Blumea Lacera Research Articles

EFFECT OF BLUMEA LACERA ON TISSUE GSH, LIPID PEROXIDATION AND HEPATIC CELLS IN ETHANOL INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS

Objective: To evaluate hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of aerial part of Blumea lacera (BLEE) against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
 Methods: The in vivo antioxidant activity of BLEE was assessed by determining the tissue glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. The BLEE at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg and silymarin 100 mg/kg administered to the ethanol challenged rats. The effects of BLEE and silymarin on Physical and Biochemical Parameters were measured. Similarly, histopathological changes of the liver were studied.
 Results: The BLEE showed in vivo antioxidant activity. A significant (P<0.001) decrease in SGOT, SGPT, ALP, total and direct bilirubin was observed in BLEE treated group at doses i.e. 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg as compared to intoxicated group. Liver damage in animal pretreated with BLEE was minimal with distinct preservation of structures and the architectural frame of the hepatic cells.
 Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of BLEE against ethanol-induced liver damage.

INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES IN THE DISTURBED FOREST OF BATUKAHU NATURE RESERVE, BALI, INDONESIA

Patterns of invasive plant distribution and their underlying mechanisms are complex and vary with spatial scale. Within the mountainous tropical ecosystems of Bali Island, a local scale pattern of invasive plants is still poorly understood. This paper aimed to detect and investigate the presence of invasive species and to evaluate their relative abundance linked to forest site conditions along with an elevation range on Mount Pohen, Batukahu Nature Reserve, Bali, Indonesia. To identify the importance of environmental disturbances on species invasion, the disturbance-environmental factors and the species-environmental relationship were also measured and examined. Using the stratified random sample, 78 vegetation plots of 2 m x 2 m size were established in four forest sites. Ten invasive plant species belonging to ten genera and five families were identified. Of these invasive species, 40% were herbs, while shrubs and grasses comprised 30%, respectively. Austroeupatorium inulaefolium has the highest frequency (45% of plots); followed by Ageratina riparia, and Brachiaria reptans (40% of plots, respectively), Melastoma malabathricum (37%) and Calliandra calothyrsus (27%). Austroeupatorium inulaefolium was the most abundant invader, followed by Ageratina riparia, and the remaining invasive species were Pennisetum purpureum, Calliandra calothyrsus, Imperata cylindrica, Brachiaria reptans, Melastoma malabathricum, Lantana camara, Bidens pilosa and Blumea lacera, respectively. The distribution of invasive plants was strongly linked to the disturbance level of their respective habitat. The largest numbers invasive plants were present in burnt sites close to the forest edges with direct anthropogenic influence, while the undisturbed forest was the least invaded site. Further, the most invasive species mainly occurred at low elevations up to 1600 m a.s.l. and were rarely found at higher elevations. However, few invasive species such as Austroeupatorium inulaefolium and Melastoma malabathricum were able to colonize the highest altitude (2035 m a.s.l.), and to a lesser degree, Ageratina riparia and Brachiaria reptans were also distributed at high altitudes (1950 m a.s.l. and 1972 m a.s.l. respectively). This study provides a fine-scale analysis of invasive species distribution which will serve as a basis for conservation purposes, especially for strategic planning regarding the detection and management of invasive alien plants.

Species diversity, change in forest cover and area of the Sundarbans, Bangladesh

The phytosociological analysis, species diversity and types, fidelity, presence, constancy, Sørensen similarity index and changes in forest cover, land and water areas since 1972 were analyzed. Forty six species were recorded both in quadrats and growing outside which belong to 26 families and 41 genera, 19 were distinguished as true mangrove species and the rest were mangrove associates. Leguminosae and Rhizophoraceae were the dominant families represented by 5 spp. each. Three species were found to be invasive, namely Blumea lacera (Burm. F.) DC., Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don., Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr. The maximum importance value index was found in Heritiera fomes Buch.-Ham (48.08). The overall species diversity (H) of SMF was found 3.81, species richness (d) was 9.10 and evenness (e) was 0.47. The forest area was 385,237 ha in 2015. The satellite images showed that the forest and water area of SMF decreased gradually till 2015 in comparison to 1972. The bare land of Sundarbans showed a significantly increasing trend till 2015 since 1972.

Karyotypic Analysis of four Species of Genus Blumea (Asteraceae) from Nepal

In this study chromosome number determination and karyotype analysis of four species of genus Blumea from the family asteraceae was carried out. The specimen plants were collected from central parts of Nepal, namely Blumea fistulosa (Roxb.) Kurz, Blumea lacera var.glandulosa (DC.) Hook, Blumea lacera (Buem f.) DC. and Blumea laciniata DC were observed. The chromosome number in somatic cells were recorded to be 2n= 22 in Blumea fistulosa; 2n= 32 in Blumea lacera var.glandulosa; 2n=18 in Blumea lacera and Blumea laciniata. The range of chromosome length found to be 0.6 to 1.6 µm in Blumea fistulosa, 0.6 to 1.6µm in Blumea lacera var.glandulosa, 0.6 to 1.7 µm in Blumea lacera and 0.8 to 1.6 µm in Blumea laciniata. Karyotype formula for Blumea fistulosa is M12+ sm10, for Blumea lacera var. glandulosa is M14+sm14+ st4, for Blumea lacera is M14+ st2 and for Blumea laciniata is M12+ sm6 in Blumea laciniata. In this investigation a pair of satellite chromosome found in only one species Blumea fistulosa at the end of shot arm of chromosome. Mainly three types of chromosomes observed in this study having centromere at middle point, at sub-median region and at sub-terminal region. Numerical and structural variation in chromosome are evolutionary significance. Similarity in size of chromosomes and karyomorphology indicates the homogeneity of the taxa within this tribe. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 6(2): 115-121

Assessment of antimicrobial activity of hundreds extract of twenty Indian medicinal plants

The antimicrobial activity of 100 extracts of twenty plants Namely Symplocos racemosa, Solanum xanthocapum, Phyllanthus urinaria, Blumea lacera, Acorus calamus, Thevetia nerifolia, Bauhinia purpurea, Jatropha gossypifolia, Pithecellobium dulce, Hydrangea integrifolia, Sphaeranthus indicus, Vitex negundo, Zizyphus xylopyrus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Scoparia dulcis, Callicarpa dichtoma, Adhatoda zylamei, Sphaeralcea angustifolia, Swertia chirayita, Aconitum heterophyllum from Uttar Pradesh, India was tested against twelve pathogenic micro-organisms. The 51 extracts of P. urinaria, B. lacera, B. eriantha, T. nerifolia, J. gossypifolia, P. dulce, H. integrifolia, S. indicus, V. negundo, Z. xylopyrus, A. heterophylum, S. dulcis, C. dichtoma, A. zylamei, S. angustifolia, S. chirayita, A. heterophyllum were found to be inhibiting all the bacterial strains tested, in a range of concentrations by microbroth dilution assay and 0.75 to 48.0 mg/disc by disc diffusion assay. The 37 extracts were found to be active against the fungal strains in arrange of 0.75 to 24.0 mg/ml by microbroth dilution assay. Other plant extracts also exhibited variable antimicrobial activity against one or more species of microorganisms. As the extracts of all the plants which were used in this study effectively controlled the growth of many pathogenic bacteria and fungi, they can be used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. Bioactive compounds from these plants can be employed in the formulation of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of various bacterial and fungal infections.

ANTIDIABETIC EFFECT OF EXTRACTS OF BLUMEA LACERA DC. IN STREPTOZOTOCIN INDUCED HYPERGLYCEMIC RATS

Objective: Present study of this research was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic activities of extracts of aerial parts of Blumea lacera DC. (Asteraceae) in streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic rat.Methods: The methanol extracts (MEBL) and aqueous extract (AEBL) of B. lacera DC. were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced hyperglycemic rats at a dose level of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), acute and subacute antidiabetic (30 d) models keeping a parallel group of metformin (250 mg/kg body weight) as standard drug. The serum biochemical parameters, histopathology of liver and pancreaswere examined and analyzed statistically.Results: Treatment with methanol extract of B. lacera (MEBL) at a dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, significantly decrease (p<0.05) blood glucose level from 289.83±9.83 and 289.83±2.71 to 201.83±8.87 and 105.00±2.05 respectively with corresponding percentage fall of blood glucose to 30.40±1.79 and 63.78±0.59. It also improved the glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) near to normal value, restored the lipid and bio-chemical level and rejuvenate beta cells of pancreas, thereby improve insulin secretion.Conclusion: The result of the present study concluded that extracts of B. lacera DC possess marked antidiabetic activity. However, methanol extract of B. lacera (MEBL) at the dose of 400 mg/kg showed significant dose dependent antidiabetic effects without any destruction and restores the structure of liver and pancreas of hyperglycemic rats.

Indigenous Composit in Management of Dengue Fever

Dengue , a vector born viral fever caused by various strain of Flavivirus and transmitted by female Aedes aegyptii, still remain a therapeutically challenged disease in spite of various anti-viral drugs ( ribavirin, glycyrrhizin and 6-azauridine )are under evaluation, its severity is more pronounced in immuno- compromised patients ,also p[resents with Dengue fever sequel as Dengu hemorrhagic fever and Dengue hemorrhagic shock , a dreaded presentation among children <10 yrs. Adequate hydration, multivitamin supplementation, Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) are provided and prescribed therapeutics, Present study of indigenous herbal composite containing leaves of Carica papaya, Ocimum sanctum, Tinospora cordifolia in Dengu fever and with Blumea lacera in equal parts in Dengue hemorrhagic fever and Shock proves worth in alleviating fever, bodyache, headache, nausea, vomiting ,abdominal pain ,progressive increase in platelet count ,checking hemorrhage promptly and reverting all the altered hematological, hepatic and renal parameters in 10 days without any drug adversity with 100% compliance.

Vegetational Analysis Of Medicinal Plants Of Bharatpur Block, Dist-koria (Chhattisgarh) India

The State of Chhattisgarh has about 44% of its geographical Area Covered with forests. The Koria district in Chhattisgarh lies between 22058’ to 23049’ North latitudes and 810 33’ to 82045’ East longitude. The average rainfall is 121.36 cm. The forest area is 81.23% of Total dist. area. The annual mean temperature is 240C. The temperature varies between 16.20C to 310C. Geologically the area is dominated by upper Gondwana rocks. Which are rich in coal deposit. The highest mountain ranges of the region occupy the northern part of the district. The district Koria has a very rich flora exhibiting diversity specially of medicinal plants. There is no comprehensive description of the flora of the district is available . The district has a tribal population using enormous range of plants for their basic needs, sustenance and livelihood.“Keeping these points in view” the Present paper deals with diversity of the medicinal plants of the district and their ecological status. Vegetational analysis of Bharatpur block revealed some interesting observations on phytosociological characters enumerate medicinal plants belonging to Bharatpur block enumerate 80 medicinal plants were recorded. the common plant species showing maximum frequency were Tribulus terrestris (90%), Vicia sativa (80%) and Jatropha curcas, Cleome gynandra and Blumea lacera (70%). At this block, Woodfordia fruticosa, Xanthium strumarium and Pergularia extensa were showing maximum frequency of 80%, 70% and 60% respectively. Woodfordia fruticosa showed high density also. Triumfetta rhomboidea showed maximum density and abundance but Bacopa monnieri and Vanda roxburghii showed maximum abundance.It was abstracted that Bacopa monnieri, Costus speciosus, Curculigo orchioides, Curcuma amada and Embelia robusta were the rare species. They exhibited only 20% frequency. Leea macrophylla was also very rare having only 10% frequency and only density of 1. Curculigo orchioides and Pterocarpus marsupium were among the less abundant species at this site.

Phytoextraction of heavy metals by potential native plants and their microscopic observation of root growing on stabilised distillery sludge as a prospective tool for in situ phytoremediation of industrial waste.

The safe disposal of post-methanated distillery sludge (PMDS) in the environment is challenging due to high concentrations of heavy metals along with other complex organic pollutants. The study has revealed that PMDS contained high amounts of Fe (2403), Zn (210), Mn (126), Cu (73.62), Cr (21.825), Pb (16.33) and Ni (13.425mgkg-1) along with melanoidins and other co-pollutants. The phytoextraction pattern in 15 potential native plants growing on sludge showed that the Blumea lacera, Parthenium hysterophorous, Setaria viridis, Chenopodium album, Cannabis sativa, Basella alba, Tricosanthes dioica, Amaranthus spinosus L., Achyranthes sp., Dhatura stramonium, Sacchrum munja and Croton bonplandianum were noted as root accumulator for Fe, Zn and Mn, while S. munja, P. hysterophorous, C. sativa, C. album, T. dioica, D. stramonium, B. lacera, B. alba, Kalanchoe pinnata and Achyranthes sp. were found as shoot accumulator for Fe. In addition, A. spinosus L. was found as shoot accumulator for Zn and Mn. Similarly, all plants found as leaf accumulator for Fe, Zn and Mn except A. spinosus L. and Ricinus communis. Further, the BCF of all tested plants were noted <1, while the TF showed >1. This revealed that metal bioavailability to plant is poor due to strong complexation of heavy metals with organic pollutants. This gives a strong evidence of hyperaccumulation for the tested metals from complex distillery waste. Furthermore, the TEM observations of root of P. hysterophorous, C. sativa, Solanum nigrum and R. communis showed formation of multi-nucleolus, multi-vacuoles and deposition of metal granules in cellular component of roots as a plant adaptation mechanism for phytoextraction of heavy metal-rich polluted site. Hence, these native plants may be used as a tool for in situ phytoremediation and eco-restoration of industrial waste-contaminated site.

Phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of Blumea lacera Linn. from two different habitats

Blumea lacera collected from JU campus and the Sundarbans showed strong presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, trace amount of alkaloids, weak presence of some glucosides, terpenoids and steroids following preliminary phytochemical screening. DPPH free radical scavenging activity increased with the increase of concentration of methanol, ethyl acetate and n-hexane fractions of both the samples. Methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of JU sample showed strong scavenging activity of DPPH free radical. Concentration dependent increment in percent mortality of brine shrimp nauplii was observed in all the fractions of both the samples. Ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of JU sample showed less cytotoxicity than that of Sundarbans samples. Therefore, methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of JU sample should be the choice to identify new bioactive compound(s) in the future.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 3(1): 37-45, 2014 (June)

Ethnobotany and antibacterial potentiality of Blumea lacera L. from Sundarban Mangrove forest of Bangladesh

Indigenous knowledge on the utilization of Blumea lacera L. by the interim people as well as ethnic communities living at the vicinity of Sundarban mangrove forest of Bangladesh were documented through survey, interview, collection and identification. Native people of Sundarban use the herb in bleeding piles. Leaf of the plant was found to be the most useful part for ethnomedicinal use. Generally, leaves of B. lacera have been used to treat most kinds of colds. Warm leaf paste used as diuretic whereas leaf paste with black pepper powder was found to apply in dog bite. Furthermore, B. lacera collected from Sundarban mangrove habitat as well as from natural plain land habitat (JU campus) were subjected to a comparative analysis of antibacterial activity. Antibacterial study from the present experiment suggested that the ethyl acetate fraction of B. lacera, irrespective of habitat choice, was active against the gram-positive bacteria Bacillus cereus. The methanol fraction of Sundarban sample showed significant dose dependent increase in antibacterial activity against the gram-negative bacteria Serratia sp., Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella typhi and Vibrio cholera while the JU sample did not produce any inhibition zone. The n-hexane fractions of both type plant samples were entirely non-responsive to the bacterial growth.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 3(2): 17-24, 2014 (December)

A new cytotoxic diterpenoid glycoside from the leaves of Blumea lacera and its effects on apoptosis and cell cycle

A new diterpenoid glycoside, 6E,10E,14Z-(3S)-17-hydroxygeranyllinalool-17-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-[α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 6)]-β-d-glucopyranoside (1) together with the known diterpenoid glycoside (2) and two known flavonoid glycosides (3, 4) were isolated from the methanol extract of Blumea lacera leaves. The structures were determined by the interpretation of their spectroscopic data and comparison with the literature. All compounds were isolated for the first time from B. lacera and evaluated for their cytotoxic activity. Only the new compound (1) showed strong cytotoxic activity with the lowest IC50 value (8.3 μM) being displayed against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In apoptosis and cell cycle analysis, 1 revealed strong apoptotic activity against MCF-7 cells (45.5% AV+/PI−) after 24 h, but showed no arresting of any of the cell cycle phases in MCF-7.

Vascular Plant Diversity and their Distribution Pattern in Sandwip Island, Chittagong,Bangladesh

Sandwip is one of the biggest offshore island in Chittagong district of Bangladesh located at 22°22′-22°34′ N and 91°26′- 91°34′ E with an area of 762.42 sq. km. Plant species of the island are at risk because of drought, salinity, anthropological activities and continuous bank erosion in the sea. The main goal of the study is to document the plant diversity of the island before their disappear. Therefore, a study on the vascular plant diversity and their distribution pattern of the island has been conducted during March 2011 to December 2012. Vascular species diversity and distribution pattern are investigated by random quadrat method. A total of 438 vascular plant species under 319 genera and 111 families have been documented from the 48 study sites. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H`), species richness (d) and Pielou’s evenness index (J`) have been done by using PRIMER v6 program. Plant diversity is higher in the middle part (H` 5.511, J` 0.944 and d 48.49) than the other parts of the island. Highly dominant species of the island are Centella asiatica (L.) Urban., Blumea lacera DC., Cynodon dactylon Pers., Lippia alba (Mill.) Briton et Wilson, Chenopodium album L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, Lemna perpusilla Torrey, Portulaca olearacea L., Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin and Achyranthes aspera L. respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the abundance of highly dominant species like Blumea lacera DC., Chenopodium album L., Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, Lemna perpusilla Torrey, Achyranthes aspera L. and Bryophyllum calycinum Salisb. were significantly (P<0.05) varied in different parts of the island. It can be concluded that the present study will be helpful for the planners and policy makers to plan for the better conservation and sustainable management of plant resources of Sandwip Island.

Rationale Behind Ethnopharmacological Uses of Blumea lacera (Burmf.) DC., (Asteraceae) for piles/haemorrhoids and anal fissures by Madia-Gond Tribe of Gadchiroli District of Maharashtra State, India

The ethnopharmacological survey of Madia-Gond Tribe of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra State reveals that aqueous extract of leaves of Blumea lacera (BL) are used to cure anal fissure and haemorrhoid/piles. In order to establish rationale behind ethnopharmacological uses online database namely Pub Med, Google Scholar and online journals on medicinal plants were searched thoroughly to know ethnomedicinal, phytochmical and pharmacological profiles of plant. These references were analysed in perspective of different medicinal uses among distant ethnic communities in different regions of India. Ethno medicinal uses were corroborated with chemical and biological activities. An attempt is made to check authenticity and validity of herbal drug on the basis of reported research work.

Chemical Composition of Blumea lacera Essential Oil from Nepal. Biological Activities of the Essential Oil and (Z)-Lachnophyllum Ester

The essential oil from the aerial parts of Blumea lacera collected from Biratnagar, Nepal, has been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. The major component from the oil, (Z)-lachnophyllum ester, was isolated by preparative silica gel chromatography. B. lacera oil was dominated by (Z)-lachnophyllum ester (25.5%), (Z)-lachnophyllic acid (17.0%), germacrene D (11.0%), (E)-β-farnesene (10.1%), bicyclogermacrene (5.2%), (E)-caryophyllene (4.8%), and (E)-nerolidol (4.2%). Also detected in the oil were (E)-lachnophyllic acid (3.3%) and (E)-lachnophyllum ester (1.7%). (Z)-Lachnophyllum ester exhibited cytotoxic activity against MDA-MD-231, MCF-7, and 5637 human tumor cells, as well as antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Blumea lacera Plant Poisoning in Cattle; Epidemiology and Management

Plant poisoning in grazing animals is more common in Bangladesh, especially during the scarcity period. The present study was undertaken to find out the epidemiology of Blumea lacera fresh plant poisoning and its management in cattle. A total of 765 suspected clinical cases were examined, of these 48 were diagnosed as Blumea lacera plant poisoning. The poisoning was found more in local cattle (92%) than that of crossbred (8%) cattle. Most of the cases were found in autumn (71%), in compare to summer (23%) and winter (6%). The highest occurrence of poisoning was observed in cattle of 6 months to 2 years of age (57%) in comparison to other age category. Therapeutic response (16%) was found if treatments were given within 4 hours of ingestion of the plant and the effective treatment was a combination of laxative, normal saline, vitamin B1. Veterinarian can apply this treatment during Blumea lacera poisoning in animals.

Protective effect of Blumea lacera DC aerial parts in indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats.

Traditionally Blumea lacera DC is used to treat inflammation and bowel ailments. Lack of specific, curative treatment for IBD enticed us to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ethanolic extract of aerial parts of Blumea lacera DC (EEBL) against indomethacin-induced enterocolitis. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n = 5) and different doses of EEBL (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o) and sulphasalazine (100 mg/kg, p.o) were administered for seven days. Enterocolitis was induced by two subsequent doses of indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg, s.c) on 7th and 8th day. Treatments were continued up to 12th day and sacrificed. The protective effect was assessed on the basis of macroscopic scores of ileum strips, changes in biochemical parameters such as serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO), lipid peroxidation (LPO), and total thiols (TT). Further, activity was ascertained by histopathological evaluations. HPLC fingerprinting profiling of EEBL was also carried out. Pre-treatment with EEBL or sulphasalazine significantly attenuated the indomethacin-induced proximal ileal damage, elevated levels of serum LDH, tissue MPO, LPO and lower levels of TT. Further, observed activity of EEBL was well correlated with histopathological alterations. The results revealed the protective action of the title plant against the indomethacin-induced enterocolitis in rats, which might be attributed by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and membrane-stabilizing properties.

식물추출물의 밭바구미에 대한 생물활성

This study was conducted with n-hexane extracts of sensitive plant Mimosa pudica, mexican poppy Argemone mexicana, panimarich Leucus aspara, water pepper Polygonum hydropiper and shialmutra Blumea lacera weeds against pulse beetle Callosobruchus chinensis (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) for protection of mung bean Vigna radiata grains. The LC50 values of the weed extracts ranged from 4.5 to 6.4, 4.1 to 5.6 and 3.6 to 5.5 g/100 mL at 24, 48 and 72 hours of post treatment, respectively. The extracts showed 35 to 69% fecundity and 33 to 63% adult emergence inhibitory effect on the pest, and revealed 13 to 49% grain protection of mung beans. Insect mortality, fecundity and adult emergence inhibitory effects, and grain protection activity increased with increased concentration of the extracts. The shialmutra followed by water pepper extracts revealed better performances in fecundity and adult beetle emergence inhibitory effect compared to the other weeds. The findings proved that the n-hexane extracts of the five weeds are sources of botanical insecticides which may be used in the integrated management of C. chinensis.

Preliminary phytochemical screenings and Pharmacological activities of Blumea lacera (Burn.f.) DC.

The methanol extract of the whole plant of Blumea lacera (Burn.f.) DC. (BLME) has been subjected to preliminary screenings for phytoconstituents and antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Antipyretic activity was assessed by the yeast-induced hyperthermia in mice. The analgesic property was evaluated by formalin-induced writhing test. Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) was used as standard for in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity test. In yeast-induced pyrexia, the crude extract demonstrated a significant (p=0.05) reduction in body temperature of mice after elevation by the administration of yeast. These effects were pronounced at the 2nd and 3rd h of post-treatment with the extract. BLME exhibited a dose-dependent analgesic activity with 39.13% and 56.52% protection at 200-and 400-mg/kg, b.w., respectively as compared to 76.09% revealed by the standard diclofenac sodium. In the anti-inflammatory test, the crude extract at 400 ?g/ml displayed 62.40% inhibition of protein denaturation whereas standard acetyl salicylic acid exhibited 76.74% inhibition. Results of the preliminary phytochemical screenings demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids and triterpenoids in the extract. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v13i1.21863 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 13(1): 69-73, 2014 (June)

Hypoglycemic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Blumea lacera in Swiss-albino mice

ObjectiveTo estimate the hypoglycemic activity of Blumea lacera (B. lacera) leaf methanol extract. MethodsA study was undertaken for preliminary exploration of hypoglycemic activity via oral glucose tolerance test. B. lacera leaves were dried under shaded sunlight, milled and then macerated in methanol. Glibenclamide was used as reference drug, and 50-400 mg/kg leaf extract was administered orally to four test groups. ResultsTreatment of leaf extract on glucose loaded hypoglycemic mice lead to significant (P<0.0001) reduction of the blood glucose levels in a dose dependent manner. ConclusionsThe result suggests that methanolic leaf extract of B. lacera possesses anti-diabetic properties, and its use as ethnomedicine for treatment of diabetes.