Ligulata Research Articles

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Antimicrobial Potential of Bergenia ligulata

Bergenia ligulata, locally known as “Pashanbheda,” belongs to the family Saxifragaceae and is a perennial herb with a short and thick stem. This plant has numerous medicinal properties including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. The qualitative and quantitative analysis shows that the rhizome of this plant contains various phytochemical constituents. Qualitative analysis shows that it contains phenols, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids, steroids, carbohydrates, and glycosides. Thirty- two bioactive compounds were identifiedduring GC-MS analysis. Dihydro-3-methylene-5-methyl-2-furanon, Stigmast-5-en-3-ol, 9-Octadecenamide(Z), 6,9-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, methyl compounds have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. The total phenol and flavonoid content from the quantitative analysis revealed a significant amount of phenol i.e., 67.1±0.02*6mg/g, and flavonoid content i.e., 89.11±0.01* mg/g. In vitro, antioxidant activities were estimated by diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay showing the highest % inhibition of 47.24±0.06* for plant extract and 41.63±0.057* for standard respectively. The in vitro, antidiabetic activitieswere estimated by alpha-amylase inhibition assay showing the highest % inhibition of 67.14±0.05* at 250 μg/ ml for methanolic plant extract and 61.42±0.01* at 250 μg/ ml for standard and in vitro antibacterial potential were detected by using Agar well diffusion process. The anti-bacterial action was found maximum in aqueous plant extract against staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Biogenic Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles using Bergenia ligulata Rhizome Extract and their Biological Activities

Over the last few decades, nanoparticles were synthesized using various methods. Currently, studies are more focussed towards the biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles which has proven to simple, environmental-friendly, convenient and non-toxic as compared to other conventional methods. This work describes the biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) using Bergenia ligulata rhizome extract. The synthesis of FeO NPs was validated by visual inspections when the colour of solution changed from dark brown to blackish brown. Other characterization including UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS and stability tests were also performed. UV-visible spectrum of FeO NPs revealed high signal at 290 nm. The FTIR spectroscopy analysis revealed various functional groups at different bands. XRD results confirms the crystalline structure of FeO NPs. The size and stability of the synthesized nanoparticles was studied by DLS analysis and stability test. Plant extracts and NPs produced were used for a quantitative study that revealed phenolic and flavonoid compounds in high concentration. ABTS and DPPH tests were carried out to assess the in vitro radical scavenging activities. Further, the antifungal activity was performed against Rosellinia necatrix, Fusarium spp, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This study confirms that the synthesized FeO NPs are a novel natural preservative with possible uses in agricultural applications.

DEVELOPMENT OF MUTRALA KASHAYA - A NOVEL AYURVEDIC DECOCTION

Renal calculi, one of the most common social problems caused by incorrect urine elimination. By the process of excretion of urine in excess quantity, Mutrala drugs help in the removal of renal stones through the urine or lessen their size. A novel decoction was prepared by ingredients having diuretic and lithotropic action. Mutrala kashaya was prepared by boiling coarse powder of Boerhavia diffusa Linn., Treibulus terrestris Linn., Bergenia ligulata Wall., Crateva nurvala buch Ham., Coriandrum sativum Linn., Vetivera zizanoids Linn., Benincasa hispida Thunb. and Vigna unguiculata Linn. Phyto-and physiochemical values of all drugs were under standard range of API. Total solids of Mutrala kashaya is 4.92 %, pH is 4.5, specific gravity is 1.04, refractive index is 1.349, viscosity is 0.00125 mm2 sec-1. HPTLC showed 16 Rf values. It shows presence of reducing sugars (1.5%), fats, and oils along with cardiac and saponin glycosides. Mutrala kashaya can be developed by using herbal drugs having diuretic and lithotrophic effects.

PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF BERGENIA LIGULATA (WALL.) LEAVES EXTRACTS

Objective: Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antifungal potential of Phytoconstituents present in leaf extracts of Bergenia ligulata (wall.) plant. Methods: The antimicrobial effects of leaves of Bergenia ligulata (wall.) were evaluated using both ethanol and aqueous extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Penicillium spp. Agar well diffusion method was employed in determining the antimicrobial activity and the broth dilution method for determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. All the isolates examined were susceptible to both the ethanol, aqueous, and the combined aqueous and ethanol extracts (synergetic effect) of the Bergenia ligulata leaves. Results: The zone of inhibition ranged from 6.93±0.02b mm to 12.81±0.03a mm, with Escherichia coli being the most susceptible at 12.81±0.03a mm to the ethanol and 11.53±0.02a mm to the aqueous extracts at 250 mg/ml concentration while P. aeruginosa and Penicillin spp. were the slightest susceptible at 10.88±0.02a mm to the ethanol and 09.76±0.02a mm to the aqueous extract at 250 mg/ml concentration. The control/standard antimicrobial agent (Gentamicin and Metronidazole) exhibited higher inhibitory activity than the plant extracts. The least inhibitory value of 6.25 mg/ml was produced against P. aeruginosa by the ethanolic extract and against C. albicans by the combined (aqueous and ethanol) extracts of the plant. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening of the leaves of Bergenia ligulata reveals the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, and steroids. The most abundant percentage composition observed was flavonoids (7.72%), while tannins had the least component (4.29%). Conclusion: The findings from this study show that the leaves extracts hold considerable antimicrobial activity against commonly encountered microorganisms in the environment. This, therefore, implies that it can be used as a chemotherapeutic agent which will contribute to the development of antibiotic drugs against the test organisms.

Induction of p53 mediated mitochondrial apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in human breast cancer cells by plant mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Bergenia ligulata (Whole plant)

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles is a growing research trend because it has numerous pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The present study describes the preparation, characterization and anti-cancer evaluation of silver nanoparticles synthesized using an aqueous extract of Bergenia ligulata whole plant as a reducing agent. The physiochemical properties of the Bergenia ligulata silver nanoparticles (BgAgNPs) were measured by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotmetry (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis for identifying functional groups, crystallinity, structural and morphological features, respectively. Further, BgAgNps, along with the Bergenia ligulata aqueous extract (BgAE), were investigated for their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis through MTT, colony-forming assay, wound-healing assay and flow cytometry-based approaches. The cytotoxic effects were more pronounced in cells treated with BgAgNps in comparison to BgAE. These effects were evidenced by the decreasing cell viability, migration capacity and loss of characteristic morphological features. In addition, BgAgNps unveiled significant induction of apoptosis in human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells, possibly through oxidative stress-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, molecular mechanism-based studies revealed that BgAgNps robustly augmented p53 levels and pro-apoptotic downstream targets of p53 like Bax and cleaved caspase 3 in MCF-7 cells. Of note, BgAgNps had little or no cytotoxic effect on p53-deficient cancer cells (Mda-mb-231 and SW-620). These findings confirm that the BgAgNPs exhibited superior anti-cancer potential and could be exploited as a promising, cost-effective, and environmentally benign strategy in treating this disease in the future.

Bioassay Guided Fractionation of Phytocompounds from Bergenia ligulata: A synergistic approach to treat drug resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens

Bergenia ligulata Wall. Engl. is perennial herb used for the treatment urinary discharges, diseases of urinary bladder, dysentery, menorrhagia, splenic enlargement and heart diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial and synergistic potential of solvent fractions and major phytocompound of B. ligulata against bacterial and fungal pathogens. The antimicrobial and synergistic potential of the solvent fractions (Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and remaining aqueous) of methanolic extract of B. ligulata rhizome and major phytocompound bergenin were investigated by agar well diffusion and broth microdilution method. Major Phytocompound bergenin was quantified in solvent fractions of B. ligulata by HPTLC and HP-LC method Molecular docking of bergenin was done by AutoDock vina with bacterial and fungal targets. Drug likeness and ADME screening was done with help of molinspiration and swissADME servers. Ethyl acetate sub-fraction of B. ligulata showed the highest antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains with zone of inhibition 13, 13, 14, 13 mm against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans MTCC 277 and ATCC 90028 respectively. The MIC of ethyl acetate sub-fraction against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans MTCC 277 and ATCC 90028 was 31.25, 250, 62.5, 62.5 μg mg−1 respectively. Bergenin major phytocompound of B. ligulata also showed the antimicrobial activity with MIC 250 μg mg−1 against all the selected bacterial and fungal strains. Quantification of bergenin showed that ethyl-acetate sub fraction (17.6 μg mg−1 and 112 μg mg−1 measured through HPTLC and HPLC, respectively) is rich in bergenin content. The bergenin content recovered in ethyl acetate sub-fraction is 38.2%. Bergenin showed good interactions with bacterial and fungal targets and follows all parameters of drug likeness. Conclusions: Solvent fractions of B. ligulata and major phytocompound Bergenin can be used as a bioenhancer of antibacterial and antifungal agents to treat drug resistant pathogens.

REVIEW ON COMPILATION OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BERGENIA CILIATA: THE MEDICINAL HERB OF HIMALAYAS

As mentioned in the texts such as Vedas, Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, Bergenia ciliata is a known to be the ancient and medicinal plant belonging to the family Saxifragaceae. It can be found as a shrub or an herb, while some are trees or vines. The family includes about 80 genera, 1250 species and has biological properties that are possessed by the different plant parts including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-plasmodial, antitumor, antitussive activity, antineoplastic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. Many of its members grow in rocky places. Bergenia ciliata itself shows that the plant originate between rocks and appears to break them or that it possesses lithotroptic property. It’s different plant parts are reported to have different medicinal properties. There are three species of Bergenia found in India Bergenia ligulata, Bergenia ciliata, Bergenia stracheyi. The rhizomes of these plants are used in the indigenous system of medicines.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON BERGENIA LIGULATA (PAASHANBHEDA) AND ITS ROLE IN THE TREATMENT OF KIDNEY STONE FORMATION

Bergenia ligulata, a member of the saxifragaceae family, is a well-known Ayurvedic medicine Paashanbheda. Bergenia ligulata is a highly regarded medicinal herb and one of the most well-known examples of controversial drugs in Indian medicine, commonly referred to as "Paashanbheda." This plant is well-known for its ability to dissolve kidney stones. Bergenia comes in three varieties: B. ligulata, B. ciliata and B. stracheyi. Bergenin is the species' key chemical constituent. Many secondary metabolites belonging to coumarins, flavonoids, benzenoids, lactone, fructose, tannins, phenols, and sterols have been discovered in phytochemical studies. Anti-urolithic, antiviral, free radical scavenging, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, diuretic, antipyretic, anti-oxaluria, antitumor, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-implantation and cardio-protective activities have been observed in crude extracts and isolated compounds from B. ligulata. Bergenin, (+) afzelechin, (+) catechin and -sitosterol were discovered in the plant's phytochemistry. Many pharmacological activities of plants have been studied, including antipyretic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, antiurolithic and antimalarial. The aim of this review is to present the most current knowledge on botany, Pharmacognosy, conventional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacopoeial requirements, pharmacology of B. ligulata, as well as the biological activities of Bergenin (active constituent from Bergenia ligulata). It covers the information collected from scientific journals, books, theses and reports via a library and electronic search (Google Scholar and PubMed).

Phytochemical Screening, Antioxidant Profile and Cytotoxic Activity of Methanol Extract of Bergenia ligulate

Bergenia ligulata is the prominent ayurvedic herb for anticancer activity. The leaf of Bergenia ligulata was extracted with methanol and evaluated by phytochemical analysis for the content of innumerable metabolites like primary and secondary. The antioxidant efficacy was assessed through method DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Estimation of total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and tannin content were done to confirm the presence of these photochemical. The cytotoxic effect was determined against the Adrenal gland cancer cell lines (PC12 using MTT assay). It was revealed from the phytochemical analysis of methanol extract of Bergenia ligulata that tannin, saponin, cardio glycosides, protein, quinines, phenols and flavonoid were present. A significant antioxidant activity was revealed by the methanol extract 42.8+3.40%. Quantity of total phenol content, total flavonoid content and tannin content were the highest in the139.8 +9.06mg of GAE/g, 77+6.40 mg of QE/g, 70.4+6.40mg of TAE/g at 500 µg concentration. At lowest concentration of 3.12 µg/ml of methanol extract of Bergenia ligulata cell death was observed with the highest value of 61.1+4.86% respectively. The IC 50 value of methanol extract of Bergenia ligulata was found to be 53.925% µg/ml respectively against PC12 cell line. The study suggests that methanol extract of Bergenia ligulata has significantly antioxidant property. Bergenia ligulata is a good candidate for isolation of antioxidant, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, tannin and anticancer activity that can be a breakthrough for pharmaceutical industry. The antioxidant activity present in Bergenia ligulata have strong cytotoxic activity suggests that it can be considered for anti-cancer treatment.

Downregulation of inflammatory mediators by ethanolic extract of Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) in oxalate injured renal epithelial cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn the Indian traditional system of medicine, Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. has been used for treatment of urolithiasis. Its efficacious nature has led to its incorporation in various commercial herbal formulations such as Cystone and Neeri which are prescribed for kidney related ailments. Aim of the studyTo assess whether ethanolic extract of B. ligulata can mitigate the cascade of inflammatory responses that cause oxidative stress and ultimately cell death in renal epithelial cells exposed to hyperoxaluric conditions. Material and methodsBioactivity guided fractionation using solvents of varying polarities was employed to evaluate the potential of the extracts of B. ligulata to inhibit the crystallization process. Modulation of crystal morphology was visualized through Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Cell death was assessed using flow cytometry based assays. Alteration in the inflammatory mediators was evaluated using real time PCR and immunocytochemistry. Phytochemical characterization of the ethanolic extract was carried out using FTIR, LC-MS and GC-MS. ResultsBioactivity guided fractionation for the assessment of antilithiatic activity revealed dose dependent inhibition of nucleation and aggregation process of calcium oxalate crystals in the presence of various extracts, however ethanolic extract showed maximum inhibition and was chosen for further experiments. Studies on renal epithelial NRK-52E cells showed, cytoprotective efficacy of B. ligulata extract against oxalate injury. SEM anaysis further revealed the potential of the extract to modulate the crystal structure and adhesion to renal cell surface. Exposure of the renal cells to the extract led to conversion of the calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals to the less injurious calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) form. Expression analysis for oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in NRK-52E cells revealed up-regulation of Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), Osteopontin (OPN) and Nuclear factor- ĸB (NF-ĸB), in response to calcium oxalate insult; which was drastically reduced in the presence of B. ligulata extract. Flow cytometric evaluation pointed to caspase 3 mediated apoptotic cell death in oxalate injured cells, which was attenuated by B. ligulata extract. ConclusionConsidering the complex multifactorial etiology of urolithiasis, ethanolic extract from B. ligulata can be a promising option for the management of kidney stones, as it has the potential to limit inflammation and the subsequent cell death.

Traditional Medicinal Plants of Higher Altitude of Himachal Pradesh as Functional Food Ingredient Cum Food Preservative and Bioavailability Enhancer of Anifungal Antibiotics

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida. Fluconazole and amphotericin B are most commonly used antibiotics to treat Candidiasis. Some strains of Candida have developed drug resistance (DR) to these antibiotics (and even multidrug resistance, MDR), which are difficult to treat. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential of four different medicinal plants (Picrorhiza kurroa, Polygonum amplexicaule, Cythula tomentosa, Bergenia ligulata) of high altitude of Himachal Pradesh as bioavailability enhancer of anifungal antibiotics (fluconazole and amphotericin B.) and antioxidant potential to develop functional food ingredient cum food preservatives. Methanolic extracts of P. amplexicaule showed higher total phenolic content (549.33 ± 3.9 mg/gm GAE) and B. ligulata (rhizome extract) showed higher flavonoid content (382.8 ± 2.4 mg/gm RE). Methanolic extracts of B. ligulata (roots and leaves) and P. amplexicaule showed higher antifungal potential as determined by agar well diffusion and broth dilution methods against Candida albicans (MTCC277 and ATCC90028) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (H1086). Extracts of B. ligulata (leaves and roots) and P. amplexicaule (roots) enhanced the bioavailability of fluconazole and amphotericin B, thus providing better management to Candidiasis. Extracts of all the selected medicinal plants were also screened and compared for in vitro antioxidant potential using DPPH radical scavenging method. It was found that methanolic extracts of P. kurroa (IC50 value 5.62 μg/ml and B. ligulata (roots IC50- 3.107 μg/ml, leaves (3.99μg/ml) showed higher antioxidant potential as compared to other medicinal plants and very similar to ascorbic acid. The data from the current study proposed the importance of these four medicinal plants of higher altitudinal regions of Himachal Pradesh as functional food ingredients and food preservation and bioavailability enhancer to better treat drug resistance in Candida based infections.

Correction to: Isolation and Mycotaxonomic Characterization of Colletotrichum lillacola: A Novel Species Causing Anthracnose of Bergenia ligulata

Correction to: Isolation and Mycotaxonomic Characterization of Colletotrichum lillacola: A Novel Species Causing Anthracnose of Bergenia ligulata

Evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial potential of bergenin rich Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. root extract against visceral leishmaniasis in inbred BALB/c mice through immunomodulation

BackgroundMedicinal plants with immunomodulatory properties can provide good alternative therapeutics for curing visceral leishmaniasis. Bergenia ligulata (Wall.) Engl. is an interesting plant with strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective properties. AimThe present study was planned to determine the antileishmanial activity of plant extract by modulating the immune responses of inbred BALB/c mice. MethodologyBergenin, the principle active component of B. ligulata, was quantitated in crude extract by performing RP-HPLC. The therapeutic potential was assessed through in vitro antileishmanial activity and in mice model through parasite load, cytokine assays, IgG antibody levels, DTH responses, histopathology and biochemical enzyme assays. ResultsB. ligulata showed the presence of glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids and bergenin which contributed to the antileishmanial activity of extract with IC50 of 22.70 μg/mL. Furthermore, the higher dose significantly reduced the parasite load by 95.56 %. The reduction was further associated with significant enhancement of IL-12 and IFN-γ levels in comparison to IL-10 and IL-4 cytokines. The switching towards Th1 type of immune response was also confirmed by elevated antibody levels of IgG2a isotype as compared to IgG1 as well as increased DTH responses. The histology of liver and kidney further complimented the non toxic nature of plant extract in addition to its negligible toxicity on HeLa cells. ConclusionsThe current study revealed the significant antileishmanial and immunomodulatory properties of this plant extract against murine visceral leishmaniasis. Further, the bioactive components will be explored to assess their efficacy for the development of safe and cost effective drug.

Investigation of Urolithiatic Activity of Prepared Polyherbal Formulations in Wister Rats

Formulations were prepared containing Bergenia ligulata, Didymocarpus pedicellata, Dolichos biflorus, Boerhaavia diffusa, Crataeva nurvala and Ocimum sanctum in different ratios and coded as F1, F2 and F3. In vivo urolithiatic activities of the prepared formulations (i.e. F1:20, F1:40, F1:60, F2:20, F2:40, F2:60, F3:20, F3:40 and F3:60) were performed in rats using ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis model. It was observed that in comparison with the standard drug i.e. Cystone (30 mg/kg b wt.) the prepared formulation F3:60 (60 mg/kg b wt.) have shown significant antilithiatic activity. Keywords: Urolithiasis, herbal formulation, Bergenia ligulata, Didymocarpus pedicellata, Dolichos biflorus, Boerhaavia diffusa, Crataeva nurvala, Ocimum sanctum.

Plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase

Plantas medicinais têm sido utilizadas mundialmente para o controle de urolitíases na medicina humana. A ocorrência desta afecção tem aumentado em humanos, ruminantes, cães e gatos. Nos animais, fatores patofisiológicos adquiridos, congênitos ou familiares podem estar envolvidos, havendo similaridade ao que se observa em seres humanos. Porém, apesar dos avanços nas pesquisas, o emprego de plantas medicinais na medicina veterinária, ainda é pouco utilizado. Dessa forma, objetivou-se apresentar uma revisão bibliográfica dos resultados do uso de plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase. As plantas utilizadas são: Ammi visnaga, Bergenia ligulata, Cynodon dactylon, Herniaria hirsuta e Phyllanthus niruri. A atividade antilitogênica foi relacionada às alterações da composição iônica da urina, atividade diurética, inibição de cristalização e agregação de cristais. Destaca-se o uso de Phyllanthus niruri, pela eficácia na prevenção dos urólitos. Extratos de Phyllanthus niruri normalizaram níveis altos de cálcio urinário, desfavorecendo os estágios iniciais de formação dos urólitos. Adicionalmente, foram associados à elevação da filtração glomerular e excreção urinária de ácido úrico sugerindo utilização potencial não só como efeito lítico e preventivo das calculoses, mas também em pacientes hiperuricêmicos e portadores de insuficiência renal. A partir dos resultados relatados, pode-se concluir que os trabalhos apresentados pela literatura atual são capazes de comprovar os efeitos benéficos do uso de plantas medicinais no controle de urolitíase. Entretanto, ainda são escassos os estudos realizados em animais domésticos, predominando ensaios desenvolvidos em roedores.

Phytochemical Screening and Blood Glucose Level Lowering Effect of Bergenia ligulata Root Extracts

The present study was carried out to evaluate the blood sugar level lowering effect of different extract of Bergenia ligulata root i.e. Pet. ether, Solvent ether, Chloroform, Acetone and Ethanol extracts in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The duration of study was 15 days. Blood sugar level lowering activity was evaluated by measuring the Blood sugar level and lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, Total Glyceride, High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein, and Very Low Density Lipoprotein). The acetone extract has shown significant effect on blood sugar level at a dose of (500 mg/kg,b.w, p.o/day). The study results suggested the Bergenia ligulata roots possess' significant activity. The different extract of the root of Bergenia ligulata were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and reveals the presence of Alkaloids, Glycosides, Tannins, Flavonoids and Sterols.

Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Potential Bergenia ligulata

Bergenia ligulata Wall., family Saxifragaceae, is an Indian folk medicine used for a variety of pharmacological effects. In this study, evidence is provided in animal model to demonstrate the role of aqueous as well as 50% ethanolic extract of B. ligulata in inflammation and as antibacterial agent. Oral administration of the extract at a dose level of 1 gm/kg bw showed anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activity as evaluated using pharmacological and biochemical parameters. The effect was studied on biochemical parameters reportedly perturbed in inflammation. While the extract treatment could alleviate the level of succinate dehydrogenase and xanthine oxidase, which increase in inflammation, the level of superoxide dismutase increased following the treatment with the extract as well as the diclofenac. Role of oxygen free radicals/peroxides was evaluated by measuring lipid peroxidation and glutathione. Treatment with the extract could significantly decrease the enhanced level of lipid peroxidation in inflammation, and increased the level of glutathione. Further, the antibacterial activity of various fractions was tested in vitro using cultures of Escherichia coli, Baccillus subtilis, and S. aureus, and the fractions were found to be antibacterial. The antifungal activity was also tested using the culture of Saccharomyces. However, the drug was ineffective in inhibiting fungal growth. Results provide evidence suggesting the anti-inflammatory as well as the antibacterial role of B. ligulata, thus implicating the plant extract in treatment against the bacterial infection and inflammation.

Urolithic property of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): An experimental study

Despite modern techniques, the recurrence rate of Urolithiasis is approximately 50% within 5 years. Thus, there must be some drug that corrects the metabolic errors and prevents the formation of stone. In Ayurveda, a detailed description of urolithiasis is mentioned under the heading of Ashmari. A group of Ayurvedic drugs are described for the management of Urolithiasis, like Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata), Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), Kullattha (Dolichos biflorus), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), etc. in our ancient texts. The present work was designed to study the effect of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) on the experimental model of urolithiasis (albino rats). The study was categorized into two groups: Group I, treated and Group II, control. In all albino rats, stone was surgically implanted into the urinary bladder. Estimation of the urinary and serum electrolyte done periodically and x-rays were exposed at a regular interval. This study suggests the decoction of Varuna (Crataeva nurvala) is effective in the management of urolithiasis.

Antiurolithic effect of Bergenia ligulata rhizome: An explanation of the underlying mechanisms

Ethnopharmacological relevance Bergenia ligulata is widely used plant in South Asia, mainly India and Pakistan, as a traditional medicine for treatment of urolithiasis. Aim of the study To rationalize the Bergenia ligulata use in kidney stones and to explain the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods The crude aqueous-methanolic extract of Bergenia ligulata rhizome (BLR) was studied using in vitro and in vivo methods. Results BLR inhibited calcium oxalate (CaC 2O 4) crystal aggregation as well as crystal formation in the metastable solutions and exhibited antioxidant effect against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical and lipid peroxidation in the in vitro. BLR caused diuresis in rats accompanied by a saluretic effect. In an animal model of urolithiasis, developed in male Wistar rats by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) in drinking water, BLR (5–10 mg/kg) prevented CaC 2O 4 crystal deposition in the renal tubules. The lithogenic treatment caused polyuria, weight loss, impairment of renal function and oxidative stress, manifested as increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents, depleted reduced glutathione and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities of the kidneys, which were prevented by BLR. Unlike the untreated animals, EG intake did not cause excessive hyperoxaluria and hypocalciuria in BLR treated groups and there was a significant increase in the urinary Mg 2+, instead of a slight decrease. Conclusions These data indicate the antiurolithic activity in Bergenia ligulata mediated possibly through CaC 2O 4 crystal inhibition, diuretic, hypermagneseuric and antioxidant effects and this study rationalizes its medicinal use in urolithiasis.

Wirkung von Pflanzenextrakten auf die Neuraminidase-Aktivität

EFFECTS OF PLANT EXTRACTS ON NEURAMINIDASE ACTIVITYThe seasonal flu epidemics are caused by Influenza A and B viruses. In 2002, EU regulatory approval was granted for the neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) Zanamivir and Oseltamivir. Due to its long tradition over several hundred years, ethnomedicine provides a promising source for new drugs against flu and colds. Previously, neither the validity nor the efficacy mechanisms of the drugs were wholly investigated. Therefore different extracts of plants used in traditional medicine were tested in an in vitro enzyme assay for their ability to inhibit prokaryotic neuraminidase. Zanamivir served as reference inhibitor (IC 50 = 215 μM). The methanolic extract of GERANIUM SANGUINEUM (IC 50 = 3.9 × 10 -4 mg/ml), EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS (IC 50 = 1.50 × 10 -3 mg/ml), GINKGO BILOBA (IC 50 = 2.31 × 10 -3 mg/ml) and the ethanolic extract of BERGENIA LIGULATA (IC 50 = 3.20 × 10 -3 mg/ml) inhibited the neuraminidase best. Extracts of ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA, ELEUTEROCOCCUS SENTICOSUS and ZINGIBER OFFICINALE exhibited weak inhibitory activities. This leads to the conclusion that natural products and plant extracts seem to be a promising source in finding new neuraminidase inhibitors.