Plant Decoction Research Articles

The role of ayahuasca in cell viability and oxidative stress in gastric adenocarcinoma cell line

Ayahuasca, a psychoactive beverage native to the Amazon, originally derived from Banisteriopsis caapi stem scrapings and Psychotria viridis leaves, exhibits hallucinogenic properties due to N,N-dimethyltryptamine. When combined with β-carbolines, it enters the bloodstream and central nervous system, inhibiting monoamine oxidase-A. Over time, therapeutic effects have been associated to ayahuasca consumption. This study assessed the impact of extracts from three plant decoctions used in ayahuasca preparation on the gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). MTT reduction assays selected B. caapi, Mimosa hostilis, and Peganum harmala samples as most effective. Lactate dehydrogenase activity evaluated membrane integrity loss, while oxidative stress induction was measured using dihydroethidium and 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probes. Results revealed apoptosis induction in AGS cells, with all three samples significantly reducing oxidative stress.

Formulation and standardization of lohasava: an ayurvedic aasava formulation Man

Background: Plant solutions or decoctions are fermented with added sugar to create alcoholic remedies like arishta and aasava. Standardizing ayurvedic formulations is essential to assessing the quality of medicine. Objective: Standardisation of Lohasava, which contains iron as a metal and is used as hematinic, has been carried out in the current study. Methods: The standard ayurvedic procedure was used to prepare the aasava formulation. Modern scientific control processes have standardized the formulation for the final products. Organoleptic analysis, phytochemical assessment, and physicochemical characteristics such as pH, specific gravity, viscosity, acid values, total solid content, alcohol content, heavy metal content, and stability studies were used to standardize asava. Additionally, formulations were examined for the presence of pesticides. Using UV-visible spectrophotometric analysis, the iron content was determined. Animal studies were carried out to evaluate pharmacological activity. Results: Physical and chemical parameters were found within limits. The alcohol content of formulations was within limits and indicated good fermentation. Conclusion: The study's findings have revealed good formulation quality and provide a standard for aasava and ayurvedic formulations.

Determination of the health-protective effect of different Sempervivum and Jovibarba species

This study aimed to examine the micro- and macroelements, as well as the total antioxidant, and polyphenol content of 22 different types of dried houseleek, and fresh plant decoctions. The measurement of antioxidant and polyphenol content was carried out with two drying methods- a drying cabinet and lyophilization. The plants, without exception, were provided by Berger Trio Kft. from Jánossomorja (Hungary), thus, the influencing effect of the environment is negligible in the case of the tested species. Based on the results, the type of houseleek has a clear influencing effect on the amount of the tested constituents. The investigated microelements were B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, while Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, and S were examined among the macroelements. In terms of microelement content, Mn was present in outstanding amounts (20.67–148.00 mg/kg DW), while among macroelements Ca (44.43–95.27 g/kg DW) and Na (24.07–128.50 g/kg DW) was present in larger quantities in the samples. It can be said that in the case of samples with a high amount of antioxidants and polyphenols, the element content is low and the reverse is also true. During the examination of the dried houseleeks, outstanding values were obtained for the tested compounds. The antioxidant values of the dried leaves were between 2.22 and 317.74 mg AAE/g DW, while their polyphenol contents ranged from 5.52 to 144.16 mg GAE/g DW, however, the drying methods had some influencing effect. Regarding fresh plant decoctions, the polyphenol contents (0,02–1,11 mg GAE/g FW) were negligible, while the amount of antioxidants (2,38–4,61 mg AAe/g FW) were low. With other solvents (e.g. alcoholic extraction - tinctures), better results are likely to be achieved. Houseleek species (especially in dried form) are an excellent source of trace elements, antioxidants, and phenolic components so they can even be used as additives to functional foods or consumed on their own in the form of encapsulated dietary supplements.

Plants used in female reproductive healthcare by the Gujjar tribe of the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India

BackgroundAbout half of India's female population suffers from gynaecological disorders due to lliteracy, poverty, a lack of healthcare resources, and social stigma. Medicinal plants play a vital role in the basic healthcare services of tribal communities in India due to their ease of availability and cost, and their use is also a vital part of the cultural heritage. The study aimed to identify and document the medicinal plants used in female reproductive healthcare by the Gujjar tribe in the sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India. MethodsOne hundred twelve informants between 21 and 80 years of age were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire and open-ended interviews. The documented data was quantitatively analysed by applying frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), family importance value (FIV) and the Jaccard’s index (JI). ResultsThe present study documented 90 plant species from 47 families with Leguminosae as the most cited family. The study identified Asparagus racemosus as the most important species based on RFC value. Menstrual disorder and leucorrhoea were among the primary disease categories based on ICF values. Roots were the most commonly used plant parts (22%) and decoction was the major mode of preparation (52%). ConclusionsAsparagus racemosus was one of the most frequently mentioned plant species in the present study. The findings of this investigation are important for documenting and prioritising plant species such as A. racemosus, Abrus precatorius, Bombax ceiba, Moringa oleifera, Curculigo orchioides, Cocculus hirsutus, and Centella asiatica for additional investig,ations.

Ethnobotanical documentation of Harike Wildlife Sanctuary (Ramsar Site), Punjab, India: A case study

Background: Harike Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) is a natural bank of medicinal plants and native flora; therefore regular monitoring is required to maintain such diversity. The objective of the present study is to document the medicinal plants used by local people settled around HWS besides to develop a systematic record of traditionally used medicinal plants. Methods: The data was collected with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire following the snowball sampling method. People with some knowledge of medicinal plants were targeted for gathering information. To confirm the plant availability and identification, various field surveys were conducted along with informants across the habitat types within Harike Wildlife Sanctuary. Besides the harvest time of different wild plants mentioned by informants and the database is prepared for useful medicinal plants. Results: A total of 85 species from 79 genera and 51 families were mentioned by informants for the treatment of 40 types of health ailments. Leaves (25% species) are the most used plant part and decoction (19 species) is the most used method for the preparation of the drug, while the most frequent administration of the drug is oral (85% species). The ethnobotanical indices like Use Value, Relative Importance and Fidelity Level (FL) of each species have been derived from the primary dataset. Conclusion: Even though the study area also has access to contemporary healthcare services, the study found that numerous species are utilized to treat a wide range of medical conditions. By creating an effective plan, the current study may help to preserve medicinal and aromatic plants. Keywords: Harike-wetland, Ethnobotany, Fidelity Level, Medicinal plants, Use Value, Punjab

Agrobiotechnological method of obtaining plants decoctions to reduce the number of bunch leaf beetle in the Carpathian region

At all stages of crop cultivation, important tasks related to the development of effective measures to protect against the most dangerous pests were successfully solved. The efficiency of insecticide application was theoretically substantiated. A set of scientific researches was carried out to improve environmentally friendly methods of crop protection. The aspects of the use of decoctions of plants and microbiological preparations for the protection of vineyards from the most common pests are presented. It was also established that the decoction of tomatoes and potato tops does not negatively affect the predators and parasites of the bunch leaf beetle. It was studied that the decoction of plants provoked pathogens, especially bacterial, which are in a latent state. When applying a mixture of dendrobacillin 60, caterpillars were pupated from which butterflies did not revive. The results of the death of caterpillars of three generations when using 15 plants, which showed different degrees of effectiveness of decoctions of plants from bunch leafminer in industrial vineyards of the Carpathian region are presented

Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of decoction of Parkia biglobosa in mice exposed to chronic immobilisation and physical activity test

Anxiety is a major current issue for both athletes and sedentary people. Several strategies for fighting this condition, aimed at limiting its sometimes adverse effects on the health and performance of athletes, are currently being developed. This study aims at assessing the combined effect of the decoction of dried Parkia biglobosa bark and aerobic physical activity in white mice. For this purpose, the elevated plus maze test (EPM) and the open field test were used. Thirty male and female mice of approximately eight weeks of age and 22 g body weight were used. They were divided into six groups of five mice each. This makes three test groups, one of which received the plant decoction by gavage and underwent anxiety induction; the other plant decoction and underwent anxiety induction and physical activity, and the third the anxiety induction and physical activity. A normal group received distilled water by gavage, a negative control group received distilled water by gavage and underwent anxiety induction and a positive control group received diazepam intraperitoneally and underwent anxiety induction. Thus, the results in the EPM give a significant difference (p˂0.001) in the open arms of the number of entries from 5 ± 1 in the negative control mice to 27 ± 2.54 in those treated with 56 mg/kg of the batch (Pb56+SIC+AP), the percentage of entries from 18.08 ± 4.54 in the negative control mice to 84.46 ± 2.57 in those treated with 56 mg/kg of the group (Pb56+SIC+AP). Then, the open field test showed a significant increase (p˂0.001) in the time spent in the centre from 6 ± 1second in the negative control mice to 42 ± 2 in those treated with 56 mg/kg of the group (Pb56+SIC+AP), in the number of crossing from 53 ± 4, 24 in the negative control mice to 101.8 ± 7.15 in those treated with 56 mg/kg of the group (Pb56+SIC+AP), the number of grooming from 2 ± 0.70 in the negative control mice to 11 ± 1.87 in those treated with 56 mg/kg of the batch (Pb56+SIC+AP). The decoction of dried barks of P. biglobosa combined with physical activity produces anxiolytic effects, that is, the ability to treat anxiety.

Cucurbitaceae species used as traditional medicine in West Africa

Background: The use of some Cucurbitaceae species for the treatment of diseases is an ancient practice in traditional medicine systems in Africa and the cucurbitacins among others have been reported to be responsible for most of these healing activities.Aim: This review discusses the relevance of Cucurbitaceae species in traditional medicine in some west African countries.Methods: A literature search was conducted on electronic databases such as Google Books, Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science. The search involved the use of several terms and free text words which include ‘Cucurbitaceae species in West Africa traditional medicine’; ‘medicinal plants of the Cucurbitaceae family used to treat diseases in west African communities’.Results: Several Cucurbitaceae species are used in the region either in similar ways or different ways for the treatment of different diseases. The leaves are the most utilised plant parts and decoctions are the most common method of preparation. From this study, 18 species of Cucurbitaceae used for medicinal purposes were reviewed from Nigeria; 4 from Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Mali, respectively; 1 from Togo; 5 from Senegal; 9 from Cameroon and 3 from Gabon and Burkina Faso, respectively. Momordica charantia and Momordica balsamina are often utilised for abortion in some west African countries. Momordica species and Lagenaria breviflora are utilised to treat diabetes, cough related to respiratory infections and viral infections such as measles and chickenpoxConclusions: In-depth research into these plants could help to develop a natural, novel cure for diabetes and coronavirus (COVID-19) and effective, cheap contraceptive.Contribution: This review highlights the significant role of Cucurbitaceae species in the treatment of a wide range of diseases and health issues in the WestAfrican traditional medicine system. The information provided could be used as a guide by research scientists for the formulation of natural products to cure a variety of diseases.

Ethnobotanical study of wild medicinal plants in Serbajadi protected forest of East Aceh District, Indonesia

Abstract. Navia ZI, Adnan, Harmawan T, Suwardi AB. 2022. Ethnobotanical study of wild medicinal plants in Serbajadi protected forest of East Aceh District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 4959-4970. The Serbajadi protected forest of East Aceh District has high biodiversity including medicinal plants which have been utilized by the community as traditional medicine. However, their knowledge of ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants is threatened due to the lack of written records and the rapid socio-cultural changes as a consequence of economic development. Therefore, this study aims to study wild medicinal plants and traditional knowledge in the Serbajadi protected forest, East Aceh District, Indonesia. This study used a combination of data collection methods, namely field surveys, plant collections, and community interviews. The snowball sampling technique was used to select 320 interviewees. The results showed that local people use 88 different wild medicinal plant species from 78 genera and 46 families to treat 32 different diseases. The most common ailments to cure are fever, cough, and diarrhea. Ageratum conyzoides is the most known medicinal plant species with a relative frequency citation index of 0.97, while Acorus calamus is the most commonly used medicinal plant in the local community with a use value index of 0.99. Furthermore, locals identified leaves (75%) as the most commonly used plant part and decoction (55%) as the most common method of administering traditional medicine. The elders know more about medicinal plants than the younger generation, indicating that traditional knowledge is eroding as generations pass. In order to ensure the sustainability of medicinal plants and the preservation of traditional knowledge in the future, the initiative to preserve medicinal plants must be increased, particularly among the younger generation.

Study of Perceptional Attitude of Resource Limited Uri Populace of District Baramullah Toward Traditional Medicinal Usage in the Kashmir Himalayas

ABSTRACT The ethnic knowledge of alternative medicines of Tehsil Uri was documented for its diverse eco-edaphic and floral features. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire, face-to-face interviews, and group discussions. The 573 informants were selected through snow-ball sampling. For quantification of the data Relative Importance Index (RII), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC) and Use Value (UV) were used. A total of 97 medicinal plants were reported for their medicinal values. The informants of age 40 years or above were more knowledgeable. Most of the local people (73.08%) used medicinal plants to cure digestive problems. The dominant family was Asteraceae (N = 16) and the most dominant life form was herb (73 Sp.). Leaves (38 Sp.) were the most commonly used plant part and decoction (N = 22) was the most common mode of preparation. The highest RFC value was reported for Juglans regia (0.88); the highest RII value was obtained for Achillea millefolium (0.97), and Punica granatum had the highest UV of 0.100.

Ayahuasca and Public Health II: Health Status in a Large Sample of Ayahuasca-Ceremony Participants in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a plant decoction in traditional Amazonian medicine. Its ritual use has been internationalized, leading to policy challenges that countries should address. This study evaluates the impact of regular ayahuasca ceremony participation on health by assessing the health status of 377 participants in ayahuasca ceremonies in the Netherlands using validated health indicators. A questionnaire was developed and administered to study participants. The questionnaire included several health indicators with public health relevance (e.g., BMI, diet, physical activity) and psychometrically validated questionnaires (ELS and COPE-easy). The data retrieved through health indicators was compared to normative Dutch data. Participants (50.1% women) were mostly Dutch (84.6%) with a mean age of 48.8 years (SD = 11.6). Compared to normative Dutch data, regular participants in ayahuasca ceremonies showed better general well-being, fewer chronic or lifestyle-related diseases, more physical activity, and a more balanced diet. Participants also used less alcohol during the COVID-19 pandemic, and although they used more illegal drugs than the general population, they did not report associated harms. Our findings suggest that regular participation in ayahuasca ceremonies is not linked to relevant health harms. This data could help drug policymakers to develop and implement evidence-based public policies.

Ethnobotanical Documentation of Medicinal Plants Used by the Indigenous Panay Bukidnon in Lambunao, Iloilo, Philippines.

The Panay Bukidnon is a group of indigenous peoples living in the interior highlands of Panay Island in Western Visayas, Philippines. Little is known about their ethnobotanical knowledge due to limited written records, and no recent research has been conducted on the medicinal plants they used in ethnomedicine. This study aims to document the medicinal plants used by the indigenous Panay Bukidnon in Lambunao, Iloilo, Panay Island. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 key informants from June 2020 to September 2021 to determine the therapeutic use of medicinal plants in traditional medicine. A total of 131 medicinal plant species distributed in 121 genera and 57 families were used to address 91 diseases in 16 different uses or disease categories. The family Fabaceae was best represented with 13 species, followed by Lamiaceae with nine species and Poaceae with eight species. The leaf was the most frequently used plant part and decoction was the most preferred form of preparation. To evaluate the plant importance, use value (UV), relative frequency citation (RFC), relative important index (RI), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL) were used. Curcuma longa L. had the highest UV (0.79), Artemisia vulgaris L. had the highest RFC value (0.57), and Annona muricata L. had the highest RI value (0.88). Diseases and symptoms or signs involving the respiratory system and injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes recorded the highest ICF value (0.80). Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. and Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob were the most relevant and agreed species for the former and latter disease categories, respectively. C. odorata had the highest FL value (100%) and was the most preferred medicinal plant used for cuts and wounds. The results of this study serve as a medium for preserving cultural heritage, ethnopharmacological bases for further drug research and discovery, and preserving biological diversity.

Ethnopharmacological review of medicinal plants used to manage hypertension in Morocco

Morocco is facing the emergence of high blood pressure which is increasingly becoming a real public health issue. In the long term, it is an important risk factor for several other related diseases. This study aimed to compile all the available knowledge on traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension in different regions of Morocco. The compilation indicated that 104 medicinal plant species were reported to be traditionally used in the treatment of hypertension in Morocco. The most cited families were Lamiaceae, Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae. Petroselinum crispum, Tetraclinis articulata, Rosmarinus officinalis, Olea europaea, Allium sativum, Syzygium aromaticum, Peganum harmala and Aloysia citriodora were the most frequently reported plant for their antihypertensive use. The leaves are the most used plant part and decoction is the preferred mode of preparation. The present findings showed that the people of Morocco use a large variety of plants for the treatment of hypertension. More attention should be paid to these plant to confirm safety and efficacy in clinical practice and to identify pharmacologically active metabolites.

Ethnobotanical survey: A comprehensive review of medicinal plants used in treatment of gastro intestinal diseases in Kano state, Nigeria.

BackgroundThis work provides the ethnobotanical data concerning the traditional use of medicinal plants in Kano State- Nigeria and its uses for the treatment of gastrointestinal disease which has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to review the actual knowledge about the medicinal plants used to treat gastrointestinal diseases by traditional medical practitioners living in Kano metropolis. The objectives were to determine the local (Hausa) and scientific names of the plants used in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in Kano State, Nigeria; to document and analyse the traditional and ethnobotanical knowledge inherited by traditional medical practitioners in Kano State- Nigeria. MethodThe ethnobotanical data was collected from 30 traditional medical practitioners, 5 each from each Local Government Area making up the core Kano metropolis (Dala, Fagge, Tarauni, Kano Municipal, Gwale and Nassarawa). By means of a structured questionnaire focusing on the local (Hausa) names of the medicinal plants, their medicinal uses, the plant parts used, methods of preparation and route of administration to patients. ResultsThe survey identified a total of 33 plant species belonging to 24 families. The Moraceae family was the most commonly used plant family representing 17.4% of all the medicinal plants species recorded in this study. The plant parts most frequently used were the leaves (47.8 %), followed by the bark/stem (34.8 %), roots (10.9 %), whole plant (4.3 %) and the seeds (2.2 %). Most of the traditional medical practitioners obtained their extracts by decoction of the medicinal plants. The most often recurring gastrointestinal disease treated by the practitioners was stomach ache (36.5 %), followed by diarrhoea (30.8 %), and dysentery (19.2 %) using one or more of the medicinal plants reported in this study for preparing such treatments. The three (3) most frequently used plants according to this study were: Bridelia ferruginea (90.0 %), Psidium guajava (90.0 %) and Khaya senegalensis (83.3 %). The survey revealed that the bark of both Bridelia ferruginea and Khaya senegalensis were the parts used for the herbal preparation while the leaves of Psidium guajava were used. The main method of preparation was decoction and was administered orally. Conclusion: The traditional medical practitioners in Kano metropolis possess a wealth of information on medicinal plants and their applications. This ethnobotanical survey can help scientists and researchers in identifying those plants with medicinal properties that may be useful in the development of new drugs.

Enhancing Biopharmaceutical Attributes of Khellin by Amorphous Binary Solid Dispersions.

Khellin, a furanochromone isolated from fruits and seeds of Ammi visnaga, is traditionally used in many eastern Mediterranean countries. The plant decoction and the crystalline substance khellin have many pharmacological activities. For instance, it acts as a bronchodilator and also relieves renal colic and urethral stones, etc. However, the low water solubility (~ 120µg/mL) and low bioavailability limit its therapeutic application. Thus, the present research explores the development of its binary and ternary solid dispersion formulations to improve its solubility and dissolution behavior. A 24-well plate miniaturized protocol was established to identify the optimal hydrophilic polymer to prepare its solid dispersions. PEG-4000 was recognized as the favorable hydrophilic carrier in preparation of solid dispersion, SSB17. The formulation displayed ~ five-fold enhancement in the aqueous solubility of khellin. The binary solid dispersion SSB17 was manufactured at a gram scale and evaluated using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR, p-XRD, SEM, DSC, in vitro dissolution, and predicted pharmacokinetics. The quantitative dissolution data of SSB17 demonstrated ~ 2-3-fold improvement in AUC at physiological pH conditions. These conclusions highlight the basis for further preclinical studies on solid dispersions of khellin with improved biopharmaceutical properties.

Peritonitises Gastroduodenal by Perforation Him of the Hospital of Sikasso: Aspects Epidemio-Clinical and Sanative

The aim of the work was to describe the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of peritonitis by gastroduodenal perforation. Patients and methods: the study was retrospective, and descriptive from January 2010 to December 2013.It was carried out in the general surgery department of the hospital of Sikasso (Mali). Patients operated for gastric and/or duodenal perforation were included. The parameters studied were frequency, age, sex, clinical aspects, and treatment, postoperative. Results: The clinical records of 54 patients were collected. Gastroduodenal perforations accounted for 9.2% of digestive perforations. The mean age of the patients was 34.8 years, with a sex ratio =9.8 at the risk of men. The notion of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was found in 72.2%, an ingestion of plant decoction in 18.5%, a history of gastritis in 7.4%, a history of peptic ulcer in 8%. Abdominal pain was present in all patients; vomiting in 19 patients. The average duration of evolution of the symptomatology was 36 hours. On physical examination the most frequent signs were abdominal contracture in 96.2% of patients; a disappearance of prehepatic dullness in all patients. On digital rectal examination Douglas-fir was bulging and painful in 24 patients. X-ray of the abdomen without preparation found pneumoperitonea in 77.7% of patients. An excision, suture plus omentoplasty were performed in 52 patients. Surgical follow-ups were simple in 77.9% patients, with a morbidity of 12.9% and a mortality of 9.3%. Conclusion: Peritonitis by gastroduodenal perforation is a frequent pathology in our context. It can cause a high mortality. Early diagnosis and treatment could improve outcomes.

In Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of Preventive Activity of Inflammation and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Plant Extracts from Oldenlandia corymbosa L.

Aims: The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the crude dichloromethane (CDCME), ethyl acetate (CEAE), and methanol (CMeE) extracts from the plant Oldenlandia corymbosa L. Background:Oldenlandia species have been popular among the people of the Indian subcontinent to treat several types of internal and external inflammation for a long time. Plant decoctions have been used to battle inflammation in cases of tonsilitis, pneumonia and cholecystitis, among others. Objective: The present work designed to demonstrate the properties of the previously mentioned plant extracts to prevent inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. This work is the first investigation of such extracts from this species and their relationship with anti-inflammatory activity. Method: The anti-inflammatory properties of the Oldenlandia corymbosa L. extracts were evaluated in vitro with the Red Blood Cell (RBC) membrane stabilization method and the protein denaturation method and in vivo with the carrageenan-induced paw oedema method. Furthermore, the free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was carried out with the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical oxidation, total antioxidant capacity and iron reduction assay. Result: Both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that CDCME had the most predominant effects with the value of 80.5% for RBC membrane stabilization, 60% for inhibition of protein denaturation at the concentration of 1000 µg/mL and 63.28% (after 3 h, * p < 0.05) for inhibition of paw oedema (300 mg/kg bwt) compared to carrageenan-induced mice. The free radical scavenging activity was studied by DPPH, total antioxidant and reducing activity assay. CDCME showed scavenging activity in all the methods and an IC50 value of 473.86 µg/mL for DPPH method. Conclusions: The findings of the study remarked that CDCME of the plant has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that validate the traditional use of the plant to get remedy from pain. Other: The plants Oldenlandia corymbosa L. were provided by the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Laboratory campus, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. Experiments on animals were conducted by ethical permission of Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh (license no: 225/320-IAMEBBC/IBSc).

Isolation, Characterization and Phytochemical Evaluation of Active Compound Coumarin from Oldenlandia corymbosa (Linn)

Medicinal plants have served through ages, as a constant source of medicaments for the exposure of a variety of diseases. Plants are known to provide cures for various human illnesses and are a rich source of phyto constituents having diversified pharmacological properties. Oldenlandia corymbosa (L.) (syn. Hedyotis corymbosa Lam., Thai name Ya-Lin-Ngu), a member of the family Rubiaceae, is widely distributed in tropical regions of Asia. The decoction of whole plants is used in traditional medicine for antipyretic purposes to decrease body temperature. Pharmacologically, the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties of plant extracts have been reported. This plant is well known to contain mainly iridoid glucosides. The whole plant contains reducing sugars, amino acids, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides and alkaloids. The present aim of the study is to extraction and isolation of bioactive compound from Oldenlandia corymbosa (L.). The isolation and characterization analysis included, Thin Layer Chromatography, High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, GC-MS and Spectroscopy studies (IR, NMR, and MASS). The presences of coumarin in the methanolic fraction revealed that the isolated constituent is most active compound. Isolation of bioactive compound coumarin may help in identification of various pharmacological activities and carrying out further research in Oldenlandia corymbosa (L.).

Ayahuasca Lyophilization (Freeze-drying) Protocol with Pre- and Post-procedure Alkaloids Quantification

ABSTRACT Ayahuasca is a psychoactive brew from the decoction of different Amazonian plants, traditionally used in several cultures, religions, and rituals. Scientific studies with ayahuasca are rapidly increasing due to its subjective effects and therapeutic potential. Although ayahuasca is traditionally used in its liquid presentation, lyophilized (freeze-dried) ayahuasca is often used in scientific experimentation settings. However, there is no standard process or guideline to freeze-dry ayahuasca nor comparison of the chemical profile between the liquid and freeze-dried presentations. Therefore, we describe a reproducible five-day protocol for ayahuasca lyophilization with alkaloids quantification by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry of both the liquid and the final freeze-dried ayahuasca. By the end of the protocol, approximately 295 g of freeze-dried extract with similar alkaloids concentration were obtained from two liters of ayahuasca (dry matter: 14.75 %). The final extract was stored for three years inside a vacuum desiccator (approximately 6°C) with its texture quality preserved. Further studies should address the impact of different storage conditions and the lyophilization on the alkaloids’ quantity of the freeze-dried ayahuasca, especially the use of heat in regards to the β-carbolines.

Ethno-medicinal plants of tribal people: A case study in Pakyong subdivision of East Sikkim, India

BackgroundTribal people of India still use ancient traditional health care practices, using available plants in their surroundings. Traditional knowledge of medicine is vanishing due to urbanization and outmigration thus its urgent need to preserve this valuable knowledge. MethodsThis recent study was carried out in Pakyong subdivision of East Sikkim during 2016–17, and information was collected interviewing 71 informants of the Lepcha, Bhotia, and Nepali tribes. ResultsPresent study documenting 60 useful plant species belonging to 38 families, used for local health care needs including ten veterinary useful species. Herbaceous plants were used in high proportion (32 species, 54%) followed by trees (20, 33%), shrubs (20, 8%) and climbers (3, 5%). Leaves were the most frequently used plant parts and decoction was the common drug formulation among the inhabitants. The Informant consensus factor (ICF) ranged between 0.88 and 0.97, and fidelity levels in the study region were varied from 11.53% to 100%. ConclusionDocumentation of local plant uses by tribal people will be helpful in sustainable use of indigenous practices of medicinal plants, and further information may be used for pharmacological investigation and novel phytoconstituents isolation.