Folkloric Medicinal Plant Research Articles

A Review of Traditional Anthelmintic Approaches: Exploring Medicinal Plants and Polyherbal Formulations for Effective and Safe Gastrointestinal Parasite Treatment

Abstract: Gastrointestinal parasites have become the most common reason for infection in humans, affecting many people in the world. Helminthic infections pose a large threat to public health in developing countries. The most common parasites of helminths in humans are whipworms(Trichuristrichiura), roundworms(Ascarislumbricoides), tapeworms(Taenia solium), and hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus). In the current scenario, synthetic medicines are found to be effective in curing the infection but these medicines produce side-effects that impair the effectiveness of the treatment. Fortunately, in the traditional system of medicines various medicinal plants have been mentioned for their anthelmintic activities, which are relatively free from side effects and are used by ethnic groups worldwide. In the 21st century, an ideal anthelmintic agent should be cost-effective, provide a high percentage of cure, have a broad spectrum of action, and free from toxicity to the host. However, none of the modern marketed medicines fulfill these requirements. Therefore, in this view, several researchers have undertaken various in vivo and in vitro studies to scrutinize folklore medicinal plants for their proclaimed anthelmintic activity. In thisreview, we have summarized some scientifically approved polyherbal formulations and Indian medicinal plants documented for anthelmintic activity, which can be further studied to achieve novel herbal lead molecules from them by isolating their principal compounds.

Oliveria decumbens, a Long-Neglected Plant with Promising Phytochemical and Biological Properties.

Oliveria decumbens is a folkloric medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, traditionally utilized to treat various diseases like gastrointestinal disorders, fever, and wounds. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant's phytochemical composition and biological properties, with potential implications for various industries and avenues of further research. The data presented here has been compiled through searches utilizing the keyword "Oliveria" across scientific databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SciFinder. Carvacrol and thymol have been identified as the primary volatile constituents, though the complete profile of the plant extract remains to be fully elucidated. Notably, Oliveria decumbens essential oil exhibits significant antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Additionally, the plant extract demonstrates promising antiprotozoal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and immunostimulant effects, although these findings are primarily derived from preliminary studies. While in vitro and in vivo investigations have validated some traditional uses of O. decumbens, further pre-clinical testing is warranted to ascertain both efficacy and safety profiles. Moreover, the identification of specific components within the plant extract is crucial for a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying its therapeutic properties within the realm of phytomedicine.

Wood calamint ameliorates ethanol-induced stomach injury in rats by augmentation of hsp/bax and inflammatory mechanisms.

Clinopodium menthifolium (wood calamint) is a folkloric medicinal plant ingested as a treatment for many human disorders including gastric disorders. Our study evaluates the anti-ulcer potentials of Clinopodium menthifolium ethanol extracts (CMEE) in induced gastric ulcers in rats. Thirty Dawley male rats were divided into 5 groups: normal and ulcer controls, treated orally with Tween 20%; reference rats treated with Omeprazole 20mg/kg, and the remaining two groups received 250 and 500mg/kg CMEE for 2 weeks. After that, food was taken away for 24h, and then, rats received ethanol-induced gastric ulceration (except normal control), 80% (1ml/rat). After anesthetization and sacrificing, the ulcer index, mucus content, and other ulcer measurements were obtained from dissected rat stomachs. Stomach tissues were also analyzed by different histology procedures and homogenized stomach tissues were assessed for their antioxidant contents. The toxicity trial showed the absence of any toxic signs in rats supplemented with 2 and 5g/kg of CMEE. The gastroprotective results showed a significantly lower ulcer index and higher gastric mucin content in CMEE-ingested rats compared to ulcer controls. Furthermore, CMEE treatments significantly increased the intensity of periodic acid Schiff stained (PAS), HSP 70 protein, and down-regulation of Bax protein expression in the stomach epithelium. Rats supplemented with 500mg/kg revealed noticeable changes in their serum inflammatory cytokines along with positive regulations of antioxidant enzymes. The outcomes provide a scientific backup behind the gastroprotective potential effect of CMEE that could serve as a natural resource against peptic ulcers.

Investigation of in-vitro antioxidant activity and heavy metals present in Ficus mollis leaves

The folklore medicinal plant leaves of Ficus mollis were selected for the study. We were performed for elemental analysis, i.e., macronutrients and toxic and heavy metal contents. All the values are within the safe limits. The plant specimens were successively extracted with solvents such as petroleum ether, Chloroform, ethyl acetate, and Ethanol. The preliminary phytochemical studies of FML confirmed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, glycosides, alkaloids, and triterpenoids. The present study also investigated FML antioxidant activity using in vitro methods. The EEFML showed significant antioxidant activity in all models studied compared with ascorbic acid. It possesses good activity in scavenging DPPH radical, Hydroxyl radical, Nitric oxide radical, and scavenging H2O2.Further investigation of individual Phyto compounds, their isolation, identification, and their role as free radical scavengers is needed.

Bridelia scandens Wild.– An Pharmacognstic Overview

Abstract: Pharmacognosy is the study of naturally occurring biological substances, principally those derived from plants that find use in medicine. The word 'pharmacognosy' is derived from the Greek 'pharmacon', 'a drug', and gignosco, 'to acquire a knowledge of'. As late as the beginning of the 20th century, the subject had developed mainly on the botanical side, being particularly concerned with the description and identification of drugs, both in the whole state and in powder, and with their history, commerce, collection, preparation and storage. The plant selected for the present study - Bridelia scandens Wild. of the family Euphorbiaceae, is yet another folklore medicinal plant which is widely used in some parts of Karnataka in treating the disease Amavata by the local tribal people and villagers. Here an attempt is made to validate plant pharmacognostically Bridelia scandens Wild. is a large, woody, evergreen, scandent shrub with pendant branches large defluxed spines abundantly seen in western ghats. Bark grey, hard, deeply fissured; leaves elliptic, obtuse entire, thinly curvaceous; flowers greenish yellow, in dense axillary heads arranged in paniculate leafy spikes; drupes ovoid, bluish black, succulent, smooth. Upper epidermis shows no stomata and lower epidermis shows mostly ranuculaceous stomata. Transverse section of the petiole is almost circular with a narrow groove at the upper side and wavy margin with plenty of non-glandular trichomes. T.S. of the leaf shows a dorsivertral outline; vascular bundles are circular and similar to that of dicot stem. Microscopic study of the leaf powder showed, trichomes, fragments of lower epidermis with stomata, sclerenchyma fibers, crystals, chloroplast, vein fragments, spiral vessels and orange-reddish to brown pigments

Phytochemical Analysis, Antimicrobial Screening and In Vitro Pharmacological Activity of Artemisia vestita Leaf Extract.

Artemisia vestita Wall. Ex Besser is a folklore medicinal plant that belongs to Asteraceae family and a treasure trove of drugs. The aim of this research study was to investigate the phytoconstituents, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxicity and wound healing potential of A. vestita leaf extract (ALE). Phytochemical analysis of the ALE was carried out by Soxhlet extraction and GCMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis. Antimicrobial activity was performed by the agar well diffusion method against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Free radical scavenging potential was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed by enzyme inhibition assay-COXII. The cytotoxicity of ALE on HaCaT cells was studied via MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. An in vitro scratch assay was performed for the evaluation of the wound healing property of ALE. It showed satisfactory antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (14.2 ± 0.28 mm), Escherichia coli (17.6 ± 0.52 mm), Bacillus subtilis (13.1 ± 0.37 mm), Streptococcus pyogenes (17.3 ± 0.64 mm), Proteus mirabilis (9.4 ± 0.56 mm), Aspergillus niger (12.7 ± 0.53 mm), Aspergilus flavus (15.3 ± 0.25 mm) and Candida albicans (17.6 ± 0.11 mm). In ALE, 36 phytochemicals were detected by GCMS analysis, but 22 were dominant. Moreover, the ALE was effective in scavenging free radicals with different assays and exhibited reasonable anti-inflammatory activity. The MTT assay revealed that ALE had a cytotoxic effect on the HaCaT cells. The scratch assay showed 94.6% wound closure (after 24 h incubation) compared to the positive control Cipladine, which is remarkable wound healing activity. This is the first report on the wound healing property of A. vestita, which can serve as a potential agent for wound healing and extends knowledge on its therapeutic potential.

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity and bioactive compound analysis of Verbascum thapsus L. A folklore medicinal plant

BackgroundThe prevalence of microbial infectious diseases is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality on a global scale due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microbes, despite the fact that many new antibiotics have been introduced for several decades. In present scenario, the potential utilization of natural plant derived extracts for medicinal and therapeutic purposes has increased remarkably due to adverse effects of synthetic drugs and resistance among pathogenic microbes. Aim of the studyVerbascum thapsus L. (Common mullein) has been traditionally used as a medicine for lung, skin and throat and many other disorders since time immemorial, therefore, the current study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of leaf and root extracts of Verbascum thapsus against pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains and its phytochemical composition by spectral studies. MethodsSoxhlet extraction method was employed for extraction process by using varying polarity solvents like hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. Phytochemical analysis of methanol extract was determined by Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by determining the MIC and MBC/MFC of each extract by broth dilution method. ResultsThe antimicrobial competence of each extract sample was evaluated against six pathogenic bacterial strains and three fungal strains. Methanolic extract of leaves and the ethyl acetate extract of roots of Verbascum thapsus exhibited significant zones of inhibition against all the tested microorganisms. The highest inhibition zone was observed against the bacterial strain Bacillus subtilis (24.1±0.18 mm) followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (22.9±0.64 mm) and the fungal strain Aspergillus niger (22.8±0.55 mm) at a concentration of 500 μg/ml. Methanolic leaf extract strongly inhibited the growth of tested microbial strains with MIC ranged from 15.625 to 125 μg/ml. The FTIR and GCMS analysis confirms the presence of bioactive compound, possessing broad range of therapeutic activities. ConclusionThis Presence of various important phytoconstituents and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity points Verbascum thapsus as a promising source for the isolations of molecules responsible for antimicrobial activities.

Therapeutic Effects of Folklore Herbs in Arsha Roga - A Survey Study

In the month of September 2023, a field survey on the flora of the Randhawa Masanda village which is located in the Jalandhar district of Punjab state, was carried out. It was helpful to identify and gather information through field surveys and other non-direct methods, such as a thorough analysis of the literature on folklore species of medicinal plants found in Ayurvedic classical texts of different periods, by maintaining continuous direct communication with the health staff and inhabitants. Once the names of the folklore medicinal plants were recorded, extensive literature reviews finalized the botanical identification, part used, mode of preparation of herbal medication and their use in a particular disease i.e. arsha roga with which patients vising local health clinics. These traditional plant species boost the country's economy.

Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants in Kebridehar and Shekosh districts, Korahi zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in Kebridehar and Shekosh districts, Ethiopia, to investigate an ethnobotanical study on traditional medicinal plants. Systematic random sampling techniques were used for data collection. Preference ranking, paired comparison, informant consensus factor, direct matrix ranking, and jaccard comparison were used for data analysis. A total of 44 medicinal plant species from 34 genera and 23 families have been documented as being used to treat 38 human, 5 livestock, and 1 both human and livestock ailment. The shrub category was the dominant growth form in the study area. The study showed that the most frequently used plant parts for the preparation of traditional medicine were roots (45.45 %), followed by leaves, glue, and liquid (11.36 % each). The most common route of administration was oral (30.77 %), followed by dermal (20.51 %). Jaccard's Coefficient of Similarity for Kebridehar and Shekosh for the reported traditional medicinal plants were 0.21, indicating some trend towards using common plants. Methanol extracts were more effective than ethanol extracts. The results of this study provide an insight into the anti-bacterial properties of the extracts of Aloe megalacantha, Ephorbiarobecchi, and Oppiliacampestris. This in vitro study demonstrated that these three folklore medicinal plants have good potential. In conclusion, the main threat to medicinal plants in the study area was drought. Therefore, it is recommended that the cultivation of medicinal plants be encouraged in home gardens.

Effects of a new combination folkloric medicinal plant extract on bone formation in orthopedically expanded suture in rats

Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate histological effects of a new combination folkloric medicinal plant extract on bone healing in premaxillary suture expansion in rats. 
 Materials and methods. Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were used in this study. Rats were evenly divided into three groups (one control and two experimental groups) of ten each. The animals were subjected to premaxillary suture expansion by helix springs. The only expansion group is defined as the control group (Group A). The experimental groups are defined as OstokinPlus-10 (Group B) and OstokinPlus-20 (Group C). In the experimental groups, 10 and 20 ml/kg OstokinPlus herbals were applied systemically after the expansion by use of an orogastric tube during the time of study. The springs were placed and activated to deliver a 30 cN force. After 5 days, the springs were removed and replaced with short lengths of rectangular retaining wire. Tooth separation was maintained for 15 days. After a consolidation period of 15 days, the animals were euthanatized and the maxillary bone containing the midpalatal suture cartilage was surgically removed. The specimens were prepared for histomorphometric assessment of the regenerated bone. 
 Results. The midpalatal suture was successfully distracted following application of the activated helix spring. The distracted premaxillary suture was filled with new bone formation and unorganized fibrous tissues. Newly formed bone percentage and the bone area were found to have significant differences (p< 0.05). For investigated parameters, Group B and Group C revealed more positive results than Group A. 
 Conclusion: OstokinPlus herbal had positive effects on bone healing and formation during premaxillary suture expansion

Ethnobotanical studies on folklore medicinal plants used by Koya and Mannevar tribes of Pranahitha and Shivaram Wildlife Sanctuaries, Mancherial, Telangana, India

The present article deals with the ethnomedicinal and ethnoveterinary plants employed by Koya and Mannevar tribes inhabiting in and around the Pranahitha and Shiwaram Wildlife Sanctuaries. A total of 104 plant taxa of 32 families were recorded. Fabaceae is the most predominant family, followed by Apocynaceae, Convolvulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae and Verbenaceae.

Ethyl acetate extract of Clausena execavatapromotes growth inhibition of Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line via apoptotic activities

Clausena excavatais a famous folklore medicinal plant in Asian region that is being used for the treatment of different disorders. This study investigated the cytotoxic effects of leaf extracts via MTT assay, as well as the in vitroapoptotic activities of the ethyl acetate C. excavataleaf extract (EACE) on human Burkitt’s lymphoma, Raji, cell line using annexin-V-FITC/propidium iodide flow cytometric assays. Pro-apoptotic (BAX) and anti-apoptotic (BCL-2, c-MYC) gene expressions were determined via real-time quantitative PCR. Phytochemical screening was done by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). EACE has the lowest IC50(19.3 ± 0.35 μg/mL) among extracts. EACE-treated Raji cells after 48 h underwent apoptosis as evident by loss of cell viability and increase in the percentage of early and late apoptotic cells. The results also showed EACE mediated decreased in the BCL-2 and c-MYC gene expressions and increased in the BAX gene. C. excavatais a potential treatment for Burkitt lymphomathrough activation of apoptosis

Prunus laurocerasus L. Extracts Prevent Paracetamolinduced Nephrotoxicity by Regulating Antioxidant Status: An Experimental Animal Model

Paracetamol is a popular analgesic drug and its overdose may cause toxicity in the kidney. Prunus laurocerasus L. (PL) is an important folklore medicinal plant that has antioxidant properties. This study explores effects of PL fruit water and ethanol-water extracts administrations on oxidative stress in paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, 30 rats were divided into 5 groups: control, negative control (2 g/kg paracetamol), PL fruit water extract (400 mg/kg PLW+ 2 g/kg paracetamol), PL fruit ethanol-water extract (400 mg/kg PLEW+ 2 g/kg paracetamol) and positive control (150 mg/kg NAC+ 2 g/kg paracetamol). 24 hours after the paracetamol induction, animals were sacrificed and oxidative parameters were analyzed spectrophotometrically in kidney tissue. PLW and PLEW extracts decreased MDA and NOx levels and increased SOD and CAT activities in paracetamol-induced nephrotoxicity. PL fruit extracts can restore the oxidative changes caused by paracetamol.

EFFECTS OF MORINDA CITRIFOLIA LINN (NONI) AND TAHITIAN NONI® JUICE (TNJ) ON LOCOMOTOR ACTIVITY IN MICE

Noni fruit extract and juice (Morinda citrifolia L., Family: Rubiaceae) had long been known as a medicinal plant in folklore medicine in tropical countries and Pacific islands. To date, the available scientific knowledge was focused on different pharmacological effects. It was claimed to have a beneficial effect on drug addiction by Noni fruit extract and its juice in animal studies. Keeping this in mind we investigated whether the noni fruit extract and noni beverages contained any effect on locomotion in mice using Actimeter (a standard test for locomotor activity). We found that the administration of a single dose of Morinda citrifolia extract (MMC) at varying doses (0.5, 1, 3, and 5 g/kg p.o.) 60 min before the testing and Tahitian noni juice (TNJ) 100% made available as a source of drinking water for a period of 24 hours before the test day produced no significant effect on animal’s locomotion and behavior when compared with the control group. The extract did not exhibit any toxic effects. There was no mortality and change in animal behavior seen. The current results suggest that MMC and TNJ are safe and can be utilized for further neuropharmacological research.

Assessment of Total Phenolic Content, In-Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Α-Amylase Inhibitory Activity of Aerial Parts of Alhagimaurorum

Alhagimaurorum is a folklore medicinal plant and a member of family Leguminaceae, the present study investigates invitro antioxidant activity, in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity, α- amylase inhibitory activity and total phenolic content from the aerial parts of Alhagi maurorum. Ethanolic extract 50% v/v of the aerial part of Alhagi maurorum(AMEE) was obtained by hot percolation method at 600C. AMEE was subjected for liquid-liquid partitioning to obtain various fractions such as ethyl acetate (AMEA), chloroform (AMCF), methanol (AMMF) and aqueous (AMAF) fractions. The ethanolic extract AMEE and its fraction AMEA were subjected for total phenolic content, preliminary phytochemical screening, TLC-vitro antioxidant activity, in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity and α-amylase inhibitory activity. Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to estimate total phenolic content. DPPH was used to determine in-vitro antioxidant activity. Acarbose was used to determine α-amylase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity of aerial part was investigated by protein denaturation method. Phytochemical analysis of extract and its fraction showed presence of major classes of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, steroids. Aerial parts of Alhagi maurorum were found to contain 4.049 mg/g and 4.053 mg/g of Gallic acid equivalent of total phenolic in ethanolic extract and its ethyl acetate fraction respectively. But exhibited moderate antioxidant activity. Determination of the type of α-amylase inhibition by these plant extract and its fraction could provide by successful use of plant chemicals as drug targets. The results showed that the in-vitro antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity and α-amylase inhibitory activity of plant extract and its fraction was 50± 76.8 significant. It was concluded that a vast number of pharmacological and medicinal properties of Alhagi species make these plants a desirable source for development of new drugs.

Abstract 707: Mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid attenuates lung cancer progression

Abstract Lung cancer continues to be a major cause of cancer mortality. Emerging evidence suggests that cancer likely involves multiple mutations. Therefore, compounds targeting multiple signal transduction pathways would be ideal for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid isolated from an Indian folklore medicinal plant Murraya koenigii (known as Curry Patta), widely consumed in traditional dishes, have been shown to possess anticancer activities and confound many oncogenic signaling events in breast, colon, and prostate cancers. In the current study, we determined the anticancer potential of mahanine against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cells and postulate the possible mechanism of action. Mahanine was isolated from the dried leaves of Murraya koenigii by hydro alcoholic extraction and fractionation with ethyl acetate, followed by preparative UPLC to isolate pure (>95%) compound and its identity was confirmed by LC-MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy. Antiproliferative activity of mahanine was determined against drug- sensitive (A549 and H1299) and taxol-resistant (A549-TR) human lung cancer cells. Mahanine showed a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cell growth. Interestingly, the IC50 values of mahanine were essentially the same for drug sensitive (A549) (12.5 µM) and drug- resistant (12.5 µM) lung cancer cells; the IC50 value was somewhat lower (10 µM) against highly metastatic H1299 lung cancer cells. Mahanine attenuated the colony formation and reduced the wound healing of lung cancer cells. Mechanistically, mahanine dose dependently impeded the oncogenic markers such as KRAS, MET, AKT, mTOR and cMYC. Together, mahanine demonstrate ability to inhibit both drug- sensitive and drug-resistant lung cancer cells and modulate distinct oncogenic molecular targets providing potential to be developed for the treatment of drug-resistant and metastatic NSCLC (Supported from Duggan Endowment funds). Keywords: Mahanine, Lung cancer, Oncogenes, Plant therapeutics. Citation Format: Raghuram Kandimalla, Farrukh Aqil, Disha N. Moholkar, Suman K. Samanta, Ramesh C. Gupta. Mahanine, a carbazole alkaloid attenuates lung cancer progression [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 707.

Assaying for antiviral activity of the folkloric medicinal desert plant Rhazya stricta on coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

The emergence of superbugs and resistant pathogens poses a challenge in scientific and medical research as they threaten public health worldwide. Many herbal natural products currently used in therapies have been suggested to exert antimicrobial, antiviral and even virucidal activities against a vast majority of impervious pathogens. Rhazya stricta, a folk medicinal desert plant from Saudi Arabia was recently revealed to exhibit bactericidal activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a threat to public health worldwide. Hence, we examined the antiviral activity of R. stricta against the virus. The R. stricta water extract was prepared at the traditional dose. The antagonistic effects of this extract against pathogens have been proven in previous studies, and those against SARS-CoV-2 were shown in the present study. Therefore, we explored the effects of the plant extracts and fractions against the virus for future drug development. All plant extracts showed antiviral effects against SARS-CoV-2 in the Vero E6 cell lines. Non-alkaloids showed the strongest effect against the virus, followed by weak base alkaloids and finally strong base alkaloids. A cytotoxicity assay was performed to explore the safest dose with the strongest antiviral effects. The non-alkaloid extract derived from R. stricta leaves is a promising antiviral candidate for the development of potential drugs with appropriate activity against COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases.

Chloroxylon swietenia (Roxb.) DC induces cell death and apoptosis by down-regulating the NF-κB pathway in MCF-7 breast cancer cells: In vitro and in vivo investigations.

BackgroundNatural products with targeted bioactivity have gained major attention in the field of cancer research owing to emerging anti‐cancer drug resistance and off target toxicities. Chloroxylon swietenia (Roxb.) DC is recognized as a folklore medicinal plant and has numerous therapeutic benefits in the folklore medicine system, however the anti‐cancer potential of this plant and its mechanism of action is poorly understood.AimsThe aim of the study was to investigate the anti‐breast cancer efficacy of C. swietenia leaves methanol extract (CSLME) against MCF‐7 hormone dependent human breast cancer cell line with possible mechanism of action.Methods and resultsThe anti‐breast cancer activity of CSLME against MCF‐7 cells was assessed by evaluating its efficacy toward cytotoxicity, cell migration, colony formation, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis, cytoskeleton, angiogenesis, cell cycle regulation, and animal toxicity. The preliminary screening of CSLME against MCF‐7 cells revealed the cytotoxicity (IC50 20 μg/ml), inhibited cell migration, colony formation, and angiogenesis. It was observed that CSLME induces apoptosis by nuclear fragmentation and disruption of cytoskeleton by actin derangement. The results of Annexin V‐FITC assay and cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry clearly pointed out the sizable fraction of apoptotic cells, and arrested the cells at G2/M phase of cell cycle. The results of the immunoblotting experiments showed that CSLME activates intrinsic pathway of apoptosis with down regulation of anti‐apoptotic marker like Bcl2, up regulation of pro‐apoptotic markers like Bax & Bad, along with successful cleavage of Caspase‐9 and PARP‐1. Further, western blot analysis revealed the possible down regulation of NF‐κB pathway by CSLME, which may be responsible for anti‐cancer activity in MCF‐7 cells. In vivo animal model studies using NOD‐SCID mice demonstrated impressive anti‐tumor activity with significant reduction in tumor volume of MCF‐7 tumor xenograft. Of note, in‐vivo acute oral toxicity study as per Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 423 revealed the nontoxic nature of CSLME.ConclusionThe in vitro and in vivo findings clearly outline the potential of CSLME as inhibitor of growth and proliferation of MCF‐7 cells. Mechanistically, CSLME seems to activate intrinsic pathway of apoptosis, arrest cell cycle, target actin cytoskeleton, inhibit growth, colony formation, migration, and angiogenesis, with down regulation of NF‐κB pathway leading to cell death.

In vitro regeneration of shoot and roots of the wild folkloric medicinal plant Ammannia baccifera L. via indirect organogenesis from leaf explant cultures

Ammannia baccifera L. is a wetland medicinal herb that belongs to the family Lythraceae. This plant is very notable to have a wide scope in pharmacological, therapeutic and medicinal properties. The current examination imparts an effective, proficient and fast strategy of commercial proliferation to satisfy the folklore medicinal and pharmacological demands of the market. A large-scale micropropagation of Ammannia baccifera L was done through a meticulous and a well-organized procedure. The leaf segments were cultured on MS medium augmented with different concentrations (0.5–2.5 mg/l) of 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP), (0.5- 2.0 mg/l) 1- naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and (1.0- 2.0 mg/l) 2,4- Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and were used for callus initiation. BAP at 1.0 mg/l combined with 0.5 mg/l NAA was found to be the best concentration and combination for initiation of high frequency of reddish green nodular callus (95.00±1.87) and good response for leaf explants. For shoot regeneration, MS medium blended with BAP at 1.5 mg/l and IAA at 0.6 mg/l produces maximum percentage of shoots from the callus derived by leaf explant. The leaf segments produce maximum percentage shoots (90.00±1.52), total number of shoots per explant (26.33±1.45) and length of shoot (9.63±0.73 cm). However, healthy established shoots were cultured on MS medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) along with 2.0 mg/l. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was found to be best for the root initiation and production in the leaf segments (95±1.57), number of roots (19.33±0.88) and root length (8.63±0.61cm). The regenerated plantlets were relocated to paper cups filled with vermiculite:sand:soil in the proportion of 1:2:1 (w/w) and were then transferred into outdoor conditions.

Could nature be the solution- A review on selected folklore medicinal plants with antiviral activities repurposed for COVID-19 treatment

The outbreak and rapid spread of novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in global pandemic due to lack of drugs or vaccine till date. The purpose of this work is to provide an ethnopharmacological overview of selected medicinal plants having antiviral activity along with their applications to treat COVID-19 related symptoms based on fragmented literature. Hundreds of published research articles were screened and reviewed using online search engines such as PubMed, PMC, Google Scholar with relevant keywords related to coronavirus, antiviral medicinal plants, phytochemical compounds, cough and fever. A total of 12 plants, having antiviral activity against a number of viruses were documented with their probable mechanism of action. Most of the studied plants and their compounds were also reported to have other therapeutic potentials and were used to increase immunity, treat cough, fever, tiredness, difficulty in breathing and diarrhea which are common symptoms of COVID-19 infections as per World Health Organization. This review hopefully opens a new horizon in the development of antiviral drug against novel coronavirus COVID-19.