Ancient Medicinal Plant Research Articles

OMICS Applications for Medicinal Plants in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives.

Gastrointestinal cancers refer to a group of deadly malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract and organs of the digestive system. Over the past decades, considerable amounts of medicinal plants have exhibited potent anticancer effects on different types of gastrointestinal cancers. OMICS, systems biology approaches covering genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, are broadly applied to comprehensively reflect the molecular profiles in mechanistic studies of medicinal plants. Single- and multi-OMICS approaches facilitate the unravelling of signalling interaction networks and key molecular targets of medicinal plants with anti-gastrointestinal cancer potential. Hence, this review summarizes the applications of various OMICS and advanced bioinformatics approaches in examining therapeutic targets, signalling pathways, and the tumour microenvironment in response to anticancer medicinal plants. Advances and prospects in this field are also discussed.

Microwave-assisted extraction of sea buckthorn pomace and seed extracts as a proactive antioxidant to stabilize edible oils

Sea buckthorn, an ancient medicinal plant, is gaining attention because of its prodigious antioxidant activities. Microwave-assisted (MAE) and Soxhlet extraction techniques were attempted to obtain the extractives from sea buckthorn pomace and seed using low (n-hexane) and medium (ethanol) polar solvents aiming at higher extraction yield. The study's main purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of antioxidant activities (free radical scavenging activity) via electro paramagnetic resonance and oxidative stability through rancimat analysis for sea buckthorn seed and pomace extracts. The maximum extraction of 78.4 wt% and 59.9 wt% for pomace and seed, respectively, were obtained using a microwave reactor at temperature 80 °C and power 150 W with ethanol as solvent. A relative comparison of the MAE and conventional Soxhlet extraction yield revealed that MAE is effective in extracting more antioxidant compounds with higher yields. Further, ethanol extracted seed oil showed the highest (98%) 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical slaking at 5% (w/v) concentration. The oxidative stability of sea buckthorn pomace and seed extracts was found to be on par with butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) synthetic antioxidants when the extracts (3000 ppm) were blended and tested with canola oil.

UJI SITOTOKSIK TUMBUHAN OBAT DI HUTAN ADAT SINAGA SUMATERA UTARA

Toxicity test can be conduct using Artemia salina shrimp larvae. For this reason do a research aimed to identifying 5 types of medicinal plants, and assessing the bioactivity content of five types of anticancer medicinal plants as cytotoxic. Sinaga Customary Forest Area is an area located in Samosir Regency, North Sumatra with a condition that has a variety of medicinal plant species. Medicinal plants are able to treat the cancer. Extracting the maceration of the sample on 70% ethanol and evaluating the sample. data analysis was carried out by LC50 that is an indication of the toxicity of a substance or compound that cause 50% death in the larvae of Artemia Salina Leach. The test results on plants showed that the extract from plant leaves was very toxic because it had a LC50 value <30 ppm. Therefore, found the results that thereare cytotoxic content of medicinal plants as anticancer with each plant that concentrated. The most toxic plant are found in pirdot plants (Saurauia vulcanii). Testing of secondary metabolites on five types of medicinal plants that function as anticancer contain phytochemicals.

The Anti-Adiposity Mechanisms of Ampelopsin and Vine Tea Extract in High Fat Diet and Alcohol-Induced Fatty Liver Mouse Models.

Ampelopsis grossedentata (AG) is an ancient medicinal plant that is mainly distributed and used in southwest China. It exerts therapeutic effects, such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities, reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol and hepatoprotective effects. Researchers in China recently reported the anti-obesity effects of AG extract in diet-induced obese mice and rats. To verify these findings, we herein investigated the effects of AG extract and its principal compound, ampelopsin, in high-fat diet (HFD)- and alcohol diet-fed mice, olive oil-loaded mice, and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. The results obtained showed that AG extract and ampelopsin significantly suppressed increases in the weights of body, livers and abdominal fat and also up-regulated the expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A in HFD-fed mice. In olive oil-loaded mice, AG extract and ampelopsin significantly attenuated increases in serum triglyceride (TG) levels. In differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, AG extract and ampelopsin promoted TG decomposition, which appeared to be attributed to the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase. In alcohol diet-fed mice, AG extract and ampelopsin reduced serum levels of ethanol, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and liver TG. An examination of metabolic enzyme expression patterns revealed that AG extract and ampelopsin mainly enhanced the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase and suppressed that of cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily e1. In conclusion, AG extract and ampelopsin suppressed diet-induced intestinal fat accumulation and reduced the risk of fatty liver associated with HFD and alcohol consumption.

Teucrium polium: Potential Drug Source for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Simple SummaryTeucrium polium (also known as Golden Germander) is a herb brewed and drunk as a tea by the locals of the Mediterranean region, used mostly to treat a number of illnesses including diabetes. When consumed regularly, the tea can be problematic since some of its ingredients can be toxic or interfere with other medications taken by the patient. Current anti-diabetic medications are not always suitable nor optimal for all patients living with diabetes and therefore new drugs are constantly being sought after which may be more useful and/or present less side effects. Therefore, identifying the specific constituents that give the desired anti-diabetic effect, isolating them and developing them further may provide new useful anti-diabetic drugs. This paper discusses some key compounds found in Golden Germander that might be valuable for developing a new medication for type 2 diabetics whilst outlining some issues with the research conducted thus far.The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus is rising globally and this disease is proposed to be the next pandemic after COVID-19. Although the cause of type 2 diabetes mellitus is unknown, it is believed to involve a complex array of genetic defects that affect metabolic pathways which eventually lead to hyperglycaemia. This hyperglycaemia arises from an inability of the insulin-sensitive cells to sufficiently respond to the secreted insulin, which eventually results in the inadequate secretion of insulin from pancreatic β-cells. Several treatments, utilising a variety of mechanisms, are available for type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, more medications are needed to assist with the optimal management of the different stages of the disease in patients of varying ages with the diverse combinations of other medications co-administered. Throughout modern history, some lead constituents from ancient medicinal plants have been investigated extensively and helped in developing synthetic antidiabetic drugs, such as metformin. Teucrium polium L. (Tp) is a herb that has a folk reputation for its antidiabetic potential. Previous studies indicate that Tp extracts significantly decrease blood glucose levels r and induce insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells in vitro. Nonetheless, the constituent/s responsible for this action have not yet been elucidated. The effects appear to be, at least in part, attributable to the presence of selected flavonoids (apigenin, quercetin, and rutin). This review aims to examine the reported glucose-lowering effect of the herb, with a keen focus on insulin secretion, specifically related to type 2 diabetes mellitus. An analysis of the contribution of the key constituent flavonoids of Tp extracts will also be discussed.

Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory Effects, and Phytochemical Analysis of Traditionally Known Anticancer Medicinal Plants. An <i>In Vitro</i> Study with THP-1 Cell Line

Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic, Anti-Inflammatory Effects, and Phytochemical Analysis of Traditionally Known Anticancer Medicinal Plants. An <i>In Vitro</i> Study with THP-1 Cell Line

Cytotoxic and other bioactivities of a novel and known sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Vernonia leopoldi (Sch. Bip. ex Walp.) Vatke in breast cancer cell lines

Vernonia leopoldi (Sch. Bip. ex Walp.) Vatke (Asteraceae) is one of the widely used anti-cancer traditional medicinal plants in Ethiopia, despite the lack of data to support its therapeutic efficacy. Here we describe the isolation of compounds from the plant and the investigation of their cytotoxicity and other bioactivities. We identified the novel sesquiterpene lactone (SL) 11ß,13-dihydrovernodalol along with the three other SLs (vernomenin, vernolepin, and 11ß,13-dihydrovernodalin) and three flavonoids (apigenin, eriodyctiol, and luteolin) isolated from this plant for the first time. The structures of all the compounds were established based on extensive analysis of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic data and confirmed by high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. We then studied the biological activities of the SLs and found that all were cytotoxic at low μM ranges against MCF-7 and JIMT-1 breast cancer cells as well as against the normal-like MCF-10A breast epithelial cells evaluated in a spectrophotometric assay. All the SLs significantly reduced JIMT-1 cell migration after 72 h of treatment with 2 μM concentrations in a wound healing assay. Treatment with all SLs reduced the aldehyde dehydrogenase expressing cancer stem cell sub-population of the JIMT-1 cells significantly, evaluated by flow cytometry. Only 11ß,13-dihydrovernodalin resulted in a significant inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced translocation of nuclear factor κB to the cell nucleus. In addition, we show that the reporter fluorophore nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD) can successfully be conjugated with an SL and that this SL-NBD conjugate is taken up efficiently in JIMT-1 cells. Therefore, the overall bioactivities of the SL compounds and specifically their effects against the stemness of breast cancer cells make them prime candidates for further in-depth investigation.

Bongardia chrysogonum (L.) Spach as a potential medicinal plant against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease management

Background and Aims: Bongardia chrysogonum (L.) Spach (Berberidaceae), an ancient medicinal plant in Eastern Mediterranean countries, is traditionally used for the treatment of epilepsy, hemorrhoids, urinary system infections and gastrointestinal disorders. This study was designed to evaluate potential neuroprotective and anticancer effects of different parts from B. chrysogonum. Material and Methods: Leaf, stem, and tuber parts of the plant were extracted and subjected to determine cholinesterase enzyme inhibitory potentials and anticancer activities. Enzyme inhibition assays were carried out to screen neuroprotective potentials, while the MTT assay was performed for evaluating anticancer activities of the extracts towards human lung carcinoma (A549), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), brain glioma (C6), and non-tumorous human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) lines. Results: Among the tested extracts, the highest enzyme inhibitory activity was exhibited by tuber-water extract (83.81±0.33% and 62.14±0.60% inhibition on AChE and BChE at 400 µg/mL p<0.01, respectively), whilst the lowest enzyme inhibition was exerted by the tuber-chloroform extract. Moreover, the tuber part of the plant was found to have the most cytotoxic activity against all the cancer cells, and the best anticancer activity was determined in tuber ethanol extract against MCF-7 cells (IC50= 28.36±0.04, p<0.01). Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this research is the first study that assessed the in vitro neuroprotective effect of the aerial parts and tuber extracts of the plant through inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes alongside an anticancer capacity towards human cancer cells. The results revealed that this plant is a good candidate for performing further clinical studies in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Comparative Anatomical and Biochemical Characterization of Three Morphotypes of Ancient Medicinal Plant Cissus quadrangularis L.

The emphasis on search of new plant-derived drugs containing medicinally useful chemical constituents has increased in the last two decade. Additionally medicinal herbs are considered to be a chemical factory as it contains multitude of chemical compounds like alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, resins, oleoresin, and oils (essential and fixed). The studies on medicinal plant begin with knowing the anatomy and morphology of the plant followed by biochemical charcetrization and extraction of compounds of interest.Cissus quadrangularis L. is an important medicinal plant with diverse applications in alternative medicines. The extracts obtained from plant were used in treatment from ancient time as documented in Ayurveda.

Taxonomic monograph of the tribe Nigelleae (Ranunculaceae): a group including ancient medicinal plants

The tribe Nigelleae Schröd. (Ranunculaceae) worldwide distribution has been studied taxonomically, based on morphological, palynological and seed morphological characters, as well as chromosome counts. Extensive field works have been carried out in Turkey, Greece, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Portugal and in Northern Cyprus. Moreover, the specimens of major herbaria in Turkey, Ukraine, Russia, Syria and Iran as well in Europe have been examined. This study represents the most comprehensive monograph of the tribe based on field work across its nearly entire distributional range, complemented by examination of over 980 specimens from 25 herbaria and our collections with nomenclatural contributions. Eighteen species are recognized under three genera, namely Garidella Tourn. ex L. (2 speices), Komaroffia Kuntze (2), and Nigella L. (14). Four new combinations have been proposed here as Komaroffia bucharica (Schipcz.) Dönmez, Nigella arvensis L. var. aristata (Sibthorp & Smith) Dönmez & Uğurlu, N. oxypetala Boiss. var. latisecta (P.H.Davis) Dönmez & Uğurlu and N. oxypetala var. lancifolia (Hub.-Mor.) Dönmez & Uğurlu. Status of three names have been changed. Lectotypes of Komaroffia integrifolia and K. bucharica have been selected and incorrect lectotypification for K. bucharica is discussed. Twenty new synonyms have been proposed here, most of which belong to the Nigella arvensis complex. Although there are various generic and infrageneric treatments of Komaroffia and Garidella, both of them have been recognized here as separate genera in the tribe Nigelleae as they were accepted by some previous authors. Keys for identifiying the genera, species and infraspecific taxa have been prepared. Chromosome numbers are given, based on our novel data and the pertinent literature. Additionally, descriptions, synonymies, water colour illustrations, distribution maps, taxonomic notes and lists of all specimens examined are provided for each taxon. Based on the literature, herbarium specimens and field observations, IUCN threat categories have been proposed for the taxa.

Aloe vera carbohydrates regulate glucose metabolism through improved glycogen synthesis and downregulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis in diabetic rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is an ancient medicinal plant that belongs to the family Asphodelaceae. It has a rich source of bioactive constituents such as carbohydrates, polyphenols, peptides, sterols and tannins, etc. Aloe vera has multiple biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antidiabetic activity etc. Aim of the studyThe present study investigated the antidiabetic mechanism of Aloe vera carbohydrate fraction (AVCF) and aimed to provide insights into the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism enzymes in glucose homeostasis. Materials and methodsThe antidiabetic effect of AVCF was evaluated using α-amylase, α-glucosidase inhibition, glucose diffusion and glucose uptake assay. The in vitro AVCF effect on insulin secretion, cell proliferation and inflammatory markers were determined using streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress on RIN-m5F cells. Streptozotocin-induced male Wistar diabetic rats were treated for 21 days with AVCF (54 mg/kg bw). The in vivo AVCF effect was measured on fasting plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, hexokinase, glycogen synthase and glucose-6-phosphatase, levels in diabetic rats. Histopathological studies for organ-specific effects in the pancreas, liver and small intestine were also conducted. ResultsAVCF-treated RIN-m5F cells significantly increased BrdU levels, with insulin secretion, and decreased TNF-α, IL-6 and nitric oxide levels. AVCF treated streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose, glucagon and glucose-6-phosphatase levels with a concomitant increase in insulin, hexokinase, and glycogen synthase levels and, glycogen content. These findings corroborate with the improved hepatic glycogen content in the PAS stained histological section of the liver of AVCF treated diabetic rats. ConclusionThese results suggest that CF of Aloe vera improved glucose metabolism by activation of glycogenesis and down-regulation of gluconeogenesis thereby, maintaining glucose homeostasis. Hence, AVCF can be used as an alternative medicine in the alleviation of diabetes mellitus symptoms.

Phytochemical and Spectral analysis of Argoclavine; A potent Psychoactive substance present in the seeds of Argyreia nervosa plant

There are several medicinal plants having various medicinal properties is being widely used in Ayurveda which contain phytoconstituents. These phytoconstituents are beneficial to manage allied symptoms in psychosis andto treat abnormal condition of the mindthereby promoting mental well being. Argyreia nervosa (L.f) the ancient traditional medicinal plant belonging to the convolvulaceae family having prominent, psychedelic and neuro-pharmacological actions on our body. Argyreia nervosa seeds contain hallucinogens including ergot alkaloids such as ergine and Argoclavine and a naturally occurring lysergic acid amide. The current study describes pharmacognostic and phytochemical screening on Seeds of Argyreia nervosa. Argoclavine was extracted from the seeds and then characterised by different spectroscopic techniques like UV, IR, LC-MS. The results of the present study will create a way for the invention of novel herbal medicines for several ailments by using Argyreia nervosa seeds.

A review: Antimicrobial activity of the medicinal spice plants to cure human disease

Since the ancient time medicinal plants and spices are used as herbal medicine because of their medicinal values. They are the valuable resources of the natural antimicrobial compounds used to treat the infectious disease caused by bacteria and other pathogens. Plant’s extract, essential oil and numerous kinds of secondary compounds had antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidants activities with less or no toxic effects; that are essential to cure many diseases. The compounds isolated from the medicinal spice plants show antimicrobial activity against some bacterial strains that has the ability to affect the food quality and shelf life of the food. These plants have various medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory action, tonic, expectorants, diuretics, astringents, digestives, carminative, antibiotics and stimulants etc. The spectrum of compounds present in medicinal spice plants, and the structure of major compounds discussed in this review, are responsible for all of their medicinal properties. Therefore, plants are used in the form of maceration, fluid extracts, oil, syrup, juice, decoction, powder, tea and ointments. In the terms of the frequencies and configuration of various radicals both medicinal plants and antibiotics are different. Since plant-based products have no toxicity, also less costly than conventional drugs, research on the compounds found in medicinal plants and their action against harmful microbial species should be conducted in order to improve human health and expand the use of medicinal plants. Plants also have the ability to inhibit or alter protein-protein interactions, making them a powerful modulator of signal transduction, apoptosis, mitosis and immune response.

ROLE OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF DIABETES: A REVIEW

Since ancient time medicinal plants are playing a vital role in the treatment of various diseases.Plants consists of several phytoconstituents, phytochemicals which has great potential in the treatment of several disorders only thing is there is need to explore them and transform them in the form of affordable with less side effect and more patient compliance medicine. “Diabetes “ This word is familiar to everyone,and mostly everyone are aware of its consequences.The datas shows that the reason of half of all deaths is because of Diabetes. Plant sources are rich with several hypoglycemic compounds,but due to so called development of modern medicines,it has been ignored.However now a days several research is going on the medicinal plants and claimed activities,eventhough there is a need of extensive and fruitful research work as the result may turn into safe ,affordable and efcacious drug. Keeping the same in view this manuscript has been prepared wherein few plants or its parts are being discussed which has claimed antidiabetic activity but scientically not proven yet,even very few literatures/manuscript has been published claiming their antidiabetic property.Hence,this manuscript may help the researchers in exploring the antidiabetic herbal medicines or the phytoconstituents which may be useful in the treatment of deadly disorder i.e Diabetes.

Chemotaxonomic profiling of fungal endophytes of Solanum mauritianum (alien weed) using gas chromatography high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS)

IntroductionSince ancient times medicinal plants have been used as medicine in many parts of the world to promote human health and longevity. In recent years many novel secondary metabolites of plants have been isolated and reported to provide lead compounds for new drug discoveries. Solanum mauritianum Scopoli is native to South America. It is reported to be used by native South Americans during famine as a vegetable and as medicine to cure various diseases. In South Africa the plant is viewed as weed and is facing eradication, however, this plant is a valuable subject for research into its potential pharmaceutical and chemical uses. This study elucidated the metabolic profile of fungal endophytes that have promising bioactive secondary metabolites against pathogenic microorganisms, including mycobacterium species.Material and methodsFungal endophytes from a weed Solanum mauritianum Scop. were used to synthesize secondary metabolites. Gas chromatograph high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-HRTOF-MS) was used to analyse volatile compounds to prove that potentially fungal endophytes could be extracted from this weed. Extracts obtained with ethyl acetate were screened for phytochemicals and analyzed using a gas chromatograph high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry system. Principal component analysis was used to compare the gas chromatograph high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry data for differences/similarities in their clustering. Phytochemical screening was conducted on the crude extracts of fungal endophytes obtained from different parts of Solanum mauritianum Scopoli (leaves, ripe fruit, unripe fruit and stems).ResultsPhytochemical screening indicated the presents of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, quinones and saponins. Quinones were not present in the crude extracts of Fusarium sp. A total of 991 compounds were observed in the fungal endophytes, and Cladosporium sp. (23.8%) had the highest number of compounds, compared to Paracamarosporium leucadendri (1.7%) and Talaromyces sp. (1.5%). Some volatile compounds such as eicosane, 2-pentadecanone, 2-methyloctacosane, hexacosane and tridecanoic acid methyl ester with antibacterial activity were also observed.ConclusionCompositional variations between the plant and fungal endophyte phytochemicals were observed. The results of this study indicate that fungal endophytes from Solanum mauritianum Scop. contain compounds that can be exploited for numerous pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.

A review of ancient medicinal plants utilized in therapy of cardiovascular diseases

A review of ancient medicinal plants utilized in therapy of cardiovascular diseases - IJPP- Print ISSN No: - 2393-9079 Online ISSN No:- 2393-9087 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.ijpp.2021.001, Indian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology-Indian J Pharm Pharmacol

Direct esterification of sucrose: novel lead-compounds against cancer

Introduction Phenylpropanoic sugar esters are a class of naturally occurring active substances, mainly found in ancient oriental medicinal plants (Figure 1), with a scope of activity ranging from antioxidant, antibacterial as well as anti-tumoral [1]. Though relatively simple in structure – owing to their resemblance to natural carbohydrates - few have been the successful attempts to obtain them in the laboratory, hampered mainly by the fact that the high similarity between functional groups in sugars restrains the feasibility of current methods and their reproducibility in industrial scales [2]. Our study aims for the development of reliable and effective methods for the synthesis of a library of phenylpropanoic esters derived from sucrose. Figure 1. Veronicastrum Sibiricum, one of the plants containing phenylpropanoic sucrose esters as the active substance. Materials and methods The lead-compounds are obtained by treating sucrose with a vigorous basic medium. The preferential esterification in the sugar hydroxyls is catalysed by a metal halide salt. The different compounds obtained are meant to be tested and screened for their biological applications, with particular emphasis on their action against cancer cells. Results Our most appealing discovery is the possibility of directly enhancing the regioselectivity of the 2, 3′, 6 and 6′-hydroxyl positions in the sugar moiety induced by transition-metal salts as catalysts [3] (Scheme 1). Different metal salts induce the different hydroxyls mentioned for a direct esterification with the acylating agent, which reflects the specificity and versatility of this novel class of reactions. Scheme 1. General route for the metal-chelate direct esterification of sucrose molecule. Discussion and conclusions We can conclude, so far, that cobalt and copper chloride salts give the best results in terms of yield (more than 30% conversion) and decreased reaction time (less than one hour). To further extend our knowledge about the metal-chelate directed acylation method, we are also experimenting with other halide salts, namely zinc, calcium, nickel and iron, as well as with derivatized molecules of sucrose. Thus, our work can certainly lead the development of novel drugs and resourceful cancer therapies.

The traditional uses, secondary metabolites, and pharmacology of Lycopodium species

Lycopodium is a genus of the family Pteridophytes, which is widely distributed in temperate and tropical climates and tropical mountains. Plants of genus Lycopodium are ancient medicinal plants which have been used in different traditional medicinal system to treat many diseases, mainly focus on central nervous system and inflammation-related diseases. Rigorous pharmacological and clinical studies conducted in recent decades have demonstrated their special efficacy in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, secondary metabolites and extracts from these plants have been proven to possess neuroprotective, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antiviral effects, which supports most of traditional medicinal uses of Lycopodium plants. To date, a total of 508 secondary metabolites have been reported from the 46 species belonging to genus Lycopodium. Among those metabolites, Lycopodium alkaloids and serratene triterpenoids represent two major classes of bioactive ingredients. Notably, huperzine A, a Lycopodium alkaloid originally isolated from L. serratum, was licensed in China as a drug for the treatment of AD and in the United States as a dietary supplement. Besides, serratane-type triterpenoids may be potential candidates for the development of anticancer drugs. This review covers the literatures available from 1947 to 2020 and mainly discusses knowledge on ethnopharmacology, secondary metabolites, pharmacological activities, clinical trials, toxicology, and quality control of Lycopodium species. In addition, the present review also draws attention to the gaps that still exist in the scientific studies on Lycopodium plants, which would accelerate the contemporary development of this traditional medicinal plant.

An attempt to improve the solubility and stability of Ocimum tenuiflorum aqueous leaves extract

Medicinal plants have gained attention in recent years due to the presence of various bioactive compounds which promote distinct health benefits and is less toxic. However, the plants face common and serious problems due to their active compounds which are the solubility and stability. Ocimum tenuiflorum, one of the ancient medicinal plants were its medicinal values have been widely studies. Yet, study to improve its quality still lacking. Thus, an effort was taken to study and improve the solubility and stability of the plant. Solid dispersions were prepared with extract and different types of surfactants at different ratio have used to improve the stability. Lecithin (1:1 ratio) have improved the solubility significantly (p<0.05) when compared to extract. Enhancement in solubility, hence improved the stability when stored at 4°C of the solid dispersion of extract. Overall, the study has successfully improved the quality of the extract with lecithin complex whereby the solubility and increases stability.

A Review Focused on Molecular Mechanisms of Anxiolytic Effect of Valerina officinalis L. in Connection with Its Phytochemistry through in vitro/in vivo Studies.

Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerianaceae) is one of the most reputed ancient medicinal plants used in modern phytotherapy and traditional medicine. Its root extract is one of the most effective herbal sedatives and tranquilizers, where the plant is also used for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasms. V. officinalis has complex phytochemistry consisting of the esterified iridoid derivatives known as valepotriates (e.g., valtrate, didrovaltrate, isovalerenic acid), sesquiterpenes (e.g., valerenic acid), flavonoids (e.g., linarin, apigenin), lignans (e.g., pinoresinol, hydroxypinoresinol), alkaloids (e.g., actinidine, valerine), triterpenes (e.g., ursolic acid), monoterpenes (e.g., borneol, bornyl acetate). Among them, valerenic acid is a marker compound for standardization of the root extracts of the plant and has been reported in many in vitro/in vivo studies to be responsible for anxiolytic action of the plant. Although modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors has been revealed to be the leading mechanism of the plant-based on the existence of valerenic acid, several studies described the interaction of valerenic acid with glutamergic receptors. In addition to valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, didrovaltrate, borneol, and some lignans have also been proposed to contribute to the anxiolytic effect of the plant. In the current review, the data selectively scrutinized from the in vitro/in vivo studies about identifying anxiolytic molecular mechanisms of V. officinalis is focused.