Mollugo Cerviana Research Articles

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants in Melit area (North Darfur), Western Sudan

BackgroundThe documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge in Sudan is restricted to specific regions, and there is a far-reaching lack of written information on the traditional use of medicinal plants in other places like Darfur State, in western Sudan. The present study was designed to document the medicinal plants used in traditional medicine of Melit area in North Darfur State.MethodEthnomedicinal information was collected from 135 local informants through semi-structured questionnaires. Data were analysed for use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF) and fidelity level.ResultsA total of 59 medicinal plants, belonging to 32 families and 55 genera, were recorded for their traditional uses in Melit area. Fabaceae were represented by highest number of species (13) followed by Asteraceae and Malvaceae (4 each) and Poaceae (3). Herbs comprise the main sources (50.8%) of traditional remedies. Fruits and stem bark (17.9% each) were the major plant parts used. Decoction (36.5%) is the most mode of preparation used. Geigeria alata was most commonly used species with UV of 2.37. The highest ICF values were recorded for swellings (ICF = 1.00) and respiratory system (ICF = 0.95) categories. Ten plants, namely Carica papaya, Corchorus trilocularis, Eragrostis cilianensis, Heliotropium sudanicum, Mollugo cerviana, Psiadia punctulate, Rhynchosia minima, Solanum coagulans, Solanum forskalii and Tephrosia purpurea, were cited for the first time as medicinal plants used in Sudan traditional medicine. Resins of Boswellia papyrifera, seeds of Nigella sativa, pods of Vachellia nilotica (syn. Acacia nilotica) and clove of Syzygium aromticum were used to make different preparations for the treatment of the corona virus.ConclusionThis is the first ethnobotanical survey conducted in this region which is always suffering from security issues, and results indicated that Melit area harbours high diversity of plants used traditionally to cure different health conditions. The present study aids in conserving such rich heritage, and it is recommended that the newly reported species worth further studying over their phytochemical and biological properties.

In Vitro Anti Inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Cancer Cell Line Studies on Mollugo Cerviana (L.) Ser

Our traditional treatises on medicine have shown references to number of rare medicinal herbs prescribed to treat various ailments in human. An herbal plant preferred to treat fever, inflammation, rheumatic pain and wounds prevalently in the villages of the delta districts of Tamilnadu by name Mollugo cerviana was chosen for this research. The Ethanol extract of Mollugo cerviana was analysed for its in vitro anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activity through standard procedures. The anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanol ethanolic extracts of varying concentrations were evaluated under HRBC (Human Red Blood Cell) Membrane Stabilization and Protein denaturation studies. Diclofenac sodium a nonsterioidal anti-inflammatory drug was the reference standard. The results revealed a concentration dependent increase in the percentage of membrane stabilization activity with increase in concentration of the test extract and a concentration dependent inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation activity. Antioxidant studies revealed a significant free radical scavenging activity by the extract upon evaluation by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, nitric oxide assay and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity assay. The studies on liver cancer cell lines using MTT assay revealed the anticancer activity exhibited by the ethanol extract of Mollugo cerviana. The studies as a whole reveals the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer activity possessed by the herbal extract of Mollugo cerviana which invites attention to proceed with further research towards development of novel herbal drugs from Mollugo cerviana to treat inflammation and cancer.

Antimicrobial evaluation and molecular docking studies of the combined ethanolic extract of Mollugo cerviana and Mukia maderspatana.

Medicinal plants are considered to be the source of richness in Traditional Medicine. The chosen plants Mollugocerviana (L.) and Mukiamaderas patina. (L.) are commonly used to treat various ailments in traditional medicine. In the present study these two Plants were extracted with Ethanol and were subjected to Phytochemical Analysis to confirm the presence of different Phytochemicals. After phytochemical analysis the antimicrobial efficiency of the Plant extracts were checked against different microbial pathogens. The results confirm that the combined extract of both the plants shows potent activity against selected pathogenic strains. The results clearly indicate that the activity is in a dose dependent manner which is defined as higher the concentration higher the activity. GC-MS analysis of the extracts showed the presence of Ergost-7-en-3-ol. This ligand was docked with TyRs protein of S.aureusi to understand the interactions and predict the affinity and the activity of the potent bioactive molecules. It shows promising interaction with respect to binding poses of interacted complex. From the current study it is proved that the chosen plants are highly loaded with nutrients and can be used as a drug target in future. Further studies are required to confirm the efficiency of the plant extracts.

Novel Therapeutic Approach of Mollugo cerviana (L.) Ser Plant: A Review

These days, there has been a general inclination to use regular phytochemicals open in various characteristic-rich sources, for example, natural products, leaves, branches as well as underlying foundations of various plants on the grounds of the presence of substituents with bioactive possibilities, prosperity benefits, and useful fixings. In India, Mollugo cerviana (L.) ser is a medicinally valuable plant. Because of its high therapeutic properties, many rural people utilize this plant as food. The whole plant contains antioxidant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activity and also has spermicidal activity. It is used in different parts of India to increase vaginal discharge and uterine contraction after the baby is born. This review compiles a number of relevant studies on Mollugo cerviana and its bioactivities.

Molecular docking analysis of bioactive compounds from Mollugo cerviana (L.) SER with DHFR for antifungal activity.

Fungal infections have been increasing in recent years due to growing number of high-risk patients particularly immuno compromised hosts. Candida is the third- or fourth-most-common isolate in nosocomial bloodstream infections. The increase of fungal resistance to classical drugs, the treatment costs, and the fact that most available antifungal drugs have only fungistatic activity, justify the search for new strategies. Identification of therapeutic compounds from plants has been the centre of attraction ever since they were discovered. It is of interest to document the molecular docking analysis of bioactive compounds present in Mollugo cerviana (L.) SER with the DHFR protein target for antifungal activity. We show the optimal binding features of several compounds from the extract with in vivo and in vitro activities. Results of this showed that all compounds showed good antimicrobial activity and a very good antifungal activity against the target DHFR protein. So, these compounds may act as potential drug molecules after the experimental validation.

Acute and Repeated Dose Toxicity Study of Clevira Syrup – A Polyherbal Formulation

Aim and Objectives: This study evaluated the acute and repeated dose toxicity effects of Clevira Syrup Polyherbal formulation (CSPHF), which was prepared from ten different herbs, well known and widely used in traditional medicine for the management of viral infections and other inflammatory disease conditions. Individually these herbs (Carica papaya, Melia azedarach, Andrographis paniculata, Vetiveria zizanioides, Trichosanthes dioica, Cyperus rotundus, Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Mollugo Cerviana and Tinospora cordifolia )were completely safe, but the polyherbal formulation effects were not known. Thus, this study was done for the investigation of toxicological profile of CSPHF in Wistar Albino rats. Methods: As per OECD(Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) guidelines 423 and 407, Acute and Repeated dose toxicity study were proceeded. In the acute toxicity study a single dose of CSPHF (2000mg/kg) was administered orally to female Wistar rats and in repeated dose toxicity study, CSPHF was administered orally in Control group and three different doses (1000, 500 and 250mg/kg body weight) to both male and female wistar albino rats for 28 days. At the end of the study, the animals were euthanized, observed the external and internal morphology (Acute Toxicity) and assessed the effect of CSPHF on histopathological and biochemical parameters (Repeated Dose toxicity study). Results: In acute toxicity study, there were no visual signs of toxicity of CSPHF (2000mg/kg) observed, whereas in Repeated dose toxicity study Ischaemia, inflammation and hematoma of the internal organs were observed at 1000mg/kg dose, but no such toxic features were seen at 500 and 250mg/kg dose of CSPHF. Conclusion: The results of the Acute and Repeated Dose toxicity study could be authenticated in future studies, which will be more useful and evidence based for the management of Viral infectionsduring pandemics.

Anti-inflammatory Activity of Mollugo cerviana Methanolic Extract in LPS-induced Acute Inflammatory RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

The management of acute inflammation, which arises from complex biological responses to harmful stimuli, is an important determinant in the recovery from an otherwise detrimental outcome such as septicemia. However, the side effects and limitations of current therapeutics necessitate the development of newer and safer alternatives. Mollugo cerviana is a common medicinal herb of the Indian subcontinent and has been traditionally used for its fever mitigating anti-microbial and hepatoprotective action. We have already reported the rich presence of radical scavenging phytochemicals in the plant extracts and their strong antioxidant properties. In the present study, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract (ME) of the areal parts of M. cerviana in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute inflammatory cell culture model. RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells were stimulated by the bacterial endotoxin LPS at a concentration of 1 μg/mL. Cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of ME were carried out. The concentration of M. cerviana extract up to 150 μg/ml was found to be non-toxic to cells (MTT and NRU assay). LPS induces acute inflammation by binding to TLR-4 receptors, initiating a downstream signalling cascade that results in pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Extract treatment at 100 μg/ml suppressed LPS-induced gene expression (qPCR) and secretion (ELISA) of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and the chemokine CCL2, leading to dampening of the acute inflammatory cascade. LPS-induced elevation of ROS level (DCFDA method) was significantly reduced by extract treatment. Nitric oxide production, as indicated by nitrite level, was significantly reduced post extract treatment. This study demonstrated that M. cerviana methanolic extract has a potent antiinflammatory effect in the in vitro acute inflammation model of LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. There is no reported study so far on the anti-inflammatory properties of M. cerviana in an LPSinduced acute inflammatory model, which closely mimics a human bacteremia response. Hence, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of this extract as a source of anti-inflammatory lead molecules.

Ethnopharmacological Survey on Medicinal Plants for the Dengue Hemolytic Infections in Selected Regions in Sri Lanka

Aims: To conduct an Ethnopharmacological survey on medicinal plants and, to make an inventory of plant species used in the treatment of Dengue Hemolytic Infection in Deshiya Chikithsa (an autochthonous traditional system of medicine) in Sri Lanka.
 Study Design: This was a quantitative and qualitative ethnopharmacological survey.
 Place and Duration of Study: Eleven selected districts in Sri Lanka covering Western, Sothern, and Mountain hill rages of the country, between January 2018 and January 2019.
 Methodology: Semi-structured validated questionnaires were administered to 173 traditional practitioners in selected eleven districts of Sri Lanka. Plants were categorized based on plant parts used and method of preparation and were used to analyze and summarize the collected data. Quantitative ethnobotanical tools used to claim and prove the use of medicinal plants for Dengue Hemolytic Infection were Frequency index (FI), Use Value for one species ( ) and the species Use Value index for one informant (UVIF).
 Results: The survey identified 180 plant species belongs to 76 families. Approximately 33.6% of the plant species identified were used as air-dried flowers and 30.0% of plants are prepared by aqueous decoction. The most used plants were Carica papaya L. (43.9), Coriandrum sativum L. (37.0), Mollugo cerviana L. (34.1), and Zingiber officinale L. (31.2). As calculated by Use Value for one species, Carica papaya L., Coriandrum sativum L. and Mollugo cerviana L., were reported to be of the highest value above 0.25. There were 5.5% plant species with above 0.20 of value, and 6.1% plant species were above 0.20 species Use Value index for one informant (UVIF). This signifies the highest relative use of these plants among the respondents and the highest number of uses of those species in the treatment of Dengue hemolytic infection.
 Conclusion: According to the analysis, it can be concluded that medicinal plants identified in this study are reported here for the first time concerning their use for Dengue Infection except Carica papaya L. Therefore, this documented information on the medicinal plants used in Deshiya Chikithsa system of medicine in Sri Lanka may be used as baseline data for future pharmacological and phytochemical studies.

Potential roles of medicinal plants for the treatment of viral diseases focusing on COVID‐19: A review

The whole world is entangled by the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), people are dying in thousands each day, and without an actual medication, it seems not possible for the bringing this global health crisis to a stop. Natural products have been in constant use since ancient times and are proven by time to be effective. Crude extract or pure compounds isolated from medicinal plants and/or herbs such as Artemisia annua, Agastache rugosa, Astragalus membranaceus, Cassia alata, Ecklonia cava, Gymnema sylvestre, Glycyrrhizae uralensis, Houttuynia cordata, Lindera aggregata, Lycoris radiata, Mollugo cerviana, Polygonum multiflorum, Pyrrosia lingua, Saposhnikoviae divaricate, Tinospora cordifolia etc. have shown promising inhibitory effect against coronavirus. Several molecules, including acacetin, amentoflavone, allicin, blancoxanthone, curcumin, daidzein, diosmin, epigallocatechin‐gallate, emodin, hesperidin, herbacetin, hirsutenone, iguesterin, jubanine G, kaempferol, lycorine, pectolinarin, phloroeckol, silvestrol, tanshinone I, taxifolin, rhoifolin, xanthoangelol E, zingerol etc. isolated from plants could also be potential drug candidates against COVID‐19. Moreover, these could also show promising inhibitory effects against influenza‐parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV). Here, we have reported 93 antiviral drug candidates which could be a potential area of research in drug discovery.

In vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of polyherbal extracts from Vetiveria zizanioides, Trichosanthes cucumerina, and Mollugo cerviana on HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines.

Various metabolites exist in the medicinal plants have lot of potential to cure various diseases and disorders. Plants such as, Vetiveria zizanioides, Trichosanthes cucumerina, and Mollugo cerviana were collected from Western Ghats, Tamilnadu, India. Phytochemicals were extracted from these plants using various organic solvents and tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The phytochemicals such as, carbohydrate, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, flavonoids and tannin were detected from these medicinal plants. Among the extracts, methanol showed potent activity and this solvent was used to extract polyherbal medicinal plants. Methanol extract of V. zizanioides was found to be highly active against E. coli (27 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (19 ± 3 mm) and B. subtilis (18 ± 2 mm). Ethyl acetate extract showed high activity against E. coli (24 ± 2 mm), P. mirabilis (22 ± 3 mm) and B. subtilis (20 ± 1 mm). These three plants were taken at 1:1:1 ratio and extracted with methanol at 1:10 ratio and synergistic activity was tested against bacterial pathogens. Synergistic activity of polyherbal extract was analyzed. The extracted crude herbal medicine was found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Enterbacter sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Proteus mirabilis. The zone of inhibition was 33 ± 3 mm, 17 ± 2 mm, 22 ± 2 mm, 40 ± 2 mm, 33 ± 1 mm and 38 ± 2 mm zone of inhibition against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, B. subtilis and Enterobacter sp. Polyherbal extract was found to be highly effective against P. mirabilis and Enterobacter sp. MIC values of polyherbal extract ranged from 29 ± 2.5 µg/ml to 34 ± 2.5 µg/ml. MIC value was found to be less against P. mirabilis and was high against S. aureus. Antioxidant property varied between 49 ± 3% and 95.3 ± 2%. At 20 µg/ml antioxidant activity was reported as 49 ± 3% and it was increased at higher concentrations of polyherbal extract. Two cell lines (HeLa and MCF cell lines) were selected to analyze cytotoxic activity of polyherbal extract. The methanol extract of polyherbal fraction showed cytotoxicity against these two cell lines. The LC50 value was 467 ± 2.9 µg/ml against HeLa cell line and >800 µg/ml against MCF-7 cell lines. The polyherbal extract showed antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities.

Phytochemistry and Hepatoprotective Activity of Chloroform Extract of NKC Ingredient in Santalum album Against D-Galactosamine Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Objective: Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam is the combination of nine plant materials. The nine components are Nilavempu (Andrographis paniculata), Vettiver (Vetiveria zizanioides), Vilamiccamver (plectranthus vettiveroides), Santanam (Santalum album), Peyputtal (Trichosanthes dioica), Koraikkilanku (Cyperus rotandus), Cukku (Zingeber officinale), Milaku (Piper nigrum), Parpatakam (Mollugo cerviana). All these plants are used conventionally in the treatment of fever, inflammation, arthralgia, arthritis, gastric ulcer, jaundice, and general weaknes Methods: About 500gm of dried fine powder of Santalum album were soaked in the extractor and macerated for 30 hrs with petroleum ether. On the 22ndday after overnight fast the blood was collected from retro- orbital After the separation of serum from the blood assay of ALT, AST, ALP, γGT and bilirubin were done using standard methods and enzyme assay tests. Results: The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the Chloroform extract of Santalum album reveals the presence of alkaloid, flavonoid, phenol, coumarin, and tannin. The pretreatment of chloroform extract of Santalum album at a dose of 200mg and 400mg/kg (group IV and V) appeared to significantly prevent the galactosamine toxicity as revealed by the hepatic cells which were preserved in cytoplasms. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that chloroform extract of Santalum album at both doses possesses hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity, which is evidenced by lowered serum hepatic marker enzyme activities. Among the two dosages tested, 400 mg/kg/body weight showed more promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity, and is comparable to the standard drug Silymarin. Keywords: Nilavembu Kudineer Chooranam, Chloroform extract of Santalum album, preliminary phytochemical analysis, Hepatoprotective activity, D-Galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Pollination ecology of three ecologically valuable carpetweed herbs, Mollugo cerviana, M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla (Molluginaceae)

Mollugo cerviana, M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla are annual herbs which usually grow in open dry sandy and sandy/loamy soils, and also occur in moist habitats, especially cultivated lands. The flowers possess five tepals, functional stamens and 3-carpelled ovary with several ovules and three stigmas. M. nudicaulis and M. pentaphylla are pollinated by insects. Haplothrips uses the flowers for breeding and feeding, which affects pollination. These species have specialized floral structural and functional behaviours for self-induced and spontaneous autogamy while keeping the options open for insect pollination after anthesis. They are facultative autogamous, which is reflected in pollen-ovule ratios and natural fruit and seed set rates. Seed dispersal modes include anemochory, ombrohydrochory and hydrochory. The seeds germinate immediately after their dispersal, and soil moisture is important in rupturing the seed coat. These species are best adapted to survive in open dry habitats as they take advantage of any sign of temporary humidity to complete their life cycle quickly.

In vitro erythrocyte membrane stabilization potential in some Sri Lankan medicinal plant extracts

The release of lysosomal hydrolytic enzymes plays a major role in inflammation. The resemblance of lysosomal membrane to red blood cell (erythrocyte) membrane is widely employed in evaluating the effect of plant extracts in stabilization of cellular membranes and thereby to predict the possible anti-inflammatory potential. Thus the present study was undertaken to evaluate the red blood cell membrane stabilization potential in eight medicinal plants that have been utilized as anti-inflammatory remedies in Sri Lankan traditional medicine. The hydroalcoholic extracts of Argyreia populifolia, Atalantia ceylanica, Hibiscus furcatus, Leucus zeylanica, Mollugo cerviana, Munronia pinnata, Olax zeylanica and Plectranthus zeylanicus were prepared and 10% suspensions of red blood cells in normal saline were incubated with 1000 µg/mL of each extract. The absorbance of the released hemoglobin was measured spectrophotometrically. Diclofenac sodium was used as the reference drug. Based on the results of the preliminary assay, the most potent extracts that possesses ≥ 50% stabilization potential (i.e. H. furcatus, L. zeylanica and P. zeylanicus) were subjected to concentration-response studies and EC50 values were determined. H. furcatus extract has shown the highest membrane stabilizing potential with an EC50 of 51.92 µg/mL which is even better than the reference drug (EC50=131.9 µg/mL). Moreover, a significant activity was observed in L. zeylanica (EC50 = 81.35 µg/mL) while a considerable membrane stabilization potential was detected in P. zeylanicus (EC50=219.6 µg/mL) as well. Thus, the present study revealed that the plants utilized in folklore medicine in Sri Lanka as anti-inflammatory remedies are capable of stabilizing the cellular membranes.

Pharmacological activity of Nilavembu decoction used in Suram (Fever)

Background: Suram (Fever) is a cardinal response of infection. Nilavembu decoction is used in the treatment of fever in Siddha Medicine and various clinical researches on Nilavembu decoction has reported significant efficacy against viral fever. Andrographis paniculata, Mollugo cerviana, Cyperus rotundus, Melothria heterophylla, Vetiveria zizanioides, Plectranthus vettiveroides, Santalum album, Piper nigrum and Zingiber officinale are the ingredients of Nilavembu decoction which are used in equal proportions while preparing decoction. Aim: To analyse the pharmacological activity of Nilavembu decoction and its individual plants based on which the drug is used in Suram through review in detail. Materials and Methods: The data were collected about Nilavembu decoction and its ingredients from Siddha text books and research publications through the PubMed, Research gate and Google Scholar. These data were tabulated and analysed. Observations: Febrifuge, diuretic, diaphoretic, alterative, stomachic and chologogue actions of individual plants of Nilavembu decoction have been identified through the literatures. All ingredients of Nilavembu decoction have antimicrobial, diuretic and diaphoretic actions. Through the review of reported previous studies, out of 9, 8 herbs have antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Vetiveria zizanioides and Zingiber officinale inhibited 10 types of microorganisms. Cyperus rotundus inhibits 9 types of microorganisms. 78% of plants inhibited both gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria. Conclusion: Based on the review analysis it can be concluded that Nilavembu decoction could be given in the fevers caused due to infective agents such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Bacillus sp.

Selective Toxicity of Biosynthesised Silver Nanoparticles on MCF-7 and MDA MB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Biosynthesized nanoparticles have many applications in the field of biopharmaceutics due to its high surface to volume ratio, less toxicity and synergistic effects with conjugated biomolecules. This study reports the selective cytotoxicity effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA MB-231. AgNPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Mollugo cerviana species of plant and characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, zeta potential analyser, SEM, FT-IR, XRD, and EDX. An UV-visible spectrum of the extract shows the surface plasmon resonance peak of AgNPs at 420 nm. SEM analysis results confirm the sphericity of the AgNPs whose size isin the range of 50 – 100 nm. The zeta potential value of -27 mV indicates the stability of the biosynthesized AgNPs. Dose-Dependent cytotoxicity was observed against human breast cancer cells lines MCF-7 and MDA MB-231. The inhibitory concentrations (IC50) are 21.53 μg/mL and 25.52 μg/mL respectively. There was no significant toxicity against Vero cells below 100 μg/mL concentration of AgNPs. The data obtained in the study reveal the potential therapeutic value of biogenic silver nanoparticles in cancer treatment and further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of selective activity of biosynthesized AgNPs on cancer cells.

Protective effect of Mollugo cerviana extract on liver markers in alloxan induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Liver is the central metabolic organ in body responsible for glucose homeostasis, diabetes leads to hepatic dysfunction. In the present study to investigate the protective effect of Mollugo cerviana extract on liver markers in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Hepatospecific enzymes (ALP, ALT and AST), protein and albumin content were activated when hepatocellular damage gave rise to abnormalities of liver function and these enzymes are remarkably increased in diabetic rats. Further confirmed in the histopathological studies of liver. Mollugo cerviana helps in parenchymal cell regeneration in liver, thus protecting membrane integrity and thereby minimizing enzyme leakage. Histopathological studies also supported the biochemical parameters. This result suggested that Mollugo cerviana possess potential hepato regenerating activity.

Evaluation of Nutritional value of Mollugo cerviana Ser. growing wild in Bikaner District of Rajasthan

Plants of arid and semiarid zones are good source of phytochemically important compounds. Mollugo cerviana is a common wild plant of Bikaner and surrounding areas and it has been evaluated for the nutritive contents from root, shoot and fruits. The results obtained by AOAC (1995) method shows that the plant is rich in nutritive contents.

Taxonomic significance of seed morphology in the genusMollugos.l. (Molluginaceae)

ABSTRACTThe genus Mollugo L. comprises ca. 35 species distributed throughout the tropics, and it is clearly polyphyletic. The seed morphology and ornamentation of 27 Mollugo representatives is studied with regard to their significance for systematics and taxon delimitation. The species belonging to the “M. cerviana” and “M. fragilis” groups, as well as M. tenella, are characterized by D-shaped or roundish seeds, whereas other taxa have reniform seeds. The seed ornamentation can be considered to be one of the most valuable characters for disentangling the taxonomic diversity in the genus. Mollugo cerviana shares the same reticulate ornamentation with M. namaquensis, M. pusilla, M. tenella and M. tenuissima, while the smooth surface is peculiar to M. fragilis, M. spathulata and M. walteri. The close relationship of M. fragilis and relatives to Hypertelis spergulacea is carpologically supported. Some taxa share a papillate ornamentation (M. decandra, M. floriana, M. molluginis, M. nudicaulis, M. pentaphylla,...

Photoprotective potential in some medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases in Sri Lanka.

BackgroundThe constant exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UV) has a variety of harmful effects on human health. Although synthetic sunscreen products have been introduced as a preventive/therapeutic strategy, with the realization of their adverse side effects, the recent trend is to search for human friendly alternative formulations especially of plant origin. Therefore, the present study focuses on evaluation of photoprotective activity of aqueous extracts (1 mg/ml) of eleven medicinal plants in Sri Lanka that have been widely employed in traditional medicine as treatment options for various skin diseases and to improve the complexion.MethodsFor the determination of UV filtering potential of the extracts, UV absorption was measured and the sun protection factor (SPF) was calculated according the Mansur equation. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and ABTS assays.ResultsAmong the extracts, Atalantia ceylanica, Hibiscus furcatus, Leucas zeylanica, Mollugo cerviana, Olax zeylanica and Ophiorrhiza mungos have displayed SPF value ≥ 25, which are even higher than two commercial photoprotective creams used as reference compounds. L. zeylanica and O. mungos have displayed a high UV absorbance in 260–350 nm range indicating their potential of being broad spectrum sunscreens. In addition, the extract of O. mungos was found to be photostable, without any significant reduction in the SPF after exposure to direct solar radiation for 21 days. DPPH assay and the ABTS assay revealed that the extracts possess high antioxidant activity.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that the presence of secondary metabolites with antioxidant property could be responsible for the high UV absorbance. Our findings would offer an exciting avenue for further research towards the development of herbal cosmetics.

Contribution to the flora of Asian and European countries: new national and regional vascular plant records, 3

The paper presents new records for 18 vascular plant species from six Eurasian countries. Three taxa (Lepidium densiflorum, Stipa czerepanovii, Xanthium albinum) are reported from Kazakhstan, one (Ranunculus schmakovii) from Mongolia, three (Dianthus campestris, Ranunculus kauffmannii, Viola suavis) from Poland, five (Eragrostis amurensis, Linum catharticum, Ludwigia peploides subsp. stipulacea, Pyrethrum mikeschinii, Solidago canadensis) from Tajikistan, five (Clinopodium menthifolium, Juncus effusus, Mollugo cerviana, Poa sphondylodes, Vulpia myuros) from Russia, and one (Orobanche alba subsp. xanthostigma) from Georgia. Ten of the taxa presented (Clinopodium menthifolium, Dianthus campestris, Eragrostis amurensis, Juncus effusus, Lepidium densiflorum, Mollugo cerviana, Solidago canadensis, Viola suavis, Vulpia myuros and Xanthium albinum) are regarded as alien to the studied areas, whereas the remaining eight are native elements to the flora of the countries. For each species, synonyms, general distribution, habitat preferences, taxonomy with remarks on recognition and differentiation of the species from the most similar occurring in a given country, as well as a list of localities recorded (often far from the previously known areas), are presented.