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Introduction: Nature always stands as a golden mark to exemplify the outstanding phenomenon of symbiosis. Herbal medicines are the products of therapeutic experiences, of generations of practising physicians of indigenous systems of medicine for over hundreds of years. Garcinia indica Choisy Syn Brindonia indica, commonly known as kokum and belonging to Guttiferae family, is a popular plant native to certain regions of India. The plant has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its magical effects in curing various diseases. Objective: To present a systematic investigation of phytopharmacopoeial standards for the fruit rinds of Garcinia indica by performing pharmacognostical parameters. Material and Methods: Fresh fruit rinds sample and dried power of the fruit rinds were studied macromorphologically and cytomorphologically along with its detail physicochemical and phytochemical investigation. Other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were also investigated. Results: Macroscopic studies showed that fruit rind shape - round, oblong or oval with pointed tips and, were crowned by the four parted stalkless stigma with reddish black colour, aromatic odour and sour taste. The detailed microscopy revealed presence of parts of pericarp, oleo resin cells etc. the other physicochemical parameters were stands within the standardized range. Conclusion: The standardization parameters provide referential information for correct identification of the plant material and will also be useful in preparation of monographs on these plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cynodon dactylon (Family: Poaceae) is known to be a tackler in Indian mythology and is offered to Lord Ganesha. It is found everywhere, even on waste land, road side, dry places, and spreads vigorously on cultivated ground. This study was carried out with an objective to test if the constituents of this plant are useful in coping stress-induced sexual In this study, we considered immobilization stress to induce male infertility and the effect of C. dactylon in restoration of the dysfunction was evaluated by considering sexual behavioral observations, sexual performance, fructose content of the seminal vesicles, epididymal sperm concentration and histopathological examinations as parameters. Treatment of rats under stress with methanolic extract of C. dactylon has shown a promising effect in overcoming stress-induced sexual dysfunction, sexual performance, fructose content, sperm concentration and its effect on accessory sexual organs and body weight. We conclude that active constituents of C. dactylon present in methanolic extract have a potent aphrodisiac and male fertility activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Argyreia speciosa (Linn. f.) Sweet is a popular Indian medicinal plant, which has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for various diseases. This plant is pharmacologically studied for nootropic, aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, antiviral, nematicidal, antiulcer, anticonvulsant, analgesic and central nervous depressant activities. A wide range of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from this plant. A comprehensive account of the morphology, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities reported are included in view of the many recent findings of importance on this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leaves of Tephrosia purpurea Linn. (sarpankh), belonging to the family Leguminaceae, are used for the treatment of jaundice and are also claimed to be effective in many other diseases. This research work was undertaken to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the leaves. Method: The therapeutic effects of tannins and flavonoids can be largely attributed to their antioxidant properties. So, the quantitative determinations were undertaken. All the methods are based on UV-spectrophotometric determination. Result: The total phenolic content of aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed the content values of 9.44 ± 0.22% w/w and 18.44 ± 0.13% w/w, respectively, and total flavonoid estimation of aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed the content values of 0.91 ± 0.08% w/w and 1.56 ± 0.12%w/w, respectively, for quercetin and 1.85 ± 0.08% w/w and 2.54 ± 0.12% w/w, respectively, for rutin. Further investigations were carried out for in vitro antioxidant activity and radical scavenging activity by calculating its percentage inhibition by means of IC50 values, all the extracts' concentrations were adjusted to fall under the linearity range and here many reference standards like tannic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, ascorbic acid were taken for the method suitability. Conclusion: The results revealed that leaves of this plant have antioxidant potential. The results also show the ethanolic extract to be more potent than the aqueous decoction which is claimed traditionally. In conclusion, T. purpurea Linn. (Leguminosae) leaves possess the antioxidant substance which may be responsible for the treatment of jaundice and other oxidative stress-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stem bark of Ficus bengalensis is reported to have antimicrobial activity, we planned our work as to evaluate and compare antimicrobial activity of alcoholic extracts of stem bark of F. bengalensis by cup and plate method collected from three different geographical regions viz. Delhi, Gujarat and Uttaranchal. The activity of all the extracts at the dose level 1000 μg/ml, 500 μg/ml and 100 μg/ml were found to be quiet different and all the extracts showed that activity is varied as geography and environmental conditions are changed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]