Water Extractive Values Research Articles

Anti-bacterial activity of various blends of aqueous and ethanol Extracts of garlic and bitter cola

Diameter of inhibitory zone on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes were determined by evaluating Ethanol and water extract of bitter kola (Garcinia kola) and garlic (Allium sativum) at concentrations of sample A: (BC 100:0 G), B: (BC 80:20 G), C: (BC 60:40 G), D: (BC 40:60), E: (BC 20:80 G), F: (BC 0:100 G) and all concentrations were treated with 150ml ethanol and water extracts. For this experiment, the bitter kola and garlic were dried and milled and biotic extraction was done at different concentrations or ratios .The results showed that the diameter of inhibition for E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus on ethanol extracts values ranged from (8.20mm -19.22mm) and (8.22mm – 20.16mm) respectively with sample D (40g of Bitter kola + 60g of garlic) has the highest diameter of inhibition with a value of 1.92mm for E.coli and 2.07mm for staphylococcus aureus making it a good antimicrobial agent. While for Streptococcus aureus, the extracted ethanol solvent of sample C (60g of bitter kola + 40g of garlic) has the higher diameter of inhibition value of 1.15mm. Water extract values of diameter of Inhibitory zone were generally lower than the ethanol extract values for all organisms listed. This implies that water extract exhibited lower capacity of microbial inhibition to E.coli, streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus under the condition of study.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation of the Leaves of Coccinia barteri Hook F (Cucurbitaceae)

Background: In general, Coccinia barteri is offered and sold in its raw form. This natural form could be adulterated, substituted, or contaminated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to use pharmacognostic analyses to verify the authenticity of the leaves of the Coccinia barteri plant.
 Methods: The organoleptic studies were carried out through sensory organs. Histological analyses were conducted by microscopic examination of the specimen mounted on hand slides. Phytochemical screening and chemomicroscopic evaluation were also carried out using various standard methods.
 Results: The leaves of Coccinia barteri come in a range of forms and sizes. They are lustrous, bright, and dark green. They are also tiny and feature opposite imparipinnate compound leaves. The organoleptic evaluation showed a leafy odour and an astringent taste. Microscopic evaluation showed glandular trichomes, wavy epidermal cells, and anomocytic stomata. The leaf had anomocytic stomata and hypostomatic. with an average stomatal number, index, density, length, width and size of 13.75 ± 0.40%, 15.44 ± 0.42 mm-2, 80.88±2.82 mm-2, 29.26µm, 26.17 ± 0.4 µm and 766.38± 39.49 µm, respectively.
 The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, proteins, glycosides, and flavonoids, while tannins and fixed oils were not detected. Chemotaxonomic studies showed the presence of starch grains, lignified tissues, calcium oxalates, gum, and the absence of protein and oil globules.
 Analytical evaluation of the leaves of Coccinia barteri produced 7.00% total ash, 0.93% acid insoluble ash, 2.96% water soluble ash, 8.40% moisture content, 29.67% alcohol extractive value, 40.17% water extractive value, and 21.00% ethyl acetate extractive value.
 Conclusion: This study provides information on the morphology, microscopic, and phytochemical profile of the leaves of Coccinia barteri.

Pharmacognostic and Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation of Clerodendrum thomsoniae Leaves

Clerodendrum thomsoniae (Lamiaceae) is an ornamental plant grown almost worldwide in humid environment. The phytocompounds present in plant protect the body from oxidative stress, brain disorders, skin rashes, sores and depression. Present study deals with to establish pharmacognostic, physiochemical and phytochemical standards of Clerodendrum thomsoniae leaves. Microscopical evaluation of Clerodendrum thomsoniae leaves showed the presence of covering trichomes, epidermis and other characteristics. Results of Clerodendrum thomsoniae leaves yielded 7.5% w/w total ash, alcohol extractive value not more than 23.33% w/w (Hot extraction), 21.66% w/w (Cold maceration) and water extractive value not more than 30.12% w/w (Hot extraction), 36.66% w/w (Cold maceration) and 8% w/w total moisture content by LOD. The Phytochemical investigation of extracts of Clerodendrum thomsoniae leaves shows the presence of sterols, triterpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, proteins and carbohydrate. Pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters determined in the present work can serve as major criteria for identity, quality and purity of a crude drug and extracts.

Pharmacognostic Study and Hepatoprotective Activity of the Methanolic Extract and Fractions of Leaves of Picralima nitida Apocyanaceae

Picralima nitida the only species in the genus Picralima belongs to the Apocyanaceae family. It is widely known for its medicinal purposes. The aim of the study was to investigate pharmacognostic parameters of the leaf and evaluate the hepatoprotective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity using Swiss Albino mice. The physicochemical evaluation indicated 11.75% moisture content, 8.50% total ash, 9.50% acid insoluble ash, 4.00% water soluble ash, 13.75% alcohol extractive value and 11.00% water extractive value. Macroscopic analysis on the fresh leaves revealed an odourless green plant with bitter taste. Microscopic examination indicated the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, starch grains, epidermal cells, xylem, parenchyma cells, paracytic stomata and palisade tissue. Chemomicroscopic evaluation indicated the presence of oxalate crystals, starch grains, lignified tissues, tannins, cellulose, protein and oil. The acute toxicity result revealed that P. nitida had no adverse effect in Swiss Albino mice. The ethyl acetate fraction had hepatoprotective ability on liver enzymes (alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) and can produce the same result as ascorbic acid (standard).

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF KALYANAKA KSHARA: AN AYURVEDIC COMPOUND FORMULATION

Background: Ayurveda utilises different forms of herbs in therapeutics. Kshara is one such form. The material destroys or cleans the excessive/morbid doshas (Ksharanat Kshananat va Kshara). They are considered anushastra’s (para-surgical instruments). Kshara’s (alkaline substances) are more suitable and can be used where shastra chikitsa (surgery) is contraindicated. Kshara (alkaline substances) is the best drug for internal and external use. Considering the quick action, lesser dose, and more comprehensive action, an attempt is made to formulate and standardise the product, as there is insufficient data regarding its standardisation. Objective: To formulate and standardise the Kalyanaka Kshara. Methods: All ingredients were taken per the reference Ashtanga Hridaya chikitsa sthana, Kalyanaka Kshara. All the Raw materials like plants, animals, and mineral drugs were collected from the local market of Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. And by the sharava samputa (earthen pot) method, three different samples (KK1, KK2, and KK3) of Kalyanaka Kshara were prepared. Result: Physicochemical changes in each sample, organoleptic characters of the product yield were observed. The standard values of Kalyanaka Kshara are alkaline with pH 10.01, loss on drying (% w/w) 0.47, total ash value (% w/w) 55.5, acid insoluble ash value (% w/w) 0.93 water extractive value (% w/w) 62.55, alcohol extractive value (% w/w) 38.54. Conclusion: On behalf of each sample's pharmaceutical and physicochemical analysis, there are no considerable changes in any of the KK1, KK2, and KK3 samples, and encouraging results were observed. The developed SOP and physicochemical parameters can be adopted as pharmacopeial standards.

Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Screening and High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry Analysis of Essential Oils of Hedychium Coronarium J. Koenig, a Medicinal and Aromatic Plant

Medicinal plants have been used in all cultures as a source of medicine since ages. When parts of plants such as rhizomes, leaves or barks and other natural materials are used as drugs to treat illnesses, they are called crude drugs and the study of crude drugs is called pharmacognosy. Proximate analysis in plants gives valuable information and help to assess the quality of a crude drug. Beneficial effects of crude drugs are believed to be attributed to plant phytochemicals. Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig, a medicinal and aromatic plant of high value is an endangered and red-listed plant. The rhizome of this plant is used for the treatment of various diseases. Crude extracts prepared from the rhizomes show antibacterial and antifungal properties. Essential oils obtained from Hedychium coronarium are found to be rich in terpenes and used for bactericidal, fungicidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications. The present study assesses the quality of crude drugs prepared from this highly medicinal plant. Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium, which is frequently consumed as food and as medicine were carried out. Ash content was found to be low) when compared to the moisture content. The water extractive value was more than alcohol extractive. Preliminary tests carried out on phytochemicals revealed the presence of terpenoids and oils. High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry was carried to ascertain the different components of essential oils and revealed the presence of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), caryophyllene oxide, camphor, linoleic acid, ricinin, phloroglucinol, 6-gingerol, carvone and arjungenin.

A Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Abhavitha and Bhavitha Choorna of the whole plant of Centella asiatica Linn. Urban

The drug Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn. Urban) has been extensively used as medicine and also used for in homely preparations. In Ayurveda, Bhavana is a principal samskara (pharmaceutical procedure) being used to potentiate the drug and induce additional therapeutic properties in it. This process was carried out in the powdered whole plant (abhavitha choorna) of Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.Urban), by soaking it overnight into its own swarasa (fresh juice). The preliminary phytochemical evaluation of abhavitha choorna and bhavitha choorna (processed powder) of Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica Linn.Urban) was done and the water insoluble ash, tannin, extractive values and successive solvent extractive values were found more in bhavitha choorna when compared to abhavitha choorna of the drug, which revealed that the bhavana process can increase the potency and efficacy of the drug. The aim of present study is to compare the findings of phytochemical analysis of the both abhavitha and bhavitha choorna of the drug.

Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Development of Quality Control Parameters for Root of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik

Pharmacognosy Research,2023,15,1,101-111.DOI:10.5530/097484900263Published:December 2022Type:Original ArticleAuthors:Deshraj Shyamkant Chumbhale, and Mahendra Shivshankar Khyade Author(s) affiliations:Deshraj Shyamkant Chumbhale1, Mahendra Shivshankar Khyade2,* 1Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrutvahini College of Pharmacy, Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, INDIA. 2Department of Botany, Sangamner Nagarpalika Arts, D.J. Malpani Commerce and B.N. Sarda Science College (Autonomous), Sangamner, Maharashtra, INDIA. Abstract:Background: In traditional medicine, Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik, which belongs to the Malvaceae family, has been used to treat boils, sores, sprains, inflammations, tuberculosis, and leucoderma. Objectives: The objective of this study was to establish identification and quality control standards. Materials and Methods: For pharmacognostic evaluation, macroscopy, micromorphology and physicochemical constants have been used. Microchemical colour reaction tests and HPTLC studies were performed for qualitative phytochemistry. Results: Externally the root is yellowish-brown to yellowish-white and has a distinct odour, bitter taste, wavy shape, and smooth texture. The periderm was composed of 4-5 thin-walled cells. The secondary phloem has dilated rays and broad pyramid-shaped mucilage-packed rays. The fibres have thin walls and are narrow, and the secondary xylem is a compact circular cylinder with eight to eight radial lines of vessel chains. Prismatic calcium oxalate crystals, lignified long, narrow, thick-walled fibres with parenchyma cells, lignified cork cells, and cylindrical vessel elements were discovered in powdered samples. Physicochemically, the ash value was found above 8% which shows more than 75% solubility in acid whereas water and methanol extractive values were found to be just above and below 8% respectively. In UV-fluorescence study, very distinctive colour changes of the powdered root have been recorded. The phytochemical analysis reveals the presence of glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and steroids. GC-MS and HPTLC are also used to characterize lipid and phenolic molecules. Conclusion: These findings will help in the future identification and quality control of A. manihot as reference standards. Keywords:Abelmoschus manihot, Pharmacognosy, Physicochemistry, PhytochemistryView:PDF (854.67 KB)

Dosage form Development of Nagabala- Arjunadi Yoga and Chromatographic Analysis Using HPTLC

Nagabala -Arjunadi Yoga, is the combination of Nagabala and Arjuna Churna mentioned in Chakradatta, Hridroga Chikitsa, is prepared by giving Bhavana of Rasonadi Kwatha. Hridroga (cardiovascular disorders) are the most common health concern of the present era. It is the leading cause of death worldwide. Ancient Samhitas contain many formulations in the context of Hridroga, whose applicability is unexplored. Churna and Kwatha are the main dosage forms used in clinical practice. But compared to Churna and Kwatha, tablets are more patient compatible in terms of palatability and possess increased shelf life. Hence, Nagabala-Arjunadi Yoga, a tablet dosage form is developed using Nagabala- Arjuna Churna and Rasonadi Kwatha. No scientific evaluation data for this drug is available to date. The present study was done to evaluate the pharmacognostical and pharmaceutical profile of Nagabala-Arjunadi Yoga. The microscopic examination of the Nagabala- Arjunadi Yoga showed the presence of rosette crystals, rhomboidal crystals, simple fibres, oil globules and stones cells. The physicochemical analysis showed that pH value, hardness, loss on drying, ash value, water extractive value and methanol extractive value was 5.8, 3.5kg/cm2, 7.949%, 3.03%, 17.43%, 16.14% respectively. The HPTLC densitograms at UV 254 nm and UV 366nm using Toluene and Ethyl acetate in the ratio 9:1 showed maximum peak height in 3rd peak corresponding to the Rf value 0.18 and 0.17 respectively. The finding observed in the present study can be used as reference for future quality control.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Investigations of Methanol Extract of Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma lucidum is a popular woody and spongy mushroom (fungi) widely distributed throughout the world. It is commonly used in the production of nutriceuticals, functional foods and also serves as a therapeutic herb used in the treatment of several diseases. This study was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities as well as acute toxicity of the crude methanol extract of G. lucidum. The phytochemicals, proximate composition and antioxidant potential were determined using already established methods. The formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were applied to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities respectively. Phytochemicals detected were saponins, flavonoids and terpenoids. The moisture content, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash, total ash, alcohol extractive value and water extractive value were 12.53 ± 0.18%, 1.45 ± 0.21%, 2.68 ± 0.51%, 3.31 ± 0.2%, 1.41 ± 0.00% and 1.07 ± 0.01% respectively. The IC50 values for the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the extract and ascorbic acid standard) were 31.56 ± 1.30 and 18.84 ± 2.06 µg/mL respectively. The crude extract at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight showed the highest % inhibition of edema after 4 hours and there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the number of writhes in a dose dependent manner. In the oral administration of the crude extract to Swiss mice, 100% mortality was recorded at 5000 mg/kg. The study confirms that G. lucidum is a potential source of phytomedicine with substantial pharmacological and antioxidant properties but however, could be toxic at higher doses.

Phytocheical and antidiabetic evaluation of the solvent fractions of <em>Coccinia barteri</em> Hook F (Cucurbitaceae) on alloxan induced diabetic rats

The use of natural anti-diabetic medications in treating diabetes is receiving more attention daily. This study evaluated the phytochemical constituents and anti-diabetic properties of the leaves of Coccinia barteri on alloxan induced diabetic rats. The powdered leaf was macerated in methanol for 72hrs and then fractionated with ethyl acetate, chloroform and aqueous methanol solvents. Phytochemical and analytical evaluations were done using standard methods. The toxicity study was carried out on mice using Lorke’s method. The Albino rats were divided into 8 groups of 4 rats each, 6 groups for the fractions and 2 for negative control and positive controls. Alloxan monohydrate (120 mg/kg) was used to induce diabetes. Treatment were with oral doses of the fractions (100 and 300mg/kg body weight) and Glibenclamide 5mg for 7days and their glucose levels were checked daily. The macroscopic and microscopic analysis showed dark green leaf, reticulate veination, smooth texture, fresh leafy odour, glandular trichome, wavy epidermal cell and anisocytic stomata. Analytical evaluation produced total ash (7.00), acid insoluble ash (0.93), water soluble ash (2.96), moisture content (8.40), alcohol extractive value (29.67), water extractive value (40.17) and ethyl acetate extractive value (21.00). The phytochemical analysis revealed flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, glycosides and saponins are present. The anti-diabetic test revealed a significant decrease in the rat's fasting blood glucose especially in the aqueous methanol fraction (300 mg/kg). The least reduction was seen in chloroform fraction (100 mg/kg).The phytochemical constituents C.barteri has good anti-diabetic effects and can be used for further studies.

Pharmacognostic and physicochemical analysis of the leaves of Fadogia andersonii Robyns (Rubiaceae)

Fadogia andersonii has long been used in Africa in treatment of diseases including inflammation, arthritis, malaria and as aphrodisiac. The use and demand of this medicinal plants has been growing over long period of time. This study was carried out to determine some important pharmacognostic parameters of F. andersonii leaf. Evaluation of the fresh, powdered leaves was carried out to determine the macro-morphological, qualitative and quantitative microscopic, chemomicroscopic features, physicochemical properties and elemental analysis of the leaves. The leaves are pinnate opposite arranged, oblique lamina, glabrous appearance, elliptical in shape, entire margin with reticulate venation. The microscopy revealed straight polygonal wall of epidermal cells, paracytic stomata, unicellular trichomes, xylem, phloem, prismatic & druse crystals, and starch grains. Chemomicroscopy revealed presence of cellulose, cutin, lignin, tannins, starch, calcium oxalate crystals and gum & mucilage. The physicochemical parameters for the leaves estimated include moisture contents (13.11%), total ash value (5.67%), water soluble ash (1.33%), acid insoluble ash (2.00%), water extractive values (13.33%) and alcohol extractive values (10.67%). Elemental analysis revealed the presence of iron, copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, and lead. The pharmacognostic standard observed in this study will be of help in correct identification and quality control of F. andersonii.

Phytochemical and antioxidant studies of Hibiscus Cannabinus seed oil

Abstract Hibiscus cannabinus is used in traditional medicine for treatment of cancer, bacterial infections, diabetics and other diseases. The study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the oil extracted from Hibiscus cannabinus. The physicochemical parameters of the seed powder were determined using standard procedures. The oil was extracted using Soxhlet extractor and the phytochemical composition was analysed using qualitative tests and GC-MS. The organoleptic characters of the oil were evaluated using standard protocols. Oral acute toxicity in Wistar rats was assayed using the method outlined by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD 425). Qualitative and quantitative antioxidant activity were determined using DPPH free radical assay. The result of the physicochemical evaluation revealed moisture content (8.0%), total ash (4.0%), acid insoluble ash (5.0%), alcohol extractive value (5.5%) and water extractive value (4.5%). The percentage yield of the oil was 13.2%. The organoleptic evaluation of the oil revealed characteristic taste, yellowish colour, characteristic smell and smooth texture. The oil had specific gravity of 0.94 and was found to be soluble/miscible in some organic solvents. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids/triterpenoids. The GC-MS revealed the presence of some fatty acids and their esters. The acid value (65.64 mgKOH/g of oil), saponification value (159.32 mgKOH/g of oil), ester value (93.68 mgKOH/g of oil) and iodine value (11.40 gI2/100 g of oil) were obtained. The oral acute toxicity showed that the oil was not toxic up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg per body weight. The oil demonstrated free radical scavenging activity with highest percentage inhibition of 85.30% at 0.441 μg/mL. The results of the research showed that Hibiscus cannabinus oil contain antioxidant compounds and the oil is not toxic when tested in rats. Therefore, the oil can be used in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Essential Oil Constituents and Pharmacognostic Evaluation of Java Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) stem from Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Cymbopogon winterianus essential oil contains citral-derived chemicals with a variety of pharmacological effects, although there has been minimal research on pharmacognostic, phytochemical, and biological aspects.
 AIM: This research aims to evaluate the pharmacognostic and chemical components of C. winterianus stem essential oil.
 METHODS: The pharmacognostic studies were carried out in terms of macroscopic, microscopic, water content, water extractive values, ethanol extractive values, and essential oil yield. The oil was extracted by ethanol steam distillation method, the oil composition was analyzed by GC-MS.
 RESULTS: Cymbopogon winterianus stems are 15-35 cm long and 0.5-2 cm broad, with a rough, stiff, and thin texture, with prominent fibers on the top and bottom surfaces. It has a bitter and slightly spicy taste with a distinctive lemony aroma and was greenish yellow in hue with a blend of purplish-red colors. The upper and lower epidermis was examined under a microscope, which revealed sclerenchyma fibers, trichomes, parenchyma, calcium oxalate (rosette), cortex, stem pith, oil cells, stomata (Gramineae type), trachea (ladder and spiral thickening), and collenchyma. The water content was 7.16±0.72%, the water-soluble extractive value was 12.152±0.003%, the ethanol-soluble extractive value was 12.290 ±0.76%, and the essential oil content was 6.46±0.50%. Essential oil constituents were 6-octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, formate; trifluoroacetyl-lavandulol; n-hexadecanoic acid; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-; oxacyclotetradecane-2,11-dione, 13-methyl-; palmitic acid vinyl ester; glycidyl palmitate; 9,17-Octadecadienal, (Z)-; glycidyl palmitoleate; 1,4-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene; and cyclotrisiloxane, hexamethyl-.
 CONCLUSION: The essential oil constituents and preliminary pharmacognostic evaluation of Cymbopogon winterianus stem can provide useful data for further phytochemical analysis, quality control, and standardization of Cymbopogon winterianus. Citronellyl formate detected as citral derivatives as the main compound in the ethanol steam distillation method.

Approaches for the Elimination of Microbial Contaminants from Lippia multiflora Mold. Leaves Intended for Tea Bagging and Evaluation of Formulation.

Elimination of microorganisms from herbal products has been a major concern due to its implicated health risk to consumers. Drying of herbal materials has been employed for centuries to reduce the risk of contamination and spoilage. The present study adopted three drying approaches in an attempt to eliminate microorganisms from Lippia multiflora tea bag formulation. This study also evaluated the tea bags and optimized the extraction procedure. The L. multiflora leaves for tea bagging were air-dried and milled (A), oven-dried and milled (B), and microwaved (the milled air-dried leaves) (C). The moisture contents were determined at 105°C ± 2°C for 2 hours to constant weight. Phytochemical parameters such as phytochemical constituents, total water extractive, and pH were assessed. The microbial safety and quality of the L. multiflora tea bags were evaluated using the British Pharmacopoeia 2019 specifications. The uniformity of the mass of the formulated tea bags was also determined. Extraction from the Lippia tea bags was optimized. The results showed that using the approaches (A, B, and C) adopted for drying and processing, the moisture contents of the formulated tea bags were in the range of 9.75–10.71% w/w. All the formulated tea bags contained reducing sugars, phenolic compounds, polyuronides, flavonoids, anthracenosides, alkaloids, saponins, and phytosterols. The pH range of the formulations was 7.11–7.54, whereas the total water extractive values were in the range of 19.12–20.41% w/w. The one-way analysis of variance demonstrated no significant difference in the data obtained from the results from A, B, and C. The formulation from A was found to be unsafe for consumption due to unacceptable microbial contamination limits. Microbial load of the formulations from B and C were within the BP specifications. All the batches of the formulations passed the uniformity of mass test. An optimized extraction procedure was obtained when one tea bag was extracted in 250 mL of hot water within the specified time. L. multiflora leaves meant for tea bagging should be oven-dried or microwaved before tea bagging for safe consumption.

Microscopic, Physicochemical and Phytochemical Evaluation of Stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii (Harms) Pellegr. (Mimosaceae)

Microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation gives detailed valuable information that is useful in determination of the identity, quality and purity of medicinal plants, crude drugs and herbal products. The research was carried out in order to determine the microscopic, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of stem bark extract of Aubrevillea kerstingii. The macroscopic, microscopic, chemo-microscopic and physicochemical and preliminary phytochemical screening parameters were determined according to standard methods.The microscopic features revealed the presence of thin walled, radially arranged cork cells, well developed cortex, bundles of sclerenchymatous cells and numerous prismatic calcium oxalate crystals The chemo-microscopy of the powdered stem bark revealed the presence of some cell wall materials and cell inclusions. Physicochemical parameters determined in this study showed moisture content to be 8.2 ± 0.07, total ash value 9.23 ± 0.56, acid insoluble ash 1.49 ± 0.12, water soluble ash 5.52 ± 0.10, alcohol extractive value 26.50 ± 0.61 and water extractive value 33.4 ± 0.36. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of saponins, triterpenes, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and carbohydrate. The parameters of stem bark of Aubrevillea kerstingii determined in this study will help in establishing the quality and purity of the plant.
 Keywords: Aubrevillea kerstingii, Fabaceae, Physicochemical, Phytochemical

Comparative shelf-life study of Raw Guggulu (Commiphora wightii oleo-gum resin) and Shodhita Guggulu (cow urine processed C. wightii oleo-gum resin)

BACKGROUND: Shelf-life is an important aspect of raw as well as finished drugs. Recently, shelf-life parameters have been included in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. The objective of this article is to evaluate and compare the long-term shelf-life study of Raw Guggulu (RG) (C. wightii oleo-gum resin) and Shodhita Guggulu (SG) (cow urine processed C. wightii oleo-gum resin). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A stability chamber with environmental conditions 30°C ± 2°C/60% ± 5% RH was used for long-term shelf-life study of RG and SG. Physico-chemical parameters such as loss on drying, pH, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water extractive value, and alcohol extractive value were tested at regular frequency (0th, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th month). RESULTS: Significant changes have been observed w.r.t. analysis of physico-chemical parameters. Physico-chemical parameters revealed that the shelf-life of RG ranged from 42 to 66 months and shelf-life of SG ranged from 39 to 62 months. CONCLUSION: The average shelf-life of RG and SG was found out to be 55.16 and 48.16 months, respectively. These studies may help to understand the shelf-life of various ayurvedic formulations of RG and SG.

Quality Assessment of Selected Anti-Asthmatic Herbal Products Marketed in Kaduna State Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: Herbal medicines are the oldest form of healthcare known to humanity and it is used worldwide for prevention and treatment of different disease conditions. The presence and proliferation of substandard herbal medicines in the market that do not fulfil standards set by the regulating bodies in Nigerian is a matter of concern. Objective: To assess quality of some anti-asthmatic herbal products marketed in Kaduna State using standard methods. Method: Ten (10) different samples of anti-asthmatic herbal products marketed in Kaduna metropolis were selected randomly and standard methods by World Health Organization methods, Trease and Evans, and digestion by AOAC were used to assess the quality of the herbal samples. Results: The result obtained showed that 50 % of the herbal preparations contain moisture content higher than the permissible limit (8 %), while 40 and 10 % of the samples had water extractive and alcohol extractive values respectively lower than the 15 % minimum limit stipulated by European Pharmacopeia. Also, 30 % of the samples had higher ash values than the 14 % maximum acceptable limit recommended by European Pharmacopoeia. All the herbal preparations analyzed contain cardiac glycosides, carbohydrates, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoid, while 80 % of the samples contain terpenoids, 70 % of the samples contain saponins and 50 % contain tannins. Also, 80 and 50 % of the samples analyzed contained cadmium and lead respectively above WHO permissible limits (0.3 and 10 ppm respectively). Conclusion: None of the anti-asthmatic herbal products analyzed passed the quality assessment carried out in this study.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF NARASIMHA CHURNA FOR AMYLOLYTIC ACTIVITY

Ayurvedic medicines play an important role in immune problems due to safety and efficacy in it. Hence Narsimha Churna meant for amylolytic activity has been formulated by standard procedures and evaluated by physical and analytical methods. The formulation consists of fine powder (sieve 60 size) of dried roots of Asparagus racemosus, fruits of Tribulus terrestris, rhizome of Dioscorea bulbifera, steam of Tinospora cordifolia and fruit of Semecarpus anacardium in appropriate proportions (2:2:1:1) and mixed well. Physical parameters viz, total ash, acid insoluble ash, water extractive values, alcohol soluble extractive values and crude fibre content besides heavy metal analysis were carried out. The microbial load of formulation for Escherichia coli was also determined. The efficiency of churna for finds the amylolytic activity. Ash values and extractive values were found to be within prescribed limits. The arsenic level was found to be 0.205 ppm. Churna did not show the presence of any Escherichia coli and other microorganisms. The churna showed pronounced amylolytic activity.

Pharmacognostic and antidysentery screening of mixed ethanol leaf extract of Parkia biglobosa and Acanthus montanus (50:50)

Introduction: Parkia biglobosa belong to the family mimosaceae and Acanthus montanus belong to the family acanthaceae. The plants both have a multipurpose use as herbal medicine. Aim: This work investigate the pharmacognostic standard and anti-dysentery activity of the mixed ethanol extract of both plants on E. histolytical induced dysentery. Method: The phytochemical, chemo microscopy and proximate analysis were carried out using the standard procedures. The mixed extract of ratio 50:50 was administered to different groups of rats at different doses. Loperamide was administered as standard drug. The change in faecal consistency was observed and recorded. Result: The phytochemical analysis shows the presence of alkaloids, tannins, proteins, glycosides and carbohydrates. Chemomicroscopy of both plants showed the presence of starch, calcium oxalate, lignin, cellulose. While the extractive value analysis gave 25.0% and 32.7% for water extractive value and ethanol extractive value respectively (for Acanthus montanus) and 23.0% and 30.0% for water extractive value and ethanol extractive value respectively (for Parkiabiglobosa). The absence of death at 5000mg/kg of the extract shows that the lethal dose of the ethanol extract of the plant mixture is higher than 5000mg/kg which may be an indication of safety of the mixture. The anti-dysentery activity of the mixture of both plants with different concentration of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg body weight of ethanol extract showed a significant change in the faecal consistency of the rats. The effect obtained on the administration of 500mg/kg body weight of the extract mixture is more comparable to the standard (loperamide). Conclusion: The synergistic use of the extract contains the secondary metabolites glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, which may be responsible for their anti-dysentery synergistic activity. Mixed extracts from both leaves of P. biglobosa and A. montanus can be recommended as an anti-dysentery agent.