Bitter Tonic Research Articles

Degradation of andrographolide in Andrographis paniculata over 1 year storage.

Andrographolide is a bioactive component found in the medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Wall. ex Nees (Family-Acanthaceae) is well-known for its ability to cure liver disorders and as a bitter tonic. In this study, the rate of degradation of andrographolide was examined over the course of a year of storage. New and old (1-year storage) A.paniculata powder samples were used in the study. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to assess the concentration of andrographolide after its extraction using ethanol as the solvent. The findings demonstrated a 69.26% progressive deterioration of andrographolide over the storage period. Temperature and crystallinity are two factors that affect how quickly andrographolide degrades. The results emphasize how crucial it is to retain the effectiveness of A.paniculata extract by avoiding prolonged storage or by providing ideal storage conditions.

Heat- and microwave-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from Gentiana asclepiadea L. underground parts: Optimization and comparative assessment using response surface methodology

Willow gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea L., Gentianaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in ethnopharmacology as a bitter tonic and for gastrointestinal and liver diseases. This study compared and optimized conventional heat-assisted extraction (HAE) and advanced microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of bioactive compounds from willow gentian underground parts. Four key operating conditions for both extraction systems were optimized separately (A: extraction time, B: ethanol concentration, C: liquid to solid ratio, and D: extraction temperature for HAE or microwave power for MAE) employing response surface methodology (RSM). Optimization aimed to maximize the recovery of four major individual secondary metabolites (gentiopicroside, isoorientin, isovitexin, and isogentisin), as well as total polyphenols, simultaneously. The predicted optimal operating conditions were A: 160.87 min, B: 56.73% (v/v), C: 50.00 ml/g, and D: 62.24 °C for HAE and A: 9.64 min, B: 37.64% (v/v), C: 50.00 ml/g, and D: 511.95 W for MAE. The experimentally obtained responses of all monitored compounds under optimal conditions were in close agreement with the predicted values, suggesting appropriate predictive accuracy of the developed RSM models. Responses of all compounds were slightly higher in the case of HAE (about 10–15%). Nevertheless, MAE as a method that significantly accelerates the extraction process and reduces ethanol consumption, could be a valuable alternative approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from willow gentian underground parts.

IN VITRO ANTI-DIABETIC ACTIVITY PUNICA GRANATUM LINN LEAF EXTRACT

Objective: The present investigation deals with the study of in vitro anti-diabetic activity by inhibition of intestinal absorption of glucose by alpha-amylase method. Punica granatum L plant is a fruit-bearing deciduous shrub. It is used in the treatment of pneumonia as a bitter tonic also used in the treatment of flu, mouth and lip infection, antifungal, and immunosuppressant which used to treat heart disorders, stomach disorders, dental care, anemia, osteoarthritis, and anti-diabetic. The intestinal digestive enzymes such as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase have played a vital role in carbohydrate digestion that these can be an important approach in managing of blood glucose. Methods: The air-dried powder of P. granatum Linn (leaf part) was extracted using a Soxhlet apparatus with ethanol extract of Psidium guajava (EEPG) and water aqueous extract of P. granatum (AEPG) as solvent. The extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure. The activities were carried out using the following concentration (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μg/mL) and compared with Acarbose as standard drug. It has significant in vitro anti-diabetic in alpha-amylase method. Results: The extract of P. granatum possessed significant anti-diabetic property in EEPG than compared to AEPG. Conclusion: Activity may be due to the presence of chemical profile such as glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The results of the study have suggested in the use of P. granatum Linn. as a potent anti-diabetic in several applications.

Comparative Study on the Biochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Picrorhiza kurrooa Rolye ex Benth. Obtained from Uttarakhand

Picrorhiza kurrooa Royle ex Benth. is one of the well‐established herbal plants with an exceptional therapeutic potential. It belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and is commonly called as kutki. The drug obtained from the plant is a bitter tonic due to the presence of kutkin in it. Over 61 secondary metabolites from the plants have been identified, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, cucurbitacins, and phenolic chemicals. However, picrosides are the major phytochemicals in this species that are responsible for its well‐known hepatoprotective properties. The present study was conducted to compare Picrorhiza kurrooa (dried rhizomes) obtained from local traders from the markets of three different districts of Uttarakhand, i.e., the Dewal block of Chamoli, Ukhimath block of Rudraprayag, and Dharchula block of Pithoragarh. Biochemical analysis was conducted on the powder of dried rhizomes for alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Based on analysis, it was found that the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total alkaloid content, and radical scavenging activity of P. kurrooa rhizomes purchased from Darma valley, Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, were the highest, followed by rhizomes collected from the Dewal block of Chamoli district and the least were found in rhizomes obtained from the Ukhimath block of Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. The maximum tannin content was found in Picrorhiza kurrooa rhizomes obtained from the Dewal block of Chamoli, while total reducing power was observed the highest in rhizomes from the Ukhimath block of Rudraprayag. The results provided evidence that P. kurrooa obtained from Darma valley, Pithoragarh, are the potential source of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins and have the highest DPPH‐scavenging activity and therefore could be served as the basis for future drugs and food materials.

The Fight against Infection and Pain: Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) a Rich Source of Anti-Inflammatory Activity: 2011-2022.

Harpagophytum procumbens subsp. procumbens (Burch.) DC. ex Meisn. (Sesame seed Family—Pedaliaceae) is a popular medicinal plant known as Devil’s claw. It is predominantly distributed widely over southern Africa. Its impressive reputation is embedded in its traditional uses as an indigenous herbal plant for the treatment of menstrual problems, bitter tonic, inflammation febrifuge, syphilis or even loss of appetite. A number of bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, iridoid glycosides, glycosides, and acetylated phenolic compounds have been isolated. Harpagoside and harpagide, iridoid glycosides bioactive compounds have been reported in countless phytochemical studies as potential anti-inflammatory agents as well as pain relievers. In-depth studies have associated chronic inflammation with various diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. In addition, 60% of chronic disorder fatalities are due to chronic inflammatory diseases worldwide. Inflammation and pain-related disorders have attracted significant attention as leading causes of global health challenges. Articles published from 2011 to the present were obtained and reviewed in-depth to determine valuable data findings as well as knowledge gaps. Various globally recognized scientific search engines/databases including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were utilized to collect information and deliver evidence. Based on the literature results, there was a dramatic decrease in the number of studies conducted on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Devil’s claw, thereby presenting a potential research gap. It is also evident that currently in vivo clinical studies are needed to validate the prior massive in vitro studies, therefore delivering an ideal anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent in the form of H. procumbens products.

Gentiana kurro’s physiology and pharmacological properties: Recent update and future perspective

Gentiana kurroo royle is an endangered bitter medicinal plant of the Indian subcontinent. This medicinal plant mainly grows in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and North-west Himalayas. The medicinal plant's root and rhizome are frequently used by native people for various local remedies. This species has become critically endangered due to its endemic nature and high rate of extraction from its natural environment. In India rhizome and root of this medicinal plant are used as ant periodic, bitter tonics, anti-inflammatory, blood purifier, expectorant, antipsychotic, carminative, and stomachic. Genitiana kurroo can be propagated through micro-filtration of seeds, rhizome cutting, shoot-made segments, and somatic embryogenesis. The roots of Genitiana kurroo are rich in various ingredients such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids which are responsible for analgesic, anticancer, and immune-modular effects. Considering these perspectives the present review has intended to provide updated prospects of Gentiana kurroo and provides insights on the nutritional and various pharmacological properties based on updated research literature. This review explores the use of Gentiana kurroo across disciplines for its wide range of prominent-pharmacological properties.

Daruharidra (Berberis aristata): Review based upon its Ayurvedic Properties

Berberis aristata is also known as daruharidra which is a famous plant and used in various medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Chinese and Allopathy for a very long time. It is a spinous, hard, yellowish herb belongs to the family Berberidaceae. The plant is distributed in sub- Himalayan regions, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and hilly areas of Nepal. It played a significant role as an herbal remedy for more than 2500 years. It was used by ancient Egyptians to anticipate plague disease. European herbalists used this plant to treat liver and gall bladder disorders during the early middle ages. Russian therapists used B. aristata plant to cure inflammation, high blood pressure and abnormal menstrual cycle. It is used as a bitter tonic, stomachic, cholagogue, antiperiodic and alternative by American Indians to cure intermittent fever, neuralgia and menorrhagia. In the traditional medicinal system, the plant is used to treat skin diseases, menorrhagia, diarrhea, eye problem inflammation and wound healing. Fruit of the plant is a rich source of Vitamin C. The main active constituent of the plant is Berberine found mainly in its roots. The most important formulation of this plant is 'Rashut' that is acts as a tonic as well as blood purifier and also used to treat ulcer and ophthalmic diseases. Reported clinical and experimental studies showed that the plant possesses various pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory and cardiotonic activity.

The bioactive ingredients and therapeutic effects of Marrubium vulgare - A review

Marrubium vulgare (Family: Lamiaceae) was used traditionally in the treatment of dyspeptic complains, pulmonary infections, cough, rheumatoid arthritis, night blindness, loss of appetite, as cholagogue, purgative, diuretic, bitter tonic, carminative and appetizer. The phytochemical analysis revealed that the plant contained alkaloids, sterols, steroids, terpenoids (diterpene), saponins, flavonoid, catecholic tannins, anthocyans, phenolic compounds and many other bioactive ingredients. The pharmacological investigations showed that the plant exerted anti-inflammatory, antiedematogenic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cardiovascular hypolipidemic, antispasmodic and many other biological effects. This review discussed the bioactive contents and pharmacological activities of Marrubium vulgare.

Lack of in vivo genotoxic effect of dried whole Aloe ferox juice.

Aloe ferox Mill is widely used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of a broad spectrum of illnesses given its laxative, anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, anti-oxidant, antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties. Using the in vivo alkaline comet assay in animals (OECD 489), this study investigated the potential in vivo genotoxicity of dried Aloe ferox juice at dose levels of 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg/day in mice. Aloe ferox showed no genotoxic activity in preparations of single cells from the colon of the treated Hsd:ICR (CD-1) male mice. No statistically significant increase in DNA migration over the negative control was observed by analysis of variance for both comet parameters, tail moment and tail intensity, apart from the positive control ethyl methanesulphonate that induced clear and statistically significant increases in DNA migration parameters over the concurrent controls. The new reported scientific evidence unequivocally demonstrates that dried Aloe ferox juice containing hydroxyanthracene derivatives does not induce DNA damage in preparations of single cells from colon in in vivo comet genotoxicity studies. This suggests that the hyperplastic changes and mucosal hyperplasia observed after long-term administration of Aloe vera non-decolourised whole leaf extract may be attributed to an epigenetic effect of the material under investigation.

A Laconic Review on Extraction, Biological Activities of Herbal Formulations of Berberine: A Traditional Drug

Herbal formulation dosage form consists of one or more herbs processed in specified quantities to provide specific nutritional, cosmetic benefits use to diagnose the disease. Herbal formulations contain an active substance and preparation in combination of one or more herbal compounds. Berberis aristata is one of herbs of an ancient Ayurveda medicine and different properties along with various treatment of illness. Berberine, is a type of alkaloid which is quarternary protoberberine, is one of the known bioactive compounds scattered extensively in a number of clinically significant medicinal plants such as Hydrastis canadensis L., Phellodendron amurense R. ,Coptis japonica M., and Berberine containing plants have been used in traditional and folk medicine around the globe for centuries. It has been used for a, anti-pyretic diarrhea, bitter tonic, and eye infections. In the past three eras, Berberine has been studied intensively in over thousands cases because of its therapeutics, physicochemical effects, pharmacological, and physiological effects such as cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, anti leshmanial, and anti- secretory, effects. Berberine act as a phytoconstituents in formulations and available in ayurveda, allopathy, and homeopathy medicines. With this review, we will evaluate the various traditional and medicinal use of Berberine and their isolation and extraction procedure. We will also review the potential of this plant as various dosage forms for the treatment of various diseases.
 Keywords: Berberine; Extraction Method; Isolation method; Skin problems

Tinospora cordifolia-A plant with Spectacular natural immunobooster

Every moment and every event, plant plays a vital role of every man's life. The way of the existence of plants is a great offering not only their own nutritive value but also their cosmic energies which bring us universal light for universal life. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi-the one who protects) is one such plant, which is familiar for its tramondous modern medicinal properties. Guduchi which is considered to be one of the amrit plants having Mernispermaccae family, is a tropical climbing herb. The term amritavalli in Sanskrit meaning creeper with amrit, being a source of information to its climbing nature and highly assess for its revitalizing, immune boosting and other beneficial properties. According to its beneficial actions, Tinospora cordifolia is grouped as a rejuvenative, anti-rheumatic, bitter tonic, and diuretic property. It is a powerful nutritive tonic which brings nourishment to whole body tissue and having the ability to detoxify the body while simultaneously capability for rejuvenating. Beside, this it also emphasis some pharmacological activity such as antidiarrhoel, antioxidant, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory. The present data emphasis its nutritive utility with its focus on providing high-quality health care delivery to mankind.

IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY, HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY, AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC SEED EXTRACT OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS LINN

Objective: In the traditional medicine, Ficus benghalensis is used for the treatment of ulcer, diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, urinary disorders, vomiting, vaginal complains, and fever and as a bitter tonic. However, despite its traditional usage as an antimicrobial agent, there is no information regarding its effectiveness in infections caused by pathogenic microbes. Hence, we evaluated the ethanolic extract of the seeds of F. benghalensis for its antimicrobial activity.Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the extract at five different concentrations was tested against few common human pathogenic microorganisms by agar disc diffusion assay. Streptomycin (10 μg/ml) and Amphotericin B (10 μg/ml) were used as standards for antibacterial and antifungal studies, respectively. Few phenolic compounds were identified by standard high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques.Results: The zone of inhibition was extremely great for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (18 mm), and Aspergillus niger (13 mm). Moreover, through HPTLC analysis, few phenolic compounds such as quercetin (Rf value - 0.54), gallic acid (Rf value - 0.45), and tannic acid (Rf value - 0.45) were identified. A total of seven compounds were identified in the extract using GC-MS analysis.Conclusions: The results, therefore, clearly indicate that the crude extract from F. benghalensis seeds could be used as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agent due to the presence of the phytoconstituent quercetin, gallic acid, and tannic acid in abundance along with other active compounds and support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of infections.

IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY, HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY, AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS SPECTROMETRY ANALYSIS OF ETHANOLIC SEED EXTRACT OF FICUS BENGHALENSIS LINN

Objective: In the traditional medicine, Ficus benghalensis is used for the treatment of ulcer, diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, urinary disorders, vomiting, vaginal complains, and fever and as a bitter tonic. However, despite its traditional usage as an antimicrobial agent, there is no information regarding its effectiveness in infections caused by pathogenic microbes. Hence, we evaluated the ethanolic extract of the seeds of F. benghalensis for its antimicrobial activity.Methods: The antimicrobial activity of the extract at five different concentrations was tested against few common human pathogenic microorganisms by agar disc diffusion assay. Streptomycin (10 μg/ml) and Amphotericin B (10 μg/ml) were used as standards for antibacterial and antifungal studies, respectively. Few phenolic compounds were identified by standard high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques.Results: The zone of inhibition was extremely great for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19 mm), Enterococcus faecalis (18 mm), and Aspergillus niger (13 mm). Moreover, through HPTLC analysis, few phenolic compounds such as quercetin (Rf value - 0.54), gallic acid (Rf value - 0.45), and tannic acid (Rf value - 0.45) were identified. A total of seven compounds were identified in the extract using GC-MS analysis.Conclusions: The results, therefore, clearly indicate that the crude extract from F. benghalensis seeds could be used as a potential source of natural antimicrobial agent due to the presence of the phytoconstituent quercetin, gallic acid, and tannic acid in abundance along with other active compounds and support the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of infections.

Qualitative and quantitative determination of secondary metabolites and antioxidant potential of Nymphaea nouchali flowers

In the Indian ayurvedic system of medicine, Nymphaea nouchali is used for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, cutaneous diseases, blenorrhagia, urinary disorders, menorrhagia, menstruation problem, as an aphrodisiac, bitter tonic, antimicrobial agent and anti antihepatotoxic effect. The aim of the present study is to examine Nymphaea nouchali flowers for phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant activities. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. The In vitro antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of the flowers was assessed against nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide assay using standard protocols. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil and fats. The total phenolics content of flowers ethanolic extract was (18.4 mg/100mg), followed by flavonoids (12.4mg/100mg). The activities of ethanolic flowers extract against nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide were concentration dependent with IC50 values of 68.39 and 64.54 μg/ml respectively. The present study concluded that the crude extract of Nymphaea nouchali is a potential source of natural antioxidants and this justifies its use in folkloric medicine.
 Keywords: Nymphaea nouchali, Phytochemical, Antioxidant, Nitric oxide, Hydrogen peroxide, Phenols, Flavonoids

REVIEW ON SWERTIA CHIRATA AS TRADITIONAL USES TO ITS PYHTOCHEMISTRY AND PHRMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY

Swertia chirata (Gentianaceae), is a popular medicinal plant native to temperate Himalaya. The plant of Swertia chirata is found at an altitude of 1200-1300m, from Bhutan to Kashmir and in the Khasi hills at 1200-1500m. It also can be grown in sub-temperate territories between 1500-2100m altitudes. Chirata has an erect and about 2-3 ft long stem. Herbal medicinal plants are necessary for about for about 80% of the world population in developed and developing countries for their basic and primary health care required owing to better tolerability, superior empathy with human body and having lesser side effects. Herbal plants are considered as rich source of phytochemical ingredients. The main chemical ingredients are Swertiamarin, Amarogentin, Swechirin, Mangiferin, Sweroside, Gentianine, Amaroswerin, Oleanolic acid, Swertanoone, Ursolic acid. Phytochemical analysis divulges alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, triterpenoids, saponins, xanthones and ascorbic acid in all samples. Nepali S. chirata was found to have finest TLC (thin layer chromatography). People have been using traditional medicinal plants for thousand years ago. Traditional plants play a very important role in preventing and treating of human diseases. Medicinal usage of Swertia chirata is reported in Indian pharmaceutical codex, the American and the British pharmacopoeias and in the different traditional systems of medicine (Unani, Ayurveda and Siddha). Swertia chirata is commonly known as a bitter tonic in traditional system of medicine for the treatment of fever, loss of appetite, digestive disorders, diabetes, skin and various other diseases.
 Keywords: Swertia chirata, swerchirin, Anti-inflammatory, Oleanolic acid, Traditional medicine.

Assessment of the phenolic content, mutagenicity and genotoxicity of ethanolic extracts of stem bark and leaves from Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-hil

Strychnos pseudoquina is a plant species whose stem bark is used as bitter tonic beverage. The phytochemical analysis, as well as quantification of phenolic constituents and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extracts from S. pseudoquina stem bark, and leaves were conducted. The extracts were tested for mutagenicity (Ames test) and DNA-damaging activity (Plasmid Cleavage test). Leaves recorded the largest amount of flavonoids. The performed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed flavonoids such as isorhamnetin and strychnobiflavone (phytochemical markers of the investigated species) in stem barks, but not in leaves. The proanthocyanidin content and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in stem barks than in leaves. Stem bark and leaf extracts presented mutagenic activity against TA98 and TA100 strains with, and without, metabolic activation (S9). The Plasmid Cleavage test did not indicate DNA-damaging activity. Our results suggest that extracts deriving from S. pseudoquina should be used with extreme caution, mainly the stem bark extract, which is widely used in folk medicine.

Luffa acutangula : An Overview

The fruits of Luffa acutangula (ridge gourd) which belonging to family Cucurbitaceae are grown, harvested before maturity and is very popular in Asia. Ridge gourd as whole, seeds and dried crusts are all used for medicinal purposes. It is a healthy food and contains good amount of fiber, vitamins and minerals including Vitamin B2, Vitamin C, carotene, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron and small quantities of iodine and fluorine. It is reported to contain many phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, luffangulin, sapogenin, oleanolic acid and cucurbitacin B. Ridge gourd peel, powder and its extracts showed slightly higher antioxygenic activity as compare to ridge gourd pulp powder and its extracts. This may be attributed to the presence of higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids which have been reported as potential antioxidants. Ridge gourd and there peel have potential to act as a functional food and a source of useful drugs because of the presence of various phytochemical components. L. acutangula has been used extensively in Indian traditional system of medicines as diuretic, expectorant, laxative, purgative, hypoglycemic agent and bitter headache agent and bitter tonic. The present review work focused on its botanical characters, ethnobotanical uses, nutritional value, phytochemical constituents and medicinal properties of L. acutangula.

Nardostachys jatamansi ameliorates doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity via down regulation oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in rats

Nardostachys jatamansi (family Valerianaceae) is a perennial herb found in Alpine Himalayas. In Ayurveda system of medicine, rhizomes of Nardostachys jatamansi are used as a bitter tonic, stimulant and antispasmodic and to treat epilepsy, hysteria, and convulsions. In the Unani system of medicine Nardostachys jatamansi has been mentioned as hepatotonic, cardiotonic, diuretic and analgesic. In the present study, we have investigated the protective role of alcoholic extract of N. jatamansi on myocardial injury induced by doxorubicin (15 mg/kg body weight, intraperitoneal single dose). Pretreatment for 5 days with ethanolic extract of N. jatamansi (250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight orally) showed moderate cardioprotective activity as evidenced by significant decline in the elevated levels of serum marker enzymes and lipid peroxide levels with restoration in myocardial endogenous antioxidants levels. Hyperlipidaemia induced by doxorubicin was also inhibited and inflammation markers TNF‐α, IL‐6, and myeloperoxidase [MPO]), were also assessed. Doxorubicin promoted the upregulation of cardiac cytokines (TNF‐α and IL‐6), and MPO activity were significantly down regulated upon ethanolic extract of N. jatamansi pretreatment. Histopathological changes ranging from edema to degenerative changes in cardiac tissue sections were also restored.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Gentiana lutea Linn. (Yellow Gentian): A comprehensive review

Gentiana lutea Lin. commonly known as yellow gentian, bitter root and bitterwort belonging to family Gentianaceae is a common traditional medicine freely available in hilly areas in Japan, Europe and adjoining continents, its medicinal properties are also mentioned in Ayurveda. The plant is reported to posse’s antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, appetizer and immunomodulatory properties etc.Gentiana lutea is an important source of bitter phytoconstituents such as amarogentin, gentiopicrinor gentiopicroside, gentiolutelin and its dimethyl acetal, gentioluteol, gentanine, amaroswerin, gentioside including a new iridoid named gentiolutelin. Traditionally the plant is used as stomachic tonic, bitter tonic, dyspepsia, gastric inefficiency in infants, digestive tonic, catarrhal diarrhoea, anaemia, malarial disease etc. The present review is an effort to generate an interest among the mosses regarding its immense potential in preventing and treating several diseases.

Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of In Vitro Anti Oxidant Activity of Punica Granatum Leaves

Pomegranate is a large compound of the eastern diets, yet no research has been performed on this product. The pomegranate, Punica granatum belongs to family Lythraceae is an ancient, mystical, unique fruit borne on a small long-living tree cultivated throughout the mediterranean region, as far north as the Himalayas, in Southeast Asia, and in California and Arizona in the United States. Punica granatum is a fruit bearing deciduous herb or small tree growing between 5-8m tall. Punica granatum leaves are used as bitter tonic in fever and used in pneumonia, flu, mouth and lip infections. In recent studies plant has shown anti fungal, immunosuppressant and anti diabetic activity. It is also used in treatment of heart problems, stomach disorders, dental care, cancer, anaemia, osteoarthritis. Punica including Punica protopunica are known to exhibit strong anti oxidant activity. The extraction was subjected to assay by Reducing power, Hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, DPPH methods for evaluation of anti oxidant activity. Results revealed that the pomegranate can be categorized as a leave with extremely high anti oxidant potential.