Medicinal Shrub Research Articles

Trace Element Quantification in Two Algerian Thymes (Thymus algeriensis Boiss & Reut. and Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm. & Link) Using EDXRF Spectrometry.

In an attempt to know the elemental composition of two endemic Algerian thyme species, we analyzed eleven mineral and trace elements (Br, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Rb, Sr, V, and Zn) in Thymus algeriensis Boiss & Reut. and Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffm. & Link. These species are commonly used in Algeria as aromatic and medicinal shrubs. The total concentrations of chemical elements were determined by EDXRFspectrometry. The instrument calibration was assessed through the analysis of certified reference material CRM-336 (Lichen) from the IAEA, Vienna, Austria. The results show that the highest concentrations of the micronutrients (Br, Cr, Cu, Mn, Sr, V, and Zn) were registered in T. algeriensis, while the maximum concentrations of Ca, Fe, and the non-essential element, Rb, were found in T. capitatus. Potassium contents were similar in the two species. The concentrations of essential chemical elements in T. algeriensis leaves were found in the following order: K > Ca > Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr. However, the order of these elements in T. capitatus was Ca > K > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that T. algeriensis was highly associated with Br, Cr, Cu, Mn, Sr, V, and Zn, while T. capitatus was correlated with Ca, Fe, K, and Rb. Dietary element intakes through ingestion of 1 teaspoon of dry powder (~ 10g) were estimated and compared to recommended daily intakes and permissible limits under FAO/WHO guidelines. In all cases, these estimates were below those levels. These findings can enhance the dissemination of these medicinal plants, which have medicinal and organoleptic properties, and provide an experiment-based guidance to the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Pharmacognostic study of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton root and stem

Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, belonging to the family Apocynaceae is an important medicinal shrub. It is widely used in folklore and Ayurvedic system of medicine. Various parts of this plant were used to treat human diseases such as Pama (Scabies), Vicharchika (Eczema), Kasa (Cough), Mukhakrishnatwa (Hyperpigmentation of the face), Pleehodara (Splenomegaly) and preparation of Ayurvedic as well as traditional medicines like Arkalavana and Arkataila. The present communication deals with a detailed account of the pharmacognostic study of C. procera root and stem. The study includes macroscopy, microscopy, powder microscopy studies, physicochemical, phytochemical analysis, heavy metal tests, screening of microbiological parameters and development of High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprints profile of C. procera root and stem. HPTLC fingerprints profile of ethanolic extract was done by using mobile phase toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid for root and stem.

Floral biology in the endemic Iranian Salvia majdae - implications for taxonomy, character evolution and conservation

Salvia (Lamiaceae), one of the largest plant genera, was not monophyletic as originally circumscribed. To recognize Salvia as a monophyletic genus, five small genera have been placed within Salvia s.l. including the monotypic genus Zhumeria. Little is known about the floral biology of Salvia majdae (syn. Z. majdae), an aromatic medicinal shrub species endemic to dry montane areas in the Hormozgan Province in southern Iran. Floral and ecological features of the species are provided as a basis for more detailed discussion about its taxonomic treatment and conservation. S. majdae produces flowers in the axils of the uppermost leaves as racemes. Unlike most Salvia species, flowers are weakly monosymmetric and lack the typical upper lip that usually hides the pollen-sacs. Each flower has four protruding stamens, the abaxial pair is always fertile, and the adaxial one is mostly sterile. Anthers are bithecate and immobile, the connective is slightly widened but not separating the thecae from each other as in most Salvia species. A staminal lever mechanism is lacking and, contrary to most Salvia flowers, pollen is ventrally transferred. Floral longevity is about three days. Flowers are protandrous on the first day and present both pollen and receptive stigmas on the second day. Controlled pollination experiments confirm self-compatibility of the species. Butterflies, bees and flies visited flowers and were likely attracted by scent and the conspicuous, dark violet color of the flowers. Medium-sized bees (Anthophora spp.) are probably the main pollinators, but pollen transfer by bee flies and occasionally by butterflies cannot be excluded. A moderate pollen/ovule ratio (∼2600:1), high pollen viability (∼90%), relatively high fruit set (75%), and moderate seed set (51%) indicate that the species successfully reproduces sexually. Herbivores strongly contributed to reduced seed set as they destroyed parts of the reproductive organs. The presence of only few seedlings and young plants in the field suggests that environmental pressures are acting on the species demography. To protect the species, we recommend harvest reduction by local people, propagating the plant in nurseries for medicinal purposes, and restocking their natural habitat with young plants. Flower morphology of S. majdae differs considerably from those of its closest Salvia relatives. The species represents a number of plesiomorphic characters which may either represent the ancestral stage or a reversal evolved from a more derived Salvia flower. We discuss these alternatives pointing to the problems linked with the present taxonomic treatment of Salvia s.l.

Quantitative ethnobotany of Calotropis procera and associated vegetation: a step forward for conservation and management practice in northern areas of Pakistan

Background: Calotropis procera is one of the most effective herbal medicinal shrubs. Although many studies have explored the ecological aspects of Calotropis procera; still a lack of documented information about the quantitative ethnobotanical and conservation attributes on this medicinally endangered plant and its associated vegetation in the Northern regions of Pakistan. Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires, group discussions, and field observations were used to collect data on the therapeutic uses of C. procera, its availability, difficulties, and future conservation measures. These data were quantitatively analyzed using Person’s carrying traditional knowledge (PCTK), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), the report used for plant part (RUPP), plant part value (PPV), specific use (SU), Use Value (UV) and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: Forty-five plant species belonging to 31 families and 34 genera were recorded in the northern areas of Pakistan. The Asteraceae was a species-rich family (8 species), followed by Poaceae and Euphorbiaceae (4 species each). Quantitative analysis revealed that the most used plant parts (PPV) and use values (UV) for medicinal purposes were leaves and latex (1.462 and 1.295). Furthermore, C. procera had a higher PCTK score for thorn pricking (96 %) and wound healing (93.5 %). The UV varied from 0.08 (Lamium amplexicaule L.) to 0.79 (C. procera W.T. Aiton). The RFC ranged from 0.06 (Xanthium strumarium L) to 0.28 (C. procera W.T. Aiton). Concerning the similarities between the present work and neighboring countries, India shows higher similarities (5.52) that may reflect the common flora and similar cultural norms. Keywords: Calotropis procera, Conservation, Northern areas, Quantitative ethnobotany

ABUNDANCE AND ETHNOMEDICINAL USE OF TREE AND SHRUB SPECIES IN AZAZA AND MOKLA FORESTS IN THE BLUE NILE STATE, SUDAN

Documentation of medicinal plants utilization as an important non-timber forest resources are essential for their restoration and preservation. The present research aims to study the abundance of trees and shrubs in Azaza and Mokla forest in the Blue Nile state and to document their traditional use by two communities of Falata tribe living in the same locality. Field surveys were conducted during the period July-November in 2016 and 2017 following timed-meander survey method. Abundant, frequent, occasional, infrequent, and rare species were estimated. Ethnomedicinal data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Documentation was taken from a total of 43 informants. 23 informants from Flata Willa in Amara Seraifa village which is located about 30 Km north of Roseires dam and 20 informants from Falata Odda who are displaced by the dam lake and now resettled in City3 which located south east of the dam lake. A total of 28 medicinal trees and shrubs were identified in the studied forests. The most utilized plant families were leguminosae followed by Malvaceae Apocynaceae, and Zygophyllaceae. The highest proportion of the medicinal plants are trees (68%) and the common treated diseases are stomach pain, respiratory inflammation, haemorrhoid, heart pain, uteritis, anemia, kidney disease, and dysentery. The study recommended further pharmacological and phytochemical research to study the efficiency of these plants to cure the diseases as well as sustainable management approach and proper conservation strategy to be integrated into forest management planning and activities for protection of the studied forests. KEYWORDS: Ethnomedicine; plants; forest; Blue Nile; Sudan

In vitro and in silico analysis of Thymus serpyllum essential oil as bioactivity enhancer of antibacterial and antifungal agents

Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) of family Laminaceae is an unexplored perennial medicinal shrub. Aerial part of this plant is traditionally used for the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal problems. The current study was designed to evaluate the GC-MS, antimicrobial and synergistic potential of T. serpyllum essential oil (TEO). Chemical characterization of TEO showed the presence of thymol (15.79%), Phenol, 2-(1,1-dimethylethyl) (11.55%), o-Cymene (10.96%) as major phytocompounds. Antimicrobial activity of TEO in terms zone of inhibition (ZOI) varied from 13.66 ± 0.58 mm to 33.66 ± 1.52 mm, while, thymol (10%, v/v) showed ZOI ranged from 15.5 ± 0.5 mm to 26.33 ± 2.08 mm against tested bacterial and fungal species. MIC of TEO was 0.039% to 0.078% against tested bacterial and fungal species, whereas, thymol showed 1.25% to 2.5% MIC against tested bacterial and fungal species. Different combinations of TEO (2MIC to ½MIC) and thymol (2MIC to ½MIC) with antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics (2MIC to ½MIC) were found to increase the efficacy of antibiotics by 4-130 folds against bacterial and fungal pathogens. Molecular docking showed the good binding of thymol with both bacterial and fungal targets. Whereas MD simulation showed the stability of thymol complexed with target proteins over 100 ns time scale. Thymol also fulfills the Lipinski rule and showed characteristics similar to that of drugs. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that TEO and its major phytocompound, thymol can act as a bioactivity enhancer of antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics and could be used as a potential candidate to fight against antimicrobial drug resistance. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Breast Cancer Inhibition by Biosynthesized Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Is Comparable to Free Doxorubicin but Appeared Safer in BALB/c Mice.

Cancer remains a global health burden prompting affordable, target-oriented, and safe chemotherapeutic agents to reduce its incidence rate worldwide. In this study, a rapid, cost-effective, and green synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) has been carried out; Ex vivo and in vivo evaluation of their safety and anti-tumor efficacy compared to doxorubicin (DOX), a highly efficient breast anti-cancer agent but limited by severe cardiotoxicity in many patients. Thereby, TiO2 NPs were eco-friendly synthetized using aqueous leaf extract of the tropical medicinal shrub Zanthoxylum armatum as a reducing agent. Butanol was used as a unique template. TiO2 NPs were physically characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as routine state-of-the art techniques. The synthesized TiO2 NPs were then evaluated for their cytotoxicity (by MTT, FACS, and oxidative stress assays) in 4T1 breast tumor cells, and their hemocompatibility (by hemolysis assay). In vivo anti-tumor efficacy and safety of the TiO2 NPs were further assessed using subcutaneous 4T1 breast BALB/c mouse tumor model. The greenly prepared TiO2 NPs were small, spherical, and crystalline in nature. Interestingly, they were hemocompatible and elicited a strong DOX-like concentration-dependent cytotoxicity-induced apoptosis both ex vivo and in vivo (with a noticeable tumor volume reduction). The underlying molecular mechanism was, at least partially, mediated through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (lipid peroxidation). Unlike DOX (P < 0.05), it is important to mention that no cardiotoxicity or altered body weight were observed in both the TiO2 NPs-treated tumor-bearing mouse group and the PBS-treated mouse group (P > 0.05). Taken together, Z. armatum-derived TiO2 NPs are cost-effective, more efficient, and safer than DOX. The present findings shall prompt clinical trials using green TiO2 NPs, at least as a possible alternative modality to DOX for effective breast cancer therapy.

Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Application Rate on the Young Seedling Growth of Salvadora persica

Salvadora persica is the most used medicinal shrub in the Arab world. This experiment was conducted to evaluate seedling performance at different rates of NPK. Seedlings were treated with N:P:K at 4:2:2 (N:P:K 2:2:2 g + 2 g of nitrogen supplemented as ammonium sulfate), 6:3:3 (N:P:K 3:3:3 g + 3 g of nitrogen supplemented as ammonium sulfate), 2:1:1S (N:P:K 1:1:1 g + 1 g of nitrogen supplemented as ammonium sulfate), 2:1:1U (N:P:K 1:1:1 g + 1 g of nitrogen supplemented as urea), 4:1:1S (N:P:K 1:1:1 g + 3 g of nitrogen supplemented as ammonium sulfate), 4:1:1U (N:P:K 1:1:1 g + 3 g of nitrogen supplemented as urea), 6:1:1S (N:P:K 1:1:1 g + 5 g of nitrogen supplemented as ammonium sulfate), 6:1:1U (N:P:K 1:1:1 g + 5 g of nitrogen supplemented as urea) in addition to the control. The results indicated that NPK application significantly affected the vegetative and root growth parameters and the chemical contents. Among the various treatments of NPK, the application of 6:3:3 rates showed the highest values for aboveground parts, root parameters, and greenness level. Therefore, the present study demonstrates the optimum NPK levels that can enhance seedling growth throughout the nursery period.

Tinospora cordifolia chloroform extract inhibits LPS-induced inflammation via NF-\u03baB inactivation in THP-1cells and improves survival in sepsis

BackgroundTinospora cordifolia (Willd).Miers is a perennial climbing medicinal shrub that has been traditionally used for the treatment of chronic inflammatory ailments. Our previous pre- clinical studies on anti-inflammatory effects, proved that the chloroform extract of T. cordifolia (CETC) suppressed the LPS induced up-regulation of pro-inflammatory biomarkers, hence, further follow up study was carried out to evaluate whether CETC can exhibit a protective effect against LPS induced lethal endotoxemia in vivo and also to analyze the impact of CETC pre-treatment on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro by THP-1 cells.MethodsTo corroborate our previous preclinical studies on inflammation, we investigated the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect of T. cordifolia on THP-cells which were pre-incubated with CETC (30 min) and stimulated subsequently with LPS (1 μg/ml) for 20 h. Levels as well as gene expressions of various cytokines were compared with that of LPS alone incubated cells. Alongside, in vivo oral anti-inflammatory efficacy against LPS induced endotoxemia study was effectuated, wherein rats were administered with CETC 48, 24, 12 and 1 h prior to the injection of LPS and the survival of rats were monitored upto 10 days. Cytokine levels were quantified by ELISA. Nitrite levels were measured using Griess reagent. Expression of pro-inflammatory proteins was inspected in rat tissues by histochemical and immuno -histochemical examinations.ResultsCETC was able to down-regulate the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP-1 macrophages though blockade of NF-κB nuclear translocation and could improve the survival rate during endotoxemic episodes with a marked suppression of the tissue expression of pro-inflammatory proteins.ConclusionThese findings concomitantly reveal the anti-inflammatory mechanism of CETC and support us to move forward for the development of drugs against disorders resulting from deregulated immune reactions.

In vitro propagation and cytological analysis of Sophora mollis Royle: an endangered medicinal shrub

BackgroundSophora mollis Royle (family Fabaceae, subfamily-Papilionaceae) is a multipurpose legume distributed in plains and foothills of the North-West Himalaya to Nepal and is facing high risk of extinction due to habitat loss and exploitation by the local people for its fuel and fodder values. Therefore, the present study was conducted to standardize a micropropagation protocol for Sophora mollis by using shoot tip explants and to study the meiotic chromosome count in the species. ResultsMultiple shoots were induced in shoot tip explants of Sophora mollis in Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins alone (BAP, TDZ, and Kinetin) and in combination with varying concentrations of NAA. MS medium supplemented with BAP (8.9 μM) was observed to be the optimal medium for multiple shoot induction and maximum 25.32 shoots per explant was obtained with average length of 4.5 ± 0.8 cm. In vitro developed shoots were transferred onto rooting media supplemented with different concentrations of auxin (IAA, IBA, and NAA). Maximum 86% rooting was observed in half-strength MS medium supplemented with 21.20 μM NAA with an average of 21.26 roots per culture. In vitro raised plantlets were adapted to greenhouse for better acclimatization and 60% plants were successfully transferred to the open environment. Based on the chromosome counts available from the literature and the current study, the species tend to show a basic chromosome number of x = 9. ConclusionThe micropropagation protocol standardized can be helpful for the ex situ mass multiplication and germplasm conservation of the endangered species. Moreover, the ex situ conservation approach will be helpful in actively bridging the gap between ex situ and in situ approaches through the reintroduction of species in the wild. The cytological studies revealed the basic chromosome number x = 9 of the species.

In vitro propagation and antioxidant potential of Berberis asiatica from Western Himalaya

An in vitro propagation protocol has been developed for Berberis asiatica, an important Himalayan medicinal shrub. Significantly higher in vitro seed germination (50%) was obtained in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1.0 µM 6-benzyladenine (BA). MS medium containing 1.0 µM BA and 0.1 µM 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) yielded maximum callus induction percentage (100%) from in-vitro grown leaf explants. Maximum shoot proliferation (100%) was obtained when callus was transferred to MS medium containing 2.0 µM BA plus 0.5 µM IAA or 6.0 µM BA plus 0.5 µM NAA. The maximum rooting percentage (70%) and root number per shoot (2.36) were recorded in ½ MS containing 0.05 µM IAA. Rooted shoots when transferred to potting medium containing vermiculite, soil, and sand (1:1:1) resulted in 65% survival. The phytochemical analysis of leaf samples of tissue culture-raised plants showed significantly higher alkaloids (berberine and palmatine) content than the leaf samples collected from the wild (mother plant). A similar trend was also observed in studied antioxidant and antimutagenic activities. Therefore, micropropagation of B. asiatica can be promoted for harnessing its potential as a source of berberine and natural antioxidants. This may help to reduce the pressure on the natural populations of the species.

Traditional Uses, Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Piper hispidum Sw.: a Review

Piper hispidum Sw. (Piperaceae) (syn. Piper hispidinervum) is a medicinal shrub distributed in Central and South America, widely used as an astringent, diuretic, stimulant for unblocking the liver and stopping hemorrhages. The plant has great interest among researchers due to the production of essential oil and important raw material for the chemical industry, which has a high demand for cosmetic, insecticide, and pesticide industries. In this review, traditional uses, phytochemicals, and biological activities of P. hispidum are comprehensively and systematically summarized through searching scientific databases, including Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of amides, benzoic acids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, butenolides, phenol, and essential oils; hence it has several activities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, α-amylase, insecticidal, schistosomicidal, leishmanial, larvicidal, antiplasmodial, cytotoxicity, estrogenic and serotonergic properties. This review is expected to draw the attention of medical professionals and the general public towards P. hispidum as well as to open the door for detailed research in the future.

Antimicrobial activity of bioactive compounds of Haplopappus multifolius and Haplopappus taeda against human pathogenic microorganisms.

Background and Objectives:Haplopappus multifolius Phil. Ex Reiche and Haplopappus taeda Reiche are medicinal shrubs native to Chile and are popularly known as “Bailahuén”. Regularly, this plant is used for liver, digestive and renal affections, as well as colds and the cleaning of infected wounds. The aim of the study was to identify the responsible compounds for the antimicrobial activity of H. multifolius and H. taeda.Materials and Methods:Infusions and ethanolic extracts of H. taeda and H. multifolius were analysed by thin-layer chromatography bioautography (TLC-B) to determine the compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and yeasts of Bailahuén. Finally, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of pure compounds isolated was determinate.Results:Extract of Bailahuén had activity only against Gram-positive bacterial strains and this activity was associated with aesculetin, 18-acetoxy-cis-cleroda-3,13E-dien-15-oic acid and aromadendrin-7-methyl ether compounds.Conclusion:H. multifolius and H. taeda have antibacterial capacity on different species of Gram-positive bacteria pathogenic for humans.

Study of ethno-botanical shrub and its utilization in Agra district Uttar Pradesh

India has been known as a rich source for valuable medicinal Shrubs. These Shrubs are found and distributed in throughout India and various parts of world. Since the ancient time, Shrub species have been used as the source of botanical medicine by the human beings. Shrubs are the richest source of medicine due to the presence of biochemical, which are useful to cure the various diseases. Usefulness of medicinal Shrubs is well documented since the time immemorial. The present study includes ethno-botanical importance in which vegetative parts of Shrubs which is commonly used by different local community. Ethno-botanical density as well as diversity may variable region to region and habitats to habitats. Keeping this in view an extensive survey work was carried out in Agra (Western part) of Uttar Pradesh state of India, for the medicinal Shrubs resources of Agra, Uttar Pradesh to obtain info about the traditional uses, knowledge of local people and traditional healers about these popular shrubs. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that find 21 species is a useful medicinal used to treat different human and livestock ailments. Their body parts are using for curing different types of serious diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, asthma, piles, dengue fever, typhoid fever, blood bleeding etc. in human beings, domestic animals and other wild animals. Present paper advocated to local peoples (especially of rural areas), for protection of these Shrubs and secure their life for better survival.

Antibacterial and Wound Healing Activities of Topical Gel of Jatropha variegata Vahl Extract in Rats

Background: Jatropha variegata Vahl is a well-known Yemeni medicinal shrub, used traditionally to treat wounds. &#x0D; Objectives: To investigate the wound-healing and antibacterial properties of the J. variegata extract as a new gel formula. &#x0D; Methods: The leaves and stems of J.variegata were collected from Ibb Province, Yemen, and extracted by maceration in methanol. To ensure the quality and effectivity of the extract, physicochemical and biological investigations were conducted. Finally, the extract was prepared as a gel dosage form for bacterial and experimental animal studies. Twelve female Albino rats were divided into three groups: each rat was inflicted by three wounds. The first wound was treated thrice a day using the gel containing the J. variegata extract, the second was treated by a gel without the extract, and the third was control. The first, second, and third groups were treated for 5, 10, and 15 days, respectively, with follow-up of the wounds’ diameters. After treatment, the rats were anesthetized before analyzing the anatomy of the rats and the histological examination. &#x0D; Results: The antibacterial activity of the extract was competent to the positive control against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 0.05%. Similarly, 100% of the wounds healed within 15 days when treated using the gel containing the J. variegata extract. While just 33% of the control group healed.&#x0D; Conclusion: J. variegata exhibited high antibacterial activity against the targeted strains and remarkable wound healing activity when applied topically on the skin of rats in a gel dosage form. This finding proves an opening for further pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies.

A systematic review on potential pharmacological applications of Parkinsonia aculeata.

Plants with therapeutic importance are widely used by humans to acquire healthy lifestyle. Parkinsonia aculeate (PA) belonging to family fabaceae is one such shrub mostly widespread various countries of world. P. aculeata is a shrubby tree, growing to a height of 4–10 m. This species has been introduced and become naturalized in Asia, Africa and Europen while it is native of north, south and Central America. Currently P. aculeata can now be found in most tropical, sub-tropical and Mediterranean countries. In this article pharmacological potential of Parkinsonia aculeata is briefly covered. Phytochemical evaluation of the leaves, flowers and steam of Parkinsonia aculeata has revealed the presence of glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins. Tradiationally it is a well known medicinal shrub for its beneficial effects as antipyretic, antimaterial, diaphoretic and abortifacient. These actions are attributed to either regulation of various molecular pathway linked with various disorders or antioxidant property.

Therapeutic potential of Habb-ul-Aas (Myrtus communis Linn.) with Unani Perspective and Modern Pharmacology: A review

Myrtus communis Linn. (MC) is an important medicinal shrub being used in Unani Medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea, peptic ulcers, leucorrhoea, urethritis, haemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, palpitation, pulmonary and skin disease. This review provides data on the botany, phytochemical, Preclinical & Clinical Studies and Unani traditional uses of MC, with an aim to make update of the current information and obtain opportunities for further therapeutic potential. The information was obtained from scientific literature databases including PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Science Direct. Additional information was gathered from classical Unani text books, and published materials. MC are used traditionally for the treatment so many diseases. The Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hypoglycaemic, Anticancer, Analgesic, Antidiarrheal properties have been widely investigated. More than 50 active ingredients have been isolated from this plant including monoterpene, sesquiterpene, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, tannins and flavonoids. The present review verifies the real identity of Myrtle, summarizes its valuable description in Unani literature, and its medicinal efficacy in haemorrhoid, aphthous stomatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, bacterial vaginosis (BV) and other disorders. Phytochemical and pharmacological studies and clinical investigations on the crude drug and isolated principles proved the multipotent action of Myrtle.

Antioxidant and antiacetylcholinestrase studies of In vitro regenerated and transformed hairy roots of Ocimum sanctum (L.)

Background: Ocimum sanctum (L.) is a well-known extensively employed Indian medicinal shrub in traditional and modern therapeutics. Hairy roots exhibit similar or superior capability to inhibit oxidants responsible for many disorders. Objectives: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol has developed for O. sanctum which influences T-DNA delivery. The antioxidant, antiacetylcholinesterase (AChE) potential, and in vivo study of hairy root extract of O. sanctum has been evaluated. Materials and Methods: Sterilized O. sanctum shoot tips had grown in vitro by employing Murashige and Skoog basal media, Benzyl amino purine (BAP) (0.5 mg/L), and other additives. In vitro grown leaf explants were infected by Agrobacterium rhizogenes ATCC 15834 for various time durations. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employed to confirm the genetic assimilation of Agrobacterium. The hairy root extract's antioxidant potential has been tested by diphenyl picric hydroxyl (DPPH) and ferrous ion reducing assay (ferrous reduced antioxidant power [FRAP]) along with anti-AChE potential. In vivo study was done employing behavioral and biochemical estimation. Results: For in vitro culturing of O. sanctum, administration of BAP (0.5 mg/L) shows growth rate of 32.7% ±0.19% in 7 days. The Agrobacterium-infected explants show the good yield of hairy root in 1 h of infection duration. The PCR results show the genomic integration of transgene rol A and rol C. The methanolic extracts of hairy roots showed potential antioxidant activities for DPPH-free radical (66.15% ±0.34%) and FRAP assay (226.35 ± 0.17TE/gDW of the sample). These extracts effectively inhibit AChE (28.710 ± 0.26 μg/mL at 3 min incubation duration). In in vivo study, the pretreatment of OSM (200 and 400 mg/kg) exhibited significant increase of spatial and long term after administration of scopolamine. Conclusion: The obtained results exhibited a simple protocol for micropropagation and transgenic roots production with competently targeting AChE and related disorders.

A contribution to the therapeutic valorization of Moroccan Cistus Ladanifer L

Cistus ladanifer L. is a medicinal shrub traditionally used against several diseases. The present study was performed for trying to enrich the potentialities of this plant by evaluating the possible analgaesic effect of aqueous extract of Cistus. ladanifer (AECL) and oral formulation prepared from AECL. The analgaesic effect was tested using the acetic acid induces writhing and formalin models. The results showed that both aqueous extract and herbal syrup induced a significant analgaesic activity in the two nociceptive tests. Moreover, the oral formulation produced the potent analgaesic effect. We conclude from the results of this work that the Moroccan C. ladanifer L orally administrated to mice possesses an efficient analgaesic effect, and may will contribute to developing a natural analgaesic drug.

Rhizomicrobiomics of Caesalpinia bonducella, a wonder plant for PCOS treatment.

Plant and rhizobacterial interactions contribute partly to a plant's medicinal properties and are well studied through metagenomics. In this study, 16S rDNA, 18S rDNA, and ITS meta-sequencing were performed using the genomic DNA obtained from the rhizosphere of Caesalpinia bonducella-a medicinal shrub widely used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Of the 665Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) obtained from 16S rDNA sequencing, 23.9% comprised of microbes that increase the therapeutic value of plants (Bacillus, Paenibacillus), 6.4% belonged to stress and drought tolerant microbes (Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Serratia), 8% belonged to plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria-predominantly Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes and the remaining were the microbes performing various other functions. Alpha diversity indexing by GAIA-metagenomics tool revealed the presence of a highly diverse group of microbes in the rhizosphere of C. bonducella; Chao.1 index (665), Shannon Weiner index (3.53), Simpson index (0.83) and Fisher index (106.13). The highly diverse microbes lingering around the roots of C. bonducella could possibly be due to a strong symbiotic association with the plant; root exudates nourish the microbes and the microbes in turn enrich the medicinal value of the plant.