Blood Purifier Research Articles

Phytochemical Profiling and Assessment of Habbe Musaffe Khoon Against Cervical Cancer

Background In India, cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women. Nowadays, various traditional herbal formulations can be used as adjuncts during conventional cancer therapies due to their anticancer activity. Habbe Musaffi Khoon (HMK), a Unani compound formulation, is traditionally used as a blood purifier and thus used to treat boils, scabies, acne, and pimples. It is also indicated in skin diseases, Habis-ud-Dam (styptic), and therapeutically used in Nafz-ud-Dam (hemorrhagic). Objectives The main purpose of this work was to phytochemically characterize HMK aqueous extract (HMKaq) and determine its activity against cervical cancer cells. Materials and Methods HMKaq was subjected to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and evaluated for the presence of phytocompounds. HMKaq was evaluated for its effect on the viability of cervical cancer cells (HeLa, SiHa, and C33A) and was determined by MTT assay. Trypan blue dye exclusion was used to determine the outcome of HMKaq on the growth kinetics of cervical cancer cells. The role of HMK in regulating the cell cycle was analyzed by FACS and its effect on apoptosis was evaluated by checking mitochondrial membrane potential readings of JC-1 aggregates on a microplate reader and on the mRNA expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome C was evaluated by PCR. Results LC-MS analysis revealed 3845 compounds, out of which 58 were the major compounds. These included phenolics, esters, fatty acids, furans, quinones, tannins, flavonoids, and terpenes. HMKaq reduced the viability and growth of the cells. It induced arrest in the cell cycle of HeLa and apoptosis in SiHa and C33A by depolarizing the membrane potential of the mitochondria and upregulation of mRNA expression of Cas3 and Cyt C. Conclusion HMK exhibited anticancer activity against cervical cancer cells, thereby signifying its therapeutic potential.

Role of Kushthaghna, Kandughna, and Varnya yoga in Vicharchika (allergic contact dermatitis): A case report

Abstract: Contact Dermatitis (CD) is the reactive eczematous inflammation of the skin. CD is caused by various daily substances such as shampoos, cleansers, moisturizers, nail polish, dye gloves, and different shoe materials. Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is a type of dermatitis caused by allergic substances. It has symptoms such as itching and redness with flaky rashes. In conventional systems of medicine, topical applications and systematic use of steroids and anti-allergics are the main treatment modalities for relief. However, these interventions are associated with certain limitations and side effects. In Ayurveda, most of the skin diseases are narrated under the umbrella of Kushtha (~various skin diseases). Among different varieties of Kushtha, Vicharchika (~form of dermatitis) has comparable symptoms with ACD that include Kandu (~itching), Srava (~discharge), Pidaka (~vesicles), and Shyava varna (~blackish discoloration). A 47-year-old female having swelling with small ulcers in the bilateral foot on the contact area of slipper straps for 15–20 days visited the outpatient department, she was diagnosed as Vicharchika considering the clinical presentation. On the basis of Ayurveda principles, she was treated with a combination of Kushthaghna, Kandughna, and Varnya yoga (~formulations) of Ayurveda including Panchatikta guggulu ghrita, Arogyavardhini vati, Punarnavasava, Gandhaka rasayana, Haridra khanda along with Nidana parivarjana (~elimination of etiological factors) of ACD. The patient got complete relief within 37 days of treatment without any side effects. It reflects that Ayurvedic formulations having anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-bacterial, and blood purifier potential are effective in the management of ACD.

Dehydrocostus lactone from the root of Ajuga integrifolia (Buch.-Ham. Ex D. Don): Quantitative determination and in- silico study for anti-breast cancer activity

Many biological activities were reported for the Ajuga species, specifically for Ajuga integrifolia and its synonyms. These include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, blood purifier effects, and anticancer activity. This study quantitatively determines dehydrocostus lactone (DHCL) from the root of Ajuga integrifolia and its in silico study for anti-breast cancer activity. Camag HPTLC was used for TLC – densitometric estimation of dehydrocostus lactone. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER?) protein (PDB ID: 3ERT) was selected for its involvement in cell proliferation within the breast cancer cell. Tamoxifen is a reference drug commonly used in hormonal therapy, and DHCL was used as a ligand. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina in PyRx v.0.8 to get the bestconformational pose for forming the expected receptor-ligand complex. The docking result visualization was performed using LigPlot v.1.4.5 software for 2D, and the interactive visualization in 3D was done using Biovia Discovery Studio software. The presence of DHCL in the root of A. integrifolia was not reported so far. DHCL content in the root of A. integrifolia was estimated to be 16.5 ± 0.25 mg/g of crude extract using the TLC- densitometric method. From the molecular docking study, DHCL was found to be a promising inhibitor for estrogen receptor interaction in the breast cell and can be selected for further in vivo research to develop an anti-breast cancer drug.

Momordica charantia (bitter gourd), a potent antidiabetic phytomedicine

Gourd bitter Grown mostly in India, China, and Southeast Asia, the tropical creeping plant known as or bitter melon. Its edible fruit is the primary reason for the plant's cultivation. Because of their bitter flavour, bitter gourds are not well-liked. The fruits of the Cucurbitaceae family plant Momordica charantia are a good source of a number of important nutrients. Over sixty phytomedicines, including blood purifiers, antioxidants, anticancer agents, and diabetes inhibitors, are present in the entire plant. In-depth information about the nutritional elements, different bioactive substances, and significant nutraceutical qualities of the bitter gourd plant in relation to diabetes are attempted to be provided in this review.

Ethnomedicinal Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Few Species of Genus Atalantia (Rutaceae): A Review

Synthetic drugs show major side effects, as well as the fact that they have been discovered to be extremely harmful to human assistance, many synthetic medications claimed to be used for treatment are of the least interest today. Therefore, herbal medicines have acquired prominence in recent decades. This review's primary objective is to give a complete overview of three distinct species of the Genus Atalantia mainly Atalantia monophylla (Roxb) DC, Atalantia racemaosa Wight, Atalantia wightii Tanaka. The Genus Atalantia belongs to Rutaceae family and there are 22 accepted species of which three species are selected because these are available in Western Ghat region of Maharashtra, these species have ethnopharmacological significance and many of their facets are still unexplored. The Atalantia genus is utilized in conventional medicine to treat a diverse array of ailments like fever, rheumatic pains, cough, allergy, swelling, and as a blood purifier, etc. The current work is a comprehensive analysis of the published literature on phytochemical and pharmacological reports of the above species of Atalantia genus in an effort to deliver comprehensive information and suggest future research avenues. Out of these three species, Atalantia monophylla has received the most research attention but the remaining two species are not much explored. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential application of these three species as herbal medicine. The plant characteristics, ethnobotanical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities are summarized as a guide for phytochemical and pharmacological investigations.

REVIEW ARTICLE ON RAKTAPRADARA (DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING)

Raktapradara is one of the most common gynecological disorders. According to Charaka, due to Pradirana (excessive excretion) of Raja (menstrual blood), it is named Pradara, or there is excessive excretion or Asruk (menstrual blood); hence it is known as Raktapradara. According to modern, it can be correlated with DUB (Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding). In modern medicine, Haemostatic, analgesic, & hormonal therapies are advised for D.U.B., which has limitations, but in our Ayurvedic text, many drugs are advised for the management of Raktapradara. These are Raktashodaka (blood purifier), Stambhak (Haemostatic), and Balya (reduces weakness). D.U.B. can be cured with an Ayurvedic regimen & can avoid hysterectomy or other surgical interventions.

Potential benefits and therapeutic applications of "Panchgavya" therapy (Cowpathy) for human and animal health: Current scientific knowledge

Cow's milk, urine, dung, ghee, and curd (together known as "Panchgavya") have incomparable medicinal value in Ayurveda and ancient Indian clinical methods. Panchgavya is also known as Cowpathy in Ayurveda. In India, the cow is revered as a goddess known as "Gaumata" because of its nurturing qualities similar to those of a mother. Almost no adverse effects are associated with using Panchgavya, which is why it is recommended in Ayurveda for treating disorders affecting numerous body systems. Its possible antimicrobial effects have piqued the curiosity of medical researchers and practitioners. Cow milk is widely regarded as a nutritious diet and has been shown to effectively treat various medical conditions, including high body temperature, pain, cancer, diabetes, kidney diseases, and weakness. Milk can prevent the growth of microorganisms, has erotic qualities when combined with the leaves of medicinal herbs, and the fat in milk has anticancer characteristics. Toned and skim milk, lassi, yoghurt, cottage cheese, and khoa all come from milk and have important medicinal characteristics. Curd (dahi) is recommended as a blood purifier for conditions such as hemorrhoids, piles, and gastrointestinal issues. Ghee made from cows has been shown to boost immunity. It is important to highlight the use of cow dung as an antifungal and for treating malaria and tuberculosis. It has the potential to aid in the development of a populace free from disease, the creation of sustainable energy systems, the fulfilment of all nutritional needs, the elimination of poverty, the promotion of organic farming culture, and the like. Cow urine is a powerful remedy for numerous medical conditions, including but not limited to epileptic convulsions, diabetes, hepatitis, inflammation, fever, and anaemia. The current review article explores how the Panchgavya ingredients can be employed to safeguard human and animal health.

Therapeutic Potential and Traditional Values of Frequently used medicinal plant Berberis aristata DC. (Rasaut): A Comprehensive Review

Berberis aristata DC. (Rasaut) is a frequently used herbal drug in Unani and other traditional system of medicine. It is an erect spinous and deciduous evergreen shrub belonging to the family Berberidaceae. It contains mainly berberine alkaloids which is well known for isoquinoline, that is commonly used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and also used as an antibiotic agent. In Unani System of Medicine (USM) it is externally used in hot temperament inflammations, Otorrhea, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis and many of eye diseases viz Stye, Blepharitis, Epiphora, eyes itching etc. while internally used in bleeding piles, intestinal ulcers, various skin diseases alone and with other blood purifier drugs, ophthalmia, melasma, paronychia, hemorrhage, herpes, eczema, hemoptysis, splenomegaly, diarrhea, malaria, intestinal ulcers, diphtheria, dysentery, chronic leucorrhea, pruritus ani, anal fissures, menorrhagia and jaundice. Different type of active phytoconstituents have also been evaluated from Rasaut which includes alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, tannins, saponins, steroids, E-caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, carbohydrate, volatile oils, fixed oils and fats. The present work is based on search available about review and analysis of related articles published in various reputed journals using the phrases “Rasaut or Berberis aristata”, “Rasaut and Unani Medicine” “Rasaut research paper”, and “Rasaut used in traditional medicine” in electronic searches of the Google Scholar advanced search, PubMed, Scopus, ResearchGate, Web of Science and AYUSH Research Portal etc.In this review, it is tried to compiled all the available information till date from both Unani and other published scientific papers and textbooks regarding the therapeutic properties, pharmacological activities and traditional values of Berberis aristata, which will be fruitful for researchers to design further in vitro and in vivo scientific studies to explore the more medicinal values along with biomolecules of Berberis aristata DC.

Nutritional potential of an edible terrestrial orchid Eulophia nuda LINDL and validation of its traditional claim in arthritis.

Eulophia nuda, locally known as "Amarkand" is an edible orchid, traditionally used as food and ethnomedicine in arthritis, as a blood purifier, vermifuge, in bronchitis, scrofulous glands etc. AIM: The present study focuses on the proximate-nutrient analysis, metabolic profiling of bioactive phenolic acids (PA's) and validation of anti-arthritic activity in E. nuda. The proximate, nutrition and element (macro-micro) content were evaluated as per standard protocols. The anti-arthritic activity was evaluated via different Invitro models and bioactive phenolics were quantified through calibrated HPLC-UV (PDA) method, as per ICH guidelines. The species contains a considerable amount of proximate i.e. ash, fiber, crude alkaloid, total phenolics, and flavonoid. It is a rich source of macro-micro nutrients, carbohydrates and energy, at par with conventional cereals and super-foods like finger millet, foxtail millet etc. It also contains seven PA's viz. gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, vanillin acid, ferulic acid and quercetin. The PA's content varies from 4.00 to 83.50μg/ml. The anti-arthritic potential of the plant extract based on several in-vitro-models showed a promising inhibitory effect on inflammation and uric acid synthesis. The study scientifically validates the traditional claims of this traditional orchid as food and ethnomedicine. The species can be commercially explored as a supplement to combat nutritional deficiency among rural communities.

Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp: An Insight into its Pharmacology, Expository Traditional Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry

Introduction: Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp (Family, Verbenaceae) is one of the beneficial medicinal plants, used by the traditional people of this Northeast region of India due to its cardioprotective action and most widely known as “Nefafu” in Assam, “Arun” in Nagaland and “Phuinum” in Mizoram. Clerodendrum colebrookianum is found extensively in the South as well as Southeast Asia. The Mizo natives of the Northeast, India expanse of India claim that the hypertensive populace's minor occurrence in the middle of their society member is because of the habitual ingestion of this medicinal plant as vegetables. Aim: This review summarizes the ethnopharmacology, selected scientific evidence on the pharmacological properties and phytochemistry of Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. This plant is generally considered the most significant herbal variety practiced in the therapy of hypertension by various communities of Northeast India. Methods: The review covers literature about the evidence-based ethnopharmacology, therapeutic potential, and phytochemistry of Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp. Literature was collected from non-English journals and English from scientific databases via electronic search (Elsevier, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Springer, Web of Science, Wiley online library) and Ph.D. thesis databases. Results: Evidence suggests that the extracts and some compounds from. Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp possesses abdominal pain, anthelmintic, antidote, blood purifier, colics in infants, cough, diabetes, diarrhea, and dysentery, gastric disorders. It also has cardioprotective potential, which is a valid scientific basis for consuming it for health benefits in the northeast region of India. Conclusion: Scientific evidence suggests that Clerodendrum colebrookianum Walp's immense potential to treat diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases.

A novel whole blood purifier for efficient capture and separation of circulating tumor cells

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as important biomarkers for noninvasive clinical diagnosis and prognostic evaluation are significant in predicting the overall survival and progression-free survival of cancer patients. However, the current typical CTCs separation and enrichment techniques were limited to a single collection of small-volume blood samples, which was inadequate to comprehensively profile the distribution of CTCs in the systemic blood. In addition, those techniques cannot reduce metastasis of CTCs unless adjuvant chemotherapy. Herein, inspired by hemodialysis, we designed a whole blood purifier (WBP) composed of a functionalized special spiral-like glass tube modified by anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM). The WBP allowed real-time capture, enrichment and removal of CTCs from systemic blood circulation, and the purified blood was immediately returned to the body. Furthermore, the WBP did not cause any organic damages in vivo. This approach achieves the high accuracy of liquid biopsy technology and is expected to become an effective clinical adjuvant therapy for tumor metastasis.

Pharmacological evaluation of analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic root extract of Amaranthus caudatus

Background: Amaranthus caudatus Linn, belonging to a family Amaranthaceae. Amaranthus caudatus is found in South America, India, or Indo-Chinese district, Mexico, and the Mediterranean area. Amaranthus caudatus contains different kinds of substance constituents which are responsible for its therapeutic potential. Amaranthus caudatus is usually utilized in the treatment of jaundice, amoebiasis, and kidney ailment, as a blood purifier, diuretic, abortifacient, vermifuge, astringents, and for liver illness. The research work deals with the screening of the analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic root extract of Amaranthus caudatus. For this, the alcoholic extract of the selected plant was used for analgesic activity, anti-inflammatory activity and anti-pyretic activities.
 The result: In current investigation, diclofenac sodium (10mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a standard drug. The effects of ethanolic root extract (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) of Amaranthus caudatus on Wistar albino rats for the assessment of analgesic, anti-inflammatory as well as antipyretic activities. The current research revealed that EEAC (200 and 400mg/kg,p.o.) possessed significant (P<0.05) analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretics activities in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore EEAC (200 and 400mg/kg p.o) were effective as standard drug (Diclofenac sodium 10mg/kg, p.o). All these methods were performed under highly supervised conditions and by proper handling of experimental animals having been granted permission by IAEC.
 The conclusion: In the present study, it was concluded that the EEAC was effective in a dose-dependent manner and possessed potent analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.
 Keywords: Amaranthus caudatus, Analgesic, Anti-pyretic, Anti-inflammatory, Diclofenac sodium, Phytochemical screening.

Management of Scalp Psoriasis Through Ayurveda: A Case Report

Kitibha of Ayurvedic literature is compared and accepted with Psoriasis. It pacifies Vata and Kapha Dosha. Scalp Psoriasis is a widespread condition of the skin, which causes elevated, reddish, sometimes skinny spots. It may occur as one or several patches and even affect the whole scalp. Objective: To see the effect of Ayurvedic drugs and local applications can help in Kitibha kushtha. Methodology: In this case, a 20-year male patient had been experiencing symptoms of Reddish-white patches over-head, scaling of skin, Itching all over body. Ayurvedic medicines were used in the study for two months. Discussion: The major goal of the treatment is to help to eliminate scales. The medicines were used in the study also purify the impure blood. Ashtmurti Rasayana, Gandhaka Rasayan both are blood purifier also work as broad-spectrum antibiotics Ashtmurti Rasayana has Jantughna property. Panch Nimba Churna is purifying in nature. Rasa Manikya has antimicrobial property and balances Vata- Kapha dosha. It removes Ama (toxins) accumulated under the skin. Godanti helps in Pitta balance and anti-inflammatory property. Conclusion: Each science has its own fundamentals of the management and success rate with its own limitations. But still now an effective and promising cure for Psoriasis is not found. So, there is need of era to develop some Ayurveda treatment modalities for Psoriasis. Keeping the fundamentals of management in mind the current study was conducted which will be helpful for curing the Kitibha Kushtha (Psoriasis).

Treating thin endometrium by Ayurvedic Medications: A Case Study

Infertility is one of the most prevalent chronic health disorders involving young adults. Infertility is defined as failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Endometrium is one of the important factors for successful pregnancy. Endometrial thickness is a marker for endometrial receptivity and a prognostic factor for pregnancy. A thin endometrium is generally defined as endometrial thickness less than 7 mm. Thin endometrium adversely affect reproductive performance. A thin endometrium is generally defined as endometrial thickness less than 7 mm. This is a case report of a female patient with thin endometrium with a complaint of inability to conceive for 2 years of regular unprotected intercourse. The menstrual blood is the shedded functional layer of endometrium of the uterus. In Ayurveda, the term rajah is used for menstrual blood. So, this case is considered as Rajah-Kshay and is treated accordingly. The treatment plan includes Rasa & Rakta Pachak (Blood Purifiers) medications and Uttarbasti (Vaginal administration of liquid medicine) of Phalaghrita to increase Dharan kshamata (implantation) of endometrium. During the treatment period this patient’s endometrial thickness increased from 6.1 mm to 9 mm and menstrual flow increased. This led to her conception within 5 months of treatment and she delivered a healthy baby boy.

A note on albinism in Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. Divakara BN and Sheela HK Institute of Wood Science and Technology, ICFRE, Bangalore, Karnataka, India *Corresponding author: bndsira@gmail.com

Pterocarpus santalinus L.f. popularly known as 'Red sanders' is a member of the family Fabaceae, distributed naturally in the dry deciduous forests of Andhra Pradesh and parts of Tamil Nadu. P. santalinus is a rare, threatened forest tree that is of great economic and ecological importance (Usha et al., 2013). Red sanders is multipurpose tree, not only due to its value for the timber but also for the extraordinary medicinal properties. Heartwood having extraordinary medicinal properties is considered in indigenous medicine for curing various skin diseases (Vedavathy et al., 1997). Heartwood is dark purple in colour with streaks, with wavy grained texture has huge demand in the market and fetches better price. The wood is used in making musical instruments because of its superior acoustic qualities and carving acceptability. Santalin, a redwood dye present in wood of red sanders has wider applications in textiles as dying agent (Gulrajani et al., 2002). Wood of the red sanders is powdered and paste is used by the tribal people to cure diabetes, snake bite, jaundice, blood purifier and sap of the stem is used to treat conjunctivitis (Manjunatha, 2006).

In vivo assessment of pharmacological potentials of different fractions of Fagonia olivieri DC

Introduction: Hemostasis mechanism involves blood coagulation as one of the step which is responsible for blood clot formation that restricts blood flow at site of injury. By inhibiting coagulation cascade and reducing thrombus formation, several cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and atherosclerosis can be prevented. Traditionally, Fagonia olivieri (zygophyllaceae) is reported in the treatment of diabetes, coughs, blood purifier, cooling agent, blood vascular diseases, digestive system disorders and cancer in initial stages. Objectives: Different fractions of F. olivieri methanolic extract were evaluated in this study for their anticoagulatory, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant potentials. Methodology: Anticoagulatory, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant potentials of ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous extracts of F. olivieri were assessed using capillary tube experiment, carrageenan induced paw edema test and forced swim test respectively. Results: The results of this investigation have revealed that ethyl acetate and butanol fractions possess significant anticoagulatory potentials as compared to control (P=0.0002). Butanol extract showed highest anti-inflammatory activity. Maximum anti-depressant activity was shown by ethyl acetate followed by n-butanol and aqueous extracts. Conclusion: Hence, it can be concluded that F. olivieri exhibits anticoagulatory, anti-inflammatory and antidepressant potentials which justifies its use for the treatment of various disorders particularly blood vascular diseases.

Non-timber Forest Products and its role in Bastar tribal Livelihoods

The Bastar is the largest single block of Sal halophytic forest in the world. The forest lies at the feet of theIndravati River and is spread across areas of Bastar division, Chhattisgarh. In addition to its scenic beauty,the forest also contains a great variety of natural resources. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play animportant role in the livelihoods of tribal people in theBastar division. The cross-fertilization by bee increasesaverage agricultural yield by 20 to 25 percent. Its products like honey, wax, pollen, royal jelly, propolis, beevenom have immense medical importance. Honey is useful for healing the wounds, helps to build uphemoglobin, used as laxative blood purifier, preventive against cold, cough, sore throat, eye ailments,burns and gastrointestinal disorder etc. Honey has antibiotic property and is effective in reducing the riskof heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Pollen lowers blood pressure, increases hemoglobin and erythrocytecontent, useful in pernicious anemia, sterility, hypertension, in complaints of the nervous and endocrinesystem. Royal jelly has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, vasodilative and hypotensive,antioxidant, anti-hypercholesterolemic and antitumor property. Royal jelly has a diuretic effect, preventsobesity, builds up resistance to infection, regulates the functioning of the endocrine glands andis good forarteriosclerosis and coronary deficiency. Bee venom acts as antibiotic and useful for loweringof bloodpressure, in neural disorders and rheumatoid arthritis and acute rheumatic carditis, treating certain eyediseases, hypertension and gynecological and children’s diseases. Propolis, a resinous substance haspharmacologically active constituents as flavonoids, phenolics and other various aromatic compounds.Propolis has antibacterial, antifungal antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory proprieties. It is used totreat mouth and gum disorders, gum decay, resistance to general illness, cure burns and fungal skincomplaints. Beeswax is used to prepare polishes, waterproofing, electrical insulation, cosmetics, cold creamsetc. It is also useful in engineering, pharmaceutical and confectionary industries.

Phytochemical evaluation of the marketed drakshasava formulation by spectroscopic & chromatographic methods

Background: Drakshasava is a general health tonic, carminative and blood purifier. It is used in the treatment of anemia, digestive & cardiac disorders. A review of the literature suggested that modern analytical methods are not reported for the phytochemical evaluation of drakshasava. Objective: To report phytochemical evaluation of Drakshasava Formulation by Spectroscopic & Chromatographic Methods. Materials and methods: Total phenolic, flavonoid, sugar and reducing sugar content in marketed drakshasava formulations were estimated by a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The markers and extract of drakshasava formulations I & II were scanned by FTIR spectrophotometer individually to find the common bands of the vibrational spectra of markers and formulations. The markers and extract of drakshasava formulations I & II were subjected to HPLC analysis. Results: UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis revealed that total phenolic, flavonoid, total sugar, & total reducing sugar of marketed drakshasava formulations were within the limit of ayurvedic pharmacopeia. The gradient mobile phase solvent A (HPLC grade water containing 0.85% w/v ortho phosphoric acid) and solvent B (acetonitrile) were optimized by considering the resolution, peak shape, and symmetry. Conclusion: The evaluation parameters reported in this article could be used as a standard reference for quality management of marketed drakshasava formulations.

Evaluation of Chemical Composition of Vaccaria oxyodontha Boiss Plant Essential Oils and Antioxidant and Antibacterial Effects on Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria

Background & Aims: Caryophyllaceae is a large family of about 2200 herbaceous or subshrub species. Vaccaria oxyodontha Boiss is of the family Caryophyllaceae. This plant grows as a weed in agricultural land of sugarcane, wheat, barley, forage, and summer crops such as sugar beet, potato, cotton, and onion. All parts of the V. oxyodontha Boiss plant, especially its root, contain a type of saponin, which shows its medicinal value. According to traditional Iranian medicine, this plant is a blood purifier and has anti-infective, utilized for cough, anti-rheumatism, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study first aimed to investigate the chemical composition of V. oxyodontha Boiss essential oil (EO) and the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the hydroalcoholic extract of this plant on gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Materials and Methods: In this study, EOs were extracted from the aerial parts of V. oxyodontha Boiss using the combination of hydrodistillation and microwave-assisted hydrodistillation methods. Then, the antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of the extract were evaluated, and the chemical compositions of the EOs of V. oxyodontha Boiss were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The extract’s antioxidant activity was studied by the 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) method. In addition, the plant antimicrobial effects were investigated by the agar disk diffusion method, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined as well. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the mentioned plant was compared with the antibiotic discs of gentamicin (10 mg) and vancomycin (30 mg). Results: The major compounds in the EOs were 2-Pentadecanone,6,10,14-trimethyl (10.52%) and 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid (19.27%). Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of V. oxyodontha Boiss was 0.49 µg/mL, which was higher than that of vitamin C (IC50 value of 0.56 µg/mL). Further, MIC and MBC for the V. oxyodontha Boiss extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 62.5 and 125 mg/mL, as well as 31.25 and 62.5 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The results of GC-MS demonstrated that the EO of the V. oxyodontha Boiss plant contains antioxidant and antibacterial compounds. Its antioxidant properties are higher than vitamin C. The highest diameter of the inhibition zone caused by the methanol extract of the V. oxyodontha Boiss plant was against S. aureus and E. coli (23.7±0.29 mm and 15.65±0.33 mm, respectively). Compared with the antibiotics vancomycin, the Vaccaria oxyodontha Boiss represented a stronger inhibitory effect in the inhibition of S. aureus (P<0.05).

Recent Developments and Current Challenges of Heparin-Grafted Hemodialysis Membranes

Hemodialysis (HD) is a life-sustaining extracorporeal blood purifying treatment for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. However, this membrane-based therapy is associated with acute side effects, life-threatening chronic conditions, and unacceptably high morbidity and mortality rates. Numerous surface coatings have been developed to improve the blood compatibility of biomaterials. Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant substance that increases the clotting time and increases the membrane hemocompatibility in terms of platelet adhesion and protein adsorption and anti-clotting activity. However, using heparin is challenging due to its severe or life-threatening side effects such as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), in addition to heparin induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT). In addition, heparin is strongly electronegative and exhibits a binding affinity for the positive active sites of human serum proteins, which is an additional challenge. Consequently, covalently immobilized heparin would create a more charged surface to induce more blood–membrane interactions, and consequently more adsorbed human serum proteins and biochemical pathway activations, which can negatively affect dialysis patients. Therefore, the current critical review has thoroughly focused on different heparin HD membrane systems, the challenges of heparin-coated dialysis membranes, and the factors affecting its hemocompatibility, in addition to the methods that can be used to enhance its hemocompatibility. Furthermore, this review summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of heparin-grafted methods. Furthermore, the influence of the heparin-immobilization method on the hemocompatibility and performance of the HD membrane was comprehensively analyzed. Finally, we conclude with the future perspectives for the strategies toward the heparinization and heparin-like/mimicking modification of membrane surfaces.