Source Of Traditional Medicine Research Articles

Overview of Herbal Therapy with Leave of Gynura procumbens (Lour.) Merr

: Plants are important source of traditional medicine that can be used to aid many type of illness. Gynura procumbens is one of the plants that are often used by Indonesian people as traditional medicine. Gynura procumbens exhibits antibacterial, anticancer, anti-hyperglycemic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, fertility enhancement, organ protective activity. This review aims to provide an overview on the relatedness of the identified bioactive compounds with the reported biological activities of Gynura procumbens leave and on the herbal therapy with leave of Gynura procumbens. Literature search is carried out with the help of two searching engines: PubMed and Science Direct. The searching was carried out with keyword: Gynura procumbens. From PubMed and Science Direct, 42 and 94 results were obtained respectively. There were 45 full text articles that meet systematic review criteria. The relevant information is compiled to illustrate that leave of Gynura procumbens is a potential natural source of compounds with various pharmacological actions. Polar, semi and nonpolar solvent can be used to extract the bioactive compounds from the leave of Gynura procumbens. The identified bioactive compounds belong to phenolic, flavonoid, coumaric acids, essential oils, carbohydrates and proteins. Most of the extracts show potent antioxidative activity. The bioactivities of the leave extract are associated with many diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, obesity, etc. The herbal therapy with leave of Gynura procumbens can be appropriately applied in oral administration and topical application. Leave of Gynura procumbens is good resource for oral or topical herbal medicine/ingredient.Key words: Bioactive compound, Bioactivity, Gynura procumbens, Sambung nyawa, Antioxidant activity.

Ethno-medicinal study of plants in Boricha district: Use, preparation and application by traditional healers, Southern Ethiopia

Plants have been used as a source of traditional medicine in Ethiopia. However, this valuable ethnobotanical knowledge is not formally documented and thus the objective of this study was to investigate ethno-medicinal plants, their preparation and application in treating ailments in humans and livestock in the boricha district of Sidama Zone, Ethiopia. Forty two traditional healers (37 male and 5 female) of different ages (30–80 years) were purposively and randomly selected with the help of local elders, agricultural office workers and administrative personnel. Prior to the interview process, discussions was held with the informants through assistance of local elders to clarify the purpose of the study and build confidence of the respondents to provide reliable information without suspicion and were asked to provide information on plant(s) use against any kind of illness in humans and livestock. Forty two plant species belonging to 29 families and 35 genera were documented. Of the 42 species, 33% were trees, 45% shrubs, 17% herbs and 5% climbers. Leaves were the most utilized plant part (62%), followed by stem bark (19%) and seed (12%). The routes of administration are mainly internal in which oral administration is the common one. Informants Consensus Factor indicated that clustered numbers of plant species used for treatment of ailments such as febrile illness, sudden sickness and headache (11 species) followed by skin, eye infection and ecto-parasite related (7 species), glandular swelling and cancer related problems (6 species). Based on the finding, Informants claimed that fresh forms of the preparations were considered more powerful than dried ones to treat the ailments in humans and livestock and oral administration of prepared medicine were the common one. Key words: Boricha, ethnobotany, informant consensus factor, medicinal plants, traditional knowledge.

Gastric Dystemperament (Sue-mizaj) in Iranian Traditional Medicine

Background: The stomach plays a vital role in the human body. Its clinical problems are very prevalent. : Nowadays, new branches of science have emerged because of human individual differences. Many medical schools such as Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) established the basis for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment based on individual differences. Objective: The purpose of this study is to summarize identification indices of Gastric Dystemperament to help in better diagnosis. Methods: This was a qualitative review study. Definitions and symptoms of Stomach Dystemperament were derived from reliable sources of ITM from 900 AD to 1900 AD (Kamil-al-sinaa al Tibbiya, Teb-e-Akbari, Exir Azam, Al-Qanun fi al tibb, Mansouri Fi-al-teb, Al-Havi, Zakhire Kharazmshahi, Hidayat al-Muta’allemin fi al-tibb, Ferdos al-Hekmat fi al-tib, Sharh Al Qurashi al-Qanun, Sharh-e asbab al-Alamat) and English and Persian indices. Results: The most important factors and symptoms to be considered as gastric dystemperament include digestion, thirst, appetite, belching, bloating, gastric emptying time, burning stomach, reflux, gastric pain, the effect of food quality (coldness, heat, wet, dryness), mouth moisture and taste, tongue and mouth status, quality of body waste material (urine, stool), and palpation of the stomach area. Conclusion: Iranian Traditional Medicine sources have mentioned the indicators of gastric dystemperament, which can be used for more effective diagnosis and treatment and even prevention of gastric diseases.

Contribution of Individual Polyphenols to Antioxidant Activity of Cotoneaster bullatus and Cotoneaster zabelii Leaves-Structural Relationships, Synergy Effects and Application for Quality Control.

Cotoneaster plants are sources of traditional medicines and dietary products, with health benefits resulting from their phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. In this work, active markers of the leaves of C. bullatus and C. zabelii were characterized and evaluated in an integrated phytochemical and biological activity study. Based on UHPLC-PDA-ESI-MS3 analysis, twelve analytes were preselected from the constituents of the hydromethanolic leaf extracts, and two of them—caffeoylmalic acid and quercetin 3--O-β-d-(2″--O-β-d-xylopyranosyl)galactopyranoside (QPH)—were isolated for full identification (NMR spectroscopy: 1H, 13C, COSY, HMBC, HMQC). All selected phenolics contributed to the antioxidant activity of the extracts, which was demonstrated in chemical in vitro tests (DPPH, FRAP, and TBARS) and in a biological model of human plasma exposed to oxidative/nitrative stress induced by peroxynitrite. This contribution was partly due to the synergy between individual polyphenols, evidenced by an isobolographic analysis of the interactions of (–)-epicatechin, chlorogenic acid, and QPH as representatives of three classes of Cotoneaster polyphenols. All twelve markers, including also neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, procyanidin C1, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin, were thus applied as calibration standards, and a fast, accurate, reproducible, and fully validated RP-HPLC-PDA method for quality control and standardization of the target extracts was proposed.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Red beetroot (Beta Vulgaris Linnaeus) Roots

Plants have been used for many years as a source of traditional medicine to treat various diseases and conditions. Beta Vulgaris Linnaeus ranks among the 10 most powerful vegetables as excellent sources for phytochemicals, which showed potent antioxidant and anticancer activities. The aim of this study is to characterize the chemical composition and determine the cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of B.Vulgaris roots extract. The results of GC-Ms analysis of the unsaponifiable matter of B.Vulgaris roots showed the presence of 18 components. The undecane is the major hydrocarbon compound and α-citronellol is the major oxygenated compound. The methanolic extract of B.Vulgaris roots were enriched with a complicated mixture of phenolic acids and flavoniod which elucidated for the first time from this plant , including polyphenolic acid; ellagic acid (1); pyrogallol(2); salicylic(3); catechol(4); benzoic(5); protocatchuic (6); chlorogenic(7); p-hydroxy benzoic acids (8) . The molecular components of a flavoniod fraction, obtained from liquid chromatography extract, were identified using HPLC -ESI -MS. The major components were vitexin -2 -O-rhamnoside (1); demethylated -2-xylosylvitexin (2); isorhamnetin -3-gentiobioside (3); rutin(4); beside minor components , luteolin-6-arabinose-8-glucose(1); hesperidin (2); acacetin (3); kaempferol-3-(2 -p -comaroyl) glucose (4); apigenin 6 -arabinose -8-glactose (5); quercetin (6); naringin (7). The structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated by conventional methods, spectroscopic analysis alongside their mass spectrometric investigations. The search for new, potentially biologically active extract becomes much more efficient after identification of all compounds in that mixture. The cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract was evaluated against pancreatic carcinoma (PANC-1) , hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HEPG-2 and , Lung carcinoma (A549) using MTT assay and vinblastine as a reference drug. methanolic extract showed higher activity with (IC50=3.69 µg/ml), mild cytotoxic activity against HepG2 with (IC50=4.43 µg/ml) ,Lung carcinoma (A549) with (IC50=4.9 µg/ml) and a weak activity against prostate carcinoma PC-3 with (IC50=6.1 µg/ml). The antimicrobial activity of B.Vulgaris roots methanolic extract was evaluated using agar well diffusion method towards two representatives for each of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The extract demonstrated inhibitory effect against pathogenic microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 29213; (ZI=24mm) strains and Pseudomonas aerogenasa ATCC 27853); (ZI=19.3 mm) at 100 µL concentration.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Salicornia fruticosa L.

Abstract Plants have been used as a source of traditional medicine to treat many diseases and conditions for many years. They considered as excellent source of phytochemicals which showed antioxidant and anticancer activities. The aim of the present study is to investigate the chemical composition and to determine the anticancer activity of Salicornia fruticosa (Chenopodiaceae) methanolic extract. S. fruticosa proved to be a source of isorhamnetin and its glycosides and showed anticancer activities. Seven major flavonoids were isolated and identified from the cytotoxic methanolic extract. The isolated compounds were identified, as quercetin 3',4'-dimethyl ether (1), isorhamnetin (2), isorhamnetin 3-O-rhamnoside (3), isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside (4), isorhamnetin 3-O-rutinoside (5), isorhamnetin 3-O-neohesperidoside (6), isorhamnetin 3-O-rhamnosyl(1-2)arabinoside (7), by chromatographic analysis, chemical and spectroscopic tools (acid hydrolysis, UV, 1H and 13C NMR). Compounds 1 and 3-7 were isolated for the first time from the plant under investigation. The evaluation of cytotoxic activity of the methanolic extract against HCT-116, HepG2, A549 and MCF-7 human cancer cells, by MTT assay, revealed the higher potency of S. Fruticosa extract with IC50 [2.6. 10.9, 37.9, 5.4 (g/ml)] respectively, comparable to that of doxorubicin. The obtained results suggested that the investigated plant could be used for future development of naturally occurring anticancer agent. Subclinical and clinical trials on polar fractions of S. fruticosa are mandatory to pave the way for its use in treatment of cancer diseases (HCT-116, HepG2, A549 and MCF-7).

Potensi Mangrove dan Manfaatnya bagi Kelompok Etnik di Papua

significant contribution to those who living in and around mangrove forests. Like any othercommunities who occupied areas surrounding forest sites, Papuan ethnic groups really connectand integrate with the forest environment such as mangrove forests. This paper is a review ofrelated literatures that compiled from different research which have been conducted inUniversitas Negeri Papua (UNIPA) on utilization of mangrove by local ethnic groups and its rolefor other life biota in Papua. The results indicated that mangrove plays a very important rolefor local tribes in Papua as food sources, construction materials and source of energy,traditional medicine sources and wildlife habitat that are usually consumed by the communities.Ecology-based tourism or ecotourism as one leading sector of mangrove forests in Papua,though has a good potential, has not been optimizedly used.

Protective Effect of Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) on Serum Aspartate Aminotransferase and Lactate Dehydrogenase in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Injury in Rats

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) emerging as a major health problem in Bangladesh due to increase prevalence of risk factors. Conventional cardioprotective drugs are effective but expensive and associated with a number of side effects. Curcuma longa is an important source of traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of CVDs. The objective of the study was to evaluate the protective effect of Curcuma longa on isoproterenol induced myocardial injury in rats. This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka during 2015. Total 21 Wistar albino male rats, aged 85 to 100 days, weighing 100 to 150 g (initial body weight) were selected for the study. After acclimatization for 14 days, the rats were divided into three groups. Group A (base line control group), Group B (isoproterenol treated control group) and Group C (Curcuma longa pretreated and isoproterenol treated group). Each group consisted of 7 rats. On the 10th day of experiment, rats were sacrificed after taking final body weight. Blood samples were collected from the heart. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level was estimated by Colorimetric method and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level was estimated by ELISA method. The statistical analysis was done by one way ANOVA and Bonferroni test as applicable. In this study, the mean initial and final body weight of the rats were almost similar and showed no statistically significant difference among the groups. The mean serum AST and LDH levels were significantly (P<0.001) higher in Group B than those of Group A. Again, these levels were significantly (P<0.001) lower in Group C than those of Group B group. From the results, it can be concluded that Curcuma longa has cardioprotective activity on isoproterenol induced myocardial injury in Wistar albino rats.
 Bangladesh Med J. 2018 Jan; 47 (3): 13-17

Useful Medicinal Plants for Vision Impairment in Traditional Iranian Medicine

Vision impairment is an important general health issue that imposes many costs on governments and the health system every year. Despite the decline in infectious eye diseases, which has reduced the vision impairment and blindness over the past two decades, vision impairment is still a major health problem in some parts of the world. In traditional medicine books, visual weakness is referred to as “any disturbance in the act of seeing”. Many medicinal herbs have been mentioned in books of Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) for the management of vision impairment. The aim of this study is to review the medicinal plants mentioned in TIM, which are considered effective for the treatment of vision impairment or its enhancement. In this library-based study, medicinal plants effective in the treatment of vision impairment were searched using 6 valid sources of traditional medicine, including Makhzan ol-Adawiya, The Canon of Medicine, Tuhfat al-Momenin, Al-Abniyah An Haqaiq al-adwiya, Al-Shamil Fi al-Sana’at al-tebiyah, and Ekhtiarate Badiee. This was done in 10 steps (finding keywords, searching for resources, preparing a single list, finding synonyms, classifying, reviewing, extracting plants from compositions, summarizing, scoring and sorting based on the obtained score). A total of 89 medicinal plants were extracted, most of which had a hot and dry temperament. Based on the obtained score, 12 plants got the highest scores (10 and above). The extracted plants can be the basis for further clinical studies to make new effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of vision impairment.[GMJ.2019;8:e1285]

Useful Medicinal Plants for Vision Impairment in Traditional Iranian Medicine.

Vision impairment is an important general health issue that imposes many costs on governments and the health system every year. Despite the decline in infectious eye diseases, which has reduced the vision impairment and blindness over the past two decades, vision impairment is still a major health problem in some parts of the world. In traditional medicine books, visual weakness is referred to as "any disturbance in the act of seeing ". Many medicinal herbs have been mentioned in books of Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) for the management of vision impairment. The aim of this study is to review the medicinal plants mentioned in TIM, which are considered effective for the treatment of vision impairment or its enhancement. In this library-based study, medicinal plants effective in the treatment of vision impairment were searched using 6 valid sources of traditional medicine, including Makhzan ol-Adawiya, The Canon of Medicine, Tuhfat al-Momenin, Al-Abniyah An Haqaiq al-adwiya, Al-Shamil Fi al-Sana’at al-tebiyah, and Ekhtiarate Badiee. This was done in 10 steps (finding keywords, searching for resources, preparing a single list, finding synonyms, classifying, reviewing, extracting plants from compositions, summarizing, scoring and sorting based on the obtained score). A total of 89 medicinal plants were extracted, most of which had a hot and dry temperament. Based on the obtained score, 12 plants got the highest scores (10 and above). The extracted plants can be the basis for further clinical studies to make new effective drugs for the prevention and treatment of vision impairment.

Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tani pada Teknologi Pemanfaatan Energi Baru Terbarukan Berbasis Jarak Pagar untuk Percepatan Terbentuknya Desa Mandiri Energi di Kawasan Amor-Amor, Kabupaten Lombok Utara, NTB

JJatropha curcas L. in the Amor-Amor, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara have been grown and developed long ago. It was just as fences of land, yards, and roads, and used as a source of traditional medicine but not as alternative energy sources and as a crop yield. Even if Jatropha seed oil can be used as an energy source family. No commercialize and intensively cultivation, such as the use of high yielding varieties, planting distance, fertilizing and other maintenance, and intercropping with food crops. Another problem faced by farmer groups members is difficult to get fertilizers, proper cultivation techniques, the difficulty of obtaining diesel fuel to operate the water bore-pumps for irrigation purposes. Through science and technology communication activities (Ipteks) was expected to formed the Energy Independent Village. This Ipteks such as counselling, training, and demonstrations conducted by the research team has been able to provide rationalization and true understanding to the farmer groups on aspects of Jatropha as an alternative source of fuel. Understanding includes benefits of crop as a source of fuel, good cultivation techniques, the potential economic and environmental impact, plant waste management and Jatropha seed oil processing and other benefits plant. Counselling and training undertaken has been able to generate interest and need for farmers to adopt the technology introduced. In addition, education and training was provided to farmers has also empowered them, by involving farmer participatory on any activities performed. Farmer’s empowerment has successes. It was at the phase awareness, interest, and evaluation of the adoption process.

Ethanolic extract of leaf of Dillenia pentagyna reduces in-vitro cell migration and induces intrinsic pathway of apoptosis via downregulation of NF-κβ in human NSCLC A549 cells.

Despite the advancement of the pharmaceutical industry, medicinal plants are still a reliable source of traditional medicines to cure a number of diseases. Various parts of Dillenia pentagyna are used in traditional medicine in India for treatment of various disorders including cancers, but detailed mechanisms are still unknown. Dried leaves of D. pentagyna were extracted with ethanol and termed as an ethanolic extract of leaves of D. pentagyna (EELDP). Our aim was to elucidate the role of EELDP in in-vitro cell migration and apoptosis in highly metastatic human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. We measured cell viability and in-vitro cell migration in three different human cancer cells A549, HeLa and U2OS treated with EELDP (0-0.6 mg/mL). However, A549 cells showed higher sensitivity to EELDP treatment. Hence we studied several key markers of metastasis and apoptosis pathway in A549 cells treated with EELDP. EELDP treatment significantly reduced in-vitro cell migration, wound healing, expression and activity of MMP-2, MMP-9 via reduction of nuclear factor kappa Beta (NF-κβ). EELDP also reduced vimentin, N-cadherin and increased claudin-1. The intrinsic pathway of apoptosis was triggered by EELDP via the NF-κβ pathway through the increase of the Bax to Bcl2 ratio, leading to the fall of mitochondrial membrane potential and subsequently induced release of cytochrome c, activation of caspase-3 followed by nuclear fragmentation in A549 cells. Furthermore, we observed change of a few markers of metastasis and apoptosis in other two cell types HeLa and U2OS treated with EELDP. These data implicate that the effect of EELDP is not cell-specific. Since only 0.1 mg/mL EELDP significantly reduces in-vitro cell migration and increases apoptosis, the active compound(s) present in EELDP is very much potent to control highly metastatic cancer.

Identification of nitric oxide inhibitory compounds from the rhizome of Curcuma xanthorrhiza

Curcuma xanthorrhiza is a natural source of traditional medicines with numerous biological properties. This study profiles the metabolites in different fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol) of the ethanolic extracts of C. xanthorrhiza using a nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics approach. The nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity was determined using a Griess assay. The bioactivity and phytochemical constituents were correlated using partial least squares regression that indicated the differences between the 4 solvents based on the identified metabolites and their bioactivities. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fractions of C. xanthorrhiza had the highest NO inhibitory activity, this high activity is associated with the large quantity of curcuminoids found in this fraction. The metabolites that are responsible for the bioactivity are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, l-hydroxy-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-6-heptene-3,5-dione, and 1-(4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-7-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify more metabolites in the active fraction, including bisdemethoxycurcumin and 1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-heptane-3,5-diol. The findings suggested that the ethyl acetate fraction of C. xanthorrhiza showed significant activity and can be a potential natural source of NO inhibitors.

Nutritional and functional roles of millets-A review.

The available cultivable plant-based food resources in developing tropical countries are inadequate to supply proteins for both human and animals. Such limition of available plant food sources are due to shrinking of agricultural land, rapid urbanization, climate change, and tough competition between food and feed industries for existing food and feed crops. However, the cheapest food materials are those that are derived from plant sources which although they occur in abundance in nature, are still underutilized. At this juncture, identification, evaluation, and introduction of underexploited millet crops, including crops of tribal utility which are generally rich in protein is one of the long-term viable solutions for a sustainable supply of food and feed materials. In view of the above, the present review endeavors to highlight the nutritional and functional potential of underexploited millet crops. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Millets are an important food crop at a global level with a significant economic impact on developing countries. Millets have advantageous characteristics as they are drought and pest-resistance grains. Millets are considered as high-energy yielding nourishing foods which help in addressing malnutrition. Millet-based foods are considered as potential prebiotic and probiotics with prospective health benefits. Grains of these millet species are widely consumed as a source of traditional medicines and important food to preserve health.

Effect of biodiversity conservation on livelihood of rural dwellers in Onaara Local Government Area of Oyo state

Biodiversity has proven to be an important source of traditional medicines for people in developing countries, particularly those in remote and normally more poverty-stricken areas of the developing world where access to formal health care is limited. Therefore, Effect of biodiversity conservation on livelihood of rural dwellers in OnaAra Local Government Area of Oyo state was investigated. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used through well structure questionnaire and interviews to gather collect information from 150 rural dweller. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentage and means and Chi-square at 0.05% level of significance. The result of analysis revealed that most (54.1%) of the respondents are males and they are in their active age, married with majority (51.4%) had secondary education, with about 1-10years of experience of biodiversity conservation was recorded as the highest percentage. Furthermore, the result revealed on the statement of livelihoods that 56.8%of physical assets is the income generated from the use of hire labor on the farm, 86.5% natural assets on biodiversity conservation and also in human assets, mostly 75.7% of biodiversity conservation assist the dwellers to take care of their families. Chi-square analysis revealed that, among socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, Conclusively, the result reveals that respondents had high benefits from biodiversity conservation with increase income of 62.2%, and 60% of the respondents have moderate benefits that are derive from biodiversity conservation which has led to employment opportunities for most people. It is therefore recommended that Government should put in place policies and laws that will govern farmers, residents that will promote preservation of biodiversity, also Government should construct good roads that will enhance recreational benefit rendered by conservation this will lead to employment opportunities and other benefit.

Allamanda cathartica: A Review of the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Biotechnology.

In this work, we explore the current knowledge about the phytochemistry and in vitro and in vivo evaluations of the extracts and, where appropriate, the main active components characterized and isolated from the Allamanda cathartica. Of the 15 Allamanda species, most phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies have focused on A. cathartica. These plants are used for the treatment of various health disorders. Numerous phytochemical investigations of plants from the A. cathartica have shown the presence of hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, fatty acids, phospholipids, volatile compounds, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, lactones, and carbohydrates. Various studies have confirmed that extracts and active substances isolated from the A. cathartica have multiple pharmacological activities. The species A. cathartica has emerged as a source of traditional medicine used for human health. Further studies on the phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties and their mechanisms of action, safety, and efficacy in the species of A. cathartica is recommended.

Effect of Punica granatum peel and Vitis vinifera seeds on Biochemical Indices in DEN induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Plants have been the source of traditional medicines for many diseases known to mankind. Many materials which are considered as waste products from plants are reservoir of phytochemicals possessing important biological activities. In the current study the hepatoprotective potential of Punica granatum peel and Vitis vinifera seeds were evaluated in rats against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Rats were divided into four groups. The first group served as normal control group, the second group received DEN at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight by Single intraperitoneal administration. The third one received DEN as in DEN-treated group and co-treated with 400 mg/kg Punica granatum peel extract (EPGP). The final group also received DEN and co-treated with 400 mg/kg Vitis vinifera seeds extract (EVVS). DEN administration to rats resulted in significantly elevated levels of serum AFP, bilirubin, triglycerides, cholesterol and urea. The levels of plasma total protein, albumin and blood glucose were significantly decreased in DEN treated rats. No significant changes were noted in creatinine levels of DEN induced rats. Co-treatment with the Punica granatum peel and Vitis vinifera seed extracts orally for 12 weeks significantly reversed the DEN induced alterations of above mentioned parameters in the serum. The present study indicates that both the selected extracts exhibits good hepatoprotectivity against diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocellular damage in rats.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of 75 Mushrooms Collected in the Vicinity of Oxford, Ohio (USA).

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are an increasing and serious health concern worldwide, and multidrug-resistant pathogens are increasingly emerging among patients across the United States. Researchers are exploring sources of traditional medicines, including mushrooms, to find new antibiotic compounds. In this study, the antibiotic activities of 75 mushrooms collected in the area surrounding Oxford, Ohio (USA), were assayed for antibiotic activity against 6 bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strains PAO1 and PA14, P. fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Micrococcus luteus). Mushroom samples were identified by using DNA ribotyping. We used methanol and water extracts of mushrooms in agar diffusion assays to screen for antibiotic activity toward each bacterial strain. A total of 25 mushroom species had antibacterial activity against at least 1 bacterium. Water extracts of Polyporus squamosus, Ganoderma applanatum, Lentinellus subaustralis, Laetiporus sulphureus, G. lucidum, and Trametes versicolor exhibited strong antibiotic activity against all bacterial strains tested. Water and methanol extracts from 25 mushroom species had significant activity against most of the bacteria tested. A minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against S. epidermidis was determined for all samples that exhibited antibiotic activity in the disk assay. The G. lucidum and L. sulphureus extracts displayed the strongest inhibition, with an MIC of 0.1 mg/mL.

SOLID BATH SOAP DOSAGE FORMULATIONS OF THE ETHANOL EXTRACT OF FRESH FRUIT OF MORINDA (MORINDA CITRIFOLIA L.)

Morinda plants grow widely throughout the Pasipic and are one of the most significant sources of traditional medicine among the Pacific island community. Morindas contain natural antioxidants for skin health and saponins in the manufacture of soap. Morindas also has potential as an antibacterial (Flavanoid). The purpose of this research is to formulate the ethanol extract of the fruit of morinda (Morinda citrifolia L.) fresh bath soap. Preparations to become solid. This research uses experimental methods. Morinda fruit is extracted by a process of maceration. Solid bath soap preparations inspection conducted this research is test the pH with a concentration of 2,5%, 3,5% and 4,5%. Ethanol extract of the fruit of morindas can be preparations soap formulations in bath with solid inspection results show pH, pH range between 8,5-10,1 show that the solid bath soaps are qualified solid bath soap. The result showed solid bath soap preparations from ethanol extract of the fruit of morinda (Morinda citrifolia L.) fresh with variations in defferent concentrations can be formulated in to a solid bath soap.

HERBS AS TRADITIONAL MEDICINES: A REVIEW

Ayurveda is believed to have originated over 6000 years ago It was designed to promote good health and long life rather than to fight disease and was practiced by physicians and surgeons (called Bheshaja or vaidya) but recently herbal medicine have attracted much attention as alternative medicines useful for treating or preventing life-style related disorders. Herbs are the nature’s gift to human being to make disease free well life. The diverse tradition of India is a prosperous source of traditional medicines, many of which are of plant origin. Herbal medicines refers to the use of any plant’s seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for medicinal purpose. There are different sources of drug. Broadly speaking, there are two sources of drug namely synthetic and natural. Many drugs used in medicine today are developed by chemical synthesis. A recognized number of drugs are obtained from natural sources. The most important natural sources of drugs are (1) higher plants, (2) microbes, (3) animals and (4) marine organisms.
 Keywords: Ayurveda, Traditional medicines, higher plants, microbes, marine organisms