Small Herb Research Articles

The licorice flavonoid isoliquiritigenin attenuates Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced inflammation through Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe genus Glycyrrhiza is a small perennial herb that has been traditionally used to treat many diseases across the world. Licorice (Gancao in Chinese) is the dried root and rhizome of G. glabra, G. uralensis or G. inflata. Licorice plays an important role in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and is the most frequently used in Chinese herbal formulas. Isoliquiritigenin (ISL) is a flavonoid extracted from licorice, and has been evaluated for its various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and anti-oxidant activities. Excessive and persistent inflammation in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is not conducive to the elimination of Mtb, but contributes to serious pulmonary dysfunction. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ISL in the Mtb infection. MethodsIn vitro models of Mtb-infected macrophages were established. Murine macrophage Raw 264.7 cells and primary peritoneal macrophages were used in this study. Cell viability was determined by the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The effects of ISL on the secretion levels of interleukin -1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor -α (TNF-α), and interleukin −6 (IL-6) were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) were measured by the real time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. Western blot was used to assess the effects of ISL on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Immunofluorescence assays was used to detected the translocation of phosphorylation of p65 subunit of NF-κB. ResultsIt was revealed that ISL inhibited the secretion of IL-1β and the activation of pore-forming protein (gasdermin D, GSDMD) by suppressing the activation of NLPR3 inflammasome induced by Mtb infection. ISL was also shown to have promising inhibitory effects on inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and COX2. Regarding the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ISL, it was found that ISL exerted its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the activation of Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. ConclusionISL reduced Mtb-induced inflammation through the Notch1/NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. ISL might be used as a potential adjuvant drug to treat tuberculosis by adjusting host immune responses.

PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES ON ROOTS OF RUELLIA TUBEROSA L

It is well known fact that the plants have ability to prepare different chemical compounds for different biological functions. In India the plants are used on large scale for different diseases considering these facts Ruellia tuberosa belonging to family Acanthaceae is selected for the present research work. Ruellia tuberosa is a small herb with fasciculate fleshy swollen roots. The plant is found to be with therapeutic effects as a natural remedy for constipation, antidote for poisons, leprosy, rheumatism, hemorrhoids and burning sensation. Many chemicals like Alkaloids, steroids, Phenolics, terpenoids and saponins are isolated from the roots of Ruellia tuberosa. The root extract is found to be contains different pharmacological properties. The present studies attempt the traditional uses, phytochemical analysis and pharmacological characters of roots of Ruellia tuberosa.

In-vitro antioxidant activity of oxalis carniculata linn and investigation of plausible mechanism of photo-protection by molecular modeling study

Oxalis Carniculata Linn belonging to Oxalidaceae family is a small herb with variety of biological activity. The leaves of Oxalis Carniculata was extracted with different solvents and the fractions were screened for antioxidant potential using in-vitro methods such as 2, 2-Diphenyl-2-Picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and H2O2 radical scavenging activity, and reducing power assay. Total flavonoid, phenolic content and total antioxidant capacity were determined spectrophotometrically. Among the six different fractions ethanolic fraction exhibited highest total flavonoid content (224.2±0.25 mg/g QAE) and methanolic fraction exhibited highest phenolic content (184.31±0.14 mg/g GAE) and total antioxidant capacity (232.79±0.17mg/g AAE). Further methanolic fraction showed highest DPPH and H2O2 radical scavenging activity with IC50 value 23.43±0.12 and 19.71±0.16 respectively. The major cause of skin photoaging is exposure to ultraviolet light that is coupled with the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and decreased collagen synthesis. MMPs (especially MMP-1, MMP-3 and MMP-9) expressions are associated with the decreased elasticity of the dermis due to collagen degradation. In the present study, we have assessed the antioxidant effects of Oxalis Carniculata extract, correlated it with skin photoaging and postulated its mechanism of action by molecular docking study. The molecular docking study of flavones present in O. Carniculata revealed that the phyto-constituents of O. Carniculata species have similar mechanism of binding to that of standard drug with MMP-9 inhibitory action. These results can facilitate the further preclinical models, and clinical study upon skin protective potential against UV-induced skin aging of the O. Carniculata flavones.

ADME-Tox profile of Cuminaldehyde (4-Isopropylbenzaldehyde) from Cuminum cyminum seeds for potential biomedical applications

Cuminum cyminum L (Family: Apiaceae) is a small multipurpose herb. Seeds of cumin are widely used as a spice for its distinctive aroma, and more commonly in various indigenous traditional systems of medicine. Access through web literature provides ample evidence for biomedical activities of Cuminum cyminum seeds (CCS). CCS has been used in traditional medicine to treat variety of diseases, including hypolipidemia, cancer, and diabetes. Biomedical properties of CCS is attributed to its phytochemical class of compounds viz., terpenes, phenols and flavonoids. Health effects of CCS have been experimentally validated through phytochemical screening deciphering the fact that it contains a large number of bioactive secondary metabolites (BASMs) viz., alkaloid, coumarin, anthraquinones, flavonoid, glycoside, protein, resin, saponin, tannin and steroid. Furthermore, pharmacological studies indicate that BASMs in CCS exert antimicrobial, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-platelet-aggregation, hypotensive, bronchodilatory, immunological, contraceptive, anti-amyloidogenic, anti-osteoporotic, aldose reductase, α-glucosidase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects. Cuminaldehyde is one of the major bioactive compounds in CCS that holds significant pharmacological prominence. However, in-depth studies are lacking henceforth warranted to elucidate and fill the gaps, particularly on phytocompound isolation, pre-clinical, clinical characterization, and evaluation of structure–activity relationship. The present study prospects ADMETox perspectives of cuminaldehyde (4-Isopropylbenzaldehyde).
 Keywords: Cuminaldehyde; Isopropylbenzaldehyde; Cuminum cyminum; ADMETox; Natural Product (NP)

A brief review on different plant parts used as immunity boosting agent

A strong immune system is essential to keep a person healthy. Every person should incorporate specific food items into their diet that can strengthen their immune system. Mother Nature has a bag full of plants and trees whose different parts contain different ingredients that can act as immune boosters. Tulsi is a small herb, found in many parts of India and can be grown in our homes too. The leaves of Tulsi have different properties like antimicrobial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and many more. 5-6 leaves of Tulsi daily help to build our immune system. Giloy is an herbaceous vine found in the tropical regions of different Indian subcontinents. The heart-shaped leaves and reddish fruit of Giloy have many active ingredients like alkaloids, glycosides, phytosterols, etc. which help to attain anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antioxidant properties. 2-3 tablespoons of Giloy juice daily helps to boost our immune system and increase the ability of our body to fight various infectious diseases. Garlic is used in a variety of dishes we cook garlic bulb is a great supplement known to boost the immune system functioning. Active compound present in garlic helps to reduce blood pressure improve cholesterol levels and can also lower the risk of heart diseases. Garlic bulbs can also reduce cold and flu symptoms. The various vitamins present in garlic also add more effect to its immunity-boosting property. Citrus lemon is found primarily in the north-eastern part of India, China or Myanmar, Italy, Spain. It has various phytochemicals such as terpenes, tannins, polyphenols, etc. is considered a rich of all essential vitamins to enrich our immune system and also provide therapeutic benefits

Phyllanthus seeds Methanolic extract: In vivo evaluation of Analgesic activity

Phyllanthus amarus is a small herb used in tradicinal medicine worldwide. The phytoconstituents of seeds of this plant is evaluated for various medicinal properties.This study was done to evaluate analgesic activity of Phyllanthus amarus seeds in albino mice.Analgesic activity of methanolic extract of Phyllanthus seeds was evaluated using hot plate and Tail clip animal models. Normal saline was used as control drug and standard drug was Morphine and 50 mg,100 and 200 mg/kg of methanolic extract of Phyllanthus seeds was used as test drugs. Phyllanthus seed extract showed statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in the reaction time of animals as compared to control at doses of 100mg/kg and 200 mg/kg at 60 min of drug administration in hot plate method and at 30 min and 60 min of drug administration in tail clip method.The results of the present study shows that methanolic extract of seeds of Phyllanthus amarus showed central analgesic activity in both hot plate and tail clip models in albino mice.

Portulaca oleracea (purslane)

Portulaca oleracea is a common weed found throughout Australia. It is a small succulent herb with thick flat leaves and very small yellow flowers occurring above the last leaf group, followed by numerous tiny black seeds. The stem is smooth and fleshy and turns from green to purplish red as it matures. The whole aerial plant is best used at its younger stage as the older the plant the higher the content of oxalates. Portulaca is a valuable demulcent and diuretic with anti- inflammatory and antibiotic properties. (author abstract)

Strong Genetic Structure Observed in Primulina danxiaensis, a Small Herb Endemic to Mount Danxia With Extremely Small Populations.

Danxia landform occurring sporadically in southern China is a unique type of petrographic geomorphology. It has nurtured about 400 rare or threatened plant and animal species, whose diversity, endemism, and conservation have called increasing scientific and public attentions. Among them, Primulina danxiaensis (W. B. Liao, S. S. Lin, and R. J. Shen) W. B. Liao and K. F. Chung is a tiny perennial grass species recorded only in Mount Danxia, a natural World Heritage Site as part of China’s Danxia. In this study, restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) was performed to investigate genetic diversity among these 12 populations of P. danxiaensis. A total of 432,041 variant sites were detected in 84,779 loci across 94 samples. The expected heterozygosity (H E ) ranged from 0.017 to 0.139. Bottleneck signals were detected in most populations, Tajima’s D tests showed that most loci could be under recent positive selection, and one of the six positively selected loci identified by BayeScan was annotated as tRNAGlu, which may contribute to the species’ adaptation to shady environment. STRUCTURE analysis and phylogenetic tree showed that the 12 populations of P. danxiaensis could be divided into four gene pools (clades) corresponding to their geographic locations, and significant correlation was observed between genetic and geographic distances. Our study demonstrated that P. danxiaensis maintained a middle level of genetic diversity and strong population structure; geographic distance could be an important factor limiting gene flow among populations of P. danxiaensis, which were only sporadically recorded in Mount Danxia.

A REVIEW ON CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE GENUS PICRORHIZA (SCROPHULARIACE)

Picrorhiza (family Scrophulariace), commonly known as ‘kukti’ is a small perennial herb found in the Himalayan regions of China, Pakistan, India, Bhutan and Nepal at an altitude of 3000-5200 m. Different plant parts and its extract have traditionally been used as a remedy of various ailments such as fever, asthma, jaundice, anemia, abdominal pain, dysentery, cold, stomach problems. Picrorihza has been investigated for its chemical composition and biological activities by various researchers. The major chemical constituents found in this plant were iridoid glycosides, cucurbitacins (triterpenoids) glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides and phenolics. The Picrorihza has various pharmacological properties, including hepto-protective, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, cardio-protective, anti-malarial, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. A thorough bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing worldwide scientific databases including Pub Med, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Wiley online as well as offline sources. The Present review is aimed to provide an updated overview of traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Picrorihza to explore its therapeutic potentials and to provide bases for future research.

Chemical diversity analysis and biological activities evaluation of different polyphenolic extracts of Marrubium deserti De Noé from Algeria

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMarrubium deserti De Noé (Lamiaceae) commonly known as desert horehound, is a small perennial herb distributed in arid climates. This plant has been used in Algeria for the treatment of cold, cough, fever and inflammation.Aim of the study: This study aimed to perform a phytochemical analysis and to evaluate the effect of diethyl ether (ExDiEth), n-butanol (ExBut) and hydroalcoholic (ExHyD) extracts of the aerial parts of M. deserti De Noé on inflammation, nociceptive response and fever in animal models. Materials and methodsThe total phenolic content and the different phenolic fraction (flavones-flavonols, free aglycones, anthocyanidins, C-glycosides and flavonic heterosides) were quantified in order to study the chemical diversity. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema test and the nociceptive response was determined by the chemical method using acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced paw licking tests and by the thermal method using the hot plate in mice. In addition, anti-fever was investigated using yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. ResultsQuantitative analysis revealed that among all extracts, ExBut had a higher phenolic content and the aerial parts of M. deserti De Noé collected from two different sites (Biskra and Tamanresset) had a significant difference in the contents of flavonic heterosids and flavones-flavonols. PCA and CA showed a strong intra-specific variability of M. deserti De Noé individuals. Our results showed that the ExDiEth, ExBut and ExHyD treatments prevented the increase of paw oedema by 56.25%, 66.65% and 45.56% inhibition percent, respectively. Moreover, treatments with these extracts significantly (p<0.05) decreased the number of writhing and increased the reaction time to thermal stimulation as well as demonstrated reduction in paw licking time both at early and late phases. Likewise, they also showed a significant reduction of yeast-induced pyrexia till 4 h of treatment. ConclusionResults from this study show that M. deserti De Noé aerial parts exhibited anti-inflammatory, analgesic with central and peripheral actions and antipyretic activities which could be associated with the presence of some phytochemicals as flavones, flavonols, flavonic heterosids and phenolic acids.

Physicochemical Properties of Water Chestnut

Trapa natans, sometimes known as water chestnut, is a small herb that belongs to the Trapaceae family and is widely used across the world due to its nutraceutical characteristics. Gongorrhea, menorrhagia, and other genital infections are all treated using the whole plant. It is most commonly used to treat diarrhoea, constipation, ophthalmopathy, ulcers, and wounds. These are also used to treat serious conditions in pitta, such as consuming sensations, dipsia, dyspepsia, discharge, hemoptysis, looseness of the bowels, diarrhoea, and, strangely, irregular fever, disease, weakness, aggravation, urethrorrhea, breaks, erysipelas, lumbago, pharyngitis, bronchitis, and general debility Trapa natans has a great quantity of minerals, particles, to be particular, Ca, K, Na, Zn, and nutrients; saponins, phenols, alkaloids, H-gift, and flavonoids are accounted to be in the plants, maybe because to their photochemical characteristic. Dietary and biochemical studies of Trapa natans derivatives in 100 g revealed. Carbohydrate content was 22.30 and 71.55 percent, protein content was 4.40 percent and 10.80 percent, moisture content, fiber content, and fat content were 70.35 and 7.30, 2.05 and 6.35, 2.30 and 8.50, and 0.65 and 1.85, respectively, the mineral content of the seeds was 32 mg and 102.85 mg calcium, 1.4 and 3.8 mg iron, and 121 and 325 mg phosphorus in 100 g, and seeds of Trapa natans.

High-frequency shoot regeneration from flower bud derived callus of Gymnostachyum febrifugum Benth., an endemic medicinal plant to the Western Ghats

Gymnostachyum febrifugum Benth. is a small, scapigerous, rare and endemic medicinal herb indigenous to India, and belonging to the family Acanthaceae. This study reports an efficient protocol for high-frequency flower bud-derived callus induction and shoot organogenesis in G. febrifugum. Flower buds at 7 days before anthesis (dBA) were excised from the inflorescence and cultured on MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D; 2.275–9.1 µM) for callus induction. The optimum callus induction (78%) was obtained on MS medium supplemented with 6.825 µM 2,4-D. The calli when subcultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of thidiazuron (TDZ; 2.275–11.375 µM) or 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP; 2.22–11.1 µM) alone or in combination with 1- naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA; 1.074–3.759 µM) induced shoots. The highest frequency (94%) and number of shoots (44.6 shoots/unit callus) were obtained on MS medium supplemented with 9.1 µM TDZ and 2.685 µM NAA. The optimum rooting frequency (95%) and number of roots (10.2) were observed on ½ MS medium supplemented with 14.76 µM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). The rooted plantlets were acclimatized and transferred to soil with 94% success. A protocol for high-frequency shoot induction from flower bud derived calli has been standardized for G. febrifugum,an endemic medicinal herb to the Western Ghats.

Growth inhibitory properties and antimicrobial evaluation of Aloe schweinfurthii (Baker) leaf rind extract

Cancer and infectious diseases combined are leading cause of death and public health concern. In developing countries, about 80% of the populace depends on medicinal plants for their general health care needs including treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. Aloe schweinfurthii (Aloaceae) is a small medicinal herb that is commonly used for the treatment of cancerous and infectious diseases in South-West Nigeria. The focus of this study was to evaluate the growth inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of the herb. The rind of the herb was collected, air dried, pulverized and extracted into distilled methanol by cold maceration. The dried extract obtained was subjected to growth inhibitory and antimicrobial assays. The extract displayed concentration dependent growth inhibitory activity with IC50 of 484.7±2.16 and 1188±2.32µg/mL compared to cyclophosphamide with IC50 of 174.3±0.19 and 834.5±0.84 µg/mL in Sorghum bicolor radical and Allium cepa root growth inhibitory assays, respectively. The extract displayed concentration dependent antibacterial and antifungal effects with the highest activity against C. freundi (18 mm zone of inhibition) at 50 mg/mL. The extract of Aloe schweinfurthii leaf rind displayed marked growth inhibitory and antimicrobial bioactivities. The extract maybe considered as a viable candidate for discovery of chemotherapeutic agent (s).&#x0D; Keywords: Growth inhibition, Antimicrobial, Aloe schweinfurthii, Chemotherapeutic Agent

A historical overview of long-distance signalling in plants.

Be it a small herb or a large tree, intra- and intercellular communication and long-distance signalling between distant organs are crucial for every aspect of plant development. The vascular system, comprising xylem and phloem, acts as a major conduit for the transmission of long-distance signals in plants. In addition to expanding our knowledge of vascular development, numerous reports in the past two decades revealed that selective populations of RNAs, proteins, and phytohormones function as mobile signals. Many of these signals were shown to regulate diverse physiological processes, such as flowering, leaf and root development, nutrient acquisition, crop yield, and biotic/abiotic stress responses. In this review, we summarize the significant discoveries made in the past 25 years, with emphasis on key mobile signalling molecules (mRNAs, proteins including RNA-binding proteins, and small RNAs) that have revolutionized our understanding of how plants integrate various intrinsic and external cues in orchestrating growth and development. Additionally, we provide detailed insights on the emerging molecular mechanisms that might control the selective trafficking and delivery of phloem-mobile RNAs to target tissues. We also highlight the cross-kingdom movement of mobile signals during plant-parasite relationships. Considering the dynamic functions of these signals, their implications in crop improvement are also discussed.

A narrative review of botanical characteristics, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Valeriana jatamansi jones

: Valeriana jatamansi Jones (family Caprifoliaceae) is a small perennial herb with multiple pharmacological activities for centuries. This review focuses on the elaborate analysis of Valeriana jatamansi Jones regarding botanical characteristics, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Valepotriates and flavonoids are the major bioactive compounds mainly isolated from the roots/rhizomes. Both the major chemical constituents and different extracts of Valeriana jatamansi Jones are shown to possess the neuroprotective, antidepressant, anti-tumor, gastrointestinal, cytotoxic, anti-virus, antioxidant, sedative and other activities. This review could be helpful to provide a strong bolster for a promising natural resource of drugs for the treatment of various diseases and a long term development in exploring highlighted area. Crude plant of Valeriana jatamansi Jones contains various compounds and a wide range of pharmacological activities. However, further studies are warranted to illuminate the mechanisms responsible for these activities at the molecular levels. Moreover, novel methods and technology should be utilized to explore more components with latent bioactivitities.

Complete plastid genome sequence of Oberonioides microtatantha (Schltr.) Szlach. (Orchidaceae), an endemic herb in China

The species Oberonioides microtatantha, belonging to the family Orchidaceae, is a small lithophytic herb endemic in south China with significant conservation values. The complete plastid genome sequence of O. microtatantha reported here is 144,989 bp in length, with a large single copy (LSC) region of 83,920 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 13,063 bp, and a pair of inverted repeat (IRa and IRb) regions of 24,003 bp each. The plastome consists of 95 genes, including 72 protein-coding genes, 4 ribosomal RNA genes, and 19 transfer RNA genes. The overall GC content is 36.81%. Phylogenetic analysis placed Oberonioides closet to the genus Liparis in Orchidaceae.

Phytochemical studies and hypoglycemic effects of chenopodium album extracts on alloxan induced hyperglycemic the albino rabbits.

Objectives: Chenopodium album (Bathua) is commonly occurring small herb and has found to have different biological activities. Folk medicine claims its use in the treatment of diabetes in many part of the world. Method: Different extracts of plant investigated for phytochemical and hypoglycemic potentials, were obtained by successive solvent extraction of the whole plant parts using solvents of different polarities in an increasing order of polarity (Petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol). The phytochemical investigations revealed that all the three extracts of the plant have metabolites of different chemical groups notably glycosides, flavonoids, phenols. Chloroform extract and methanol extract also found to have alkaloids in them. The hypoglycemic investigation of Chenopodium album was carried out in alloxan (200 mg/kg) induced diabetic rabbits (albino) by treating them with crude extracts of this plant. Results: Significant antidiabetic activity was evident with the Petroleum ether and Chloroform extracts at a dose of 100 μg/kg. The methanol extract did not show any hypoglycemic activity at this dose. Active extracts were tested with a double dose of 200 μg/kg and both extracts showed significant reduction in blood glucose level of the alloxan induced diabetic rabbits. The antidiabetic effect of Chenopodium album extracts was might be due to presence of glycosides, flavonoids and phenolic constituents. Isolation of active constituents from these extracts can lead to new drug molecule discovery.

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Neoconopodium paddarensis&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;, a new species of Apiaceae from Jammu and Kashmir, Western Himalaya, India&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Neoconopodium paddarensis, belonging to the family Apiaceae from the Paddar valley, Himalayan Jammu &amp; Kashmir, India is described here as a new species. It shows restricted distributional range and so far, is only known from the Atholi mountain, Paddar valley, within the Himalayan centre of endemism. It is a pinkish white flowered species, and unusual in being a small herb with tripinnate leaves. Other diagnostic features include pubescent stem and leaf base, root hairs, leaflet size and structure, defined carpel and fruit size. The species shows certain similarities with N. capnoides, but differs in both vegetative and reproductive characters.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles Synthesised Using Capparis decidua

Background: Among the nanoparticles, selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) are one of the most extensively studied as Selenium has zero oxidation state, non toxic and biologically inert material. This is the reason why Selenium is considered as a major nanoparticulate. In this study SeNPs were extracted from the fruit of Capparis decidua which is a xerophytic small herb.&#x0D; Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and antioxidant capacity of selenium nanoparticles.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this study SeNPs were extracted from the fruit of Capparis decidua which is a xerophytic small herb. The cytotoxic effect of SeNPs was evaluated using Brine Shrimp assay and the antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH assay considering ascorbic acid as the standard.&#x0D; Results: From the study of this assay the shrimps introduced into the well were almost alive in different concentrations and this indicates that there is no cytotoxicity in selenium nanoparticles. The percentage inhibition of Selenium nanoparticles in 10 µl was 15.4 0.1, 20 µl was 38.36 0.15, 30 µl was 45.3 0.1, 40 µl was 59.6 0.15 and 50 µl was 65.6 0.1. It can be inferred that percentage inhibition increases with increase in concentration but it was less when compared to the percentage inhibition of the standard.&#x0D; Conclusion: The selenium nanoparticles extracted from Capparis decidua do not have any cytotoxic effect on shrimps. The SeNPs possessed significant antioxidant activity in increasing concentrations compared to the standard used. Thus SeNPs are biologically useful and can be used as eco-friendly, cost effective and efficient biomedical agents and therapeutics.

Eulophia Nuda: A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Eulophia nuda Lindl. (Orchidaceae) is a small perennial terrestrial herb found in central and Southeast Asian regions usually known for its ethnomedicinal uses by folklore and local healers in India and different regions of the world. E. nuda tubers have been used for the treatment of tumors, scrofulous glands of neck, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, blood diseases, vermifuge, etc. Phytochemical properties of this plant are not much explored. Very few compounds such as phenanthrene derivatives and benzylated phenanthrene derivatives have been isolated from this plant. Pharmacologically, this plant is active in respect of cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiglycation and DNAprotection properties. The traditional knowledge and various phytochemical and pharmacological activities of this plant have been at the focus of research. The aim of present review is to systematically appraise about the literature available till date on this plant about its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of its crude extract and isolated compounds.