Ethnomedicinal Properties Research Articles

The Himalayan ethnic beverage tongba with therapeutic properties in high-altitude illnesses and metabolomic similarities to Japanese sake

Abstract Tongba, a millet-based fermented ethnic drink of the Limbu and other Nepalese-Tibetan communities, is consumed in the highlands of Singalila Ridge of the Himalayas and the adjoining high-altitude places of Nepal, the northern and north-eastern parts of India, and the Tibetan Plateau and is valued for its ethnomedicinal properties. In this research, the GCMS-based metabolite profiling of an authentic sample of tongba was carried out, identifying various bioactive metabolites. Several biologically active components, such as glycoside, amino acids, fatty acids, and other long-chain hydrocarbon derivatives, terpenoids and phenol, were detected in tongba, which have therapeutic properties against various high-altitude illnesses. Probable biosynthesis routes of those compounds in tongba’s broth were also studied, where many similarities were noticed with the Japanese beverage sake. The key finding of this metabolomic investigation was the detection of bioactive ethyl-α-D-glucopyranoside and cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) with abundant peak areas, which confirmed tongba’s therapeutic importance in high-altitude illnesses and its metabolomic similarities with sake.

The Complete Chloroplast Genome of Hypoestes forskaolii (Vahl) R.Br: Insights into Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses within the Tribe Justiceae.

Hypoestes forskaolii is one of the most important species of the family Acanthaceae, known for its high economic and medicinal importance. It is well distributed in the Arab region as well as on the African continent. Previous studies on ethnomedicine have reported that H. forskaolii has an anti-parasitic effect as well as antimalarial and anthelmintic activities. Previous studies mainly focused on the ethnomedicinal properties, hence, there is no information on the genomic architecture and phylogenetic positions of the species within the tribe Justiceae. The tribe Justicieae is the most taxonomically difficult taxon in Acanthoideae due to its unresolved infratribal classification. Therefore, by sequencing the complete chloroplast genome (cp genome) of H. forskaolii, we explored the evolutionary patterns of the cp genome and reconstructed the phylogeny of Justiceae. The cp genome is quadripartite and circular in structure and has a length of 151,142 bp. There are 130 genes (86 coding for protein, 36 coding for tRNA and 8 coding for rRNA) present in the plastome. Analyses of long repeats showed only three types of repeats: forward, palindromic and reverse were present in the genome. Microsatellites analysis revealed 134 microsatellites in the cp genome with mononucleotides having the highest frequency. Comparative analyses within Justiceae showed that genomes structure and gene contents were highly conserved but there is a slight distinction in the location of the genes in the inverted repeat and single copy junctions. Additionally, it was discovered that the cp genome includes variable hotspots that can be utilized as DNA barcodes and tools for determining evolutionary relationships in the Justiceae. These regions include: atpH-atpI, trnK-rps16, atpB-rbcL, trnT-trnL, psbI-trnS, matK, trnH-psbA, and ndhD. The Bayesian inference phylogenetic tree showed that H. forskaolii is a sister to the Dicliptra clade and belongs to Diclipterinae. The result also confirms the polyphyly of Justicia and inclusion of Diclipterinae within justicioid. This research has revealed the phylogenetic position of H. forskaolii and also reported the resources that can be used for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies of the species and the Justicieae.

Mirabilis jalapa Linn.: A Folklore Ayurvedic Medicinal Plant in Sri Lanka

Mirabilis jalapa Linn. (Nyctaginaceae), commonly referred to as the Four O'clock plant (Sinhala name: Hendirikka), is a popular ornamental plant grown for the beauty of its flowers and used in folklore remedies. This plant is used to treat a variety of disease conditions around the world. It is widely used for abdominal colic, aphrodisiac, boils, diarrhea, inflammations, genitourinary disorders, muscular pain, and other issues by people from various countries. This plant contains several phytochemical compounds isolated from its parts, such as alkaloids, brassicasterol, carbohydrates, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol), oleanolic acid, trigonelline, and ursolic acid. This plant has been studied for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial (antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal), antioxidant & cytotoxic, anti-tumor, anti-nociceptive, antihistamine and immune modulatory, anti-tubercular induced hepatotoxic effect, antiparasitic, dermatological, and hypoglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties. It is also used as a reductant in the production of gold nanoparticles. This research aims to review the literature on Mirabilis Jalapa’s morphology, ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological properties.

In vitro effects of 2-methyl-3-propylbutane-1,4-diol purified from Alstonia boonei on erythrocyte membrane stabilization and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.

A recent review on the ethnomedicinal, chemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of Alstonia boonei revealed the plant's potential in the treatment and management of a range of diseases. However, most of these pharmacological effects are only traceable to the crude form of the plant extract and not specific natural products. Phytochemical investigation of the methanol fraction of the methanol extract of the stem-bark of Alstonia boonei led to the isolation and identification of 2-methyl-3-propylbutane-1,4-diol. The structures were elucidated by the application of 1D-, and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analyses and by comparison with literature data. In this study, the membrane stabilizing activity, mitochondrial membrane permeability transition pore opening, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial ATPase activity, and prevention of mitochondrial lipid peroxidation activity of 2-methyl-3-propylbutane-1,4-diol (MPBD) isolated from A. boonei were determined. The results showed that MPBD significantly (p < .05) prevented peroxidation of mitochondrial membrane lipids and hemolysis using both the heat-induced and hypotonic solution-induced membrane stabilization assays. On the contrary, the compound caused large amplitude swelling of rat liver mitochondria in the absence of calcium, significant (p < .05) cytochrome c release and enhancement of mitochondrial ATPase activity in vitro. Our findings suggest that MPBD showed characteristic biological properties useful in modulating cell death.

Current Insights on Bioactive Molecules, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Other Pharmacological Activities of Cinnamomum camphora Linn.

C. camphora is a renowned traditional Unani medicinal herb and belongs to the family Lauraceae. It has therapeutic applications in various ailments and prophylactic properties to prevent flu-like epidemic symptoms and COVID-19. This comprehensive appraisal is to familiarize the reader with the traditional, broad applications of camphor both in Unani and modern medicine and its effects on bioactive molecules. Electronic databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Research Gate were searched for bioactive molecules, and preclinical/clinical research and including 59 research and review papers up to 2022 were retrieved. Additionally, 21 classical Unani and English herbal pharmacopeia books with ethnomedicinal properties and therapeutic applications were explored. Oxidative stress significantly impacts aging, obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. The polyphenolic bioactive compounds such as linalool, borneol, and nerolidol of C. camphora have antioxidant activity and have the potential to remove free radicals. Its other major bioactive molecules are camphor, cineole, limelol, safrole, limonene, alpha-pinene, and cineole with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anxiolytic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, and many other pharmacological properties have been established in vitro or in vivo preclinical research. Natural bioactive molecules and their mechanisms of action and applications in diseases have been highlighted, with future prospects, gaps, and priorities that need to be addressed.

A Comprehensive Review with Updated Future Perspectives on the Ethnomedicinal and Pharmacological Aspects of Moringa oleifera.

Moringa oleifera is an ancient remedy plant, known as the miraculous plant due to its many prominent uses and significant health benefits. It is a nutrient-rich plant, with exceptional bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols that possess several medicinal properties. Many significant studies have been carried out to evaluate the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties of M. oleifera in various applications. Therefore, this comprehensive review compiles and summarizes important findings from recent studies on the potential properties of different parts of M. oleifera. The pharmacological properties of M. oleifera have been studied for various potential biological properties, such as cardio-protective, anti-oxidative, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-diabetic and anti-carcinogenic effects. Therefore, the potential of this plant is even more anticipated. This review also highlights the safety and toxicity effects of M. oleifera treatment at various doses, including in vitro, in vivo and clinical trials from human studies.

The Pharmacognostic Standardisation of Medicinally Important Notorious Weed-Lantana camera

Background: The species Lantana camera is an important medicinal, ornamental, as well as essential oil-producing herb from the family Verbenaceae. It is also known as red sage and is used as a popular ornamental plant in gardens. L. camara grows in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions at a high altitude up to 2000 m. In India, L. camera is considered a poisonous plant and included in the top ten invasive weeds. Invasive weeds are nothing but a species that is not native to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes economic or environmental harm or human harm. Due to its invasive nature, L. camera is lagging behind in the list of medicinal plants for their uses in drug preparation. However, it is listed as one of the most significant medicinal plants in the world. The plant extracts have been used in folk medicine for the treatment of cancers, chicken pox, measles, asthma, ulcers, swellings, eczema, tumors, high blood pressure, bilious fevers, and catarrhal infections, tetanus, rheumatism and malaria. Despite significant ethnomedicinal properties of L. camera few investigations have been carried out in respect of the Pharmacognostic standardization of complete plant. The work performed related to Pharmacognostic study so far is not sufficient. Therefore, the main objective of the present review is to create awareness about L. camera as one of the useful weeds in society by studying it from a pharmacognosy point of view.&#x0D; Results: With respect to the above, the present work deals with the Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies of leaves, stems and fruits of L. camera. The details study of Macroscopy, Microscopy, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters demonstrated the various diagnostic features of L. camera.&#x0D; Conclusions: The overall outcome of the macroscopical, microscopical, physicochemical and phytochemical study will be helpful in the correct identification and establishment of standardization parameters for the leaves, stem and fruits of medicinally important notorious weed.

Screening Rafflesia and Sapria Metabolites Using a Bioinformatics Approach to Assess Their Potential as Drugs

The Rafflesiaceae family consists of three genera of parasitic plants – Rafflesia, Rhizanthes, and Sapria – with purported ethnobotanical and ethnomedicinal properties. In this study, the inhibitory properties of 21 characterized metabolites associated with Rafflesia and Sapria were tested against eight proteins linked to human diseases – including seven pathogenic-associated HMGCR, VEGFR2, acetylcholinesterase, NMT, H1N1 neuraminidase, GSK3-β, and estrogen receptor α, and one plant-pathogenic associated Colletotrichum chitin deacetylase. Each metabolite was tested using drug-likeness screening, screening metabolite activity, and molecular docking to eight diseases and microbial physiological processes. Hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions between metabolite ligands and protein residues were characterized. Molecular dynamics were also assessed to analyze the stability of the protein-ligand interaction. Our results indicate that the gallotannins and flavonol phenolics from Rafflesia and Sapria display high inhibitory potential against disease proteins. All metabolite-protein pairs displayed stable fluctuations. However, some compounds disobeyed LRO5 drug-likeness and displayed moderate bioavailability and synthetic accessibility, so an improved drug delivery method is required. All 21 metabolites are available in other popular edible plants (mainly tea and certain berries) and could be used to create artificially mixed metabolite-based medicine to prevent the exploitation and endangerment of wild Rafflesia and Sapria populations. Our activity likelihood screening and molecular docking data indicate that Rafflesia and Sapria metabolites possess considerable potential as anti-cholesterol, respiratory antiviral, wound-healing, and antifungal properties. To protect Rafflesiaceae plants in the wild, metabolites can be assessed from other plant sources and combined as an artificial herbal mix.

Ethnobotanical perspectives of Bakhar: an indigenous starter culture used to prepare traditionally fermented rice beverage in rural West Bengal, India

Haria, a fermented rice beverage, is commonly consumed as a traditional drink by the tribal people of rural West Bengal. This beverage is prepared by fermenting steamed rice with the starter culture tablets, known as Bakhar. It is known that some plant parts are added during Bakhar preparation that confer certain ethnomedicinal properties to the beverage as well as to Bakhar itself. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted that allowed documenting the traditional knowledge regarding this ethnic beverage preparation and it reveals that 10 plant species and one lichen species are used by the Santal tribe to prepare the Bakhar. Among them, roots of Kedar, Chaoli, rhizome of Bach, and bark of Lodh plants are essential, while other plant parts are used due to their specific taste, flavor, and therapeutic properties. But nowadays little or no plant additives are used during commercial Haria preparation for cost-effectiveness. Homemade and commercially produced Haria were investigated for their nutritional quality which revealed that homemade beverage contains more bioactive compounds, such as ascorbic acid (15.40 mg/100 ml) and flavonoids (36.67 mg/100 ml), which contribute toward the antioxidant property of the beverage. This current study documents the important medicinal plants used in the starter culture, the detailed process of Bakhar and Haria preparation, and the nutritional quality of Haria highlighting its ethnomedicinal properties.

Antioxidant Activity and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Acacia Nilotica Gum

The rapidly growing civilization and economy need the judicious usage of floral and faunal heritage. Acacia nilotica (Family: Fabaceae) is a beneficial plant species and each part of it exhibits numerous biological and pharmacological effects. The gum exudates of Acacia nilotica trees are underutilized plant products that can be explored for their potential as a therapeutic and curative agent. Its nutritional composition, interaction with anti-nutritional factors and antioxidants can determine its utility as a food. The present investigation was aimed to estimate the anti-nutritional factors and antioxidant activity of Acacia nilotica gum. It also focused on establishing a relationship of the obtained data with the ethnomedicinal and pharmacological properties claimed in the literature. The analysis was carried out using standard methods and protocols involving spectrophotometric and gravimetric principlesR. The anti- nutritional components like tannin, trypsin inhibitor, phytate, oxalate, total saponin, steroidal saponins, alkaloid content of Acacia nilotica gum was found to be 0.2369±0.0354 g tannic acid equivalent/100 g, 0.0108±0.0037 TIU/mg, 156.3333±9.4516 mg/100 g, 132.5±28.3152mg/100 g, 12.7183±6.7788 mg diosgenin equivalent /g, 0.0705±0.01 mg diosgenin equivalent /g, 0.1333±0.0577 g/100 g respectively. The amounts of total phenols and flavonoids was determined to be 8.0033±2.7211 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g sample, 0.0458±0.0186 mg quercetin equivalent /g sample respectively with a significant DPPH Scavenging activity. The results indicate that the quantity of anti-nutritional factors in gum is within the range of the contents of anti-nutritional factors found in commonly consumed foods. The substantial presence of phenol, flavonoids and DPPH activity in the gum indicates the presence of high antioxidant properties. The presence of anti-nutritional factors and antioxidants in favourable levels can impart diverse physiological responses. The present study concluded that Acacia nilotica gum can be used as a nutritious food commodity with a plethora of recuperative activities.

Antibacterial Activity of Justicia betonica Linn

Justicia betonica L. (Acanthaceae) is widely used as a traditional folk medicinal herb. Conventionally, the plant is used to cure constipation, diarrhea, malaria, pain, stomach ache, vomiting, etc. The plant possesses many therapeutic uses such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and antimicrobial properties. The present work has been designed to document the ethnomedicinal properties, phytochemistry, and antibacterial activity of J. betonica. Phytochemical results showed that the presence of wide variety of biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolic compounds might be responsible for therapeutic values of Justicia betonica. Antibacterial activity showed that the inhibition was observed with the individual extracts and was effective against all bacterial strains tested. The present study highlights the importance of J. betonica.

Antibacterial Activity of Justicia betonica Linn.

Justicia betonica L., (Acanthaceae) is widely used as a traditional folk medicinal herb. Conventionally, the plant is used to cure constipation, diarrhea, malaria, pain, stomach ache, vomiting, etc. The plant possesses many therapeutic uses such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, and antimicrobial properties. The present work has been designed to document the ethnomedicinal properties, phytochemistry, and antibacterial activity of J. betonica. Phytochemical results showed that the presence of wide variety of biologically active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and phenolic compounds. Antibacterial activity showed that the inhibition was observed with the individual extracts and was effective against all bacterial strains tested. The present study highlights the importance of J. betonica.

Phytochemical, antioxidant, and functional group analyses of South African Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.

Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. (Convolvulaceae) is a forb species that is highly valued in traditional medicine for its memory-enhancing effects, and a range of other ethnomedicinal properties. However, there are no studies on the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities of E. alsinoides collected in South Africa. The present study was designed to investigate the phytochemical contents and antioxidant properties of aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts of E. alsinoides collected from the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The phytochemical contents were determined using spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods, while the antioxidant activities were determined using three in vitro antioxidant ([2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), and Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)] assays. Additionally, the functional groups present in the extracts were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Results revealed that the ethanolic extracts of E. alsinoides gave the highest content of total phenol (17.07 ± 2.28 mg GAE/g DW extract), total flavonoid (82. 44 ± 0.93 mg QE/g DW extract), and proanthocyanidin (32. 98 ± 2.10 mg CE/g DW extract). The total alkaloid and saponin quantification of the crude extract of E. alsinoides gave mean percentage values of 2.6 ± 0.2% and 33.7 ± 0.00%, respectively. The ethanol extract had the highest DPPH scavenging ability (IC50 value: 0.4367 mg/mL), ABTS scavenging ability (IC50 value: 0.099 mg/mL) and the best ferric reducing antioxidant power (138.16 ± 3. 27 mg TE/ g). The total phenolic, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidins contents positively correlated with DPPH and ABTS activities. The spectral data of FTIR analysis of E. alsinoides extracts revealed the presence of functional characteristic groups of carboxylic acids, aromatic amines, alkanes, phenols, alkynes, hydroxy, alcohols, and sulfoxide, which could contribute to the medicinal properties of this plant species. The results of the study justify the usage of E. alsinoides in folkloric medicine and can be explored further for pharmaceutical plant-based products.

Traditional utilization and pharmacology of Cinnamomum glanduliferum: a review on current research status

Cinnamomum glanduliferum (Wall.) Meisn from Lauraceae, commonly referred to as ‘Nepal camphor tree’ or ‘false camphor tree’, is mainly known for its spice qualities and aromaticity. The pleasant aroma mainly develops due to the presence of valuable phytoconstituents in the form of terpenes and volatile hydrocarbons conferring the plant species a camphor substitute. Bulk of studied researches on C. glanduliferum segregated and not well documented. This study however attempted to congregate the fragmented data based on the ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and biochemical properties along with the other miscellaneous data. Results authenticated sparse documentation on the ethnomedicinal, pharmacological and biochemical properties of C. glanduliferum thus pointed to the untapped information on the various potentials of the plant. Exploring its sustainable utilization, pharmacological, biochemical and nutraceutical potentials are recommended.

Chromatography Conditions Development by Design of Experiments for the Chemotype Differentiation of Four Bauhinia Species.

The extensive use of medicinal herbs to traditionally treat disease persists for generations, and scientific evidence on plant-derived extracts has indicated their numerous biological activities. The Bauhinia, popular known as cow’s paw (“pata de vaca”), with more than 60 native species, are extensively used in Brazilian popular medicine for the control of diabetes. Therefore, in 2009, B. forficata, B. variegata and/or B. affinis were included in the Brazilian National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to SUS (RENISUS - Brazil). In this context, this work reports the results of the chemical differentiation of B. forficata, B. variegata, B. longifolia, and B. affinis using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry and unsupervised chemometric tools. Chromatographic conditions were optimized by using the design of experiments (DoE) and chromatographic knowledge. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the studied species was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis that differentiated the four species of Bauhinia, and 55 compounds were also inferred by MS2 experiments, some of them for the first time in B. affinis. In this manner, this work provides important information that could be used in quality control, development of new pharmaceuticals, and food products based on Bauhinia leaves, as well as to explain ethnomedicinal properties, pharmacological and toxicological actions.

Exploring the Mangrove Fruit: From the Phytochemicals to Functional Food Development and the Current Progress in the Middle East.

Nowadays, the logarithmic production of existing well-known food materials is unable to keep up with the demand caused by the exponential growth of the human population in terms of the equality of access to food materials. Famous local food materials with treasury properties such as mangrove fruits are an excellent source to be listed as emerging food candidates with ethnomedicinal properties. Thus, this study reviews the nutrition content of several edible mangrove fruits and the innovation to improve the fruit into a highly economic food product. Within the mangrove fruit, the levels of primary metabolites such as carbohydrates, protein, and fat are acceptable for daily intake. The mangrove fruits, seeds, and endophytic fungi are rich in phenolic compounds, limonoids, and their derivatives as the compounds present a multitude of bioactivities such as antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant. In the intermediary process, the flour of mangrove fruit stands as a supplementation for the existing flour with antidiabetic or antioxidant properties. The mangrove fruit is successfully transformed into many processed food products. However, limited fruits from species such as Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora mucronata, Sonneratia caseolaris, and Avicennia marina are commonly upgraded into traditional food, though many more species demonstrate ethnomedicinal properties. In the Middle East, A. marina is the dominant species, and the study of the phytochemicals and fruit development is limited. Therefore, studies on the development of mangrove fruits to functional for other mangrove species are demanding. The locally accepted mangrove fruit is coveted as an alternate food material to support the sustainable development goal of eliminating world hunger in sustainable ways.

Flavored Food Additives on the Leaves of Piper betle L.: A Human Health Perspective.

Natural products and traditional ethnomedicines are of great effect in therapeutics. Such types of medicine have been practiced in certain areas of the world to treat different health conditions. This pilot investigation aims to review the cumulative health effect of addendums used in betel quid such as areca nut, lime, and tobacco-associated betel quid chewing and without tobacco-associated chewing. This review shows that betel leaf extract and its essential oil could inhibit growth of microbes and damage different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as various fungus species. Some studies concluded that the combination of Piper leaves essential oil with antibiotics have potential effect on oral microorganisms. Long-term consumption of betel quid with tobacco is known to cause cancer, chromosomal aberrations, and pharynx tumors. However, consumption of betel leaf without tobacco has health benefits because of ethnomedicinal properties. Its essential is oil utilized as raw material for perfumes and mouth fresheners manufacturing. Scientific researches on this plant revealed that it possesses many beneficial activities to be used for developing novel drugs. However, compounds of betel leaves have beneficial natural antioxidant. Chewing and intake of leaves have effect on moving parts of salivary gland which is the main step of digestion. Its components also act as heartbeat regulators in relaxing the blood vessels to reduce hypertension. So this review discussed the natural compounds of betel leaves which is used as traditional medicine to further develop drug discovery.

Spirulina and Herbal Combination on Metabolic Alterations of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and metabolic changes are among the foremost public health concerns that have been accounted in people alive with cardio infections. Issues contributing to heart metabolic condition in CVD take in body fat allocation, dyslipidemia, insulin conflict, cardiovascular dysfunction and swelling. CVD have appeared as a main public health trouble and impose a rising load on the health care system. Increased coronary heart disease risk and conventional risk issues contribute to elevate the risk. They stay the foremost roots of morbidity and mortality globally. The employ of medicinal herbs keep on to be an alternative action move toward for some infections including CVDs. Presently, there is an unprecedented constrain for use of herbal preparations in current medicinal systems. This drive is powered through several aspects that are cost-effective therapeutic assure contrast to standard therapies with safety. Consequently, public awareness should be raised about medicinal herbs, toxicity, potentially life threatening, and possible herb-drug interactions. Present article highlighted the significant effect of Spirulina and other herbs supplementation individual and in combination. Many attempts on medicinal herbs in order to use in CVD treatments were reported. We overview the use of these herbs having ethno pharmacological curative potentials and medicinal properties against CVDs are reviewed. The employment of a range of herbs in the context of CVDs, such as myocardial infarction, hypertension, peripheral vascular diseases, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathies, and dyslipidemias has been reviewed, analyzed, and significantly discussed. Keywords: Spirulina, herbal medicine, cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypertension, medicinal plants, antioxidants, oxidative stress.

Valorization of coffee leaves as a potential agri-food resource: bio-active compounds, applications and future prospective.

This article intends to summarize all the up-to-date information on coffee leaves, rendering it to be used as a potential agri-food resource in the growing functional foods and pharma industries. Coffee leaves have been processed for herbal tea and ethno-medicine since centuries in the parts of the world where coffee is grown traditionally. Currently, interest in the valorisation of coffee leaves for its application in the food industry is proliferating and the research related to it is scanty and, therefore, worthwhile to congregate. The current review compromises the botanical description, chemical composition, bio-actives and ethnomedicinal properties of coffee leaves. It encompasses the existing pharmacological studies on coffee leaves including the anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities to pave path for future research. Furthermore, applications and patents associated with coffee leaves in different fields such as therapeutic agents, beverages, packaging material, tobacco substitute etc. have been summarized. The investigation reveals that, despite of many patents on coffee leaves only few products could reach the worldwide market; also in spite of coffee leaves having a rich ethno-medicinal use the study on its pharmacological activities are scarce which creates a huge scope to carry out in-vitro and in-vivo research on its various bio-activities. Future insights reflecting the supplementary research regarding the sensory attributes, changes in phytochemical composition, flavour development and product formulations which is vital are also discussed. In conclusion, this review addresses the breach and specifies the requirements to convert the existing knowledge into commercialized food products with functional properties. Thus, coffee leaves being a copious resource of bio-actives serve as a potential agri-food resource and a promising future in the emerging functional food and nutraceutical industry.

Prosopis cineraria Druce (Jand) – A Review of its Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties

The use of medicinal plants and validation of their pharmacological properties have exponentially increased since last century. Selection of solvents for making plant extracts that yield significant results has also been a subject of discussion. Prosopis cineraria commonly called Jand, Khejri, Khej has great medicinal importance due to its broad range of phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. It is native to Pakistan, India, Oman, Afghanistan and few European countries. Many different parts of this plant are used traditionally for the treatment of numerous mild to serious diseases. Stem bark, root, seeds, leaves and flowers are predominantly used for the effective treatment of multiple ailments with a range of pharmacological actions involving gastrointestinal, metabolic, spasmolytic, anti-oxidant, antitumor, anti-convulsant, anthelmintic, anti-microbial, analgesic, anti- pyretic, bronchodilator, and anti-lipidemic properties. The present review highlights only the methanolic extract of this plant that has more validated pharmacological properties as compared to ethanolic, aqueous, chloroform and petroleum ether extract.