Ethanol Extract Of Roots Research Articles

Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the ethanol root bark extract of Salacia lehmbachii in rats and mice

Background: The decoction of the roots of Salacia lehmbachi is used in traditional medicine for the treatment different diseases such as malaria pains diabetes and microbial infections.Methods: Phytochemical screening and oral acute toxicity tests were carried out on the ethanol root extract of the plant. Anti-nocicetive activity using acetic acid induced writhing and tail immersion method in mice, anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats and xylene induced ear oedema test in mice and antipyretic activity using Brewer’s yeast and D-amphetamine induced pyrexia in rats were determined at 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg doses of the root extract.Results: The ethanol root extract contain alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids and cardiac glycosides. The oral acute toxicity tests was found to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. The root extract and the standard drug (Aspirin) significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) decreased the number of writhes caused by acetic acid. The extract and morphine significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) prolonged reaction time in tail immersion model. The extract produced significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) dose dependent inhibition of oedema which was comparable to aspirin in carrageenan induced paw oedema model. The root extract also demonstrated significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) effect in xylene induced mouse ear oedema test compared to dexamethasone. The extract significantly decreased high temperature in both Brewer’s yeast and d-amphetamine induced pyrexia.Conclusions: Findings show that S. lehmbachii may provide a good source of plant compounds with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.

In vitro effects ofAsparagus racemosusethanolic root extract on cellular immune response and immune‐related gene expression ofLabeo rohita(Hamilton, 1822) leucocytes and anti‐Aeromonas hydrophilaactivity

Asparagus racemosus is an important herb, the medicinal properties of which have been reported in traditional systems of medicine. The potential application of this plant as an immunostimulant for fish was explored in this study, using in vitro assay methods. Based on the extraction yield, phytochemical properties and antioxidant potentials, the ethanolic root extract of the plant (AREE) was selected and subsequently used to observe in vitro cellular immune responses, immune-related gene expression of Labeo rohita head kidney (HK) leucocytes, and anti-Aeromonas hydrophila activity. Different cellular immunological parameters (nitric oxide production, superoxide anion production and myeloperoxidase activity) of the HK leucocytes showed significantly enhanced responses when incubated with different concentration of AREE (6.25, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µg ml−1). Additionally, the leucocyte proliferation assay confirmed polyclonal activation of leucocytes by AREE, indicating the absence of any negative impact of the extract on leucocyte viability. Immune-related genes viz. IL-1β, IFN-γ and C3 showed significantly higher upregulation following incubation of AREE with the leucocytes, indicating enhancement of immune responses at the molecular level. The results collectively suggest the potential of AREE as an effective immunostimulant for use in aquaculture.

Antibacterial Activities and Phytochemical Screening of Crude Extracts of Calotropis gigantea (Giant Milk Weed)

The root and leaf of were screened for its antimicrobial and phytochemical activities. The solvents used for the roots and leaves extraction were ethanol and water. The extracts were tested against infectious disease causing bacterial such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiellaaerogenesand α-haemolysin using the well diffusion method. The aqueous extracts of root of Calotropis gigantea against all the test bacteria ranged from 6.0 mm to 20.0 mm diameter zones of inhibition. The ethanolic extract of root of Calotropis gigantea inhibition against some the test microbe ranges from 6 mm to 14.0 mm diameter inhibitory zone. The ethanolic leaf extract of C. gigantea also showed an inhibition of 8mm to 20.0 mm. In present study, bacterial extract showed a varying zone of inhibition of the growth of tested organism than ethanol. Phytochemical properties of root and leaves of Calotropis gigantea obtain from ethanol and aqueous extracts were investigated. The results confirmed that presence of antibacterial activity and phytochemical in the shade dried extract of Calotropis gigantea against the human pathogenic organisms.

Comparative study of antimicrobial action of aloe vera and antibiotics against different bacterial isolates from skin infection.

Aloe vera is reputed to have medicinal properties. For centuries, it has been used for an array of ailments such as mild fever, wounds and burns, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, sexual vitality and fertility problems to cancer, immune modulation, AIDS and various skin infections. In present study, antibacterial activity of aloe vera gel extracts was tested against some common skin infection pathogens, that is, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus all were recorded positive. Antibiotic resistance and susceptibility pattern of above isolates were also studied against 10 clinically significant antibiotics (ampicillin [AMC], amoxicillin, augmentin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime [CAZ], cefuroxime [CXM], ciprofloxaci, tetracycline, cefpodoxime and imipenem). AMC and CXM were found to be most effective antibiotic followed by CXM with highest efficacy against Gram‐negative bacteria. In case of CAZ showed highest efficacy was showed against Gram‐positive bacteria. Aloe vera leave gel was extracted with four different solvent‐like aloe vera leaf extract, root extract, leaf ethanol extract and root ethanol extract; however, Gram‐negative as well Gram‐positive isolates was found highest susceptibility with aloe leaf and aloe root ethanol extract. Moderate sensitivity observed with aloe leaf extract and aloe root extract against both Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative bacterial isolates. This result showed that ethanol extracts of aloe vera both leaf and root can be used alongside conventional antibiotics to fight agents of infections that are so prevalent in the skin infection.

Efficacy evaluation of Rauwolfia serpentina against Chromium (VI) toxicity in fish, Channa punctatus

Aim: To explore the efficacy potential of ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina against Chromium (VI) toxicity in fish, Channa punctatus. Methodology: Acclimatized fish were divided into six groups, each having 15 specimens. Group I served as a control, while Group II and III fish were exposed to ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina (3 mg l-1) and Cr (VI) (96 h LC50/10; 7.68 mg l-1), respectively. Groups IV, V and VI fish were exposed to three different concentrations of ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina (1, 2 and 3 mg l-1), simultaneously with 7.68 mg l-1 of Cr (VI). The induction of micronuclei, chromosomal aberrations, protein levels and liver enzymes-SGOT, SGPT and ALP- were assessed in fish of all six groups after designated exposure periods. Results: A significant induction (p<0.05) in chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei frequency and activities of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) coupled with reduced protein level was recorded in Group III as compared to the control. Whereas, a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the frequency of chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei induction and activities of liver enzymes together with an increase in protein level was observed in Group IV, V and VI with respect to control and Group III. Interpretation: Present investigation evince the ameliorative potential of ethanolic root extract of Rauwolfia serpentina against Cr (VI) induced chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei induction, changes in protein levels and biochemical alterations of liver enzymes in Channa punctatus. Thus would help present work helps in saving the aquatic biodiversity and increasing the production of protein rich food fish.

Monoaminergic Neurotransmission on the Antidepressant Effect of Leaf and Root Extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria on the Locomotion and Immobility of Sprague‐Dawley Rats

Rauwolfia vomitoria is one of the medicinal plants which is used traditionally to manage hypertension, diabetes and mental disorder. This study is to investigate antidepressant-like effect of the leaf and root aqueous and ethanol extracts of R. vomitoria in the rat model using neurobehavioural indices; open field test and forced swimming test. The effect of the plant extracts on monoamine neurotransmiters’ system was also investigated. The neurobehavioural response of rats by open field test and forced swim test showed that there was a reduction in the explorative tendencies of the rats administered the aqueous and ethanol root extracts (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500mg/kg) compared to the control, while forced swim test reduced the immobility time of rats across all treatment groups, except 500mg/kg group. Neurotransmitter levels (serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine) in plasma and brain of rats administered the different concentrations of root extracts exhibited significant (p <0.05) increase.The reduction in monoamine oxidase activity by the standard drugs and R. vomitoria extracts confirm that the mechanism of action R. vomitoria root extracts could be through inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity. Therefore, the mode of action may be due in part to the increase in monoamine levels or by suppression of the reuptake of the monoamine neurotransmiters. This study established that R. vomitoria root extract has antidepressant-like effect in rats.

Antimycotic potential of Kawayang tinik against pathogenic fungal species

The importance of discovering and obtaining new, natural and sustainable sources of potential drugs have been the focus of scientific communities due to the emergence of increasing cases of microbial resistance, one of the biggest health threats in our society today. This study aimed to determine the antimycotic potential of Bambusa blumeana (kawayang tinik) specifically its leaf, rhizome, root, inner culm and outer culm extracts using the agar well diffusion assay. Results of the study revealed that all kawayang tinik extracts produced statistically equal size zone of inhibition (ZOI) against Aspergillus niger at 1 mg/ ml concentration while the ethanolic root and leaf extracts showed larger ZOI against Penicillium chrysogenum compared to other kawayang tinik extracts. Furthermore, the results of the antifungal assay showed comparable activity of kawayang tinik extracts to Fluconazole, a pharmaceutically approved antifungal drug, at 1 mg/ml concentration. Phytochemical studies further revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenols, sterols, triterpenes and flavonoids in its different parts which may support its potential antimycotic properties.

Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening and Chemical Fingerprint Analysis of Herbal Plant &lt;i&gt;Phyllanthus niruri&lt;/i&gt; using HPTLC

&#x0D; This study focused to develop the fingerprint profile of Phyllanthus niruri through high performance thin layer chromatography. Various solvent extracts such as ethanol and water were prepared and phytochemical screening was made using standard procedures. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of two extracts of the plant showed the presence of secondary metabolites viz., alkaloids, triterpenoids, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids and steroids. The total flavonoid contents of leaves were significantly higher than those revealed in stem and root. The total phenolic contents of Phyllanthus niruri leaves (aqueous extract), leaves (ethanol extract) and root (ethanol extract) were 5.71 mg GAE/100 mg extract, 7.66 mg GAE/100 mg and 5.63 mg GAE/100 mg extract respectively. Methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri was subjected to HPTLC analysis due to it is most effective, highly polar universal solvent for extraction of phytoconstituents. Among the samples, leaves extract resolved maximum number of spots followed by stem extract and root extract. It can be concluded that HPTLC fingerprinting of Phyllanthus niruri may be useful in differentiating the species from the adulterant and authentication of this herbal plant in the medical field and systematic plant studies.

EKSTRAKK UMBI BAWANG DAYAK (Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr.) SEBAGAI PEREDUKSI ION PERAK DALAM SINTESIS NANOPARTIKEL PERAK

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the best plasmonic candidates that have been used in Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)-based nanosensors for the detection of metallic ions. In this research, AgNPs were prepared by the method using Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr root ethanol extract. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by reduction of silver nitrate with Eleutherine palmifolia (L.) Merr. Tuber extract (concentration of extract = 0,01%, pH = 11, volume ratio 1:1) in the boiling water bath for 90 minutes. The formation of silver nanoparticles was indicated by the appearance of yellow color and monitored using a UV-Visible spectrophotometer. The spectra showed the maximum peak at 401-405 nm. The resulted silver nanoparticles with the size of 10-20 nm were stable at least for 16 weeks.

Evaluation of Anticancer Action of Martynia annua Linn Root Extract on Different Human Cancer Cell Lines

Background: In the last few decades, plants have been playing a vital role in treating cancer and infectious diseases. Natural products have been rediscovered as effective methods of drug production amid advances in combinatorial chemistry. Roots of Martynia annua are being used as a folklore remedy for the treatment of cancer and rheumatism successfully.&#x0D; Aims of the Study: In the present study, ethanolic, aqueous and hydro-ethanolic root extracts of Martynia annua were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity activity using different cell lines.&#x0D; Settings and Design: In the experiment, lung cancer cell lines (A549), leukemia cancer cell lines (K562), oral cancer cell lines (SCC-40), breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7) &amp; cervix cancer cell lines (SiHa) were studied on the extracts.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The method used was Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay technique in which growth inhibition of 50% (GI50) was analyzed by comparing it with standard drug Adriamycin (ADR) (doxorubicin).&#x0D; Results: Aqueous &amp; ethanolic extract of Martynia annua root had shown high anticancer activity with GI50 value 11.3µg/ml and 20.4µg/ml respectively on human leukemia cell line K-562 but for human breast cancer cell line MCF-7, human lung cancer cell line A-549, human squamous cell carcinoma SCC-40 and human cervical cancer cell line SiHa the extracts showed activity in more than 80µg/ml.&#x0D; Conclusion: The anticancer activity of aqueous extract of Martynia annua root was found superior than the ethanolic extract in Human Leukemia Cell Line K-562. The study indicates that the Martynia annua root extracts are most effective against the fast proliferative cells (Leukemic cells) and possibly a cell cycle arrest (needed to be proved as future perspective) is the mode of action of the extract. To study its effect on targeted cancers, specific in vivo scientific studies and clinical trials should be carried out by further researchers.

Formulation and Characterization of Anti-Bacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Using Root and Leaf of Wedelia trilobata

In the present study one such species, Wedelia trilobata, has be chosen to review the In vitro antibacterial activity of the root extract by using solvent ethanol for the selected plant Wedelia triolobata. The deduction of nanoparticles used to be unalterable by UV-Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, particle size, and zeta potential. The anti-bacterial activity of Wedelia trilobata mediated synthesis silver nanoparticles was tested by disc diffusion assay against standard organisms like Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The formation of silver nanoparticles by Wedelia trilobata was initially demonstrated by color changes confirmed by UV-Visible root exhibited a specific absorbance peak around 450 nm and leaf exhibited a specific absorbance peak around 418nm respectively. The Zeta potential of silver nanoparticles was found to be root 0.1 and leaf 0.4, so it indicates the dispersion and stability. The antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus was increased, which was indicated by an increase in the inhibition zone diameter from 3Mm for normal (9.5Mm), standard (12.3Mm), control (11.3Mm), extraction for AgNPs Wedelia trilobata (13.8). 5Mm for normal (7.3Mm), standard (19.4Mm), control (10.5Mm), extraction for AgNPs Wedelia trilobata (19.8). The antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E.coli was increased, which was indicated by an increase in the inhibition zone diameter from 3Mm for normal (7.8Mm), standard (8.5Mm), control (10.2Mm), extraction for AgNPs Wedelia trilobata (14.3). 5Mm for normal (13Mm), standard (19.6Mm), control (15.3Mm) extraction for AgNPs Wedelia trilobata (19.8). The present investigation revealed that the ethanolic Root and aqueous leaf extracts the chosen plant have potential to suppress the expansion of infective bacterial strains.

A 90-Day Oral Toxicity of Hydroethanolic Root Extract of Carissa spinarum in Wistar Rats.

Background Herbal medication is a worldwide and ancient practice, mostly in developing countries, where a large part of the population is involved in this practice. Hence, studies must be conducted to evaluate their safety and efficiency to avoid or prevent toxicological risks due to their usage. In Togo, Carissa spinarum is a medicinal plant belonging to Apocynaceae family, used as an aphrodisiac or to heal some ailments including malaria, sickle cell anemia, hypertension, pain, and asthma. Notwithstanding its several ethnomedicinal benefits, just a few toxicological data associated with its chronic use are available. Objective Therefore, this study aims to assess the toxicity of an ethanolic root extract of Carissa spinarum in Wistar rats. Methods The 90-day oral toxicity process following OECD TG 408 guidelines is used. Male Wistar rats received Carissa spinarum root hydroethanolic extract at 500 and 1000 mg/kg for 90 days by oral gavage. Body weight changes, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, organ weight changes, malondialdehyde as a lipoperoxidation marker expressed according to tissue proteins, and histopathology of vital organs were assessed. Results No signs of toxicity or mortality were observed during the 90 days experiment. Hematological parameters have not shown any treatment-related abnormalities. According to biochemical parameters, an increase in the chloride ion level was observed at 1000 mg/kg (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the treated groups and the control group concerning the malondialdehyde concentration, body weight, and organ relative weight. No changes in necropsy and histopathology of vital organs associated with extract treatment were observed. Conclusion The results indicated that an ethanolic root extract of Carissa spinarum does not cause adverse effects, which can lead to Wistar rats' death after 90-day oral administration at 500 and 1000 mg.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Plant Extracts from Spinacia oleraceae L. (Amaranthaceae)

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. SO) leaves represent an important dietary source, have high nutritional value and antimicrobial properties. Spinach leaves have been used in the treatment of human diseases since ancient times. Here, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of ethanolic extract of Spinach oleracea leaves by determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) using well diffusion method against bacterial species Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus and Klebseilla pneumonia and fungal species Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Fusarium oxysporum. We evaluated from present data that ethanolic extract of root showed zone of inhibition ranges from 6 mm to 21 mm, ethanolic extract of stem showed zone of inhibition ranges from 8 mm to 21 mm and ethanolic extract of leaf showed zone of inhibition ranges from 9 mm to 22 mm from concentration 25 mg/ml to 100mg/ml. Leaf extract has high antibacterial and antifungal activity against bacterial and fungal species while root extract has low antibacterial and antifungal activity against bacterial and fungal species. Activity of plant extract was increased by the increasing concentration of extracts. Very low zone of inhibition was found at concentration 25 mg/1 ml DMSO which ranges from 6 mm to 14 mm while very high zone of inhibition was found at concentration 100 mg/ml which ranges from 6 mm to 22 mm. So, ethanolic extracts of Spinach oleraceae has good efficiency against bacterial and fungal species.

English

BACKGROUND Dental and periodontal diseases are common problems worldwide. Strong association exists between Streptococcus mutans and dental caries. Mouthwashes like chlorohexidine and extracts of medicinal plants like liquorice have antimicrobial properties. The objective of the study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of licorice mouth-rinse with chlorhexidine on salivary Streptococcus mutans. METHODS A randomised control trial was undertaken in the department of Public Health Dentistry, in a tertiary care hospital of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Children of both sexes, aged 7 to 14 years, with high risk of caries and providing willingness were included. The products used were Aqueous and Ethanolic licorice root extract – 15 gm and 375 mg / 10 ml respectively, Chlorhexidine 0.12 %. MIC of the products against Streptococcus mutans was determined. The children were divided into three groups, fifteen in each. Each participant rinsed with 10 ml of the randomly allocated prepared suspension for 1 min. Five saliva samples were collected from each, one pre-rinse and four post-rinse 2 mins, 30 mins, 1 hour and 2 hours after the intervention. Streptococcus mutans colony count and salivary pH was used to study the efficacy of the mouthwashes. RESULTS The study revealed that ethanolic extract of licorice had better antimicrobial efficacy. The efficacy of antimicrobial action of licorice extract at 30 minutes of rinsing and rise in salivary pH by use of both the preparations of licorice was significant as compared to the chlorhexidine group. CONCLUSIONS The antimicrobial and cariostatic efficacy of licorice extracts which was evident in the present study suggests and recommends that licorice can be used as a preventive regimen in clinical practice for diseases of mouth cavity especially dental caries. KEY WORDS Dental Caries, Streptococcus mutans, Licorice, Chlorhexidine, Mouth Wash

Combined Ubisol-Q10 and Ashwagandha Root Extract Target Multiple Biochemical Mechanisms and Reduces Neurodegeneration in a Paraquat-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN) region resulting in loss of movement coordination. Current therapies only provide symptomatic relief, and there is no agent to halt the progression of PD. Previously, Ubisol-Q10, a water-soluble formulation of coenzyme-Q10, and ethanolic root extract of ashwagandha (ASH) have been shown to inhibit PD pathology in rodent models when used alone. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of oral administration of ASH and Ubisol-Q10 alone and in combination in a paraquat-induced PD rat model. The combined treatment resulted in better-preserved neuron morphology compared to Ubsiol-Q10 or ASH alone. The combination treatment enhanced activation of pro-survival astroglia and inhibited pro-inflammatory microglia. While anti-oxidative effects were seen with both agents, Ubisol-Q10 activated autophagy, whereas ashwagandha showed a better anti-inflammatory response. Thus, the combined treatment caused inhibition of oxidative stress, autophagy activation, inhibition of pro-inflammatory microglia, and activation of pro-survival astroglia. Consequently, paraquat (PQ)-treated rats given the combination treatment in drinking water did not show motor impairment. Based on these interesting observations, the combined treatment containing two well-tolerated natural compounds could be a more effective strategy to halt the progression of PD.

Antioxidant and antimalarial properties of Sophora exigua Craib. root extract in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

BackgroundSophora exigua Craib. is commonly used in Thailand to reduce fever and increase postpartum breast milk production in women who have hypogalactia. However, there has been no report on the antioxidant and antimalarial properties of this plant. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and antimalarial activities of S. exigua root extract and to evaluate its acute toxicity in mice to confirm its safety.MethodsThe in vitro antioxidant activities were determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. The in vivo antioxidant activities were determined by detecting the malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the livers of malaria-infected mice. The in vivo antimalarial activity was determined by Peters’ 4-day suppressive test in mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and orally administered S. exigua root aqueous and ethanolic extracts at different doses (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight). In addition, the acute oral toxicity of the plant extracts was assessed in mice at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight.ResultsThe ethanolic extract of S. exigua root exhibited inhibition of DPPH radicals, superoxide anions, and hydroxyl radicals, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 24.63 ± 1.78, 129.78 ± 0.65, and 30.58 ± 1.19 μg/ml, respectively. Similarly, research on the in vivo antioxidant activity indicated that the ethanolic extract of S. exigua root exerted a stronger effect than the aqueous extract. The aqueous extract at doses of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg had stronger antimalarial activity than the ethanolic extract. The aqueous extract at 600 mg/kg exhibited 60.46% suppression of parasitemia. Increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were detected in the mice treated with 2000 mg/kg ethanolic extract, which was related to the results of histopathological analysis of liver tissue, showing ballooning degeneration of hepatocytes, diffuse hepatic hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that the ethanolic S. exigua root extract possessed antioxidant properties, and the aqueous extract also had antimalarial activity. Therefore, this plant is an alternative source of new antioxidant and antimalarial agents.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Root Extract During Pregnancy: A Clinical Feasibility Study.

There is almost no experience with concentrated ginger extracts during pregnancy. The purpose of this trial was to include 50 pregnant women in a clinical feasibility study with EXT.GR10, a 10 × concentrated ethanolic extract of ginger root. The primary objective was to detect complications in the mother during pregnancy and malformations or complications in the newborn at delivery. The secondary purpose was to evaluate the satisfaction of the patients. In total, 51pregnant women were included in this observational study. They could freely use ginger tablets with a maximum of 2 tablets of 50 mg EXT.GR10 a day in case of gastrointestinal discomfort. Tablets were taken by 44 patients. Stillbirth, prematurity, hypertension, and gestational diabetes occurred. There were no serious complications at birth. In the newborn, 4 cases of dysplasia of the hip were seen and 2 minor malformations. There was no relation between events affecting mother and child and the number of EXT.GR10 tablets taken. About ⅔ of patients appreciated the effects of ginger. This is the first clinical study with the EXT.GR10 extract. Based on this feasibility study, a follow-up clinical trial is planned with a fixed minimum of exposure to EXT.GR10 during the first trimester of pregnancy.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-OXYTOCIC ACTIVITY OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS JINISH JOSE DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACOLOGY

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the anti-oxytocic activity of ethanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus root.&#x0D; Methods: Ethanolic extract of A. racemosus root was taken by Soxhlet extraction method. Wistar strain albino non-pregnant female rats of weight 200–300 g were pre-treated with estrogen and were sacrificed to take their uterus. The tissue was then mounted in an organ bath containing de Jalon’s solution. The response of the tissue to various doses of oxytocin alone and then on adding increasing doses of the alcoholic extracts of A. racemosus along with the dose of oxytocin which produces sub-maximal contraction were recorded on a smoked drum.&#x0D; Results: Extract in doses up to 40 mg when given along with oxytocin 0.1 unit produced graded increase in contractions in rat uterus. From 80 mg onward graded blockade of contractions occurred with complete blockade at 200 mg. On complete removal of the extract by thorough washing, it was seen that oxytocin was again able to produce contractions of the rat uterus tissue.&#x0D; Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of A. racemosus root had demonstrated good anti-oxytocic property.

English

Fadogia cienkowskii is a shrub whose roots are used in many communities of Northern Nigeria to improve sexual performance; however, there is no scientific study to verify this claim. This study determined the effect of 70% ethanol extract of F. cienkowskii roots and its fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and residual ethanol) on mating behaviour (mounting, intromission and ejaculation) and serum testosterone concentration of male albino rats. Five groups of rats each containing 6 rats were treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of the crude ethanol extract, while Sildenafil and distilled water were administered to the control groups. Another set of 6 groups of rats were also used in the study and were treated with 12.5 and 25 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate, n-butanol and residual ethanol fractions, respectively. The crude extract and fractions significantly increased mount, intromission and ejaculation frequencies. The copulation efficiency also increased significantly – indicative of the plant’s aphrodisiac potential. Significant increase of testosterone in serum of extract treated rats was also observed, which is a further credence to the plant’s aphrodisiac potential. It was thus concluded that the 70% ethanol root extract of F. cienkowskii and its fractions have aphrodisiac activity with the n-butanol and residual ethanol fractions being more active. Key words: Fadogia cienkowskii extract, aphrodisiac activity, rats

In vitro antioxidant and anti-arthritic effect of the aqueous and ethanolic leaf and root bark extract of Alafia barteri

Alafia barteri (Apocynaceae) is a climbing shrub having white or pink flowers. Traditionally, it has been used to treat diseases like malaria, sickle cell anemia, and eye infections. This research is focused on investigating the antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of the aqueous and ethanol leaf and root extract of Alafia barteri plant in vitro. In-vitro antioxidant methods used were 2, 2 -diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, reducing power activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay while the anti-arthritic activity was studied using the assay method of protein denaturation. Results revealed that aqueous and ethanol root extracts scavenge free radicals, thus inhibiting damage caused by oxidative stress in arthritis while the ethanol extracts of both the leaf and roots had good anti-arthritic activities as seen in its ability to decrease protein denaturation.