The skin irritation potential of topical formulations is investigated prior to human exposure to identify the chemicals which might induce adverse skin reactions. Rumalaya liniment (RL) a novel formulation using natural oils and plant extracts is used for reducing inflammations associated with musculoskeletal disorders. Preclinical studies on RL are needed prior to skin application. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible cytotoxic effects of RL and a commercial sample (CS) on mouse embryo fibroblasts and human keratinocytes using neutral red uptake, (3-(4,5- Dimethylthiazol -2-yl)-2,5-di phenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and resazurin assay. The CTC ₅₀ values obtained for RL was significantly higher than that of CS, which revealed that RL is less toxic to CS. RL was less toxic (<17%) on both cell lines at 400 μg/ml and was nontoxic at further lower concentrations, whereas the toxicity of CS was above 59% even at 400 μg/ml. It was observed from the present study that by using three different assay methods and two different cell lines, the toxicity of RL was significantly lower than that observed with CS. From the study, it could be concluded that RL could be safer to skin due to their low cytotoxicity as compared with CS.

Careya arborea Roxb (Lecythidaceae) is known as Kumbhi in Ayurveda and is an important medicinal plant. It has a large panel of indication and would be more suitable to evaluate the bark since it has been used in Ayurveda in treatment of tumours, cough, bronchitis, haemorrhoids, intestinal worms, dysentery, ulcers and eruptive fevers, particularly small pox to name a few. The present study provided taxonomic characters of the plant, pharmacognostical and physicochemical details of the stem bark which will help in laying down pharmacopoeial parameters. Many important diagnostic characters such as lenticular openings at certain places of bark; presence of tanniferous cells in cork, secondary cortex and secondary phloem; layers of stone cells in secondary cortex and secondary phloem; presence of fibroid sclereids; rhomboidal, prismatic type of crystals in secondary phloem and presence of starch grains in medullary rays will certainly help in the identification of the drug. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates and glycosides, phenolic compound and tannins in ethanol and aqueous extracts, saponin glycosides in aqueous extract and phytosterols are present in petroleum ether, benzene, acetone and ethanol extracts. Fixed oil and fats are found in petroleum ether and benzene. Flavonoids, gums and mucilage, proteins and amino acids were totally absent in all extracts. HPTLC profile established for the plant will help in identification of the drug and also in isolating and identifying the biomarker compound responsible for the bioactivity.

The present research work was aimed at exploring the wound-healing activity of alcoholic and an aqueous Achyranthes aspera Linn (apamarga) leaf extract. Leaf extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) were examined for its wound-healing activity in the form of ointment (1% w/w) in Excision model and Incision model in rats. The evaluation was made in terms of wound contractibility and wound closure time. A. aspera Linn leaf extract showed significant (P<0.001) wound-healing activity when compared with control and was as effective as soframycin (standard cream for comparison). The wound-healing potential of ethanolic extract was slightly more compared with aqueous extract. The present study showed the wound-healing potential of apamarga leaves.

The survey was conducted to explore use, knowledge and attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among pharmacy students at the college of pharmacy, King Saud University. A total of 133 fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students completed a questionnaire designed to explore their use, knowledge and attitudes toward CAM therapies at the college of pharmacy, King Saud University. Study lasted for 3 months from 1 ^st of October until 31 ^st of December in 2007. Nutrition and herbal medicine therapies were the most known therapies by 65% and 53% of the students, respectively. Knowledge about CAM therapies among the students was limited. Thirty-nine percent of the students reported use of some form of CAM at least once in their lifetime. CAM was used for acute, chronic and mild illness as well as nutrition. Herbal medicine, nutrition, massage, relaxation exercises, yoga and mega-dose vitamin were the most CAM used. Lectures were the chief CAM information source. More than one half of the respondents (53-70%) believed that five of the 15 CAM modalities were useful, namely massage, herbal medicine, nutrition, yoga and relaxation exercises. Respondents had a positive attitude toward statements that favoured CAM. Most students strongly agreed or agreed that most CAM therapies were efficacious, whereas 52.6% of the respondents did believe that CAM therapies can be harmful to public health. The study showed that the students had positive attitude toward CAM and exhibited relatively high level of self-reported use of CAM therapies. Overall, students' knowledge of CAM is limited. The students perceived interest in learning and training in CAM. A separate course in CAM including its various components is needed. Also, availability of a reliable CAM information sources will aid the students to increase their knowledge of CAM.

Basella alba leaf mucilage was investigated as a binder in paracetamol tablets prepared by wet granulation method. Mucilage at four levels (concentrations of mucilage binders: 4, i.e., 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10% w/w) were studied. No significant work has been reported to use it as a tablet binder. The evaluation of granules showed 0.62 to 0.76 mm granule size, 28°47' to 30°27' angle of repose and 31.57 to 23.45% fines. Moisture content of the different granulations was less than 1%. The tablets were prepared and evaluated for average weight and weight variation, thickness, content uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution profiles. All the batches of tablets exhibited good uniformity in content. The hardness was within the range of 4.5 to 5.5 kg/cm ² . The hardness was increased and friability decreased with the increasing concentration of binding agent. The disintegration time also increased with increasing binder concentrations. The evaluation of tablet showed 0.434 to 0.410% friability, 9 to 18 minutes disintegration time and the drug release was more than 70% in 60 minutes. Tablets at 7.5% w/w binder concentration showed more optimum results as tablet binder. The B. alba mucilage was found to be good as a binder to paracetamol tablets.

Kulzam is a popular unani, liquid formulation; indicated for several minor ailments like cough, cold, running nose, sore throat, insect bites, earache, tooth ache, etc. by the manufacturer. However, this over the counter formulation has not been scientifically evaluated for its claimed uses. Hence in the present study an attempt has been to check the chemical composition, antibacterial and antifungal activity as most of the above-mentioned conditions are underpinned by microbial activity. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the formulation was carried out on human pathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas aerogenousa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium and fungi Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigates and was compared with standards ciprofloxacin and clotrimazole. Kulzam exhibited strong in vitro inhibition of growth against all the test micro-organisms at both 100 and 150 μl levels of undiluted formulation (test sample) and more than that of standard at 150 μl level. The chemical composition of essential oil of the formulation was determined by gas chromatography−mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. Thirteen compounds constituting about 93.56% of the essential oil were identified. The main components were Camphor, menthol, thymol, 2-propenal 3-phenyl-, eugenol, trans-caryophyllene, p-allylanisole, linalool, eucalyptol, l-limonene, 1-methyl-2-isopropylbenzene, and 1S-alpha-pinene. The outcome of this study shows that kulzam contain terpenes and their oxygenated derivatives, which are believed to be highly effective antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, spasmolytic and immunomodulatory agents. The formulation has been found to possess strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it becomes very difficult to pin point the specific compound responsible for studied activities. However, the study positively motivates the use of kulzam for common ailments.

Tablet formulation of the crude aqueous extract of the leaves of Vernonia galamensis (Asteraceae), used for the treatment of diabetes in folk medicine was carried out using the wet granulation method. The dried extract is deliquescent in nature; therefore, efflorescent diluents were carefully selected for the formulation. The purpose of this study was to establish suitable diluents for the formulation of Vernonia galamensis tablets and to study the compressional characteristics and drug release profile. The efflorescent diluents were; calcium phosphate (Hopkins and Williams, UK), Aerosil^® 200 (GmbH, Meggle, Germany) and Avicel^® PH 101 (FMC Corporation, USA). The dissolution times of tablets were determined as specified in BP 2007. Heckel analysis was used for compaction studies, tensile strength for mechanical strength and dissolution time for drug release studies. GraphPad Prism^® version 5.03 software was used for statistical analysis. Negative intercepts were a major limitation to the use of Heckel analysis, but good quality tablets of the deliquescent crude extract of Vernonia galamensis (Asteraceae) with acceptable release profile could be formulated using calcium phosphate as diluent and polyvinylpyrrolidone (5%, w/v) as binder at a compression pressure of 290 MNm ^-2 .

From time immemorial, man has been depending on plants as medicine. Helminthes infections are among the most common infections in man, affecting a large proportion of the world's population. These helminthic diseases can be treated by various herbal drugs. The purpose of the present work was to formulate antihelminthic tablets. In this work, a spray dried-powder was used, which was obtained from the extract of different part of seven plants that were used in helminthic disease. The different tablets were prepared by using different types of disintegrating agents and various excipients. All parameters related to physicochemical property, trace metal and microbial examination of the spray-dried powder showed that these were within limits and could be used for the tablet formulation. The granules of the spray-dried powder were prepared by a wet granulation technique using isopropyl alcohol. The blends were evaluated for flow properties and for compressibility, which were found to be good. The tablets were prepared using a single rotatory punching machine, in which the punch size was 11 mm×8 mm, and formulated caplet-type tablets. These tablets were evaluated for the colour, odor, thickness and diameter, with visual inspection for any defects, weight variation, hardness, friability and in vitro disintegration time.

To study the inhibitory effect of the ethyl acetate extract of Aquilaria crassna0 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion from isolated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and its mechanisms of anti-inflammation so as to provide some evidence for its traditional use. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) were isolated from healthy volunteers. Cells, at a concentration of 1×10 ⁶ cell/ml, were induced to secrete TNF-α by exposure to 10 ng/ml LPS in the presence and absence of the ethyl acetate extract of Aquilaria crassna. The TNF-a secretion in the collection medium was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the TNF-α gene expression was measured by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Determination of ERK1/2 MAPK and p38 MAPK activation were performed by Western blot analysis using a specific phosphorylated form of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK antibody. LPS at a concentration of 10 ng/ml significantly increased in TNF-a secretion and was significantly inhibited when treated with 1.5 mg/ml ethyl acetate extract of Aquilaria crassna (P< 0.05). Moreover, on treatment with 1.5 mg/ml, the extracts showed TNF-α gene expression inhibition. Co-treatment of the extract with LPS could not block p38 MAPK activation, but pre-treatment of the extracts significantly reduced the p38 MAPK phosphorylation without affecting the ERK1/2 MAPK activation (P< 0.05). The ethyl acetate extract of Aquilaria crassna inhibits TNF-α gene expression and secretion in LPS-induced hPBMCs. This inhibitory effect apparently resulted from selectively attenuating the p38 MAPK activation.

Effect of ethanol extract of the leaves of Acalypha indica (Euphorbiaceae) was investigated against acetaminophen-induced hepatic damage. Acetaminophen (paracetamol) at the rate of 1 g/kg produced liver damage in rats as manifested by the significant (P<0.001) rise in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), compared to respective control values. Treatment of rats with acetaminophen led to a marked increase in lipid peroxidation as measured by malondialdehyde (MDA). This was associated with a significant reduction in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) contents. Pretreatment of animals with the plant extract (100 mg/kg) orally once daily for 5 days prevented (P<0.01) the acetaminophen-induced rise in serum transaminases (AST and ALT) and ALP. Post treatment with five successive doses of the extract (100 mg/kg) restricted the hepatic damage induced by the above said Paracetamol (P<0.001). Histological changes around the hepatic central vein were recovered by administration of the drug. Thus, it is evident that these biochemical and histological alterations resulting from acetaminophen administration were inhibited by pre and post treatment with A. indica leaf extract. One notable study of the study was the spontaneous recovery of liver damage within a week after stopping paracetamol. These results indicate that the crude ethanol extract of A. indica exhibits hepatoprotective action through antioxidant effect and validates the traditional use of the plant in hepatic dysfunction.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Psidium guajava (PGE) on experimentally induced colitis in animal models. Fresh tender leaves of the plant were collected, air-dried, powdered and percolated in 95% ethanol. Acute toxicity test was done according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines. Five groups of animals of the species Rattus norvegicus, of either sex, weighing 150-200 g, were taken for the study (n=6). Group A and Group B consisted of normal and experimental control animals (3% gum acacia, 10 ml/kg body weight), respectively. Group C and Group D were test groups (PGE 250 mg/kg body weight and PGE 500 mg/kg body weight, respectively) and Group E was administered standard [5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) 100 mg/kg body weight]. All animals were pretreated with the respective drugs for 5 days. Colitis was induced next morning in Groups B, C, D and E by administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid transrectally. All the animals were sacrificed 48 hours after colitis induction and distal 10 cm of the colon was resected. Colon was weighed for Disease Activity Index (DAI), and scored macroscopically and microscopically. Biochemical assessment included myeloperoxidase (MPO), tissue catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) estimation. Statistical analysis was done by one way analysis of variance, followed by multiple comparison tests. Groups C, D, and E showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease in DAI, and macroscopic and microscopic lesion score, as well as a significant improvement (P<0.05) in MPO, CAT, GSH and SOD levels as compared to Group B. The ethanolic extract of P. guajava leaves showed significant amelioration of experimentally induced colitis, which may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property.

Lactovedic is a lactogenic polyherbal formulation containing Jivanti, Shatavari, Vidarikanda, Yashtimadhu and Shatapushpa, and is processed with swarasas of Brahmi, Mandukaparni, Matsyakshi, Shatavari and Kokilaksha. The aim of this study was to evaluate the galactagogue activity of lactovedic. Rats (175-200 g) suckling eight to nine pups were divided into four groups (n=6). Control group rats were treated with vehicle (2 ml of 1% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium in normal saline) orally, Group II and Group III rats were orally administered 270 and 540 mg/kg body weight, respectively, of lactovedic suspended in vehicle, and Group IV animals were treated orally with 2.7 mg/kg body weight of domperidone suspended in vehicle from 3rd day of parturition to 15th day of parturition. Milk yield at 18 hours, the weight of pups at 18 and 23 hours and the daily weight of the mother rat were estimated. On 16 ^th day, blood samples were collected and mother rats were sacrificed. Glycogen and total protein content in mammary gland and serum prolactin and cortisol were estimated. Results were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey-Kramer post hoc test. Histopathology of mammary gland was performed. Lactovedic increases the milk yield, pups' body weight, weight of the mother rat, glycogen and protein content of mammary gland tissue, and serum prolactin and cortisol, compared to the control animals. Transverse section of mammary gland of lactovedic treated rats showed proliferation of acini and marked increase in milk secretion in the ducts. It can be concluded that lactovedic possesses significant galactagogue activity.

Oxystelma esculentum is a perennial twiner growing near water-logged areas in the Indian subcontinent. It is used traditionally in stomach ulcers. The present work deals with the investigation of anti-ulcer potential of O. esculentum. The plant was successively extracted with solvents of varying polarities, which served as the test extracts. Anti-ulcer effect was checked in Wistar rats using aspirin- and ethanol-induced acute ulcer models. The petroleum ether extract was found to possess the most effective anti-ulcer activity. This proves the traditional claim of the plant as an anti-ulcer drug. Phytochemical screening of this extract revealed the presence of important classes of compounds like cardenolides, flavonoids, phenolics, sterols and triterpenoids. This bioactivity-guided phytochemical screening can guide further therapeutic investigations and isolation of pharmacologically active compounds from Oxystelma esculentum.

Ashwagandha, is a plant of Solanaceae or nightshade family which have botanical name Withania somnifera. It is mainly cultivated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and many other states of India. Among all states Madhya Pradesh (Neemuch-Mandsaur region) is the major producer of Ashwagandha. Major phytoconstituents are withanolides and alkaloids. These phytoconstituents have many pharmacological activities such as anti-cancer, diuretic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress. The yield of active constituents may vary with time, temperature, number of extractions, drug and solvent ratio. Extracts were prepared in different water and alcohol compositions at different time intervals. These prepared extracts were chromatographed and number of phytoconstituents was present. Some of the extracts were used for performing anti-inflammatory activity. The activity was performed by carragenean-induced paw oedema method in rats. A few extracts were found effective reducing the oedema. Extract obtained at 15 h was found superior in anti-inflammatory activity which is proposed due to some additional phytoconstituents extracted at that point of time.

Diarrhoea is a major public health problem in developing countries and is said to be endemic in many regions of Asia. It is a leading cause of high degree of morbidity and mortality. The anti-diarrhoeal potential of the ethanolic extract of leaves of Mimosa pudica Linn (Mimosaceae) has been evaluated using several experimental models in Wistar albino rats. The ethanolic extract inhibited castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats and has also reduced gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration. The ethanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg was showed significantly inhibited diarrhoea. There was a significant (P<0.001) dose-dependent decrease in the diarrhoea produced by all the three models in rats as compared to the standard drug. The anti-diarrhoeal property may be related to the tannin and flavonoids present in the extract. These results clearly indicated that ethanolic extract of the leaves of Mimosa pudica is effective against diarrhoeal disease