Terminalia Bellirica Research Articles

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-MICROBIAL ACTION OF TRIPHALA GUGGULU: A REVIEW

Triphala Guggulu, an Ayurvedic herbal formulation, consists of dried powder of fruits of three plants commonly known as Triphala: Emblica officinalis Gaertn. (Euphorbiaceae), Terminalia bellerica Roxb. (Combretaceae) and Terminalia chebula Retz. (Combretaceae) along with Piper longum Linn. (Piperaceae), combined with the oleo-gum resin of Commiphora wightii Arnott. Bhandari (Burseraceae). It is mentioned in the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI) taken from Sharngadhar Samhita for several therapeutic uses. This formulation is indicated in the treatment of Bhagandara (fissure-in-ano), Gulma (Benign growths), Shotha (Inflammation) and Arsha (Piles) by Acharya Sharangdhara Mishra in his book. This review article aims to evaluate all the experimental work done on the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial action of constituents of Triphala Guggulu. A review of all research work was done from the Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) database of medicinal plants and online research journals. The outcome of this study shows that all Triphala Guggulu ingredients can work as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity against a wide range of microbes. Thus, Triphala Guggulu is an effective formulation to cure infectious wounds and normalize gut motility, beneficial in health conditions such as Piles, Fistula, Inflammation etc.

Effect of Autochthonous Nepalese Fruits on Nutrient Degradation, Fermentation Kinetics, Total Gas Production, and Methane Production in In-Vitro Rumen Fermentation.

Simple SummaryAutochthonous fruits with naturally active chemicals such as polyphenols and tannins have been used in animal feeds to cure animal diseases due to their beneficial effects. This study aims to determine the effect of autochthonous Nepalese fruits on nutrient degradation, fermentation kinetics, total gas production, and methane production in in-vitro rumen fermentation. We found that the addition of Nepalese autochthonous fruits increases total fatty acid concentration and decreases methane production with increasing doses.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of autochthonous Nepalese fruits on nutrient degradation, fermentation kinetics, total gas production, and methane production in in-vitro rumen fermentation. The fruits of Terminalia chebula (HA), Terminalia bellirica (BA), and Triphala churna (TC), a commercial mixture with equal parts (33.3% DM basis) of Phyllanthus emblica, Terminalia bellirica, and Terminalia chebula, were used. These were tested at three inclusion levels of 20% 40% and 100% of the total sample (as dry matter) in maize silage (MS). MS was used as a control (0% additive). These 10 treatments were tested for two 48-h incubations with quadruplicate samples using rumen fluid from 2 heifers. Total gas production (TGP: mL at standard temperature and pressure (STP)/g DM), methane production (expressed as % and mL/g DM), and volatile fatty acids were determined. After incubations, the filtrate was used to measure pH and volatile fatty acids (VFA), while the residue was used to measure degraded dry matter (dDM) and calculate the partitioning factor (PF48) and theoretical short-chain fatty acid concentration (tVFA). Rumen fluid pH linearly (p < 0.01) decreased in all treatments with increasing dose during fermentation. The CH4% was less in all three treatments with 100% autochthonous plants than in control, but there were no significant linear or quadratic effects for increasing BA, HA, and TC doses. The PF48 increased for all treatments with a significant linear and quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of increasing dose. Compared to MS, the inclusion of autochthonous plants increased the total volatile fatty acids, with no significant dose effects. The tVFA linearly decreased (p > 0.05) with an increasing dose of BA and HA. All treatments showed quadratic effects on tVFA (p < 0.05) with increasing dose. Increasing TC dose linearly (p < 0.05) and quadratically (p < 0.05) increased total VFA, while increasing HA dose had only a quadratic (p < 0.05) effect on total VFA. All treatments reduced total gas production (TGP) and methane concentration (CH4%) when compared to MS. The tested autochthonous fruits can be used as additives with a basal feed diet to reduce enteric methane emissions. The most effective anti-methanogenic treatment was 40% HA, which resulted in 18% methane reduction.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Tablet Formulation of Traditional Thai Polyherbal Medicine Named Nawametho in Comparison with Its Decoction in the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia.

In the traditional medical system in Thailand, medicinal plants and polyherbal medicines have been prescribed as lipid-lowering agents, including Nawametho decoction. This polyherbal formulation is described in the Worayokasan scripture. It consists of nine medicinal plants (Aegle marmelos (L.), Carthamus tinctorius L., Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn., Phyllanthus emblica L., Piper longum L., Piper nigrum L., Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb., Terminalia chebula Retz., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe). Apart from its utilization in Thai traditional medicine, there is a lack of evidence supporting its use. This research work thereby aims to formulate and evaluate the tablet containing Nawametho decoction. The feasibility of Nawametho decoction and NawaTab for patients with borderline hyperlipidemia was additionally examined using a prospective, open-label, randomized, parallel-group design. The dry granulation technique was employed to formulate the polyherbal tablets. The tablets were developed using the spray-dried Nawametho decoction as the active ingredient in addition to other excipients. The chosen formulation, the FB (NawaTab), consisted of 385 milligrams of the extract, 12% w/w of a diluent (lactose), 8% w/w of a lubricant (magnesium stearate), 5% w/w of a disintegrant (microcrystalline cellulose), and 5% w/w of an anti-adherent (talcum). Their hardness, friability, and disintegration time were 4.4 ± 0.32 kg, 0.05 ± 0.02%, and 4.60 ± 0.05 min, respectively. Accelerated stability study results revealed that NawaTab was stable for six months at 40°C/75% RH and 25°C/60% RH. Even though taking NawaTabs (500 mg twice daily) for eight consecutive weeks was unable to improve the lipid profile of the patients, the administration of Nawametho decoction (30 mL twice daily) was associated with a significant decrease in serum triglycerides of the patients. The results show that the dry granulation technique is suitable for the formulation of NawaTab based on the tablet evaluation. Furthermore, the triglyceride-lowering effect of Nawametho decoction was reported for the first time.

EVALUATION OF ANTI-GASTRIC ULCER ACTIVITY OF THE FRUIT EXTRACTS OF TERMINALIA BELLERICA ROXB IN EXPERIMENTAL RODENTS

Terminalia bellirica Roxb (T. bellirica, Combretaceae), known as Bahera or Beleric or bastard myrobalan is a large deciduous tree common on plains and lower hills in Southeast Asia, where it is also grown as an avenue tree. Glycoside, tannins, gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl galate, gallyl glucose, chebulanic acid are the main active phytoconstituents of medicinal importance. These phytoconstituents are responsible for many of the pharmacological roles. Different parts of the tree have various medicinal activities. In the present study, ethyl acetate and ethanolic extract of T. bellirica fruits, at the doses of 250 and 500mg/kg was evaluated for the anti-gastric ulcer activity using experimental gastric ulcer models induced by ethanol and aspirin. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of triterpenoids, saponins, phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrate and glycosides. The parameters taken to assess anti-gastric ulcer activity were volume of gastric secretion, pH, free acidity, total acidity, ulcer index and histopathological studies of the stomach epithelium. The results indicate that the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract of T. bellirica fruits produced a dosedependent reduction of the volume of gastric acid secretion, pH, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index with respect to standard (Omeprazole 20mg/kg) used in the present study. The findings therefore indicate that ethyl acetate and ethanol extract possess anti-gastric ulcer activities in experimental animals induced by alcohol and aspirin, which might be due to presence of phenolic compound and flavonoids whose presence, was confirmed by phytochemical analysis. Therefore, this study validates its anti-gastric ulcer use in Indian folk medicine. Further investigations on isolation of specific phytochemicals and elucidating mechanisms of action are needed.

In-Vitro Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic effects of different Solvent Extraction Terminalia chebula, Terminalia billerica, Phyllanthus emblica

Objective: The phytochemical analysis of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract as well as to evaluate the potential synergistic activity of screened plant extracts for anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methodology: In present study phytochemical constituent from selected plant material was extracted in different solvents. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assay against standard antioxidant. MTT assay was performed to find out cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effect on MCF- breast cancer cell line. Result: Phytochemical analysis of the performed which showed that alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. In context of antioxidant assays almost selected extracts showed moderate activity but ethanol extract of Terminalia chebula, proven to be having significant antioxidant activity over all extracts. Anti-inflammatory activity of MCF-7 breast cancer cell line exhibited that good activity with IC50 value 228.82µg/ml. Whereas Methanol extract of Terminalia bellirica and Aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica shown 432.45µg and 259.02µg respectively. Conclusion: The present study concludes that in among three tested extracts, Ethanol extract of Terminalia chebula exhibited prominent anticancer activity against Breast cancer (MCF-7) with significant IC50 value 228.82 µg. However further studies are needed to find out the structural of bioactive compounds and investigate mechanisms of antioxidant and anticancer activities of the bioactive compounds in in-vivo animal study.

PHARMACOLOGY OF TRIPHALA WITH SPECIAL FOCUS ON THEIR CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS

This review is based on Ayurvedic texts and online scientific databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct to study use of scientific research methods in ayurvedic formulation Triphala. The following keywords were used: Triphala, terminalia chebula, terminalia bellerica, Phyllanthus embilica, chemical constituents, gallic acid, chebulinic acid, and molecular docking to write this review. Studies about Triphala and their individual drugs as well as their active compounds were concentrated upon. There are many research works being conducted on Triphala and its therapeutic effect. Yet, the need to develop these works to a fully utilisable form for the medical community is not achieved. This review concludes that Triphala is a treasure that needs to be further evaluated for the betterment of health globally.

Occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae in medicinal plants sold in local markets of Savar, Dhaka

Medicinal plants can be contaminated with a large diversity of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Ten medicinal plant samples Plantago psyllium, Terminalia bellirica, Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus emblica, Ocimum basilicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, Andrographis panicula, Bombax ceiba were collected from Amin Bazar and Savar of Savar area to study the presence and abundance of Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria in the herbal plant samples. A total of fifty five (55) bacterial isolates have been isolated from different medicinal plant samples using spread plate method on nutrient Agar media. Culture of bacterial isolate on a number of selective and differential media and biochemical tests (Catalase activity, hemolytic property, fermentation test, Starch hydrolysis, VP test, MR test, MIU test, Indole and casein test etc.) revealed the presence of different Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria in the plant samples. Out of 55 isolates 6 isolates were Salmonella sp. (11%), 2 isolates were Klebsiella sp. (3.63%) and 2 isolates were Enterobacter sp. (3.63%). Antibiotic sensitivity test of bacterial isolates showed that all the identified Enterobacteriaceae family bacteria were sensitive to Kanamycin but resistant to Amoxycilin, Aztreonam and Penicillin-G. Therefore, this study highlighted the necessity for constant quality assessment of herbal medicines to facilitate and ensure safe production and supply of medicinal products suitable for human consumption.&#x0D; Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 10(1 &amp; 2): 1-8, 2021 (June &amp; December)

A validated spectro densitometric regulatory compliant USP-HP-TLC protocol for quantification of polyphenols and antioxidants from polyherbal formulations containing Terminalia species

The phytochemical profiles of ethno-medicinal plants from Southern Asia have been extensively studied, due to their wide utilization in various traditional systems of India, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and China. Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. and Terminalia chebula Retz. are the two most important and widely utilized medicinal plants across the traditional system in India. The herbal products comprising the fruits of these two plants, example Triphala, Vyoshadi-Gulgulu Gulika and also marketed Ayurvedic products like Pilonil Tablet are proven to have high medicinal value and biotherapeutic efficacy. The current study is an effort to develop highly precise, sensitive and reproducible HP-TLC protocol for the standardization herbal preparations comprising of hydro-alcoholic extract of selected Terminalia species as their major ingredients. The selected herbal products were assessed through HP-TLC for quantifying gallic acid and quercetin, followed by their visualization using DPPH*, Anisaldehyde and Vanillin as derivatizing reagent. The USP official protocol was followed for the method development using digitally optimized HP-TLC system. The results demonstrated good sensitivity and regression value of 99.999% for proposed method with optimized chromatographic analysis. The developed protocol was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and all the parameters were found to be within the specified limits. Thus, the proposed HP-TLC method would surely serve as a classical tool for analysis and standardization of Terminalia species and their traditional products.

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Effect of the Traditional Herbal Medicine Atrifil and Oshagh Gum on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Wistar Rats.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease that affects elderly men with various complications. This study evaluates the effects of an Iranian traditional herbal medicine “Atrifil and Oshagh gum” on BPH in male Wistar rats. Atrifil is a combination of three medicinal plants: Emblica officinalis Gaertn, Terminalia chebula Retz, and Terminalia bellerica Retz” extracts, and Oshagh gum is Dorema ammoniacum D. Dono gum. In this study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal control, disease, finasteride, and extract with 300 and 600 mg/kg groups. The extract is a combination of hydroalcoholic Atrifil extract and Oshagh gum. All groups received intramuscular testosterone enanthate to induce BPH except the normal control group. On the twenty-eighth day, prostate glands were separated. Histopathological changes were observed. Furthermore, the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and prostate weights were measured. The binding propensities of finasteride, equol, and flavonoids present in this extract such as quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol for 5α-reductase, estrogen receptor alpha and beta, and estrogen-related receptor gamma were assessed using in silico docking approach. Histopathological evaluation, biochemical parameter, and PSA level results indicated significant inhibition of accruing and progression of BPH in groups treated with 600 mg/kg extract (p < 0.01). Furthermore, molecular docking showed that rutin had a high affinity to bind the receptors 5α-reductase, estrogen receptor beta, and estrogen-related receptor gamma even more than finasteride, and on average, quercetin had a higher affinity to all these receptors. In the end, it can be concluded that Atrifil and Oshagh gum is effective in preventing BPH.

Evaluation of the anti-hyperlipidemic effects of Triphala in high fat diet fed rats

Abstract Background: Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke. Triphala, a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation made from dried fruits of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica Roxb.), and Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica Gaertn.) has been suggested to be useful in mitigating hyperlipidemia. In the Ayurveda texts, depending on the patient’s condition and body type, Triphala is formulated and used in one of the two combination (1:1:1 and 1:2:4 of individual constituents) forms. Aims: The present study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of two combinations (1:1:1 and 1:2:4 of individual constituents) of Triphala against high fat diet induced-hyperlipidemia in rats. Materials and method: Hyperlipidemia was induced in Spraque−Dawley albino rats by feeding them with high fat diet. The animals were concomitantly administered with graded dose of one of the two combination (combination of Haritaki, Bibhitaki, and Amalaki in ratio of 1:1:1 or 1:2:4, respectively) of Triphala (250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg body wt.) or atorvastatin. The animals were sacrificed on day 22 and serum was processed for lipid profile and the liver for lipid peroxidation. The statistical analysis was performed by the mean analysis of variance followed by Dunnet’s test. Results: The results indicated that when compared to placebo group, levels of serum total cholesterol, and triglyceride were significantly lower, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased in both the Triphala combination and atorvastatin groups. Of the two groups of Triphala, the formulation having 1:2:4 ratio was better than the 1:1:1. The group having highest drug dose (1000 mg/kg body wt.) of 1:2:4 formulation was better than atorvastatin in rectifying high fat diet-induced dyslipidemia and the atherogenic index was equal to that of atorvastatin. Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that of the two Triphala formulations, the 1:2:4 ratio was better than the 1:1:1 ratio for anti-hyper-lipidemic effects.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by malayali tribals in yercaud hills, salem district, tamil nadu, india

The present study highlights the importance of some medicinal plants in the health care system of Malayali tribal community of Yercaud Hills, Salem district, Tamil Nadu, India. Ethnomedicinal information was collected from malayali tribes through personal interviews and group discussions with 8 randomly selected informants. Use value (UV), fidelity level (FL) and Informant Consensus factor (ICF) were determined. During the data collection 20 species distributed in 16 families for treating 44 different ailments. Ethnomedicinal plants like Abrus pulchellus, Wall, Andrographis paniculata, Wall.ex.Nees, Asclepias curassavica, L, Asparagus racemosus, Wild, Azadirachta indica, A. Juss, Cassia fistula, Linn, Centella asiatica, Urb, Corallocarpus epigaeus, Hook.f, Curculigo orchioides, Gaertn, Emblica officinalis, Gaerth,Enicostemma littirale, Blume, Hemidesmus indicus, R. Br, Holarrhena pubescens (Buch.Ham.) Wall.ex.G.Don, Leucas aspera, Spreng, Mimosa pudica, Linn, Myrica esculenta, Buch. Ham, Pergularia daemia (Forsk.) chiov, Terminalia bellerica, Roxb, Terminalia chebula, Retz and Toddalia asiatica, Lamk were documented during the study. UV of the encountered plant species ranged from 0.38 to 1.13. The uppermost FCI value is reported for Ejaculation of semen and Bone fracture. In the present investigation, the FL varied from 50 to 100%.

Anticancer activity of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica extracts on cholangiocarcinoma cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has a low incidence universally, but very high incidence in the northeast of Thailand. Currently, the treatments of CCA are ineffective. Therefore, substances from natural products have been developed to replace by reducing the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, and Phyllanthus emblica extracts on CCA cell lines. The total phenolic, flavonoid, tannic acid contents were determined by HPLC. Moreover, study effects of three herbs on the inhibitory effects of inflammation, cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the expression of tumor genes were assesed. From the results, P. emblica exhibited the best anti-inflammatory effects and contained high total phenolic, flavonoid content, and had the highest tannic acid, while the cytotoxicity results showed that it inhibited the proliferation of CCA cell lines at 48 and 72 h and could inhibit migration in CCA cell lines. In regard to cell cycle arrest, only T. bellirica extracts were found to inhibit cell cycle arrest in the S phase. Results suggest that the treatment with all of the extracts induces apoptosis. The mRNA expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BAX, caspase-3, caspase-9, and p53) tended to be increased, while on the other hand, the expression levels of Bcl-2 significantly decreased. The results of this research confirmed that P. emblica herbal extracts had the best inhibitory effect on growth and induced apoptosis best through the mitochondria apoptotic signaling pathway. This research is useful for developing products for the treatment of CCA in vivo

Preparation of mouthwash by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and triphala: alternative to chlorhexidine gluconate

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is considered as a reservoir of oral cavity. This bacterium is present in nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. This bacterium is an initial step in pathogenesis of pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. When these species interact with other species of periodontal pathogens has greater chances of having aggressive periodontitis. Chlorhexidine gluconate is been widely used in many mouthwashes and is known for its antibacterial activity. It has certain side effects such as staining, alteration in taste, tartar formation. The alternative to Chlorhexidine is triphala which helps in maintaining oral health and helps prevent periodontitis. In previous studies it was been observed that triphala is more effective than Chlorhexidine. Moreover, Chlorhexidine treats gingivitis, not periodontitis, whereas triphala fights against both gingivitis as well as periodontitis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae, non-pathogenic yeast, is a potential probiotic. It has significant antibacterial activity and immunomodulatory activity. Triphala preparation is made from Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis), belleric myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica) and black myrobalan (Terminalia chebula). It is an ancient herbal remedy with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. It improves oral health by preventing plaque, gingivitis, heals mouth sores. It shows antibacterial activity except probiotic organisms. In this study, effect of triphala and S. cerevisiae against P. aeruginosa was evaluated by agar-well diffusion method. Triphala solution and S. cerevisiae effectively showed antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa individually. Therefore, triphala and S. cerevisiae together were tested at various concentrations against P. aeruginosa. The result showed the clear zone of inhibition showing successful inhibition of P.aeruginosa. Therefore, mouthwash that contains triphala and S. cerevisiae can be efficiently use for maintaining oral health and this mouthwash can be alternative to chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwashes and triphala can be a promising therapeutic agent in treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis without any side effects on long term use. Keywords- P. aeruginosa, periodontitis, gingivitis, chlorhexidine gluconate, triphala, S. cerevisiae

EFFECT OF KUSHTHADI GHRITA IN ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS: A REVIEW

Adolescence is the transitional phase for mental health promotion since more than half of mental health problems begin during this time, and many of them remain into adulthood. These conditions account for 10-20% of the global disease burden. This impacts the individual's likelihood of having an intellectual disability. According to Ayurveda, acharya Kashyap describes a Kushthadi ghrita prepared with Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), leaf-buds of Vata (Ficus benghalensis), Gauri (yellow mustard) (Sinapis alba), Pippali (Piper longum), Triphala [Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)] Vacha (Acorus calamus), and rock-salt which is one of the best drugs for improving mental functions (Nootropic activity). The present paper reviews the indications and uses of Kushthadi ghrita described in Ayurveda texts. Studies published in various journals regarding the evidence of its ingredient effect are also examined. This Kushthadi ghrita drug acts as a Medhya drug and Rasayana, which is beneficial for improving mental functions. Medhya drugs ultimately increase the overall cognitive capacity of the brain, i.e., by increasing perfusion and metabolism and improving the chemical imbalance in the brain. Rasayana drugs supposed to increase all the sharira dhatu. The ingredients of these drugs have Antioxidant, Anxiolytic, Antistress activity, antidepressant, Neuroprotective, and Anti-amnestic Properties, which are supportive for improving mental functions (Nootropic activity).

Chemical and morphological variations in Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. – a species of commercial ayurvedic formulation triphla from central India

Terminalia bellirica is one of the high traded medicinal plant species, mainly known for its fruits which are bestowed with numerous biological activities and used in treatment of various ailments. The fruits are one of three ingredients of well-known Ayurvedic formulation ‘TRIPHLA’. The purpose of this study was to determine the variations for Gallic acid (GA), a chemical marker compound, as well as for key morphological traits (height, girth at breast height, clear bole height, fruit size) in trees from central Indian states viz. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. In this investigation, we also explored the correlation between the chemical marker and morphological features. The study suggested the maximum GA content (0.98±0.42%) in populations of Keregaon range of Dhamtari forest division of Chhattisgarh state which can be considered as superior chemotypes/ populations. The correlation analysis exhibited the positive association between fruit size and GA content.

Herbal Immunomodulator in View of Omicron Virus - A Review

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global medical crisis of unprecedented proportions. The death rate and infected people is rising on a daily basis all over the world. This situation is so much worse because of the potential for disasterous situations with variety of social and economic factors. Effective infection monitoring is still being developed, and efforts are being made to integrate traditional interventions with standard of care. With special reference to respiratory health, the Ministry of Aayush recommends the self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity. Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications back up these claims. There is a lot of research on natural substances that can affect immune function in addition to plant compounds. There are some examples suggest by Ministry of Aayush such as Gargle with a pinch of turmeric and salt in warm water. Gargling can also be done with water boiled with Triphala (dried fruits of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia chebula, and Terminalia bellerica) or Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra). Once or twice a day, apply medicated oil (Anu taila or Shadbindu Taila), plain oil (Sesame or Coconut), or nasal application of cow's ghee (Goghrita), especially before going out and after returning home. Antimicrobials, or "immune-boosters," are a class of plants that work directly on bacteria or viruses while also boosting the immune system's overall performance. Volatile oils are common, yet active pharmacological substances are numerous and complex. Herbs such as: Allium sativum (Garlic), Baptisia tinctoria (Wild Indigo), Echinacea sp. (Echinacea), Thuja occidentalis (Thuja), Usnea sp. (Old Man’s Beard).

Ethno-Medicinal Uses of Wild Edible Fruits in Pokhara Valley, Nepal

The wild fruits are freely available as a source of food. The phytochemicals available in such fruits can be used to cure different health problems of human beings naturally. This study was carried out from July 2020 to August 2021 in different places, particularly in less populated areas like Ward No. 19, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 of Pokhara Metropolitan City in Kaski District, Nepal. The data were collected, using a verbal questionnaire in which the respondents were locals and traditional healers. The study was conducted almost in a rural condition, but there was still a good vegetation in its core town areas. People of these areas consume wild fruits mostly as a source of nutrition, vitamins and minerals, but they take them as raw food and know less about their medicinal values. Some wild fruits like Berberis aristata (Chutro), Citrus limon (Jyamir), Cassia fistula (Rajbrikshya), Mangifera indica (Anmp), Punica granatum (Anar), Sapindus mukorossi (Rittha), Tamarindus indica (Imili) and Ziziphus jujuba (Bayar) show their tremendous medicinal values to cure various health problems. Similarly, there are other well-known fruits like Aegle marmelos (Bel), Emblica officinalis (Amala), Piper longum (Pipla), Solanum nigram (Jangali bihi), Terminalia bellerica (Barro) and T. chebula (Harro), which can be used for herbal medicines. The results revealed that 41 species of plants belonging to 24 families have been used as the wild fruits with ethno-medicinal values. Such families are Anacardiaceae, Berberidaceae, Bignoniaceae, Caesalpinaceae, Combretaceae, Elaeagnaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Juglandaceae, Lauraceae, Moraceae, Myricaceae, Myrsinaceae, Myrtaceae, Papillionaceae, Piperaceae, Punicaceae, Rhamnaceae, Rosaceae, Rutaceae, Sapindaceae, Solanaceae, Trapaceae and Vitaceae. This study is the first report to show the ethno-medicinal uses of wild edible fruits in Pokhara valley, Nepal.

Study on heavy metals in some Ayurvedic herbal products and risk assessment of their calculated average daily dose intake in humans

IntroductionAccording to the World Health Organisation, 80% of the world population relies on plant material based herbal medicines for primary health care. Nine herbal products used in Ayurvedic medicine were studied for heavy metal content and assessed for their health risks. MethodsNine herbal plant products Tagar (Valeriana jatamansi), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Guggulu (Commiphora wightii), Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa), Shilajeet (Asphaltum punjabianum), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Bahera (Terminalia bellirica), were collected from the local market and analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu, Mn, Cr) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The risk assessment of heavy metals in Ayurvedic herbal products in terms of the Average Daily Dose was calculated to assess the long-term consumption risk of the medicine, the estimated daily intake (EDI) was determined and the health risk due to the consumption of herbal medicine is described in term of target hazard quotient (THQ). The health risk of each herbal medicine due to the cumulative effect of the heavy metals was assessed in terms of hazard index (HI). ResultAll the Ayurvedic products tested contained heavy metals, in low quantities. Chromium was below the detectable limit. Discussions and conclusionsIn terms of standards given by various agencies for heavy metals dietary intake the studied Ayurvedic products when consumed in the recommended dose were found to contain heavy metals within the standard limits and pose insignificant health risks (HI= >1). The essentiality of certain heavy metals at low and ultra-low concentrations, for proper growth and physiological functioning in animals, is discussed. The study concludes that the human uptakes of heavy metals through the recommended medicinal dose of the studied Ayurvedic plant products are within the safe limits recommended by various agencies and pose a minimal health risk in short term as well as in long term consumption.

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.