Terminalia Bellirica Research Articles

GC-MS-employed phytochemical characterization, synergistic antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of Triphala methanol extract at non-equivalent ratios of its constituents

Triphala is a famous triherbal drug, comprising three herb fruits, including Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Terminalia bellirica (Bibhitaki), and Phyllanthus emblica (Amalaki). It is enriched with vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, sterols, saponins, etc., and is well-documented for its potent antioxidant, anticancer, chemoprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. This research was conducted to evaluate the synergistic antioxidative and cytotoxic potential of mixtures of the individual constituents of Triphala at their nonequivalent ratios along with the chemical characterization of individual constituents of Triphala to identify and quantify individual compounds. The antioxidative potential was measured using total antioxidant capacity (TAC), DPPH free radical scavenging assay, and total phenolic content (TPC) tests. The cytotoxic potential was assessed on brain cancer cells (N4X4) using MTT assay, and phytochemical characterization was performed by GS-MS analysis. Nonequivalent ratios of Triphala constituents exhibited significantly higher synergistic antioxidant and cytotoxic potential than the equivalent ratios of them. Moreover, the nonequivalent ratio where the quantity of Amalaki was doubled than the other two constituents showed the highest synergistic antioxidant and cytotoxic effect. GC-MS analysis of individual constituents of Triphala identified and quantified the presence of a wide array of compounds, and fatty acid, fatty acid ester, triterpene, and aminoglycoside remained the predominant class of compounds. Thus, it can be inferred that the observed bioactivities can be attributed to the phytocompounds characterized and extracts at the nonequivalent ratio of Triphala constituents where Amalaki is doubled can be more effective in treating oxidative degenerative diseases and glioblastoma.

Anti-inflammatory, Antinociceptive, and Antitumorigenesis Activities of Terminalia Bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. in Animal Models

Previous pharmacological research has demonstrated that Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. (TB) extract possesses several pharmacological activities. However, there is scant evidence documenting the therapeutic activities of TB extract on inflammation, pain, and cancers. Our study examined the in vivo anti-inflammation, antinociception, and antitumorigenesis effects of TB extract and investigated possible mechanisms for those effects. Anti-inflammation activities of TB extract were evaluated using ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)- and arachidonic acid (AA)-induced ear edema models, a cotton pellet-induced granulation formation model, and a carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. An antinociceptive property of TB extract was assessed using a formalin-induced nociception test. An anticarcinogenesis effect was investigated using a 7,12-dimethylbenz( a) anthracene (DMBA) and 12- O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced tumorigenesis model. In the study, TB extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects against EPP-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. However, the TB extract showed insignificant inhibitory activity against AA-induced ear edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma. A dose-dependent decrease in analgesic activity was observed with TB extract evidenced by decreased licking time in formalin-induced pain in mice in both the early and late phases. TB extract also significantly inhibited DMBA/TPA-induced mouse skin tumorigenesis. In conclusion, TB extract possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticarcinogenesis properties which act, at least in part, through inhibitory effects of inflammatory mediator production.

STUDY OF MEDICINAL FLORA OF BASTAR REGION USED FOR CURING JAUNDICE BY LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND VAIDHYAS

India has century’s old heritage of medicinal plants and herbal medicines for curing human illness. Medicinal plants form the only easily accessible health care alternatives for most of our population in rural and tribal areas. The knowledge acquired by local indigenous people or the tribal’s through generation shows the in-depth understanding of natural plant resources. The traditional medicine is widely used and accounts for around 40% of all health care delivered. There are several diseases on which remedy of medicinal plants is found most effective. Jaundice is one of the serious diseases of human beings in which yellow coloration of eyes, vomiting of yellowing fluid and yellowish skin is noticed as external symptoms. Many plants and minerals are being used to cure Jaundice by local Vaidhya or tribal people to cure Jaundice, there are sure herbal remedies to cure Jaundice. The present investigation aims to know the most common plants which are useful to cure Jaundice in Bastar region by local Vaidhya. The study was undertaken in Machkot forest range of Bastar region of Chhattisgarh state. The result revealed that the total of 39 plant species belonging to 18 families have been reported for treatment of Jaundice in different forms and doses. The use of these plants and plant parts to treat various illnesses is still needed by the communities because of poor socioeconomic conditions, the high cost and difficult access to allopathic medicines. During the investigation following most important medicinal herbs were reported viz.; Calotropis procera, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Azadiarchta indica, Boerhavia diffusa and Raphanus sativus to cure Jaundice by local traditional Vaidyas in different forms and doses as per traditional knowledge system given by previous generation.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Phytochemical Study of Different Solvent Extracts of Fruits of Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb., from Dibrugarh, Assam

Terminalia bellerica (Gaertn.) Roxb. is widely cultivated plant due to its significance use as traditional medicine. The fruits of the plant were collected from Dibrugarh district of Assam, India. The present study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of different solvent extracts of the fruits of Terminalia bellerica. Antioxidant and phytochemical analysis were carried out using standard methods and the results revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, phenols and glycosides in the fruit sample. Among the solvent used for the extraction process, Ethyl acetate extract recorded the highest phenol content (6.56±0.004mgCE/gm dried body weight) and antioxidant activity (67.00± 0.12%) against DPPH. Similarly, ethyl acetate extract recorded the highest (22±1mm) inhibition against B. subtilis compared to Chloramphenicol (30mcg) and Clotrimazole (10mcg). It is concluded that the ethyl acetate extract of the fruits Terminelia bellerica yielded the best results and more efficacious in terms of antimicrobial activity which makes it more useful in new drug development.

A Comprehensive Review on Tailoring an Herbal Approach for Treatment of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

The review gives a brief about poly cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the symptoms related to the disease. Around 2.2 to 26% of cases of PCOS are present globally. The disorder generally occurs in the reproductive age group of women. The review has a mention of few herbs which can be used to correct the diseased condition. The various herbs have a positive effect on the diseased condition and can be used to cure symptoms like hypothyroidism, hyperplasia, obesity, diabetes, Menorrhagia, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, hyperlipidemia, hirsutism, infertility, irregular menstrual cycle, etc. The herbs included in the review include Bauhinia variegata useful in hormone imbalance, Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, and Commiphora wightii are used to regulate the hormones, Cinnamon cassia acts as an anti-oxidant, Tribulus terrestris improves reproductive dysfunction, Hypericum perforatum regulates depression, Commiphora myrrha prevents menorrhagia, Nigella sativa controls cholesterol, Saraca asoca has estrogenic action, Asparagus racemosus promotes folliculogenesis, Tinospora cordifolia regulates menstrual flow, Ocimum sanctum as an anti-oxidant. The plants taken had a positive effect on women with PCOS without causing any side effects. The natural herbs used for the treatment of PCOS did not have any side effects and treated the diseased condition naturally. This review aims to understand the natural plants available for the treatment of the disease naturally. The herbs can be used individually or can be used in combination. Keywords: Poly cystic ovarian syndrome, Herbal medicine, Herbs, Natural plants

Diversity of Plant Species in Homestead Area of Moulvibazar District in Bangladesh

The study was conducted at Kamalganj Upazila of Moulvibazar district in Bangladesh during January to September 2015 to observe the diversity of plant species in the homestead area with their arrangement and to explore the relationships of plant diversity with the selected characteristics of the respondents. Face to face interview was performed with 135 respondents with the help of questionnaire. A total of 92 plant species, 45 vegetables species were recorded in the homestead of the study area. Out of different categories of plant species, 35 timber, 36 fruits and 21 medicinal and other plants were recorded. Most of fruit plants and medicinal and other plant species were found in front yard and backyard of homestead area. Timber trees were dominated at boundary side than any other side of homesteads. Diversity of fruit (0.79-0.99), timber (0.77-0.93) and medicinal plant species (0.77-0.96) were high in most of the unions. Mango Jackfruit, Papaya, Coconut were dominant fruit species. Acasia hybrid and Mehogony were dominant timber species. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Areca nut (Areca catechu), Tulsi (Ocimum americanum), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Bamboo (Bambusa sp), Pudina (Mentha spicata) and Bohera (Terminalia bellerica), were dominant medicinal and other plant species. There was a positive correlation between plant diversity with most of the selected characteristics of the respondents. Results conclude that plant diversity in homestead areas of Kamalganj upazila could be a good option for improving the livelihood of the respondents. SAARC J. Agric., 19(2): 285-299 (2021)

Diversity and carbon sequestration capacity of naturally growth vegetation in ex-nickel mining area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Purnomo DW, Prasetyo LB, Widyatmoko D, Rushayati SB, Supriyatna I, Yani A. 2022. Diversity and carbon sequestration capacity of naturally growth vegetation in ex-nickel mining area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 1433-1442. Efforts to restore forest integrity on ex-mining lands are essential to improve environmental quality and sequester carbon. One such effort is through revegetation of post-mined land including in ex-nickel mining in Southeast Sulawesi. This research analyzes the diversity of naturally regenerating plant species in the ex-nickel mining area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi and determines several local tree species with the potential for carbon sequestration. Vegetation survey was conducted using a systematic nested sampling method at the post-mined site with three vegetation types: secondary forest, shrubs and bushes, and a reference/control site (i.e., natural forest in the nearby Lamedai Nature Reserve). Different types of vegetation were analyzed based on factors using Discriminant Analysis. Vegetation composition was analyzed using the Importance Value Index. Furthermore, biodiversity indicators were analyzed using Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index, Species Evenness Index, and Sorensen Similarity Index. Carbon absorption was measured using the leaf sample method and carbohydrate test. The results showed that the condition of the research site had been disturbed, and the succession process was still ongoing. The species diversity at all plant levels was classified as moderate category and the distribution of the community was unstable. At the tree level, the undisturbed areas had higher diversity. Eradication of Chromolaena odorata was needed to preserve the native vegetation and accelerate forest succession. Tree species recommended for restoring the ex-nickel mining area and carbon sequestration as core plants include Vitex glabrata R.Br., Alstonia macrophylla Wall. ex G.Don, Lithocarpus celebicus (Miq.) Rehder, Callicarpa pentandra Roxb., Dacryodes rugosa (Blume) H.J.Lam, Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson, Glochidion rubrum Blume, Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., and Psychotria calocarpa Ruiz & Pav., and other pioneer plants of Mallotus paniculatus (Lam.) Müll.Arg., Macaranga peltata (Roxb.) Müll.Arg., and Macaranga hispida (Blume) Müll.Arg.

Supercritical fluid extraction of chebulagic acid from Terminalia bellirica fruits (Baheda)

Chebulagic acid is a hydrolyzable tannin found in the fruits of Terminalia bellirica and has been extensively used in traditional Indian medicine. Currently, most of the chebulagic acid is extracted from Terminalia chebula and a lesser extent, from T. bellirica. Crude chebulagic acid extracts from these fruits are usually extracted using Soxhlet extraction or reflux methods before purification using column chromatography and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). We examined supercritical fluid extraction efficiency with or without a modifier in extracting chebulagic acid from T. bellirica fruit powder in the present study. Our results demonstrated that supercritical fluid extraction with 50% ethanol as a modifier (SFEM) was the most efficient method in extracting chebulagic acid from T. bellirica fruit powder compared to supercritical fluid extraction without modifier (SFE) and Soxhlet extraction (SE) methods. This new extraction method (SFEM) yielded 96.10% ± 3.34 (w/w) chebulagic acid with 96.9% ± 1.34 purity and 95.21% ± 0.14 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, requiring no further purification. HPLC was used to confirm the purity of chebulagic acid and the chemical structure was confirmed using their mass spectroscopy (MS) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. This one-step extraction and purification method is clean, uses less liquid solvent compared to the conventional Soxhlet method, and the extraction process requires 92% less time. Novelty impact statement In this current study, the supercritical fluid extraction method yielded 96.10% ± 3.34 (w/w) chebulagic acid with 96.9% ± 1.34 purity and required no further purification. In addition, this one-step extraction and purification method is clean, uses less liquid solvent compared to the conventional Soxhlet method, and the extraction process requires 92% less time.

Green synthesis of tin oxide based nanoparticles using Terminalia bellirica seed extract: impact of operating temperature and antimony dopant on sensitivity for carbon dioxide gas sensing application

ABSTRACT Green synthesis of undoped tin oxide (SnO2) and 2 wt% antimony doped tin oxide (Sb:SnO2) for carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensing application is reported. The structural, morphological and optical properties of nanoparticles were investigated using XRD, SEM, EDX, HRTEM, FTIR and UV-Vis characterisation techniques. CO2 gas sensing studies were carried out by using calibration setup on pellets of nanoparticles. From XRD, SEM and HRTEM analysis, the average size of Sb:SnO2 nanoparticles were found decreased than the SnO2 nanoparticles. EDX analysis indicated the presence of tin, antimony and oxygen elements in the structure of nanoparticles. The presence of functional groups responsible for the formation of nanoparticles was identified by FTIR spectra. Bandgap of SnO2 and Sb:SnO2 nanoparticles was found to be 3.67 eV and 3.47 eV respectively. The sensitivity of SnO2 and Sb:SnO2 nanoparticles at the optimized operating temperature was found as 18.32% and 35% at 1000 ppm CO2 gas concentration.

Triphala churna ameliorates retinopathy in diabetic rats

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most prevalent complications of diabetes affecting a large number of people worldwide. Triphala churna – an Ayurvedic formulation consisting of powder of three fruits, Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula has potent antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Hence, the study was designed to evaluate the effect of Triphala churna in diabetic retinopathy.Diabetes was induced in rats with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.). After four weeks of induction, animals were treated with Triphala churna powder mixed in a vehicle at a dose of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg for the next four weeks. At the end of the study, plasma glucose, lactate dehydrogenase levels were determined. Sorbitol dehydrogenase, aldose reductase, and oxidative stress parameters were determined in lens tissues. Electroretinography was carried out. Histopathology study of the retina was studied at the end of the study.Triphala churna significantly reduced plasma glucose and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Triphala significantly reduced sorbitol dehydrogenase, aldose reductase, and oxidative stress in lens tissues. Furthermore, Triphala significantly increased ‘a′ wave and ‘b′ wave amplitude with a reduction in the latencies. The retinal thickness was significantly reduced in Triphala-treated animals. From the results, it can be concluded that Triphala churna delays the progression of retinopathy in diabetic rats.

Ethnobotanical and conservation studies of tree flora of Shiwalik mountainous range of District Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan.

The present study was carried out to explore and document traditional ethnobotanical knowledge of indigenous rural communities of Shiwalik mountainous range regarding tree flora of the area, District Bhimber of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The local people of the area primarily depend on wild flora for life sustenance and cure of different infirmities. In this research, data was collected through visual appraisal and participatory rural approach using questionnaire method by applying semi-structured and structured-interview protocols (S4 Table). To validate and explore novelty of research work, various quantitative ethnobotanical indices like informant consensus factor, use value index, fidelity level, relative frequency of citation, relative importance of plants, rank order of priority, Jaccard index and priority ranking were used. The highest ICF was found for jaundice with 0.91 value followed by ICF values of 0.89, 0.86 and 0.85 for wounds, skin diseases and stomach pains, respectively. Fidelity level predicted that Azadirachta indica (Indian lilac tree) ranked first (100%) for its prevalent use in ethnomedicines. Highest use value index (0.61) was found for Azadirachta indica while the highest relative frequency of citation (55) was measured for Melia azedarach. The relative order of priority index was the highest for Azadirachta indica and Acacia arabica L. (ROP = 100) depicting their prevalent use in ethnomedicines. For EB study, the highest relative importance (50.8) was found for Azadirachta indica with good number of agro-uses and its seeds and bark are sold or marketed in local markets to prepare herbal therapeutics by indigenous practioners. The Jaccard index depicted that many traditional ethnomedicinal uses of prescribed trees were novel in recipe form or first time reported such as Senegalia modesta (Phulai) resin was used to prepare ‘Panjoori’ a local tonic prepared from cow or buffalo butter mixing with seeds of Papaver somnifera (Kashkhash) and Prunus amygdalus (Badaam). The wood of many trees like Pinus roxburghii (pine), Dalbergia sissoo (rosewood), Senegalia modesta (Phulai), Acacia. Arabica (kikar), Bombax cieba (cotton tree) is commercially sold as timber in markets (S3 Table). The research proved that population explosion and climate changes have triggered severe biotic and abiotic pressure on tree flora of the study area of Bhimber, AJK. The research describes that plants like Terminalia belerica (belerica), Terminalia arjuna (arjun tree), Cassia fistula (Indian laburnum), Butea monosperma (bastard teak), Phyllanthus emblica (Indian gooseberry), Morus laevigata (Shah toot), Bauhinia variegata (orchid tree) and Flacourtia indica (Indian plum/ kakoo) are threatened species and their population is highly reduced and if reclamation measures for their conservation are not taken, it may lead towards their complete loss from the area. This research recommends sustainable ethnobotanical use of tree flora, their growth and conservation for green and ecofriendly environment for safe and secure future of human generation.

Thannilignan glucoside and 2-(β-glucopyranosyl)-3-isoxazolin-5-one derivative, two new compounds isolated from Terminalia bellirica.

Two new compounds, thannilignan 9-O-β-glucoside (1) and 2-(β-glucopyranosyl)-3-isoxazolin-5-one derivative (2), and seven known compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of Terminalia bellirica leaves, collected in Bangladesh. The structures of the compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic analysis. Among these isolated compounds, corilagin (3) was cytotoxic against human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS at an IC50 of 20.8μM, and β-D-glucopyranose 1,3,6-trigallate (4) exhibited the ability to overcome tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) resistance.

Anti-Aging Effects of Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica, Triphala, and Carica papaya Extracts for Sustainable Youth

As the human lifespan becomes longer, many people invest time and money in managing external beauty. However, managing external beauty has the disadvantage of causing side effects or that the effect does not last. Therefore, research and development are required to maximize effectiveness, eco-friendliness, and sustainably in beauty management. The purpose of this study was to experimentally identify the anti-aging effects, such as skin wrinkle and elasticity improvement, of extracts from Bahera, Phyllanthus emblica, Triphala, and Carica papaya, and to confirm their development as whitening and wrinkle functional cosmetic materials. In this study, a solid mixture was prepared using eco-friendly Terminalia bellirica, amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Triphala, and Carica papaya, and experimental samples were extracted. Antioxidant tests, antibacterial activity tests, polyphenol and flavonoid content, and deodorization tests were conducted to test the efficacy of experimental samples. The procedures and methods of these experiments are summarized in the following article. In this study, we found that the Bahera, Phyllanthus emblica, Triphala, and Carica papaya extracts had significant effects on whitening and wrinkle improvement, and that the effects of using ethanol-based extracts as the co-solvent were even greater. In other words, extracts of Bahera, Phyllanthus emblica, Triphala and Carica papaya showed antioxidant, whitening, and anti-wrinkle effects, and extracts that used ethanol as a co-solvent showed greater effects. In particular, we found that the optimal concentration of ethanol as a co-solvent maximizes its effectiveness at 70%.

Plants for oral biofilms eradication: literature review

ABSTRACT Oral Biofilm is a collection of microbial cell colonies related to periodontal diseases and caries. Biofilmbacteria were more resistant to antimicrobial agents than in the planktonic phase. The rapid progression of bacterialresistance to antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine has encouraged researchers to find alternative antimicrobialagents from natural plant products with low side effects. The purpose of this review was to summarize plants thatcontain bioactive compounds for biofilm eradication in terms of preventing caries and periodontal diseases. Themethod was used Systematic Review without Metha Analysis. Articles to be reviewed were searched from Pubmed,Cochrane, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases using the PRISMA method and hand searching. The lastselected articles were analyzed using narrative analysis. There are 1,610 articles specified in the first stage and only18 articles left in the final extraction stage. Plants that contain bioactive compounds for oral biofilm eradicationinclude Piper betle (betel), Psidium sp., Mangifera sp., Mentha sp., Caesalpinia sappan (secang), Baccharis dracunculifolia,Laurus nobilis L. (dafnah), Croton nepetaefolius, Salvadora persica (miswak), Dryopteris crassirhizoma, Diospyros kakiThunb. (persimmon), Ginkgo biloba, Azadirachta indica (neem), Camellia sinensis, Lippia alba, Cymbopogon citratus(lemongrass), Citrus aurantifolius, Tamarindus indica (sour), Syzygium cumini (jamblang), Emblica officinalis (malacca),Acacia Arabica (prickly acacia), Terminalia chebula (myrobalan), Terminalia bellerica (bahera), Carica papaya, Ocimumbasilicum L. (basil), and Myrmercodia pendans. These plant bioactive compounds are belong to the group of alkaloids,terpenoids, and polyphenols which were tested in the form of single compounds or mixtures, especially againstStreptococcus mutans. In conclusion, 26 plant species have reported containing bioactive compounds tested in theform of single or mixed extracts to eradicate oral bacterial biofilm. KEYWORDS: Plants, eradication, natural products, oral biofilm

Mechanistic Insight of the Antifungal Potential of Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles against Alternaria brassicae

Alternaria brassicae is a necrotrophic fungus causes Alternaria blight disease in oilseed mustard crop. There is a 47% loss of the mustard crop due to the Alternaria blight disease. To control this disease, various chemical fungicides have been used till date which are harmful to our environment. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized from Terminalia bellerica have been reported to have significant antifungal potential against A. brassicae at 200 ppm concentration. In the present study, the effect of green synthesized zinc oxide (Tb‐ZnO) nanoparticles, chemically synthesized ZnO nanoparticles, and chemical fungicides on A. brassicae has been anticipated by analysing changes in cytomorphology characteristics, biochemical constituent, and stress enzymes of A. brassicae. Cytomorphological studies by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy have shown the complete disintegration of cell wall, cell membrane, and cytoplasmic content at 200 ppm concentration of Tb‐ZnO nanoparticles. Decrement in biochemical constituents and changes in activity of stress enzymes in Tb‐ZnO nanoparticles treated cell confirm the toxicity of nanoparticles at 200 ppm concentrations. Hence, on the basis of all these results, the mechanism of action of Tb‐ZnO nanofungicides on A. brassicae has been hypothesized in the present study. This study confirms how nanoparticles inhibit the growth of A. brassicae and suggested the use of nanofungicides.

Vatari guggulu and mahaushadhi kwatha in amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis): An open-label, single-arm clinical study

Introduction: Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis [RA]) is a painful disease which is caused due to vitiated vata and Ama. Amavata has been correlated to RA in modern medical parlance. The prevalence of RA in adults of the developed world is around 0.5%–1%, amid which around 40% are registered disabled within 3 years, while around 80% are moderate to severely disabled within 20 years. Based on the pathogenesis of Amavata, the treatment shall be focused mainly on ama-pachana (digestive) and agni dipana (carminative). Most of the ingredients in vatari guggulu and mahaushadhi kwatha are katu (pungent), tikta (bitter) rasa (taste), and ushna virya (hot potency), which helps in ama pachana (digestive) and agni dipana (carminative) action. Ingredients namely gandhaka (Sulphur), guggulu (Commiphora mukul), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), and amalaki (Emblica officinalis) are having rasayana property; while shunti (Zingiber officinale), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), guggulu, haritaki, vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), and amalaki have anti-inflammatory property. Methods: Thirty patients were administered vatari guggulu 1 tablet (1 g) along with mahaushadhi kwatha 15 ml thrice daily after food with warm water as anupana (adjuvant) for 15 days. Ordinal data were analyzed with Friedman's test followed by Wilcoxon sign rank test as post hoc; continuous data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA after applying Bonferroni correction with paired t-test as post hoc. Results: There was statistically significant improvement in the primary outcome measures, in disease activity and functional ability indices. Conclusion: Vatari guggulu and mahaushadhi kwatha are effective in the management of Amavata.

Antioxidant, anticholinesterase and neurotrophic potentials of indigenous medicinal herbs of Bangladesh

In Ayurvedic system of medicine, a variety of medicinal herbs are being prescribed for brain disorders, including mental dysfunction, indifference, and memory impairment. Neuropharmacological mechanisms of these herbs are poorly understood. A total of nineteen indigenous medicinal herbs of Bangladesh were investigated for their neuropharmacological potentials, including antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and neurotrophic activities. The antioxidant activity of plant ethanolic extracts was determined based on their DPPH free radical scavenging capacity. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity was determined by the colorimetric assay based on Ellman’s method. The neurotrophic activity of plant extracts was measured based on their capacity to promote neurite outgrowth in a primary culture of hippocampal neurons. Of the herbs, Camellia sinensis, Terminalia chebula, Cinnamomum tamala, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica, and Curcuma longa exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity with IC50 values of <100 µg/mL. The highest anticholinesterase activity was shown by C. longa (IC50 9.37 µg/mL) followed by C. sinensis (IC50 86.01 µg/mL) and C. tamala (IC50 86.37 µg/mL). Notably, C. tamala showed the highest neurotrophic activity (an increase in the length of primary neurites by 82% compared to control), whereas C. sinensis and C. longa showed moderate activities. The neurotrophic activity of C. tamala was reported for the first time. The present findings indicate that these indigenous herbs, particularly C. tamala, C. sinensis, and C. longa possess a remarkable neuropharmacological potential and suggest that these neuroactive herbs could be used in disease-modifying therapies for brain disorders.

Bhagottar Gutika (Herbo-Mineral Formulation): An Overview

Respiratory diseases are become a universal concern due to its chronic nature and unwanted modern remedy which causes dose dependency and long term side effects. In Ayurveda Rasaushadhi, which translates into herbo-mineral formulation is the most important medication by its quick action in low doses with easier palatability. Bhagottar Gutika is one of them which contains Purified Mercury, Purified Sulphur, Piper longum, Terminalia Chebula, Terminalia Bellirica, Adhatoda Vasica, Clerodendrum serratum, Acacia Arabica in increasing quantity. This review article documents the indications, method of preparation, probable mode of action and properties of Bhagottar Gutika. This study concluded the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and immune-enhancer effects of Bhagottar Gutika. So, it can be used as an effective medicine for bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

In Silico Investigations on the Probable Macromolecular Drug Targets Involved in the Anti-Schizophrenia Activity of Terminalia bellerica

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects around 1% of the population worldwide. The available antipsychotics alleviate the positive symptoms of the illness. However, their effect on the negative and cognitive symptoms is limited. The fruit powder of Terminalia bellerica has been found to possess antipsychotic activity, which might be useful in treating the symptoms of schizophrenia. Objective: The present study was performed to evaluate the affinity of the active constituents of Terminalia bellerica towards macromolecular drug targets involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and, thereby, determine the structural features of the ligands involved in the interactions with the proposed targets. Methods: A molecular docking study was carried out on ten active constituents of Terminalia bellerica with four-drug targets involved in the aetiology of schizophrenia. These targets are dopamine, N-methyl- D-aspartate, Gamma-aminobutyric acid, and phosphodiesterase 10A receptors. The binding interactions between the target proteins and the ligands with the highest affinities were studied thoroughly. Results: β-sitosterol, ellagic acid, and quercetin displayed high binding affinity toward all the macromolecular drug targets. β -sitosterol possesses a high binding affinity for the dopamine receptor, while quercetin has high binding affinities for both dopamine and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. On the other hand, ellagic acid formed stronger binding interactions with Gamma-aminobutyric acid and phosphodiesterase 10A. Conclusion: Terminalia bellerica can serve as a new anti-psychotic drug from natural sources with more promising development.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Five Medicinal Plants Against Different Microbes

The present study aims to assess the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of selected medicinal plants (Achyranthes bidentata, Linum usitatissimum, Pedalium murex, Sphaeranthus indicus and, Terminalia bellirica) extracts against seven different microorganisms Candida albicans, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hominis, and Streptococcus mutants. Leaf, root, and flower extracts of plants were prepared in different solvents like methanol, distilled water, dichloromethane, ethanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, petroleum ether, propanol, benzene, and hexane. All the prepared extracts showed very good antimicrobial activity except distilled water extract. Most of the extracts were found to have antimicrobial potential against pathogens but Linum usitatissimum and T. bellirica leaf and seed extract prepared in methanol and chloroform solvents show a higher zone of inhibition against E. coli. Only Linum usitatissimum shows activity aganist Candida albicans. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for Achyranthes bidentata extracts varied from 150µl/ml to 200µl/ml in different solvents. Antioxidant studies were carried out in methanolic extracts of all the plants. The maximum scavenging activity of methanolic leaf extracts was observed between 80 -100 μg/ml concentrations.