Caralluma Tuberculata Research Articles

Screening of achillea santolina for anti-diabetic activity and its comparison with caralluma tuberculata.

Objectives: The study was designed to investigate the hypoglycaemic effect of Achillea santolina and its comparison with Caralluma tuberculata. Study Design: Experimental study. Setting: Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. Period: July 2017 to February 2018. Material & Methods: Crude extract and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) extract of Achillea santolina were prepared and administered to normal and alloxan treated diabetic rabbits. These extracts were given in capsule form as well as in cooking oil and their effects on blood glucose levels were observed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours of administration. The results were compared with Caralluma tuberculata. Results: The crude extract 200 mg/kg body weight of Achillea santolina showed marked reduction in mean blood glucose level at 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours with significant (p<0.001) difference when compared with Caralluma tuberculata. The metformin 500 mg/kg body weight was also given to compare its effects with the plant crude extracts, which was more or less intermediate between the crude extracts of Achillea santolina and Caralluma tuberculata. The diabetic rabbits were treated with 100 mg/kg body weight CCl4 fraction of Achillea in capsule form. Blood glucose levels dropped markedly at 2 hours and further more at 4 hours as observed with Caralluma. Upon comparison with metformin, Achillea found to lower blood glucose levels but quite late than metformin. The diabetic rabbits were also treated with 100 mg/kg body weight CCl4 fraction of Achillea santolina in cooking oil and Caralluma was found to cause higher reduction in blood glucose levels than Achillea. Conclusion: Both Achillea santolina and Caralluma tuberculata lowered the blood glucose levels but the later turned out to be more significant in developing hypoglycaemia, particularly when taken with cooking oil.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Caralluma tuberculata Extract and its Antibacterial Activity

The plant extracts were applied for synthesis of Ag-nanoparticles and expected such biological processes benefit from advantages like eco-friendly, cost-effective, and safe for human use. Accordingly, polyphenol compounds and antioxidant properties of this understudy plant extract was initially qualified and quantified by GC-Mass and subsequently its ability for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) biosynthesis was examined. Consequently, under study (ethanol) extract was exposed to various content of AgNO3 solution over 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 15 mM for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h to search best operational conditions for AgNPs production, while sampling were done every 24 h monitoring initial absorption with UV–Vis spectroscopy. The peak with center at 460 nm emerged from surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs which is good indication of successful formation of AgNPs. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS, SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. Which reveal its spherical, shape and average diameter of 32 nm. Antioxidant activity tests showed that the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the C. tuberculata extract was 4.722 mg/ml. Antimicrobial activity of the AgNPs was tested by measurement of inhibition zone around discs modified with AgNPs in cultures of S. aureus, B. cereus, P. aeruginosa and E. coli.

The Usage Of Plants as a Traditional and Complementary Medicine Among Diabetic Patients in Karachi, Pakistan: an Urgent Need of Educational İntervention

A one-month cross-sectional and questionnaire-based study was carried out in a government-based teaching hospital in Peshawar (Pakistan) during January 2019. Adult population having diabetes and interact with CAM for treatment purposes were approached. The simple random sampling technique was used for the participant's enrollment. A participant has a full choice to accept or reject to participate in the study. All the information collected via a validated questionnaire and then data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for further analysis.A total of 100 individuals was investigated during the study period. The sample were mostly male (n= 62), came from rural (n= 77), aged group 30-59 years (n= 83), and 56 patients had Illiterate status. The ratio of type-2 patients (n=89) was higher than as compared to type-1 DM patients (n=11). Out of these patients the prevalence of clinical characteristic included anxiety (47.1%), chronic pain (33.9%), arthritis (30.6%), concomitant heart disease (20.7%), digestive problems (22.3%), renal disease (15.7%) and allergies (4.1%).More patients (n=68) considered conventional therapy more effective for diabetes, while 7 reported CAM and 25 favored CAM plus conventional treatment strategies. About 5% of the patients completely better, 35 reported satisfactory improvement and 60 reported no change after CAM usage for diabetes. Out of all the patients, 47 patients recommend CAM usage, however, 53 didn’t in favor CAM utilization in the treatment of DM.Caralluma tuberculata (n= 11), Solanum surrattens Burm.f. (n= 10), Fagoniacretica (n= 6), Justicia adhatoda (n= 6), Consolida ambigua (n= 5), Vernonia amydalina (n= 4), A. ParvifloraBenth (n=3), Nigella sativa (n= 3), Carumcarvi (n=2), Brberis lycium Royle (n=2), Trigonellaemodi Both. (n= 2), Abelmoschus esculentus (n=2) and Citruluscolocynthis (n=2) were the most frequently CAM products. The patients further reported that, these CAM products were freely available at low cost and most often recommended by a friend, neighbor, relative and Hakeem. Another interesting fact was that, ethno medicinal local plants in Pakistan such as, Caralluma tuberculata and Solanum surrattens Burm.f. were the most frequently used CAM and highest satisfaction level among DM patients. The use of CAM products among the adult DM patients was reported in this study. The different type of attitudes, perception and beliefs towards CAM was also revealed. The patients did not report any side effects of CAM use for treatment of DM, but adverse events and side effects have been well reported previously, hence, further empirical-evidence should require and necessary about guidance on the safe and appropriate use of CAM.

In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Lipid Peroxidation Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Caralluma tuberculata, Root and Aerial Parts

Background: Medicinal plants are considered as a useful source of antioxidants against diseases due to reducing free radicals. Caralluma tuberculata is one of such sources utilized by Iranian population as a traditional herbal medicine. Objectives: The present study aimed at investigating antioxidant activity, total phenolic content (TPC), and total flavonoid content (TFC) of C. tuberculata root hydroalcoholic extract (CRE) and aerial parts hydroalcoholic extract (CAE). Methods: Antioxidant properties were assessed using DPPH (1,1-dipheny l,2-picryl hydrazyl), superoxide anion (O2˙ˉ), nitric oxide (NO), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and anti-lipid peroxidation methods. TPC (mg pyrogallol/g extract) and TFC (mg quercetin/g extract) were measured by colorimetric methods. Results: The findings showed that both CAE and CRE were rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. TPC (40.12 ± 1.2) and TFC (20.22 ± 0.62) were higher in CAE compared to CRE (TPC = 25.01 ± 0.85, TFC = 15.11 ± 0.71). Likewise, both CAE and CRE showed significant scavenging effects on DPPH, O2˙ˉ, and NO radicals and the effects of CAE was more potent (P < 0.05) compared to that of CRE. Also, plant extracts significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Furthermore, CAE exhibited a more potent ferric reducing activity compared to CRE (510.21 ± 8.2 vs. 450.2 ± 9.3 μM Fe+2/g extract, respectively) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the study findings, both CAE and CRE could be considered as potential sources of antioxidants and CAE was more effective than CRE.

Ethnobotanical investigation of wild vegetables used among local communities in northwest Pakistan

Wild vegetables can contribute to people’s food security and health. In northwest Pakistan, almost 40% of the households are classified as food insecure, due to increasing population and natural and man-made catastrophes. There is an urgent need to get an overview of still existing practices of wild vegetable use and to incorporate such knowledge into agricultural policies. The present study, therefore, aims to collect and analyze information on the most widely and commonly used wild vegetables in northwest Pakistan. Semistructured interviews were performed with 126 informants (26–78-year old) from all 24 districts of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Information on culinary and medicinal use, cooking methods, and growing and harvest season were collected. A rating scale was used to get the opinion on quality, abundance, and use frequency of wild vegetables. Information on trading was gathered on local and regional markets. Transect walks were done with key informants for specimen collection. A total of 25 wild vegetable species (21 genera, 13 families) were documented. Most of them are herbs (22 spp.). One third of the species needs processing or detoxification prior to cooking. Taste and food quality as perceived by the local people are the main driver for use frequency and commercialization. Length of availability varies from 2 to 7 months with &lt;em&gt;Rumex dentatus&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Vicia faba&lt;/em&gt; also available during the winter season. Overall, 21 spp. are also used medicinally, mainly for gastrointestinal diseases. Leaves are the preferred plant part for both vegetables and medicines. Nine species are sold in markets, &lt;em&gt;Bauhinia variegata&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Caralluma tuberculata&lt;/em&gt; throughout the whole province. Local communities in northwest Pakistan have a broad knowledge of local plant use, especially on wild vegetables and their adequate processing. The present study suggests that the most commonly used wild vegetables should be promoted to reinforce food safety and most of them may also be commercialized. Conservation priority has to be given to the commercially harvested &lt;em&gt;Caralluma tuberculata&lt;/em&gt;, which is presently overexploited.

Comparison of Caralluma tuberculata with Metformin for Anti-Diabetic Activity: An Animal Study

Background: Caralluma tuberculata, is a wild herb, which grows in the hills of Balochistan and has been known to have medicinal and nutritional properties since antiquity. This experimental research was designed to study the hypoglycemic properties of Caralluma tuberculata and to compare them with Metformin.Material and Methods: This was a laboratory-based animal experimental study. It was conducted in the Pharmacology laboratory of Khyber Medical University, Peshawar from February 2016 to August 2016. Two types of extracts of Caralluma tuberculata [crude extract and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) extract] were prepared and administered to normal and alloxan treated diabetic rabbits. To study anti-diabetic activity, eighty-four rabbits were divided into two main groups. Group I (Normal/Non-Diabetic Rabbits; n= 21) and Group II (Diabetic/Alloxanized Rabbits; n=63). Each group was further divided into sub-groups (7 rabbits in each). Effect of Caralluma tuberculata, Metformin and 2% gum tragacanth on blood glucose levels were checked at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours of drug administration. The extracts were given in capsule form and in cooking oil. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16. For calculation and comparison of the hypoglycemic effects at various doses and different time intervals, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc test were applied.Results: The crude extract, 200mg/kg body weight of Caralluma tuberculata showed significant decrease (p&lt;0.001) in mean blood glucose levels from 2-hour till12 hours. Whereas, highly significant reduction of blood glucose was seen from 2 hours after treatment till 24 hours, when carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) fraction of Caralluma (100mg/kg body weight) in capsule form was administered. Metformin 500mg/kg body weight was given to compare its effects with plant crude extract and it was found that metformin appeared to be less effective in comparison with Caralluma tuberculata.Conclusion: Caralluma tuberculata lowered the blood glucose level and turned out to be more significant in developing hypoglycemia when taken with cooking oil. More work is essential to provide stronger evidence for the use of this natural agent in the management of Diabetes Mellites.

Silver nanoparticles elicited in vitro callus cultures for accumulation of biomass and secondary metabolites in Caralluma tuberculata

Elicited plant in vitro cultures are gaining more interest worldwide for their potential in the uniform production of industrially important secondary metabolites. In the present study, different ratios of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and plant growth regulators (PGRs) were supplemented to in vitro cultures for the sustainable production of biomass and antioxidant secondary metabolites through callus cultures of Caralluma tuberculata. Results indicated that various concentrations of AgNPs significantly affected the callus proliferation and substantially increased the callus biomass, when combined with PGRs in the MS (Murashige and Skoog) media. The highest fresh (0.78 g/l) and dry (0.051 g/l) biomass accumulation of callus was observed in the cultures raised in vitro at 60 µg/l AgNPs in combination with 0.5 mg/l 2,4-D plus 3.0 mg/l BA. Phytochemical analysis of the callus cultures showed higher production of phenolics (TPC:3.0 mg), flavonoids (TFC:1.8 mg), phenylalanine ammonialyase activity (PAL: 5.8 U/mg) and antioxidant activity (90%), respectively, in the callus cultures established on MS media in the presence of 90 ug/l AgNPs. Moreover, enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.8 U/mg), peroxidase (POD: 3.3 U/mg), catalase (CAT: 2.5 U/mg) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX: 1.9 U/mg) were detected at higher level (90 ug/l) of AgNPs tested alone for callus proliferation in the MS media. It may be concluded that the AgNPs can be effectively utilized for the enhancement of bioactive antioxidants in the callus cultures of C. tuberculata, a highly medicinal and threatened plant. This protocol can be scaled up for the industrial production of plant biomass and pharmacologically potent metabolites in C. tuberculata.

In-vitro screening of selected traditional medicinal plants for their anti-obesity and anti-oxidant activities

Obesity is a multifactorial problem that leads to several life-threatening diseases and is becoming one of the most important public health problems with huge social costs. The incidence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, so the discovery of natural products that counteracts obesity with the least side effects has become of extreme importance nowadays. Inhibition of digestive enzymes is one of the most widely studied mechanisms used to determine the potential efficacy of anti-obesity agents. To that effect, the total methanolic and aqueous extracts of five plants [viz: Caralluma quadrangula, Caralluma tuberculata, Hibiscus shizopetalous, Hibiscus subdariffa (white variety) and Solenostemma argel] were tested for their inhibitory activity against pancreatic lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, along with their anti-oxidant potential via two different complementary methods; DPPH (1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity and iron reducing power assays. The plants' extracts were also estimated quantitatively for their total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin and steroidal contents. The results showed that Solenostemma argel was the most active among the selected plants. An optimized extraction method was developed for S. argel based on its enzyme inhibitory activity to ensure maximum biological activity. The methylene chloride and n-butanol fractions in addition to seven isolated compounds viz: sterols, pregnane glycoside and flavonoid aglycones and glycosides from S. argel were further evaluated. Consequently, the present study suggests that S. argel could be of therapeutic interest for the control of obesity.

Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity of Caralluma Tuberculata Stem Against Ccl4-Induced Liver Damage in Rabbits in Sherani Distruct of Balochistan

Assessment of Hepatoprotective Activity of Caralluma Tuberculata Stem Against Ccl4-Induced Liver Damage in Rabbits in Sherani Distruct of Balochistan

Caralluma tuberculata - An important medicinal plant to be conserved

Caralluma tuberculata - An important medicinal plant to be conserved

Quantitative study of medicinal plants used by the communities residing in Koh-e-Safaid Range, northern Pakistani-Afghan borders

BackgroundThe residents of remote areas mostly depend on folk knowledge of medicinal plants to cure different ailments. The present study was carried out to document and analyze traditional use regarding the medicinal plants among communities residing in Koh-e-Safaid Range northern Pakistani-Afghan border.MethodsA purposive sampling method was used for the selection of informants, and information regarding the ethnomedicinal use of plants was collected through semi-structured interviews. The collected data was analyzed through quantitative indices viz. relative frequency citation, use value, and family use value. The conservation status of medicinal plants was enumerated with the help of International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Categories and Criteria (2001). Plant samples were deposited at the Herbarium of Botany Department, University of Peshawar for future reference.ResultsOne hundred eight informants including 72 male and 36 female were interviewed. The informants provided information about 92 plants species used in the treatment of 53 ailments. The informant reported maximum number of species used for the treatment of diabetes (16 species), followed by carminatives (12 species), laxatives (11 species), antiseptics (11 species), for cough (10 species), to treat hepatitis (9 species), for curing diarrhea (7 species), and to cure ulcers (7 species), etc. Decoction (37 species, i.e., 40%) was the common method of recipe preparation. Most familiar medicinal plants were Withania coagulans, Caralluma tuberculata, and Artemisia absinthium with relative frequency (0.96), (0.90), and (0.86), respectively. The relative importance of Withania coagulans was highest (1.63) followed by Artemisia absinthium (1.34), Caralluma tuberculata (1.20), Cassia fistula (1.10), Thymus linearis (1.06), etc. This study allows identification of novel uses of plants. Abies pindrow, Artemisia scoparia, Nannorrhops ritchiana, Salvia reflexa, and Vincetoxicum cardiostephanum have not been reported previously for their medicinal importance. The study also highlights many medicinal plants used to treat chronic metabolic conditions in patients with diabetes.ConclusionsThe folk knowledge of medicinal plants species of Koh-e-Safaid Range was unexplored. We, for the first time, conducted this quantitative study in the area to document medicinal plants uses, to preserve traditional knowledge, and also to motivate the local residents against the vanishing wealth of traditional knowledge of medicinal flora. The vast use of medicinal plants reported shows the significance of traditional herbal preparations among tribal people of the area for their health care. Knowledge about the medicinal use of plants is rapidly disappearing in the area as a new generation is unwilling to take interest in medicinal plant use, and the knowledgeable persons keep their knowledge a secret. Thus, the indigenous use of plants needs conservational strategies and further investigation for better utilization of natural resources.

Traditional uses of medicinal plants practiced by the indigenous communities at Mohmand Agency, FATA, Pakistan

BackgroundPlant-derived products have an imperative biological role against certain pathogenic organisms and were considered to be a major source of modern drugs. Rural people residing in developing countries are relying on traditional herbal medical system due to their strong believe and minimum access to allopathic medicines. Hence, ethnomedicinal knowledge is useful for the maintenance of community’s based approaches under this medical system. Present study was carried out in an unexplored remote tribal area of Pakistan to investigate and document the existing ethnomedicinal knowledge on local flora.MethodsData was collected through semi-structured questionnaires from the community members and local herbalists. Use reports (URs) were counted for each species and analyzed through Linear Regression between the number of URs per family and number of plant species per family.ResultsA total of 64 medicinal plant species were recorded belonging to 60 genera and 41 families. Most frequently used plant families in ethnomedicines were Lamiaceae (8 species) and Asteraceae (7 species). Highest URs were recorded for Caralluma tuberculata N.E. Br. (49 URs) being followed by Thymus serphyllum L. (49 URs), Fagonia cretica L. (47 URs), Plantago lanceolata L. (45 URs), Periploca aphylla Decne. (44 URs), Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad. (44 URs), and Sideroxylon mascatense (A.DC.) T.D.Penn. (44 URs). New ethnomedicinal uses were reported for Boerhaavia elongata Brandegee and Fumaria officinalis L. with confidential level of URs from the study area. Nineteen groups of health conditions were recorded during the course of study being treated with medicinal plants. Maximum number of 30 plant species was used to treat digestive problems. Most widely practiced mode of drugs’ preparation and administration was powder. Leaves (30% plants) were the most frequently used plant parts in the preparation of ethnomedicinal recipes.ConclusionsCurrent study is an important addition to the field of ethnomedicines. The study reports important medicinal plants from an area, which has not been investigated previously. Traditional knowledge is restricted to health practitioners and elder community members. This knowledge is at the verge of extinction because younger generation is not taking interest in its learning and preservation process. Hence, there is a dire need to phytochemically and pharmacologically test the investigated taxa for the validation of traditional knowledge.

A mini review on a Caralluma tuberculata N. E. Br. uncommon and wild succulents but having exciting pharmacological attributes

Caralluma tuberculata belongs to milky weed family Apocynaceae which upholds 424 genera. This natural medicinal plant is widely distributed in South Asia, Africa, Middle East, and Spain etc. Overall phytochemistry of Caralluma tuberculata is endowed with flurry of pharmacologically active constituents like pregnane glycosides and aglycones, flavanoid, saponins and titerpenes etc. Caralluma tuberculata and its various other species of this genus have been explored for their anti-inflammatory action, strong hypoglycemic and weight reduction effect, quite effective for rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis stomach disorders, abdominal pain, migraine, fever wound healing and cardiac problems. Present review focuses on the comprehensive profile of Caralluma tuberculata with respect to its highly valuable phytoconstituent along with their available pharmacological characteristics and therapeutic prospective. Keywords: Caralluma tuberculata; Desert Succulents; Antidiabetic; Cancer; Obesity; Pharmacological http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2017.60080

Salicylic acid and ascorbic acid retrieve activity of antioxidative enzymes and structure of Caralluma tuberculata calli on PEG stress.

Biochemical adaptations and morphological changes are cellular aptitude originated on biotic and abiotic stresses. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) induces drought stress in the nutrient solution. In the present investigation, Caralluma tuberculata calli is exposed to PEG and antioxidative molecules. By increasing the level of antioxidative enzymes (SOD, POD, CAT, APX, and GR), the PEG-stressed calli falls off upon exposure to non-enzymatic antioxidants (ascorbic acid and salicylic acid). Under PEG-stress, several cellular and sub-cellular changes such as alteration in plasma membrane thickness, change in nucleus shape, increase in nucleoli, deformation of thylakoid membranes, and increase in plastoglobuli are observed through electron microscopic images. From our results we conclude that application of PEG (a drought causative agent) leads to an increase in the level of antioxidative enzymes and also deformation of cellular organelles. However, application of ascorbic acid and salicylic acid eradicate drought effect induced by PEG.

The synergistic effects of sucrose and plant growth regulators on morphogenesis and evaluation of antioxidant activities in regenerated tissues of Caralluma tuberculata

Caralluma tuberculata (C. tuberculata) is a very important medicinal plant with a range of anti-diabetic and weight reduction properties. This high-valued medicinal plant is nowadays considered as endangered due to its unsustainable elimination from wild habitats. There is lack of research efforts on its propagation to overcome escalating demand. In this research study, an effort has been made to optimize protocol for large-scale mass propagation and production of natural antioxidants. Highest callogenic response (87.2 %) was observed from shoot tip explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 30 g l−1 sucrose and combination of 2, 4-D (2.0 mg l−1) and BA (1.0 mg l−1). During shoot morphogenesis, 50 g l−1 sucrose along with BA (2.0 mg l−1) and GA3 (1.0 mg l−1) enhanced shoot regeneration (91.3 %), mean shoot length (2.6 cm) and shoots per explant (24.5) as compared to control. The combination of IBA and IAA (2.0 mg l−1) was found optimum for root induction (74.98 %), mean root length (4.1 cm) and roots per shoot (6.9) as compared to control. The plantlets were successfully acclimatized in plastic cups and various tissues were investigated for accumulation of antioxidant secondary metabolites including phenolics, flavonoids, stress enzymes and antioxidant activities. The superoxide dismutase enzyme was higher in shoots; protein content was higher in callus cultures; phenolics, DPPH and protease activity were higher in plantlets, while flavonoids, peroxidase, reducing power and total antioxidant activities were higher in wild plants. This simple protocol is very useful for commercial production of consistent plantlets and metabolites of interest.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Caralluma tuberculata and its safety on liver and kidneys of diabetic rats / Diyabetik sıçanların karaciğer ve böbrekleri üzerinde Caralluma tuberculata’nın hipoglisemik ve hipolipidemik etkisi ve güvenliği

Abstract Objective: Caralluma tuberculata is a succulent plant that grows in some regions of Baluchestan province in Iran, and is widely used by natives as antidiabetic agent. This study evaluates the antidiabetic effects of aerial part suspension of Caralluma tuberculata (SCT) at two doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and its safety on liver and kidneys of Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: Diabetes was rendered via single dose of STZ (60 mg/kg, injected intraperitoneally). Forty eight rats were classified into 6 groups as follow; (I): Normal control, (II): Normal + SCT (200 mg/kg), (III): STZ Diabetic, (IV): STZ + vehicle, (V): STZ + SCT (100 mg/kg), (VI) STZ + SCT (200 mg/kg). The effects of 45 days of treatment with the SCT on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), lipid profile, hematological and biochemical parameters evaluated. Results: SCT treated groups exhibited a significant (p&lt;0.05) improvement in abnormalities of OGTT, biochemical and hematological parameters compared with the diabetic control group. Furthermore, SCT at both doses, returned significantly (p&lt;0.01) diabetes-induced changes in lipid profile except HDL-C levels that only, were significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased at dose of 200 mg/kg. There was no significant difference in hematological, liver and kidney parameters between normal control and normal animals receiving SCT. Conclusion: The present results revealed that Caralluma tuberculata could be beneficial for amending hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hematological changes induced by diabetes. It may also protect the liver and kidneys against complications caused by diabetes without any toxic effects.

Evaluation of Antihypertensive Effect of Aqueous Methanol Extract of &lt;i&gt;Caralluma tuberculata&lt;/i&gt; N.E.Br in Sprauge Dawley Rats

Purpose: To evaluate the phytochemical profile and antihypertensive effect of Caralluma tuberculata N.E.Br (AMECT).Methods: The antihypertensive effect of the aqueous methanol extract of (AMECT) was evaluated in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. In normotensive rats, various doses (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) were administered at 0, 1, 3 and 6 hr intervals. Anti-hypertensive activity of the crude extract was investigated in three experimental hypertensive models, viz, egg-fed diet, glucose-induced and cadmium-induced hypertensive rats. Cardiovascular parameters, including systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured by tail cuff method using non-invasive blood pressure apparatus (NIBP) attached. AMECT was also investigated for its phytochemical profile.Results: The results indicate that AMECT produced a dose-dependent, significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in SBP, DBP, MBP, and HR (p &lt; 0.01) of normotensive rats, when compared to control groups, at all test doses. The 500 mg/kg dose produced a highly significant effect (mm Hg, p &lt; 0.001) in SBP (85.9 ± 7.2), DBP (71.86 ± 12.1), MBP (75.1 ± 11.7) and HR (238.08 ± 8.3 beats/min), in comparison to 100 and 300 mg/kg doses; therefore, 500 mg/kg was selected for antihypertensive test in egg-fed, glucose-induced and cadmium-treated hypertensive rats. Significant (p &lt; 0.05) antihypertensive and negative chronotropic effects were observed in hypertensive models compared to their respective normal controls. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids.Conclusion: The findings indicate that Caralluma tuberculata possesses significant anti-hypentensive activity in rats.Keywords: Phytochemical profile, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular, Caralluma tuberculata N.E.Br, Blood pressure

Antioxidant Activities of Caralluma tuberculata on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Preclinical Research The aim of this study was to elucidate the antioxidant effects of Caralluma tuberculata (C. tuberculata) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats with an intraperitoneal injection of STZ at dose of 60 mg/kg body weight. Three days after diabetes induction, powdered aerial part of plant at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight were gavaged orally for a period of 45 days. The diabetes significantly decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and level of total thiol in liver, kidney, and heart of animals (P < 0.05). In contrast, a significant increase in the levels of protein carbonyl was observed in diabetic rats compared with control animals (P < 0.05). Oral treatment of diabetic rats with C. tuberculata showed ameliorative effects on blood glucose and markers of oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. Altered levels of all oxidative stress parameters in tissues of diabetic rats reverted back to those normal animals after the treatment with dose of 200 mg/kg /day of plant materials. It seems that the appropriate dose of C. tuberculata has both antihyperglycemic and antioxidant activities in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Therefore, it can have preventive properties on oxidative stress-induced diabetic complications. Drug Dev Res 76 : 40-47, 2015.

Ethnobotany of medicinal plants in district Mastung of Balochistan province-Pakistan

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe aim of this study was to document the medicinal uses of plants in district Mastung of Balochistan province, Pakistan. The ethnobotanical results contain quantitative information on medicinal plants diversity documented for the first time in the area. Materials and methodsThe information was collected through semi-structured interviews, rapid appraisal approach, open ended questionnaire and personal observations. Results were analyzed using quantitative indices of information consent factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), frequency citation (FC) and relative frequency citation (RFC). ResultsIn total of 102 plant species belonging to 47 families were reported for the medicinal purposes. Asteraceae was found to be dominant family in terms of species in the area with 11 species. The whole plant and leaves were noted as most frequently used parts (24%). Decoction (31% with 40 species) was the most commonly used preparation method. Highest ICF value (1) was recorded for antidote category. 100% fidelity level was found for four plant species i.e. Achillea welhemsii, Caralluma tuberculata, Citrullus colocynthis, and Seripidium quettense. The highest use value was reported for the Acroptilon repens (0.5) while highest RFC value was calculated for Berberis balochistanica and Citrullus colocynthis (0.18). Highest use report was calculated for Caralluma tuberculata, Citrullus colocynthis, Malva neglecta and Mentha longifolia with five use reports for each. ConclusionsThe area is rich in medicinal plants and these plants are still commonly used for medicinal purposes among the people in their daily lives. However, there is a gradual loss of traditional knowledge about these plants in new generation. This study provides basis for the conservation of the local flora, its use as food and medicine. It also provides various socio-economic dimensions associated with the common people.

Ascorbic acid and salicylic acid mitigate nacl stress in Caralluma tuberculata Calli.

Plants exposed to salt stress undergo biochemical and morphological changes even at cellular level. Such changes also include activation of antioxidant enzymes to scavenge reactive oxygen species, while morphological changes are determined as deformation of membranes and organelles. Present investigation substantiates this phenomenon for Caralluma tuberculata calli when exposed to NaCl stress at different concentrations. Elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) in NaCl-stressed calli dwindled upon application of non-enzymatic antioxidants; ascorbic acid (AA) and salicylic acid (SA). Many fold increased enzymes concentrations trimmed down even below as present in the control calli. Electron microscopic images accentuated several cellular changes upon NaCl stress such as plasmolysed plasma membrane, disruption of nuclear membrane, increased numbers of nucleoli, alteration in shape and lamellar membrane system in plastid, and increased number of plastoglobuli. The cells retrieved their normal structure upon exposure to non-enzymatic antioxidants. The results of the present experiments conclude that NaCl aggravate oxidative molecules that eventually alleviate antioxidant enzymatic system. Furthermore, the salt stress knocked down by applying ascorbic acid and salicylic acid manifested by normal enzyme level and restoration of cellular structure.