 infection. We have recently described the chemical structures of 28 compounds isolated from an alcoholic crude extract of barks and roots of C. abbreviata, and showed that six bioactive compounds inhibit HIV-1 infection. In the present study, we demonstrate that the six compounds block HIV-1 entry into cells: oleanolic acid, palmitic acid, taxifolin, piceatannol, guibourtinidol-(4α→8)-epiafzelechin, and a novel compound named as cassiabrevone. We report, for the first time, that guibourtinidol-(4α→8)-epiafzelechin and cassiabrevone inhibit HIV-1 entry (IC50 of 42.47 µM and 30.96 µM, respectively), as well as that piceatannol interacts with cellular membranes. Piceatannol inhibits HIV-1 infection in a dual-chamber assay mimicking the female genital tract, as well as HSV infection, emphasizing its potential as a microbicide. Structure-activity relationships (SAR) showed that pharmacophoric groups of piceatannol are strictly required to inhibit HIV-1 entry. By a ligand-based in silico study, we speculated that piceatannol and norartocarpetin may have a very similar mechanism of action and efficacy because of the highly comparable pharmacophoric and 3D space, while guibourtinidol-(4α→8)-epiafzelechin and cassiabrevone may display a different mechanism. We finally show that cassiabrevone plays a major role of the crude extract of CA by blocking the binding activity of HIV-1 gp120 and CD4.

A critical review of anticancer properties of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal with respect to the biochemical mechanisms of its phytochemical constituents

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs have been known for their toxicity and numerous side effects. A new approach to treat cancer involves phytochemical drugs. In the present review, anti-cancer activity of a class of steroidal lactones called withanolides obtained from Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is discussed. The commonly studied bioactive compounds namely withaferin-A, withanoside IV, withanoside VI and withanolide-A among others obtained from methanolic and chloroform extract of the leaves and various alcoholic, aqueous and chloroform extract of roots have shown inhibition to various human cancer cell lines including skin, breast, colon, prostate, liver, ovary, cervical and lung. Prominent mechanisms of action include induction of apoptosis by NOS upregulation, ROS production and NBS2 or COX-2 inhibition; cytotoxicity by humoral and cell mediated immune response, activation of p53 and pRB and inhibition of various viral oncoproteins; cell cycle arrest by Cdc2 facilitated mitotic catastrophe, cyclin-D1 down-regulation and inhibition of transcription factors. Cancers are also controlled by inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis of the tumor cells. In addition to anti-tumorogenic properties, W. somnifera also holds properties that make it a potential adjuvant in integrated cancer therapeutics and in enhancing the effectiveness of ongoing radiation therapy.

EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF ALCOHOLIC ROOTS EXTRACT OF EUPHORBIA HIRTA LINN. – IN VITRO

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to undergo an investigation on free radical scavenging activity of the roots of Euphorbia hirta Linn. and was compared with a standard antioxidant compound like ascorbic acid.&#x0D; Methods: Euphorbia hirta roots extract was tested for total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, and in vitro antioxidant activity by 1, 1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay (DPPH) assay, superoxide anion radical scavenging assay, and nitric oxide scavenging assay.&#x0D; Results: The alcoholic roots extract of E. hirta was screened for free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities using three different methods. It was found that percentage inhibition of the extract was concentration-dependent. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were found to be 265.72±1.3 and 45.67±1.14, respectively. The alcoholic extract of E. hirta produced a dose-dependent inhibition of superoxide radicals ranging from 40.14±0.14 to 70.93±0.10. The mean IC50 values for DPPH radical by root extract of E. hirta and ascorbic acid were found to be 18.12 μg/ml and 13.17 μg/ ml, respectively. The alcoholic extract of E. hirta produced dose-dependent inhibition of nitric oxide radicals scavenging effect ranging from 17.05±0.18 to 51.08±0.30. The alcoholic extract of E. hirta and ascorbic acid shows mean IC50 values for superoxide radical as 23.64 μg/ml and 14.36 μg/ml, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusions: The present study showed that E. hirta possesses a considerable amount of both phenolic and flavonoid content. The alcoholic root extract also shows good antioxidant potential. The results of the present study also encourage for further in vivo studies and isolation and characterization of active compounds.

Antileishmanial Effect of Berberine and extracts of Berberis vulgaris on the Growth of Leishmanial Species

The present investigation was revealed that the Berberine (0.01, 0.1, 1 mg/cm3), aqueous extracts and alcoholic extract (1,10,100 mg/cm3) of Berberis vulgaris roots were inhibitory on the growth of Leishmania tropica, L. donovani, and L. infantum promastigotes. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the plant extracts proved to contain Berberine as an active compound. Berberine and B. vulgaris root extracts were caused a significant decrease in total nucleic acid contents of three leishmanial species, thus, considering to be an excellent agents for antileishmanial chemotherapy.

Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical and Antioxidant Studies of Indigenous Medicinal Plant

Background: Ficus glomerata Roxb. is a moderate-sized avenue tree distributed throughout India both as wild or cultivated. It is traditionally used in various traditional systems of medicine including Ayurveda, Siddha and Homoeopathy. In these indigenous systems of medicine, different parts of the plant Ficus glomerata are commonly used for the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, bilious affections, stomachache, menorrhage, haemoptysis and also as a carminative and astringent. Objective: The current investigation deals with detail pharmacognostical studies on roots of Ficus racemosa mainly focusing the morphological, macroscopical analysis, prelimilnary examinations of root powder and florescence analysis. Methods: Physicochemical constants of roots of Ficus glomerata were estimated as per official guidelines. Results: Significant in vitro antioxidant activity was observed for alcoholic root extract of Ficus glomerata. The alcoholic extract and aqueous extract show the presence of tannins and saponins as major constituents. Remaining constituents were found to be carbohydrate, glycosides, phenolic compounds, gum and mucilage. Conclusion: Ficus glomerata possess significant antioxidant activities.

EVALUATION OF IN VITRO ALPHA-AMYLASE AND ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITORY POTENTIAL OF ROOTS OF EUPHORBIA HIRTA LINN.

Aim: The present study was designed to investigate the in vitro inhibitory potential of Euphorbia hirta root extract on alpha-amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes. Materials and Methods: Alcoholic extract of Euphorbia hirta was subjected to inhibitory effect of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase using specific standard in vitro procedure. Results: The results revealed that extract successfully inhibited the activity of both enzymes in an in vitro model. The alcoholic root extract of Euphorbia hirta inhibited the alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes as 79.73 ± 0.18% and 81.35 ± 0.12% respectively. Conclusion: The present study showed that, the alcoholic extract showed a significant inhibitory effect on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes, thus validating the traditional use of the plant.

Determination of antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in leaves, stem and roots of Uraria picta Desv

Uraria picta Desv. belonging to family Leguminosae: Papilionoidae is one of the important constituent of “Dashmoolarista”, a well-established Ayurvedic drug of Indian system of medicine. The objectives of the present study were to determine the free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in leaves, stem and roots of U. picta. Powdered samples of leaves, stem and roots were subjected to successive extraction with solvents of increasing polarities i.e. Ethanol, Water: Ethanol (Aqua- alcoholic) (20: 80) and Water (aqueous) using soxhlet apparatus. Total phenol, flavonoid and antioxidant activity were determined by using Folin-Ciocalteau method, aluminum chloride colorimetric technique and DPPH free radical scavenging methods respectively. The results exhibited the maximum phenolic (1.991±0.299%) and flavonoid (2.865±0.11%) contents in ethanolic extract of leaves. For stem, the highest phenolic content (1.208±0.115%) and highest flavonoid content (22.189±2.7%) were detected in aqueous and ethanolicextracts respectively. For roots, both the maximum phenolic (3.554±0.004%) and flavonoid (0.497±0.507%) contents were found in Aqua- alcoholic extract of roots. The ethanolic extracts of leaves and stem and aqueous extract of roots were found to contain the lowest IC50 and hence, the maximum antioxidant activity. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that among the different extracts of leaves, stem and roots of U. picta, the ethanolic extracts of leaves and stem and aqueous extract of roots exhibited the more promising antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds.

The Effects of Anacyclus pyrethrum Alcoholic Root Extract on FSH, LH, Testosterone and Sperm Count in Diabetic Male Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known as a worldwide growing metabolic disorder which reduces fertility. Objectives: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of alcoholic root extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AP) on FSH, LH, testosterone and sperm count in diabetic male rats. Methods: This study was conducted on 60 Wistar-Albino male rats divided into six groups: control group (C), and diabetic groups including: control group (DC), placebo receiver (P) which received 50 (DA1), 100 (DA2) and 150 (DA3) mg/kg alcoholic AP root extract during trial period. Diabetes was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60mg/kg). At the end, animals were anesthetized and blood samples were collected from cervical vessels. Serum FSH and LH were determined by ELISA methods. Serum testosterone was measured by standard laboratory method. Sperm count in epididymis and vas deferens was determined using a hemocytometer. The data were analyzed using SPSS V.11 via ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Statistical differences were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: Results showed that the serum FSH, LH, testosterone, epididymis, testis, and body weight in all groups which received AP alcoholic root extract significantly increased compared to groups DC and P. Conclusions: AP alcoholic root extract improved FSH, LH and testosterone hormones and body weight gain in STZ diabetic male rats.

Analgesic Effect of Valerian Root and Turnip Extracts.

BACKGROUNDMedicinal plants are considered as one of the important sources of chemical substances with therapeutic effects. This study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of alcoholic extract of valerian root and turnip in rats. METHODSFifty female Wistar rats weighing 190 g were divided into 5 equal groups of control (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin in the right foot), sham (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+distilled water), experimental 1 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+200 mg/kg turnip extract), experimental 2 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin 2+200 mg/kg valerian root extract) and experimental 3 (subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin+200 mg/kg turnip extract+200 mg/kg valerian root extract). The time duration of 0-5 and 16-60 minutes after injection of formalin were respectively considered as acute and chronic phases. Injection of distilled water and the extracts was conducted 30 minutes before assessing the analgesic effects. RESULTSA significant decrease in pain score in the acute phase was observed in the group received valerian root extract compared to the control group. Also, a significant reduction in pain score was noted in the acute and chronic phases of the group receiving simultaneous administration of valerian root and turnip extracts when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONSimultaneous use of valerian root and turnip extracts is recommended for analgesic effects in both acute and chronic phases of the pain.