Safe Medicinal Plant Research Articles

Designing novel industrial and functional foods using the bioactive compounds from Nigella sativa L. (black cumin): Biochemical and biological prospects toward health implications.

Nigella sativa is one of the nutraceuticals that has gained popularity and studied extensively in recent decades as it is considered a safe medicinal plant for use as a dietary supplement. N. sativa contains a wide variety of bioactive substances, which include polyphenols, volatile oils (thymoquinone and p-cymene), proteins, and peptides. The biological attributes of N. sativa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities, which have potential applications for the prevention of a variety of chronic diseases. In the food industry, N. sativa improves the sensory qualities, shelf life, strength, and freshness of foods, such as bread, pizza, biscuits, cookies, and cakes. This review discusses the industrial use of N. sativa, which includes processing technologies to enhance its health-promoting properties as well as the isolation of nutraceutical components.

Antibacterial Potential of Novel Poly-Herbal Bio-Disinfectant

Indigenous medicinal plants like Azadirachta Indica, Mentha, Ocimum Tenuiflorum, Phyllanthus emblica and Aloe vera is traditionally used for treating different ailments in India. It is considered as safe medicinal plants and modulates the numerous biological processes without any adverse effect. It is a vital principle in the prevention control, and reduction of any acquired infection. We aim to present the herbal preparation for human health hazard free bio disinfectant. Indigenous medicinal plants with reported effective results against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi along with least toxic impact on environment. The antimicrobial activities by agar well diffusion indicated by zone of inhibition were resulted against Escherichia coli (24 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (10 mm), Serratia marcescens (11 mm), Bacillus (20 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22mm), Salmonella typhi (15 mm). The highest potential was observed in methanolic extract as compared to aqueous extract with even concentration. The use of medicinal plants extracts in bio disinfectant spray is mainly due to the anti-allergic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties are present. The antioxidant activity was linearly proportional to the concentration and the result showed that the antioxidant activity of all the extracts was found to increase in concentration with increased absorbance of the reaction mixture indicates increase in antioxidant activity. The formulation was evaluated for its physical parameters. It is sure that these ingredients on combination behave as an effective bio-disinfectant product. It can be used as a gel, liquid, spray on medical device and it also plays an important role in the production of various types of disinfectant products. Natural herbal bio disinfectants are affordable, effective and environmentally friendly.

Anti H. pylori, anti-secretory and gastroprotective effects of Thymus vulgaris on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in Sprague Dawley rats.

The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the acute toxicity, gastroprotective, therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and anti H. pylori activities of T. vulgaris total plant extract against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were divided into five groups i.e G-1 (Normal Control), Group 2 (ulcer control) were administered orally with 0.5% Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Group 3 (omeprazole treated) was administered orally with 20 mg/kg of omeprazole and Groups 4 and 5 (Low dose and High dose of the extract) were administered orally with 250, and 500 mg/ kg of Thymus vulgaris extract, respectively. After 1 hour, the normal group was orally administered with 0.5% CMC (5 ml/kg), whereas absolute alcohol (5ml/ kg) was orally administered to the ulcer control group, omeprazole group, and experimental groups. Stomachs were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Grossly, rats pre-treated with T. vulgaris demonstrated significantly decreased ulcer area and an increase in mucus secretion and pH of gastric content compared with the ulcer control group. Microscopy of gastric mucosa in the ulcer control group showed severe damage to gastric mucosa with edema and leukocytes infiltration of the submucosal layer. However, rats pretreated with omeprazole or Thyme vulgaris exhibited a mild to moderate disruption of the surface epithelium and lower level of edema and leukocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer. The T. vulgaris extract caused up-regulation of Hsp70 protein, down-regulation of Bax protein, and intense periodic acid Schiff uptake of the glandular portion of the stomach. Gastric mucosal homogenate of rats pre-treated with T. vulgaris exhibited significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities while malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly decreased. Based on the results showed in this study, Thymus vulgaris extract can be proposed as the safe medicinal plants for use and it has considerable gastroprotective potential via stomach epithelium protection against gastric ulcers and stomach lesions.

Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review

Berberine is a plant extract widely used in clinical practice. This review aimed to summarize and to grade the available evidence on the association between berberine consumption and health-related outcomes. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of berberine from inception to June 30, 2022. The AMSTAR-2 and GRADE system were used to assess the methodological quality and evidence level of the included meta-analyses. A total of 11 eligible meta-analyses were identified from 235 publications, which were published in peer-reviewed journals between 2013 and 2022. The results revealed that berberine significantly affects blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, blood lipids, body parameters and composition, inflammatory markers, colorectal adenomas, and Helicobacter pylori infections as compared to controls. Common side effects of berberine consumption include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea. Berberine is a safe medicinal plant ingredient that improves various clinical outcomes; however, there is a need for improvement of methodological quality in published meta-analyses. Additionally, the clinical effects of berberine need to be confirmed in high-quality RCTs.

Effect of Delphinium denudatum Wall. (Jadwar) on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Double-Blinded Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common disease of joints. The management of OA is challenging due to the efficacy and safety of treatments. In recent decades, traditional herbal medicines have been introduced for treatment of disease. Delphinium denudatum Wall. (Jadwar) is a medicinal herb with a long-lasting usage in traditional Persian medicine for joint diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Jadwar on pain and symptoms of knee OA. Methods: In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 104 patients with knee OA were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. While the intervention group received one Jadwar capsule (500 mg) twice a day for four weeks, the control group received placebo capsules. The primary outcomes, including pain, stiffness, and physical activity were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at baseline two and four weeks after the intervention. Results: Ninety-four participants completed the study. Considering the time of interaction, after four weeks, data analysis revealed a significant decrease in the VAS score (37.23±12.58 vs. 57.87±13.21), total WOMAC score (24.83±9.70 vs. 49.17±12.89), WOMAC pain score (7.19±2.90 vs. 12.40±4.46), stiffness (2.06± 0.845 vs. 4.11±1.14), and physical function (15.57±7.25 vs. 32.66±9.78) in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.0001 for all outcomes). Additionally, no serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Jadwar can be suggested as a safe medicinal plant for knee OA because it can relieve the pain and symptoms of OA.

ICP-MS determination of elemental abundance in traditional medicinal plants commonly used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT Medicinal plants are widely used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to treat various ailments in the form of folk medicine. Forty four such medicinal plant samples were collected from local markets and evaluated for the presence of 14 elements (Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Mo, Al, Pb, Ba, Zn, Ag, Hg, Bi, Cd). Microwave-assisted digestion with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied to determine the elemental composition in these medicinal plants. Widespread occurrence of these elements was observed in all plant samples, except for Bi and Co where the lowest mean values of 0.03 ± 0.04 and 0.03 ± 0.15 were observed, respectively. The descending order for mean (μg/g) elemental occurrence observed was as follows: Ba > Al > Zn > Ni > Mn > Ba > Hg > Mo > Cu > Cr > Ag > Cd > Co > Bi, whereas the range for these elements in the 44-medicinal plants was as follows: Pb > Al > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cu > Mo > Ag > Ba > Hg > Co > Cd > Cr > Bi. Pb, Hg and Cd were found beyond the maximum limits in these medicinal plants, while the remaining elements were found well within the range of maximum limits. A number of medicinal plants showed high amounts of these elements. Some plants contained more than one element, such as Foeniculum vulgare Mill (Pb, Hg, Cd), Ricinus communis (Pb, Cd), Vigna radiata (Pb, Cd) and Sesamum indicum (Pb, Hg). The data matrix was validated through the statistical tools of principal component analysis (X2 = 160.44, P = .00), Pearson’s correlation (P = .01 and 0.05), and K-mean cluster analysis (F = 104.55, P = .00). The findings of the study provide baseline data for the comparative analysis of these medicinal plants, which may help select safe medicinal plants in terms of consumer-based use and its utilisation for the treatment of various ailments.

Phytochemical and safety evaluations of Diospyros mespiliformis, and in silico evaluations of drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics and acute toxicity of its bioactive compound (Diospyrin)

Diospyros mespiliformis is among the popular multipurpose tropical fruit trees, commonly used as herbal medicines. However, due to the lack of adequate scientific data on the safety of this plant, the present study was conducted to determine the phytochemical compositions and acute toxicity profile of the crude methanol extract of D. mespiliformis. In addition, diospyrin, a bioactive compound from the plant was evaluated for in silico drug-likeness, pharmacokinetics (PKs) and acute toxicity. The phytochemical contents of the plant were quantified using standardized protocols while the 50% lethal dose (LD50) was evaluated using Lorke’s methods. Results revealed that flavonoids (265.46±0.32 mg/g) are the most abundant phytochemical in methanol leaf extract of D. mespiliformis, followed by alkaloids (224.56±0.19 mg/g) and phenols (191.82±0.04 mg/g) while saponins (7.90±0.32 mg/g) was the least abundant phytochemical. The plant extract has LD50 of > 5000 mg/kg in rats. No death was recorded throughout the study period. Similarly, no behavioural changes were observed in animals dosed with the crude extract at 10 -2900 mg/kg BW. Animals administered 5000 mg/kg BW were hyperactive, restless, and displayed profused breathing which lasted only for 30 minutes after administrations. Diospyrin a bioactive compound from D. mespiliformis demonstrated good druglike candidates and exhibited a high safety profile as revealed by in silico study. In conclusion, the crude methanol extract of D. mespiliformis and its bioactive compound is well-tolerated and non-toxic to rats, and thus could be considered a safe medicinal plant for acute oral remedies

Methanol leaf extract of Cassia tora ameliorates dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis in BALB/c mice

There is a need to find better and safer remedy for ulcerative colitis (UC) than available drugs to stem the rising incidence of the disease. This study assessed the anti-ulcerative colitis efficacy of Cassia tora (CT) leaf, a safe medicinal plant used to treat many diseases including but not limited to ulcer, dyspepsia, gastritis and colitis. Twenty adult male BALB/c mice were divided into four groups of 5 mice each. Group 1 was the control; groups 2 through 4 were exposed to 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) via drinking water for 5 days to induce UC. Mice in groups 3 and 4 were then administered with 400 mg/kg of CT and 50 mg/kg of azathioprine, respectively, for 14 days, while group 2 was non-treated. The mice were afterward sacrificed for gross pathological, histopathological, and biochemical examinations. Compared with non-treated, CT and azathioprine significantly (p≤0.05) reversed pathologies associated with UC such as diarrhea and bleeding, loss of body weight, shortening of colon, increased colon weight/length ratio, and increased disease activity index (DAI) score. Histopathological examination showed that CT and azathioprine restored damaged colon tissues of the UC-induced mice compared with non-treated. Similar trends were also observed in the biochemical examination as mice treated with CT and azathioprine significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activity compared with non-treated. In all health indices evaluated, CT performed better than azathioprine. It can be inferred from the results that CT possesses potent anti-ulcerative colitis properties.

Evaluation of the Sub Acute Toxicity of the Stem Bark of Andira inermis

The aqueous methanolic Andira inermis stem bark extract was screened in evaluation of its potential for its toxic effect in a 28 days study using the oral route only. The sub acute study was carried out in Wistar rats divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each; control group (a) received distilled water while the aqueous methanolic Andira inermis stem bark extract treatment groups (b), (c), and (d), received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of the extract respectively, for a period of 28 days, with their intake of feeds, water and signs of abnormality observed. At the end of the sub acute study, the rats were anaesthetized with chloroform and blood collected by cardiac puncture for biochemical and haematological evaluation. And the visceral organs (liver, kidneys, lungs, heart and spleen) excised for weighing and patho-morphological examination. The aqueous methanolic Andira inermis stem bark extract was found to; reduce the intake of water weekly, drop intake of feeds; significantly increased the red blood cell count (RBC), the haemoglobin concentration (HB), as well as the pack cell volume (PCV). The renal indices, showed the electrolytes sodium and chloride of the treatment groups (b, c and d) to be significantly different from the control. Urea was noticed to have reduce significantly and creatinine insignificantly. The organs weights across the Andira inermis treatment groups were noticed to be insignificantly (P › 0.05) different from the control for all the organs sampled (Lungs, Liver, Heart and Spleen) except for the kidney (organ weight which was noticed to have increased significantly). The patho-morphologies of the organs showed the heart to be normal, the kidney was normal in the control and the other treatment groups 100 mg 400 mg and 200 mg but a rat (an outlier) in one of the 200 mg group was noticed with tubular necrosis; the liver indicated a non concentration-dependent hepatitis while the lungs and the spleen presented an infective process. It was concluded that, the aqueous methanolic extract of Andira inermis is a safe medicinal plant with the capacity to; raise red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin concentration (HB) as well as the pack cell volume (PCV); proffers a nephro- protective property; shrunken spleen; have a hepato-protective property and as well was non toxic to the heart and lungs. These findings warrants further pharmacognostic efficacy experimental research to harness the array of benefits of Andira inermis as discovered in this study.

IDENTIFICATION OF PERMISSIBLE AREAS OF PREPARATION OF MEDICINAL VEGETABLE RAW MATERIALS NEAR TRANSPORT LINES

The purpose of the work is to study the permissible distance for the collection of medicinal plant raw materials near transport highways of different degrees of loading. The study was carried out in the Voronezh region on the example of eight different types of medicinal vegetable raw materials (Herring grass bitter, avian mountain grass, five-foot desert grass, plain thousand-year-old grass, double-ground nettle leaves, large planter leaves, common pajma flowers, core lip flowers) Collected in time of procurement along and at different distance from roads and railways of different degree of load in different natural zones, regulated by normative documentation. In the analyzed samples, the content of standardized biologically active substances, as well as heavy metals, pesticides, radionuclides, was previously estimated and full compliance with pharmacopoeia requirements was shown. In this work, the analysis was carried out on the level of ash insoluble in hydrochloric acid in the medicinal plant raw material, which makes it possible to estimate contamination of the raw material with dust particles. On the basis of the obtained data using the mathematical simulation method, the permissible distances from the transport lines, which can be recommended for the collection of safe medicinal plant raw materials, have been identified: Distance from major roads and highways loaded by road in forest natural zone conditions – at least 230 m, in forest steppe zone conditions – at least 300 m, in steppe zone conditions devoid of wood and shrub vegetation, – Not less than 660 m, near non-high-speed roads characterized by low traffic load – not less than 160 m, near railway lines – not less than 130 m. The obtained results can be recommended for safe collection of medicinal vegetable raw materials.

Phytochemical and toxicological evaluation of Tamarix stricta Boiss

The genus Tamarix includes several plant species well-known for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Tamarix stricta Boiss is a plant native to Iran which has not been previously investigated regarding its phytochemical and biological properties. This study assessed phytochemical and toxicological aspects of T. stricta. The plant was collected from Kerman province of Iran and after authentication by botanist, it was extracted with 70% ethanol. Total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and antioxidant properties were measured using spectrophometric methods. Quercetin content of the extract was measured after complete acid hydrolysis with high-performance liquid chromatography. The phytochemical profile of the extract was provided using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method. Acute toxicity study with a single intragastric dose of 5000 mg/kg of the extract and sub-chronic toxicity using 50, 100, and 250 mg/kg of the extract was assessed in Wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis showed that polyphenols constitute the major components of the extract. Also, the extract contained 1.552 ± 0.35 mg/g of quercetin. Biochemical, hematological, and histological evaluations showed no sign of toxicity in animals. Our experiment showed that T. stricta is a rich source of polyphenols and can be a safe medicinal plant. Further pharmacological evaluations are recommended to assess the therapeutic properties of this plant.

Phytochemical Screening, Toxicity, Analgesic and Anti-Pyretic Studies of Aqueous Leaf Extract of <i>Plectranthus barbatus</i> [Andrews. Engl.] in Rats

Plectranthus barbatus is a popular tropical perennial plant with a wide variety of traditional medicinal uses in tropical Africa, Hindu, Ayurvedic and traditional medicines of Brazil and China. The whole plant and the leaves have many folkloric uses for diverse ailments including pain, heart disease, convulsions, coughs and colds, asthma, bronchitis and tonsillitis among others. This study investigated the phytochemical components, acute toxicity, analgesic and anti-pyretic activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Plectranthus barbatus locally known as Ekizeera in Uganda. The plant leaves were authenticated, collected and decoction was done according to local method. Phytochemical screening was conducted using methods outlined by Trease and Evans and Harborne to determine the components of the extract. Acute toxicity tests were conducted in rats using modified Lorke’s method to determine the safety of the plant material. Analgesic studies were carried out using both a mechanical method (thermally induced pain by tail-flick) and a chemical method (formalin induced pain) in rats by administering extracts orally at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of body weight. The method of Al-Ghamdi, modified for local laboratory setting by Adzu was adopted and used for anti-pyretic test. Decoction yielded 9.9% extract. Phytochemical screening confirmed presence of saponins, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids and essential oils. Acute toxicity tests revealed no deaths in rats after oral treatment with up to 10,000 mg/kg of extract. Tail-flick test was non-significant (p > 0.05) while formalin-induced pain test demonstrated significant activity (p 0.05) with student t-test. These results suggest that the aqueous leaf extract of Plectranthus barbatus contains specific phytochemicals, has a potent dose dependent analgesic activity, no anti-pyretic activity and can be regarded as a safe medicinal plant to use traditionally, which might further be developed for conventional medical practice.

Nigella sativa improves anemia, enhances immunity and relieves iron overload-induced oxidative stress as a novel promising treatment in children having beta-thalassemia major

IntroductionThalassemias are treated by regular blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy. Iron overload-induced oxidative stress helps the pathogenesis of thalassemia-induced anemia, atherogenesis, immune suppression and tissue damage. Nigella sativa (NS) is a safe medicinal plant that has exhibited immune stimulant, antioxidant and tissue-protective effects that may benefit thalassemic patients. It is widely used in Arabic prophetic medicine Patients and methods25 blood transfusion-dependent children having homozygous β-thalassmia major (11 Males and 14 females ranging from 6 to 18 years) received oral NS powder (2 g/day added to foods or drinks) for 3 consecutive months. Investigations carried out for all children included evaluating: complete blood count, serum ferrtin, T cell subsets determination (CD4 and CD8), malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). ResultsNS significantly increased blood hemoglobin (from 7.50 ± 0.22–9.48 ± 0.6 g/dl) (p < 0.001), WBCs count (from 9683.33 ± 284.65–12070 ± 89 cells/cc) (p < 0.001) and neutrophils (from 3243.92 ± 168.81–4868.23 ± 387.92 cells/cc) (p < 0.001). NS enhanced cell-mediated immunity significantly via increasing CD4 counts (from 1319.88 ± 74.56–2007.64 ± 90.34 cells/ μl) (p < 0.001) and CD8 counts (from 727.09 ± 42.81–1145.31 ± 77.58 cells/μl) (p < 0.001) after NS treatment. Blood platelets and serum ferritin did not change significantly. However, iron overload-induced oxidative stress significantly decreased e.g. MDA significantly decreased (from 21.624 ± 0.31–14.864 ± 0.50 nmol/L) (p < 0.001) while TAC significantly increased (from 3.93 ± 0.11–7.69 ± 0.14 mmol/L) (p < 0.001) after NS treatment. ConclusionNS decreased iron overload-induced oxidative stress and hemolytic anemia. NS is a promising treatment for thalassemia to potentiate therapeutic effects and alleviate side effects of iron chelation therapy. Limitations to this study included the small number of patients and the relatively short post treatment follow-up time. Future research regarding the use of NS for the treatment of thalassemia is highly recommendedThis clinical trial was registered in: ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial ID: NCT02816957

Therapeutics Role of Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Their Active Constituents in Diseases Prevention and Treatment.

Neem (Azadirachta indica) is a member of the Meliaceae family and its role as health-promoting effect is attributed because it is rich source of antioxidant. It has been widely used in Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicines worldwide especially in Indian Subcontinent in the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Earlier finding confirmed that neem and its constituents play role in the scavenging of free radical generation and prevention of disease pathogenesis. The studies based on animal model established that neem and its chief constituents play pivotal role in anticancer management through the modulation of various molecular pathways including p53, pTEN, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt, Bcl-2, and VEGF. It is considered as safe medicinal plants and modulates the numerous biological processes without any adverse effect. In this review, I summarize the role of Azadirachta indica in the prevention and treatment of diseases via the regulation of various biological and physiological pathways.

Haematotoxicity of ethanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Adenium obesum&lt;/i&gt; (Forssk) Roem &amp; Schult stem bark in Wistar rats

Purpose : To investigate the acute toxicity of ethanol extract of Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult stem bark in Wistar rats in relation to haematological parameters. Methods : This involved the administration of single dose of 300 mgkg -1 , 2000 mgkg -1 and 5000 mgkg -1 of the extract by oral gavage separately to three different groups of female rats (n = 3) one after another based on the absence of mortality and/or morbidity during a 14-day observation period. The control group was administered distilled water as placebo (1 mL per 100 g body weight). Results : The exposed rats did not show any obvious signs of toxicity, morbidity or mortality. Median lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was ≥ 5000 mgkg -1 or ∞ (unclassified) based on the fixed LD50 cut-off values. Final body weight of control rats (196.00 ± 3.06 g) was significantly (p 0.05). Packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentrations in the rats (42.67 ± 1.33 %, 5.10 ± 0.20 x 10 12 L -1 and 130.70 ± 2.96 gL -1 , respectively did not change significantly (p > 0.05). However, the white blood cell count significantly increased from 7.50 ± 0.63 x 10 9 to 11.63 ± 0.50 x 10 9 L -1 while the lymphocyte count significantly increased from 5.81 ± 0.43 x 10 9 to 9.99 ± 0.42 x 10 9 L -1 (p < 0.05) at the highest extract dose (5000 mgkg -1 ) compared to their respective controls. Conclusion : Adenium obesum might not be haematotoxic and is considered a safe medicinal plant administered orally. Keywords : Adenium obesum , Haemoglobin, Blood count, Mortality, Morbidity, Haematotoxicity

Withania somnifera root extract prolongs analgesia and suppresses hyperalgesia in mice treated with morphine

Previous studies demonstrated that Withania somnifera Dunal (WS), a safe medicinal plant, prevents the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine.In the present study, we investigated whether WS extract (WSE) (100mg/kg, i.p.) may also modulate the analgesic effect induced by acute morphine administration (2.5, 5, 10mg/kg, s.c.) in the tail-flick and in the hot plate tests, and if it may prevent the development of 2.5mg/kg morphine-induced rebound hyperalgesia in the low intensity tail-flick test. Further, to characterize the receptor(s) involved in these effects, we studied, by receptor-binding assay, the affinity of WSE for opioid (μ, δ, k), cannabinoid (CB1, CB2), glutamatergic (NMDA), GABAergic (GABAA, GABAB), serotoninergic (5HT2A) and adrenergic (α2) receptors.The results demonstrated that (i) WSE alone failed to alter basal nociceptive threshold in both tests, (ii) WSE pre-treatment significantly protracted the antinociceptive effect induced by 5 and 10mg/kg of morphine only in tail-flick test, (iii) WSE pre-treatment prevented morphine-induced hyperalgesia in the low intensity tail-flick test, and (iv) WSE exhibited a high affinity for the GABAA and moderate affinity for GABAB, NMDA and δ opioid receptors.WSE prolongs morphine-induced analgesia and suppresses the development of morphine-induced rebound hyperalgesia probably through involvement of GABAA, GABAB, NMDA and δ opioid receptors. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of WSE as a valuable adjuvant agent in opioid-sparing therapies.

An Unexpected Anticholinergic Effect due to Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a widely used plant in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and estrogen-related effects. Some side effects including dermal allergic reactions have been reported owing to this herbal remedy. However, the literature about Achillea species do not include any side effects indicating anticholinergic toxicity. A 43-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with blurred vision, dryness in the mouth, facial flushing and palpitation. She did not have any systemic illnesses and she denied taking any other herbal drugs or medications except yarrow tea (five cups a day, for one week), which she used for the treatment of menometrorrhagia. The constituents of the Achillea species identified in the former studies are highly bioactive, but their effects are not entirely known. Although the Achillea species have been considered as safe medicinal plants, the various pharmacological effects of Achillea species should be cautiously handled

Conservation of medicinal plants in Ajlun woodland / Jordan

Local knowledge about natural resources is becoming increasingly important in defining strategies and actions for conservation of medicinal plants. This study is trying to display the threatened status of medicinal plants of Ajloun heights region; identify the most important factors affecting the plants in their natural habitats. Previous studies summarized the presence of 46 medicinal plant species grown in the study region are still in use in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases needed much effort in terms of conservation. The non endangered species (N) are consisting of 31 species; the vulnerable ones (VU) are 5; the endangered medicinal plants (EN) are five species; they are: Alchemilla vulgaris L., Crocus hyemalis Boiss. and Blanche, Pistacia palaestina Boiss., Rubia tinctorum L. and Salvia triloba L.f.; while the critically endangered species (CE) are four species, they are: Eryngium creticum Lam., Majorana syriaca (L.) Raf., Mandragora autumnalis Bertol. and Matricaria aurea Sch. Bip. well-known safe medicinal plants such as Achillea falcata , Matricaria aurea, Majorana syriaca, Allium sativum and Allium cepa . The use of moderately unsafe or toxic plants was noted to be practiced by practitioners and herbalists rather than the locals. Some widely distributed toxic plants include Ecballium elaterium A. Rich., Euphorbia hierosolymitana Boiss., Mandragora autumnalis Bertol., and Citrullus colocynthis . (L.) Schrad. need further care in treatment. Deforestation, agriculture, mining, industrial plantation, timber extracting and wildfires are the most dangerous factors causing the forest loss in Ajlun. It is highly recommended for enactment of an act for the establishment of the traditional medicinal council, which is tasked with the responsibility for the registration of all traditional medicinal practitioners in the country to organize all the activities, is very essential.

The Effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on Lipid Profile, Creatinine, and Serum Electrolytes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background. Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (HS), a member of malvaceae family, is a medicinal plant with a worldwide fame. Its effect on reducing serum lipids is mentioned in several studies. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of this plant in reducing the serum's lipids in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods. Ninety hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to receive Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) tea or black tea for 15 days. The patients were asked to drink the tea within 20 minutes following its preparation. This process had to be repeated two times, daily. Patient's FBS and lipid profile were collected at the first visit day (day 0) and on the day 30. Results. There was no significant differences between pre and post experiment values within the two groups. An upward trend in total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL cholesterol was evident in both groups. The increase in total and HDL cholesterol in both groups relative to their initial values were significant. Conclusion. Hibiscus Sabdariffa is probably a safe medicinal plant. No significant harmful changes in cholesterol, triglyceride, BUN, serum creatinine, Na and K levels were observed within 15 days after the discontinuation of the medication.

Ethnopharmedicinal survey of medicinal herbs used by rural and tribal community in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh, India

The study of local knowledge about traditional herbal medicine is becoming increasingly important in defining strategies and actions for conservation of medicinal plants. This study therefore considered worthwhile to collect information from local rural and tribal population living in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh (India) concerning the use of medicinal plants; identify the most important species used; determine the relative importance of the species surveyed and calculate the informant consensus factor (ICF) in relation to medicinal plant use. Data collection relied predominantly on qualitative tools to record the interviewee's personal information and topics related to the medicinal use of specific plants. The present study revealed that 119 plant species grown in the study region are in use by rural and tribal community in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Most of the locals interviewed dealt with well-known safe medicinal plants such as Allium sativum, Acacia arabica, Emblica offficinalis, Momordica charantia and Ocimum sanctum with use value of 0.62, 0.54, 0.52, 0.51 and 0.50 respectively. Dental, inflammation-pain and female problems scored the highest ICF of 0.85, 0.78 and 0.77, respectively. The literature from different Indian traditional systems of medicine evidenced some concordance with the solicited plant uses mentioned by the rural and tribal informants.