Curcuma caesia Roxb. is a perennial, erect rhizomatous herb with large leaves. Fresh rhizomes are aromatic with intense camphoraceous odour, cultivated for its rhizomes, which are used in traditional medicine. The plant is reported to contain camphor, ar-turmerone, (Z)-ocimene, ar-curcumene, 1, 8-cineole, elemene, borneol, bornyl acetate and curcumene as the major constituents. The plant has been reported to have antifungal activity, anti-asthmatic, smooth muscle relaxant, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, analgesic, locomotor depressant, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects, anti-inflammatory properties. It is now considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases. This review gives a view mainly on the meditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of the plant.

Background: Diabetes leads to a cardiomyopathy characterized by myocyte loss. Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by decreased left ventricular contractility and diminished ventricular compliance with marked abnormal systolic and diastolic function. Aim: The ameliorative effect of ethanolic Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) was evaluated in diabetic cardiomyopathy against STZ-induced diabetes. Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced by a single intravenous injection of (STZ, 45 mg/kg) in male Wistar rats. Blood pressure, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose apolipoprotein B and lipids as well as heart weight, caspase-3, sodium potassium adenosine triphosphatase Na ⁺ K ⁺ ATPase, and DNA laddering were determined. Results and Conclusions: Administration of GSE (120 mg/kg/p.o.) treatment significantly ( P < 0.01) reduced myocyte loss by suppressing the levels of cardiac caspase-3, DNA laddering; mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate as well as serum LDH, glucose, apolipoprotein B, and lipids levels. Further, it increased the heart weight and cardiac Na ⁺ K ⁺ ATPase activity in diabetic rats. The cardiomyopathy suppression is accompanied by decrease in cardiac caspase-3 levels, DNA laddering, blood pressures, serum LDH, apolipoprotein-B and glucose. Thus, this present study reports the anti-apoptotic potential of GSE in STZ-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Typha angustata (Typhaceae) is a valuable folklore plant in India and inflorescence has been reported for the treatment of wounds, boils and ulcers in many Indian and Chinese literatures. Aim: The objective of the present work was to develop detailed pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters for this drug. Materials and Methods: Microscopical examination of leaf, stem, inflorescence, root and rhizome was carried out with the help of microscope with camera and preliminary phytochemical analysis and Thin Layer Chromatography was developed. Results and Conclusions: The plant showed a typical monocotyledon characteristics with glabrous isobilateral lamina of leaves with typical paracytic stomata, wedge-shaped margin, vascular bundles interspersed with fibre bundles in the chlorophyllous mesophyll. Stem showed epidermis, hypodermis external to vascular bundles and fibre bundles, a typical Y shape arrangement of xylem in conjoint and collateral bundle. Major features of rhizomes were epidermis, two types of cortex cells with aeranchymatous inner cortex, uniseriate endodermis with casparian bands, suberin lamellae and secondarily thickened walls. Roots showed epiblema with unicellular trichomes, sclerenchymatous hypodermis, cortex with radially elongated air spaces and polyarch, radial bundles. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of carbohydrates, glycosides, phenolics in methanolic and aqueous extract and flavonoids in ethyl acetate and methanol. A co-TLC using quercetin as a standard was developed in chloroform: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (6: 4: 0.2) and when observed under UV 254 nm, except aqueous all the extract tested, showed a spot of quercetin. The developed standards may be helpful in identification of the drug and establishment of the quality control parameter for monograph development.

Background: The essential oil of Pimpinella anisum has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including some neurological disorders. Aims: This study was aimed to test, in vivo, the possible anxiolytic and antidepressant effects, of the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum against chronic lead acetate (0.2%) intoxication during the gestation and lactation period, in Wistar rat pups. Settings and Design: Wistar rat pups were exposed to lead via their dams' drinking water from postnatal day (PND) 1 to (PND) 21. After weaning, the lead-exposed rats received injections of essential oil of Pimpinella anisum (0.5 ml/kg) for 15 days. The level of anxiety, depression and locomotor activity were studied. Materials and Methods: The behaviours evaluated were: Locomotor activity (open-field test), anxiety (dark and light compartment and elevated plus maze tests), and depression (forced swimming test). Statistical Analysis: The data were analysed by two-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs). When a significant difference was found, the Student-Newman-Keuls post-hoc test was conducted. For all analyses, the difference was considered to be significant at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The results of the present study demonstrate that developmental lead exposure induces, on the one hand, impairments of body ( P < 0.001) and brain weight ( P < 0.05), respectively, and on the other hand, increases the level of anxiety ( P < 0.001), depression ( P < 0.001) and locomotor hyperactivity ( P < 0.001), compared to control rats. Administration of the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum entrains reduction in the level of anxiety ( P < 0.001), depression ( P < 0.001) and correct locomotor hyperactivity ( P < 0.001) in rats exposed to lead beforehand. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results demonstrate that developmental lead exposure induces significant perturbation of emotional reactivity that can be improved by treatment with the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum. Further evaluation of the use of anise oil in the treatment of neurological disorders is suggested.

Background: One important therapeutic approach for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is by decreasing the postprandial increase of glucose. This is possible by inhibiting certain carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like alpha-amylase. Aim: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the alpha amylase inhibitory activity of flavonoids extracts of different parts of Vitex negundo Linn and Andrographis paniculata Nees. Materials and Methods: In the present study, the percentage inhibitory effect of flavonoids isolated from different parts of Vitex negundo and Andrographis paniculata were studied with salivary alpha amylase and starch as substrate using chromogenic DNSA method and starch iodine method for qualitative estimation. Statistical Analysis: All experiments were performed in 3 different sets with each set in triplicates. The data are expressed as mean ± SEM (standard error of the mean). Statistical difference and linear regression analysis were performed using Graph pad prism 5 statistical software. Statistical analysis was performed for ANOVA (analysis of variance) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 11.5. Values of P which were ≤0.05 were considered as significant. Results and Conclusion: The results clearly indicated that highest inhibition (62.22%) was obtained at the concentration of 1.5 mg/ml of flavonoids extracted from the leaves of A. paniculata, with an IC ₅₀ value of 0.004 mg/ml. Except Vitex leaf flavonoids extract, all other tested flavonoids of different parts of both the plants have shown more than 50% inhibition of alpha amylase activity. Thus the results are clearly indicating that the flavonoids of V. negundo and A. paniculata might be effective in lowering post prandial hyperglycemia.

Background: Bark of Careya arborea Roxb are traditionally used in the ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of epilepsy. Aims : The aim of the present study was to evaluate anticonvulsant activity of C. arborea Linn. bark against experimental induced seizures. Settings and Design: Convulsion was induced by maximal electroshock seizures (MES), pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) and PTZ-induced kindling model. Materials and Methods: Petroleum ether (PE), chloroform (CH), methanol (ME) and aqueous (AQ) extract of C. arborea bark at 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w. were administered in all models. Statistical Analysis: Mean values and standard error mean was determined for all models and data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's test. Results and Conclusion: The ME and AQ extract of C. arborea bark at 300 mg/kg b.w. p.o. showed the most significant ( P < 0.01) anticonvulsant effect by decreasing the duration of hind limb extension (extensor phase), clonus and also the duration of stupor phase, as compared with control in MES and PTZ and the extracts also inhibited seizure score in PTZ-induced kindling model.

Aim: The present study was designed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of heartwood of Acacia catechu Willd. Materials and Methods: The alcoholic extract of heartwood of Acacia catechu Willd and its ethyl acetate fractions at different concentrations were tested on Indian adult earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) by in vitro standard procedure. Time of paralysis and time of death of the worms were considered as the parameters to assess the anthelmintic action. Albendazole and 2% w/v gum acacia in distilled water were used as standard and control respectively. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction of alcoholic extracts exhibited potent anthelmintic activity compared to alcoholic extract as evidenced by a significant decrease in time of paralysis and death. The observed activity could be due to the presence to phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids in the test extract. Conclusion: These in vitro studies indicated that the A. catechu Willd. is a significant source of natural anthelmintic, which might be helpful in preventing the progress of various parasitic disorders.

Background: Mosquitoes transmit serious human diseases such as malaria, filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, dengue fever, dengue haemorrhagic fever and yellow fever causing millions of deaths every year. Extensive use of chemical insecticides for control of vector borne diseases has created problems related to physiological resistance to vectors, adverse environmental effects, high operational cost and community acceptance. Plants may be a source of alternative agents for control of mosquitoes because they are rich in bioactive chemicals and biodegradable. In this study, mosquito larvicidal activity of Cyperus rotundus against Aedes aegypti larvae was assessed in laboratory according to World Health Organisation guidelines 2005 with slight modification. Materials and Methods: Five concentrations of petroleum ether (PE) and ethyl alcohol (EA) extracts of C. rotundus in the range of 200-1000 ppm were used in bioassay against late 3 ^rd and 4 ^th instar larvae of A. aegypti. Observation of mortality response was assessed after 24 h. The mortality data were subjected to probit regression analysis to determine the median lethal concentration LC ₅₀ and LC ₉₀ . C. rotundus. Results: PE extract and EA extract produce 98% and 97% mortality at 1,000 ppm, respectively. PE extracts exhibits LC ₅₀ 443.80 ppm and LC ₉₀ 882.98 ppm whereas EA extract exhibits LC ₅₀ 594.22 ppm and LC ₉₀ 936.25 ppm. Conclusion: PE and EA extracts of C. rotundus showed good mosquito larvicidal potential.

Context: Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae) is a highly valued plant, distributed in many countries of the tropics and subtropics. It has an impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional value. Aim: The present study, primarily aims to carry out a preliminary phytochemical screening so as to detect the major class of compounds present in M. oleifera and to perform thin layer chromatography (TLC) profiling of all sequential extracts. Materials and Methods: Phytochemical analysis was performed by various qualitative methods and TLC profiling was carried out using various solvent system of varying polarity. Results and Conclusions: Qualitative phytochemical analysis reflects the presence of phenolics, triterpenoids, cardiac glycosides, steroid, alkaloids and saponin in the plant extract. TLC profiling of the M. oleifera pods was carried out using sequential extracts of petroleum ether, benzene, petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water respectively. The results obtained in the present investigation indicated M. oleifera pods as a rich source of natural antioxidants.

Background: Roots of Solanum nigrum Linn. (Solanaceae), commonly known as black night shade (Kakamachi), is traditionally used in the treatment of worms and abdominal pain. Until date no scientific evaluation has been reported on its roots. Aim: The present study deals with the microscopical, histochemical, physicochemical, fluorescence analysis, preliminary phytochemical and chromatographic study of roots of S. nigrum L. Materials and Methods: Thin sections of fresh root were used for the microscopical and histochemical evaluation. Root powder was used for physicochemical and fluorescence analysis. For preliminary phytochemical study water, methanol and ether soluble extractives were used. Chromatographic study was carried out on methanol soluble extractive. Results: Diagnostic features of the roots are presence of prismatic crystals, border pitted vessels, and tannin content. Physico-chemical analysis of root powder shows ash value 3.99% w/w, 13.04% w/w and 11.85% w/w of water and alcohol soluble extractive values respectively. Phytochemical investigations of root shows presence of alkaloids, tannins and saponins along with other phytoconstituents in different extracts. In chromatographic study, alcoholic extract of root shows 10, 7 and 8 number of spots at 256 nm, 366 nm wavelengths and after spray of vanillin sulphuric acid, respectively. Conclusion: The information generated in this study will be helpful for the proper identification and authentication of roots of this herb.

Introduction: Chenopodium album (Bathua), a native Indian herb, has been used for treatment of abdominal pain, eye disease, throat troubles and cardiovascular disorders. The present study was carried out to explore antioxidant and hepatoprotective efficacy of C. album extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl ₄ ) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of C. album seeds was evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using three established models (diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging method, 2, 2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical cation decolorization assay and nitric oxide radical scavenging method) and hepatoprotective activity was also assessed against CCl ₄ induced hepatic damage in rats at the doses of 300 mg/kg and 450 mg/kg. Results: C. album extract was found to exhibit excellent antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity, when compared with ascorbic acid during in vitro studies. C. album extract at a dose of 450 mg/kg showed inhibition of elevation of the biochemical parameters comparable with silymarin (100 mg/kg) and hence shown remarkable protection in hepatic injury induced by free radicals generated due to administration of CCl ₄ as toxicant. The observations were also supplemented with histopathological examination of rat liver sections. Conclusion: This study establish scientific evidences to folklore use of C. album in treatment of hepatic disorders and also suggests that free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of phytoconstituents may be the possible mechanisms of its hepatoprotective potential.

Context: The persistent increase in the number of antibiotic resistant strains of microorganisms has led to the development of more potent but more expensive antibiotics. Synthetic drugs are mostly associated with side effects and are generally costly, hence are not affordable to economically poor class of the society when long term treatment is required, thus interest has been developed in the use of herbal medicines which have been reported to have either very little or no side effects. Aims: Present work was carried out to assess the antimicrobial activity of A. paniculata against some multidrug resistant pathogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: Different parts (leaf, stem, root) of A. paniculata were collected and air dried and soxhlet extracted by using standard methods for flavonoid and alkaloid extraction. These extracts were then tested for antimicrobial activity using disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration, Minimum bactericidal concentration and Total activity were also calculated. Statistical Analysis: Mean value and Standard Deviation were calculated for the test bacteria and fungi. Data were analysed by one-way analysis of variance and P values were considered significant at P < 0.05. Results: C. albicans was found to be the most susceptible organism followed by P. mirabilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and A. flavus. A. niger and T. mentegrophyte were observed to be resistant as none of the tested extracts showed activity against them. Free flavonoid extract of root showed best activity against C. albicans (IZ 14 mm, MIC 0.156), whereas leaf free flavonoid extract showed maximum 21 mm inhibition zone against P. mirabilis.The range of MIC and MBC was found to be 1.25-0.039 and 2.5-0.078 respectively. Conclusion: Results of the present study reveal that extracts of A. paniculata are showing great antimicrobial potential against tested microorganisms, and may be exploited for future antimicrobial drugs

Background: Rhein is the major anthraquinone found in Cassia fistula Linn, which is traditionally used as an important component of plant based medicine. Aims and Objective: To develop and validate a High Performance Thin Layer Chromatographic method for the estimation of Rhein from C. fistula Linn. Materials and Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F ₂₅₄ plates with n-hexane: Ethyl acetate: Formic acid (5:5:0.2, v/v/v) as a mobile phase. Detection of Rhein was carried out by derivatizing the plate with 10% ethanolic KOH reagent followed by heating at 110°C for 10 min. CAMAG TLC scanner 4 equipped with winCATS software was used for densitometric scanning at 550 nm. The accuracy of the method was checked by conducting various validation parameters according to ICH (International Conference on Harmonization) guidelines. Results: The method was found applicable to evaluate the content of Rhein in different plant parts of C. fistula and the impact of different geographical regions on the Rhein content in fruit pulp of C. fistula was also studied. Estimation of Rhein from a herbal formulation containing C. fistula fruit pulp was also carried out using the validated HPTLC method. The developed method was found sensitive and accurate for the estimation of Rhein from various plant matrices. Conclusion: The developed method was found useful for the quantitation of bioactive marker Rhein and can be used as a routine quality control tool for the assessment of botanicals.

Context: Dietary and life-style transitions have instigated accumulation of free radicals in our body causing oxidative stress, which is etiological in Non Communicable Diseases. Antioxidants are the means to counter oxidative stress. Thus, comprehensive knowledge of potential sources of antioxidants is vital. Aim: To assess the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) using ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays and phenolic composition of fresh and dried drumstick leaves from Western India. Settings and Design: This was an experimental study conducted under laboratory settings. Samples were procured from three different parts of the city of Vadodara, Western India. Materials and Methods: Fresh, oven-dried, and air-dried form of leaves were quantified for total phenol content (TPC) (Folin Ciocalteau assay), individual phenols (high performance liquid chromatography). Reducing property and free radical inhibiting property were quantified to understand the TAC using FRAP and DPPH assays respectively. Statistical Tests: Regression analyses were used for TPC and FRAP calculations. Results: The TPC ranged from 141.59 mgGAE/100 g to 185.32 mgGAE/100g; FRAP levels ranged from 0.49 mg/g to 0.7 mg/g, and DPPH ranged from 4.5% to 12.99% among raw and blanched Drumstick leaves sample in fresh, air-dried, and oven-dried form. High Pressure Liquid Chromatography analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, epigallocatechingallate, chlorogenic acid. Conclusion: The underutilised drumstick leaves have strong antioxidant capacity attributable to its phenolic composition. Thus, they are cheap and accessible source of antioxidants for medicinal and commercial purposes.

Objective: The present study was aimed to investigate the in vivo anti-nociceptive activity of Neelkanthi (whole plant) and to support its traditional use. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of plant Ajuga bracteosa (ABE) was investigated for its anti-nociceptive activity in hot-plate method, tail flick method and formalin induced hind paw licking test in mice. Three doses of the extract (ABE - 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) were used in the study and codeine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard. Results: ABE (500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly ( P < 0.05) increased the reaction time in both hot plate method and tail flick method. ABE also showed significant decrease in the paw licking response in formalin induced hind paw licking test in mice. Conclusions: ABE at the dose of 500 mg/kg and 750 mg/kg showed potent anti-nociceptive activity on comparison with the standard drug and supported its traditional use as analgesic.