Search

Background Cancer incidence is rising across the globe. The incidence and patterns of various cancers among Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans is not known. We did the analysis of registry data maintained at our hospital. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients registered at our hospital cancer registry between 01st January 2017 and 31st December 2019. Patients were registered with unique identification number. Baseline demographics and cancer subtype data were retrieved. Patients with histopathologically proven diagnosis and age ≥18 years were studied. Armed Forces Personnel (AFP) were defined as those who are in active service, and Veterans as those who had retired from service at the time of registration. Patients with Acute and Chronic Leukemias were excluded. Results New cases registered were 2023, 2856 and 3057 in year 2017, 2018, 2019 respectively. AFP, Veterans and dependents among them were 9.6%, 17.8%, and 72.6% respectively. Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan represented 55% of all cases with male to female ratio 1.14:1 and median age was 59 years. The median age among AFP was 39 years. Among AFP as well as veterans, Head and Neck cancer was the most common malignancy. Cancer incidence was significantly higher in adults >40 years as compared to Conclusion Seven percent rise per year of new cases in this cohort is alarming. Tobacco-related cancers were the most common. There is an unmet need to establish a prospective centralized Cancer Registry to better understand the risk factors, outcomes of treatment and strengthen the policy matters.

The different varieties of melons (Cucumis melo L.) have been used in various traditional systems of medicine for decades to treat different ailments, including inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, edema, etc. The present study was designed for the quantification of cucurbitacin E in five different varieties of melon fruit through a validated RP-HPLC method. A solvent system is being optimized with a 70:30 (v/v) ratio of acetonitrile: water (1% glacial acetic acid) at a 1 mL/min flow rate and scanning spectrum (λmax) of 230 nm. A calibration curve for standard cucurbitacin E was generated and found to be linear (1–100 µg/mL). The variation of cucurbitacin E content among five different varieties of melon fruits is 0.0129% w/w– 0.231% w/w. This precise and reproducible method may be beneficial in addressing the quality-related aspects of medicinal food plants of Cucurbitaceae and its derived products or formulations.

Adaptogens comprise a category of herbal medicinal and nutritional products promoting adaptability, resilience, and survival of living organisms in stress. The aim of this review was to summarize the growing knowledge about common adaptogenic plants used in various traditional medical systems (TMS) and conventional medicine and to provide a modern rationale for their use in the treatment of stress‐induced and aging‐related disorders. Adaptogens have pharmacologically pleiotropic effects on the neuroendocrine‐immune system, which explain their traditional use for the treatment of a wide range of conditions. They exhibit a biphasic dose‐effect response: at low doses they function as mild stress‐mimetics, which activate the adaptive stress‐response signaling pathways to cope with severe stress. That is in line with their traditional use for preventing premature aging and to maintain good health and vitality. However, the potential of adaptogens remains poorly explored. Treatment of stress and aging‐related diseases require novel approaches. Some combinations of adaptogenic plants provide unique effects due to their synergistic interactions in organisms not obtainable by any ingredient independently. Further progress in this field needs to focus on discovering new combinations of adaptogens based on traditional medical concepts. Robust and rigorous approaches including network pharmacology and systems pharmacology could help in analyzing potential synergistic effects and, more broadly, future uses of adaptogens. In conclusion, the evolution of the adaptogenic concept has led back to basics of TMS and a new level of understanding of holistic approach. It provides a rationale for their use in stress‐induced and aging‐related diseases.

Background The consumption of the fruits of cucurbitaceae plants is widely popular among Indians due to their various nutritional and medicinal purposes. Some of these plants are well reported in Ayurveda due to their potential therapeutic importance. In particular, the plants of this family are well-characterized by the presence of its bitter principle, Cucurbitacin E which differs within the species due to its genetic variations. Objectives The objective of the study was to develop a validated RP-HPLC method for standardization in some widely consumed cucurbits with cucurbitacin E as a marker compound. Materials and methods The RP-HPLC method was developed with a reverse phase C18 column, using acetonitrile and water (1% glacial acetic acid) as mobile phase (70:30 v/v). The flow rate and λmax were optimized at 1 mL/min and 230 nm respectively. The HPLC method was validated in terms of accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability as per ICH guideline. Results The calibration curve was found linear in the concentration range of 1–100 μg/mL. The % RSD of precision and recovery was found to be, Graphical abstract Image 1

Background: In Ayurvedic and Unani texts, many herbs and formulations are mentioned as complexion promoters having skin brightening and whitening effects that downregulate melanin synthesis. However, with the assistance of chromatographic techniques, further validation of scientific standardization is required. Objective: To validate individual herbs and formulations in the ancient literature, some scientific aspects are to be focused on, including standardization of herbs or herbal products consisting of the active compounds. Methods: Out of many herbs having complexion promoting properties, three herbs (Myristica fragrans, Hemidesmus indicus, and Inula racemosa) were selected for the study. In the present study, validated reverse phase (RP)-HPLC and high-performance TLC (HPTLC) methods were developed for standardization of the herbs. Results: It was observed that the quercetin present in M. fragrans was 0.62% (w/w) with a retention time (Rt) of 6.23 min, the ferulic acid present in H. indicus was 1.39% (w/w) with an Rt of 8.083 min, and the chlorogenic acid present in I. racemosa was 1.03% (w/w) with an Rt of 3.19 min. The HPTLC method showed 1.23% (w/w) of quercetin present in M. fragrans with a retardation factor (Rf) of 0.48, ferulic acid in H. indicus was 1.52% (w/w) with an Rf of 0.44, and chlorogenic acid was 1.09% (w/w) in I. racemosa with an Rf of 0.52. Conclusions: This specific and precise validated method can be useful for the quality evaluation and quantitative determination of the constituents in complexion-promoting herbs from Ayurveda and Unani systems of medicine. Highlights: The exploration of complexion promoters from Ayurveda and Unani; quality evaluation of complexion promoters herbs from Ayurveda and Unani; HPTLC and RP-HPLC analysis of herbal extracts used and their validation.

Increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has posed a major health concern worldwide, and the addition of new antimicrobial agents is diminishing due to overexploitation of plants and microbial resources. Inevitably, alternative sources and new strategies are needed to find novel biomolecules to counter AMR and pandemic circumstances. The association of plants with microorganisms is one basic natural interaction that involves the exchange of biomolecules. Such a symbiotic relationship might affect the respective bio-chemical properties and production of secondary metabolites in the host and microbes. Furthermore, the discovery of taxol and taxane from an endophytic fungus, Taxomyces andreanae from Taxus wallachiana, has stimulated much research on endophytes from medicinal plants. A gram-positive endophytic bacterium, Paenibacillus peoriae IBSD35, was isolated from the stem of Millettia pachycarpa Benth. It is a rod-shaped, motile, gram-positive, and endospore-forming bacteria. It is neutralophilic as per Joint Genome Institute’s (JGI) IMG system analysis. The plant was selected based on its ethnobotany history of traditional uses and highly insecticidal properties. Bioactive molecules were purified from P. peoriae IBSD35 culture broth using 70% ammonium sulfate and column chromatography techniques. The biomolecule was enriched to 151.72-fold and the yield percentage was 0.05. Peoriaerin II, a highly potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial peptide against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 was isolated. LC-MS sequencing revealed that its N-terminal is methionine. It has four negatively charged residues (Asp + Glu) and a total number of two positively charged residues (Arg + Lys). Its molecular weight is 4,685.13 Da. It is linked to an LC-MS/MS inferred biosynthetic gene cluster with accession number A0A2S6P0H9, and blastp has shown it is 82.4% similar to fusaricidin synthetase of Paenibacillus polymyxa SC2. The 3D structure conformation of the BGC and AMP were predicted using SWISS MODEL homology modeling. Therefore, combining both genomic and proteomic results obtained from P. peoriae IBSD35, associated with M. pachycarpa Benth., will substantially increase the understanding of antimicrobial peptides and assist to uncover novel biological agents.

Background Viscum articulatum Burm. (Family: Loranthaceae) is commonly known as mistletoe. In ayurveda, the plant parts are used in “Kapha”, “Vata”, diseases of the blood, ulcer, and epilepsy. The plant parts are also used in urinary tract infection and wound infection. The plant contains five triterpenoids such as α-amyrin, lupeol, betulin, betulinic acid and oleanolic acid, exhibiting several pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, anti-HIV, antitumor, antiviral activity. Objective To ensure the content of uniformity of oleanolic acid, a RP-HPLC method has been developed for estimation of oleanolic acid in V. articulatum aerial part. Material and methods The RP-HPLC method was carried out in reverse phase C18 column, using methanol and water as mobile phase in the ratio of 95:5 (v/v), at the flow rate of 1 mL/min. The pH of aqueous phase was adjusted 3.2 with 1% (v/v) glacial acetic acid. The λmax was set at 210 nm. Results The retention time of oleanolic acid was found at 21.5 ± 0.05 min. The linearity of the response was found to be 10–800 μg/mL. The coefficient of determinants of oleanolic acid was found to be (r2) 0.995 and equation Y = 19462X + 16,172. The LOD and LOQ were found to be for oleanolic acid (1.96% w/w) 0.197 ± 0.63 and 0.623 ± 0.87 μg/mL, respectively. The developed method was accurate, specific, precise and reproducible. Conclusion This RP-HPLC may be useful for quantitative estimation of the chemical constituents present in the plant extract as well as the quality assessment of the herbal product., Highlights • An ethnomedicinal plant – Viscum articulatum used for analysis. • Method validation of oleanolic acid through RP-HPLC. • Quality control of Ayurvedic medicinal Plant.

Background : The worldwide corona virus disease outbreak, generally known as COVID-19 pandemic outbreak resulted in a major health crisis globally. The morbidity and transmission modality of COVID-19 appear more severe and uncontrollable. The respiratory failure and following cardiovascular complications are the main pathophysiology of this deadly disease. Several therapeutic strategies are put forward for the development of safe and effective treatment against SARS-CoV-2 virus from the pharmacological view point but till date there are no specific treatment regimen developed for this viral infection. Purpose : The present review emphasizes the role of herbs and herbs-derived secondary metabolites in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 virus and also for the management of post-COVID-19 related complications. This approach will foster and ensure the safeguards of using medicinal plant resources to support the healthcare system. Plant-derived phytochemicals have already been reported to prevent the viral infection and to overcome the post-COVID complications like parkinsonism, kidney and heart failure, liver and lungs injury and mental problems. In this review, we explored mechanistic approaches of herbal medicines and their phytocomponenets as antiviral and post-COVID complications by modulating the immunological and inflammatory states. Study design : Studies related to diagnosis and treatment guidelines issued for COVID-19 by different traditional system of medicine were included. The information was gathered from pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions approaches. The gathered information sorted based on therapeutic application of herbs and their components against SARSCoV-2 and COVID-19 related complications. Methods : A systemic search of published literature was conducted from 2003 to 2021 using different literature database like Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science to emphasize relevant articles on medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 viral infection and Post-COVID related complications. Results : Collected published literature from 2003 onwards yielded with total 625 articles, from more than 18 countries. Among these 625 articles, more than 95 medicinal plants and 25 active phytomolecules belong to 48 plant families. Reports on the therapeutic activity of the medicinal plants belong to the Lamiaceae family (11 reports), which was found to be maximum reported from 4 different countries including India, China, Australia, and Morocco. Other reports on the medicinal plant of Asteraceae (7 reports), Fabaceae (8 reports), Piperaceae (3 reports), Zingiberaceae (3 reports), Ranunculaceae (3 reports), Meliaceae (4 reports) were found, which can be explored for the development of safe and efficacious products targeting COVID-19. Conclusion : Keeping in mind that the natural alternatives are in the priority for the management and prevention of the COVID-19, the present review may help to develop an alternative approach for the management of COVID-19 viral infection and post-COVID complications from a mechanistic point of view., Graphical abstract Image, graphical abstract

Molecular mechanism of Cannabis sativa L. on some of its claimed possible health benefits have not been thoroughly explored despite the global commercialization of Cannabis products. The scientific validation of C. sativa L. available in certain countries is required and demands to research its effect on cancer cell growth and progression. In the present study, several C. sativa L. samples were collected from various part of the world including Southern Africa and studied to determine their comparative cytotoxic and anti-angiogenic activity with exploring the possible mechanism of their action. Sixteen samples of C. sativa L. collected from various parts of the world and four extracts from each sample generated by 24-h successive maceration using hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), DCM: methanol (1:1) and methanol. Total flavonoid content (TFC) in each extract was quantified. Angiogenesis in Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) was induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and l -arginine at the day 8th and the effect confirmed at the day 11th. Nitric oxide (NO) and matrix mettaloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) inhibition assays were performed to explore the possible mechanism of action. Cytotoxicity and VEGF inhibition assays were also performed in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. The C. sativa L. of “Pondo” region, of the Eastern Cape, South Africa showed maximum inhibition of angiogenic index and inhibited the MMP-1 enzyme (whereas IC50 found

Betulinic acid (BA) is a potent bioactive compound and well known for its therapeutic activity. However, its efficacy is restricted due to low solubility as well as poor bioavailability. The aim of the study was to develop a BA loaded nanoemulsions for enhanced bioavailability and hepatoprotective activity. The optimized nanoemulsion (BA-NE1) was composed of olive oil, aqueous phase and Smix [surfactant (labrasol) and co-surfactant (plurol isostearate)] in an appropriate ratio of 20:25:55% w/w respectively. BA-NE1 was prepared by spontaneous nano-emulsification method. The BA-NE1 was characterized through different parameters including droplet size, zeta potential, refractive index, transmission electron microscopy, UV-spectrophotometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and stability study. The appropriate droplet size (150.3 ± 0.56 nm) and zeta potential (− 10.2 ± 0.11 mV) were observed for BA-NE1. The improved pharmacokinetics parameters Cmax (96.29 ± 1.96 ngmL− 1), AUC0-t ∞ (2540.35 ± 278.31 nghmL− 1), Tmax (12.32 ± 0.05 h), elimination half-life (11.35 ± 3.20 h) and relative bioavailability (440.48%F) were significantly achieved with BA-NE1 compared to BA. The BA-NE1 significantly restored the levels of serum hepatic markers and hepatic antioxidant enzymes with respect to CCl4-intoxicated groups (⁎⁎p

Background & objectives: The existing antileishmanial drugs for complete cure of visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) are limited. The available drugs are either toxic or less effective leading to disease relapse or conversion to post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis. Several herbal extracts have been shown to have antileishmanial activity, but a herbal drug may not always be safe. In the present study, the extract of Cedrus deodara leaves has been standardized and tested for immunomodulatory antileishmanial activities. Methods: The extracts of C. deodara leaves with different solvents such as benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol were made by soxhlation process. Solvents were removed under reduced pressure and temperature using rotary evaporator. The antileishmanial bioassay test was performed with in vitro maintained parasites. Immunomodulatory activity of different extracts was tested by flow cytometry. Standardization of the effective fraction was performed with Linalool as a marker compound through reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. >Results: The extract with the use of benzene solvent showed strong antileishmanial activities within a dose 25-200 μg/ml culture with non-significant haemolytic activities and significant immunomodulant activities against the host cells. Linalool was found to be 1.29 per cent in the effective extract of C. deodara. >Interpretation & conclusions: The antileishmanial activity of C. deodara, as assessed by bioassay testing onLeishmania donovani parasites and immunomodulatory effect of benzene extract of leaves on host cells indicated that it might be a potential new safe therapeutic target to cure the visceral leishmaniasis.

The viral infection and resistance to the existing antiviral drugs are alarming, which is a serious public health concern. Medicinal plants are valuable resources for treatment of viral infections and can be used for the management of infections like herpes simplex virus (HSV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, etc. The antiviral screening of plant extracts should be highly selective, specific, and sensitive for bioactivity guided isolation of the active compounds from the plant extracts. The antiviral screening system should be validated for accuracy, reproducibility, simplicity, and cost effectiveness. This chapter highlights on various aspects for screening and evaluation of antiviral natural components including factors affecting antiviral in vivo studies, host cells, organisms, and culture media followed by different virus-specific assays for antiviral screening of natural products.

Objective: Tinospora cordifolia is used for treatment of several diseases in Indian system of medicine. In the present study, the inhibition potential of T. cordifolia extracts and its constituent tinosporaside to cause herb-drug interactions through rat and human liver cytochrome enzymes was evaluated. Materials and Methods: Bioactive compound was quantified through reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography, to standardize the plant extracts and interaction potential of standardized extract. Interaction potential of the test sample was evaluated through cytochrome P450-carbon monoxide complex (CYP450-CO) assay with pooled rat liver microsome. Influence on individual recombinant human liver microsomes such as CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2 isozymes was analyzed through fluorescence microplate assay, and respective IC 50 values were determined. Results: The content of tinosporaside was found to be 1.64% (w/w) in T. cordifolia extract. Concentration-dependent inhibition was observed through T. cordifolia extract. Observed IC 50 (μg/ml) value was 136.45 (CYP3A4), 144.37 (CYP2D6), 127.55 (CYP2C9), and 141.82 (CYP1A2). Tinosporaside and extract showed higher IC 50 (μg/ml) value than the known inhibitors. T. cordifolia extract showed significantly less interaction potential and indicates that the selected plant has not significant herb-drug interactions relating to the inhibition of major CYP450 isozymes. Conclusions: Plant extract showed significantly higher IC 50 value than respective positive inhibitors against CYP3A4, 2D6, 2C9, and 1A2 isozymes. Consumption of T. cordifolia may not cause any adverse effects when consumed along with other xenobiotics.

Evidence based validation of the ethno-pharmacological claims on traditional medicine (TM) is the need of the day for its globalization and reinforcement. Combining the unique features of identifying biomarkers that are highly conserved across species, this can offer an innovative approach to biomarker-driven drug discovery and development. TMs are an integral component of alternative health care systems. India has a rich wealth of TMs and the potential to accept the challenge to meet the global demand for them. Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) medicine are the major healthcare systems in Indian Traditional Medicine. The plant species mentioned in the ancient texts of these systems may be explored with the modern scientific approaches for better leads in the healthcare. TM is the best sources of chemical diversity for finding new drugs and leads. Authentication and scientific validation of medicinal plant is a fundamental requirement of industry and other organizations dealing with herbal drugs. Quality control (QC) of botanicals, validated processes of manufacturing, customer awareness and post marketing surveillance are the key points, which could ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of TM. For globalization of TM, there is a need for harmonization with respect to its chemical and metabolite profiling, standardization, QC, scientific validation, documentation and regulatory aspects of TM. Therefore, the utmost attention is necessary for the promotion and development of TM through global collaboration and co-ordination by national and international programme.

Mucuna pruriens Linn. (Fabaceae) is a tropical legume, traditionally used for controlling blood pressure. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is one of the successful strategies for controlling hypertension.The present study evaluated the ACE inhibition potential of the standardized extract of M. pruriens seeds.Standardization of the extract and its fractions were carried out by RP-HPLC method [methanol and 1% v/v acetic acid in water (5:95 v/v)] using levodopa as a marker. The ACE inhibition activity of the extract and fractions was evaluated at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/mL) using the HPLC-DAD and the UV spectrophotometric method. The liberation of hippuric acid (HA) from hippuryl-L-histidyl-L-leucine (HHL) was estimated in the spectrophotometric method and RP-HPLC assay at 228 nm.Methanol extract and aqueous fraction showed a maximum activity with IC50 values of 38.44 ± 0.90 and 57.07 ± 2.90 µg/mL (RP-HPLC), and 52.68 ± 2.02 and 67.65 ± 2.40 µg/mL (spectrophotometry), respectively.The study revealed that the aqueous extract contains the highest amount of levodopa. Eventually the methanol extract showed highest ACE inhibition activity except levodopa alone. It was further observed that the inhibition was altered with respect to the change in the content of levodopa in the extract. Thus, it can be assumed that levodopa may be responsible for the ACE inhibition activity of M. pruriens seeds.It can be concluded that M. pruriens seed is a potential ACE inhibitor can be explored further as an effective antihypertensive agent.

Background The seed of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Methika in Sanskrit) is a well known kaphahara (balancing kapha) herb in Ayurveda indicated in Prameha or early diabetes mellitus. It is also useful in obesity and reduces lipid level of blood. Purpose We aimed to explore the metabolites present in the plant extract and to establish the combination synergy and the network pharmacology along with the underlying the mechanism of action involved. Study design LC–MS/MS based metabolite screening followed by ADME screening and finally network pharmacology exploration of the mechanism of action involved against hyperlipidemia and hypolipidemia with neighbourhood based combination synergy approach. Methods Ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (TFHE) was subjected to LC–MS/MS analysis to identify the active constituents. Oral bioavailability and drug likeness was screened for all the compounds. Databases- Binding DB, DAVID, KEGG and STRING were used to gather information to develop the networks. The networks were constructed using Cytoscape 3.2.1. Combination synergy analysis was performed with the help of Cytoscape network analyzer tool with neighbourhood approach. Results The LC–MS/MS analysis identified 13 compounds which were found to be bio-available and drug like following the QED and Veber drug likeness parameters. The pathway analysis showed enrichment for different pathways like MAPK pathway (p-4.69E−07), JAK-STAT pathway (p-6.30E−05), Adipocytokine (p-0.00179), Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (0.00441), Insulin signalling pathway (p-0.0121), mTOR signalling pathway (p-0.000378), which are all connected to hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. The combination synergy network identified 23 targets interacting with 13 compounds based on a network neighbourhood approach. Conclusion The network pharmacology analysis strongly suggested the multimode evidences that TFHE largely works on the insulin signalling pathway and mainly based on its antioxidant potential due to its interaction with carbonic anhydrase. Various compounds were found to be interacting with key proteins that activates EGFR/AKT/mTOR signalling cascade which has therapeutic implication in hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. The combination synergy network analysis based on neighbourhood approach can help us in further understanding mechanism of multi-molecular fixed dose combinations.

Piper betel L. (Piperaceae) is popularly known as betel leaves. In Indian culture betel leaves play an important role for the management of numerous diseases. The present study was an attempt to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activity of the standardized extract of P. betel leaf. After extraction the P. betel leaf extract was standardized with the help of hydroxychavicol and chlorogenic acid as bio- markers, through HPLC. Further the anticholinesterase inhibitory activities of the standardized extract were evaluated by using 96-well micro plate assay and thin layer chromatography bioassay detection methods. Results of the present study showed that hydroxychavicol isolated from P. betel showed potential enzyme inhibition activity than chlorogenic acid. Moreover, the mixture of hydroxychavicol (HCH) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) in 1:1 ratio have showed more potent cholinergic activity than tested fraction and used bio marker compounds. AChE and BChE inhibition (IC50) of HCH and CGA (1:1) was found to be 21.23 ± 0.33 μg/mL and 45.55 ± 1.89 μg/mL respectively. Outcome of the investigation exhibited that P. betel can be a good lead as anti-cholinesterase agent and could be explored further for its therapeutic potential for the management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral potential of methanolic extract (ME) of Achyranthes aspera, an Indian folk medicine and one of its pure compound oleanolic acid (OA) against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2). The ME possessed weak anti-herpes virus activity (EC50 64.4μg/ml for HSV-1 and 72.8μg/ml for HSV-2). While OA exhibited potent antiherpesvirus activity against both HSV-1 (EC50 6.8μg/ml) and HSV-2 (EC50 7.8μg/ml). The time response study revealed that the antiviral activity of ME and OA is highest at 2-6h post infection. The infected and drug-treated peritoneal macrophage at specific time showed increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL6 and IL12). Further, the PCR of DNA from infected cultures treated with ME and OA, at various time intervals, failed to show amplification at 48-72h, similar to that of HSV infected cells treated with acyclovir, indicating that the ME and OA probably inhibit the early stage of multiplication (post infection of 2-6h). Thus, our study demonstrated that ME and OA have good anti-HSV activity, with SI values of 12, suggesting the potential use of this plant.

The fruit of Terminalia bellerica L. (Combretaceae) is an important ingredient of ‘Triphala’, which is a popular Ayurvedic formulation traditionally used to treat hypertension, to reduce cardiac depression and to decreases the risk factors associated with the heart. This study aimed to investigate the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of T. bellerica. Standardized hydro alcoholic extract (TBHA) and its various subfractions including hexane fraction (TBH), ethyl acetate fraction (TBE), n-butanol fraction (TBB) and aqueous fraction (TBW) at the concentration of 10–1000 μg/ml together with standard Captopril 3.6 ng/ml was compared. TBE fraction was undertaken to isolate the gallic acid. Further quantification of gallic acid in the crude extract and fractions was made with HPLC. Among all fractions the activity was found to be maximum in TBE with an IC50 = 338.54 ± 18.34 μg/ml while crude TBHA and other fractions TBB, TBH and TBW were found less potent. Isolated gallic acid from the TBE fraction shown ACE inhibitory activity with IC50 of 257.29 ± 9.39 μg/ml. TBE found to contain maximum amount of gallic acid (71.05 ± 6.274 mg/g of extract). The presence of gallic acid along with other metabolites in the extract and fractions might be responsible for the ACE inhibitory activity. T. bellerica extract/fractions suggested its suitability as a functional food for pharmaceutical purpose to be used against hypertension and other related diseases.

The Malari Leucogranite in the Garhwal Himalaya is cut across by a continental-scale normal fault system called the South Tibetan Detachment (STD). A mineralogical, geochemical and fluid inclusion study of samples from the fault zone of the Malari Granite was performed to reveal the imprints of fluid–rock interaction. Fluid inclusion assemblages observed in the alteration zone indicate the presence of NaCl-dominated aqueous fluids with varied salinity of 6–16 wt.% of NaCl equivalent. Mineralogical changes include the alteration of feldspar to muscovite and muscovite to chlorite. This alteration took place at temperatures of 275°–335°C and pressures between 1.9 and 4.2 kbars as revealed by the application of chlorite thermometry, fluid isochores, and presence of K-feldspar+muscovite+chlorite+quartz mineral assemblage. Geochemical mass-balance estimates predict 32% volume loss during alteration. An estimated fluid/rock ratio of 82 is based on loss of silica during alteration, and reveals presence of a moderately low amount of fluid at the time of faulting.

Botanicals fall under different regulations in different countries and are mostly consumed without the consultation of the healthcare professional. Over the last decade, utilization of herbal therapies has been extensively documented. The findings indicate the possibility of potential herb-drug interactions due to the concomitant administration of herbal extracts and prescription/over-the-counter drugs. Simultaneously, with the increasing public awareness and search for safer herbal remedies, the study on herbal-drug interactions has gained momentum through the study of drug metabolizing enzymes. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition or induction is probably the most common mechanism for the pharmacokinetic interactions of herbs and drugs. Any inhibition of CYP enzymes by herbal extracts may result in enhanced plasma and tissue concentration of drugs, leading to toxicity, while induction results in reduced drug concentration leading to decreased drug efficacy and treatment failure. Considering the rapidly growing herbal markets, these types of clinical interactions remain under-reported and unclear. With the increasing consumption of herbal extracts along with prescription medicines, the safety of herbs has become a concern. This article reviews the potential for drug interactions by herbal extracts through drug metabolizing enzymes.

Ethno pharmacological approach has provided several leads to identify potential new drugs from plant sources, including those for memory disorders. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) give a symptomatic relief to some of the clinical manifestations of the disease. The main objective of this study is to standardize the extract of Trigonella foenum graecum L with trigonelline by HPTLC method and determine the in vitro AChE inhibitory activity of Trigonella foenum graecum L and its constituents using galanthamine as a reference. Different concentrations of hydro alcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum graecum and trigonelline were subjected to HPTLC analysis using the mobile phase n propanol, methanol and water (4:1:2, v/v). The R(f) of trigonelline was found to be 0.43, and the correlation coefficient of 0.99 was indicative of good linear dependence of peak area on concentration. The concentration of trigonelline was found to be 13mgg(-1)w/w in the hydro alcoholic extract of Trigonella foenum graecum. The AChE inhibitory activity of crude fenugreek seed extracts, fractions and trigonelline was evaluated using Ellman's method in 96-well micro plate's assay and TLC bioassay detection. The ethyl acetate fraction of the alcohol extract (IC50 53.00 +/- 17.33microg/ml), and total alkaloid fraction (IC50 9.23+/-6.08microg/ml) showed potential AChE inhibition. Trigonelline showed IC50 233+/-0.12microM. Galanthamine was used as standard and it showed inhibition of acetyl cholinesterase with an IC50 value of 1.27+/-0.21microM.

SUMMARY Morinda tinctoria Roxb. (Family: Rubiaceae) is commonly known as Indian mulberry or Aal inIndia. This plant is very well known for its therapeutic benefit in Indian systems of medicineincluding Ayurveda and Siddha and in other forms of traditional Medicine worldwide for thetreatment of several ailments. Almost all parts of this plant have been explored for its medicinaluses. Several reports on the phytochemical and therapeutic benefits of this plant have beenreported. In this article an attempt has been made to review the traditional uses, phytochemicalprofiles and therapeutic potentials of Indian mulberry.Key words: Morinda tinctoria ; Therapeutic potential; Phytoconstituents; Ayurveda; Siddha; Indianmulberry INTRODUCTION Botanical drugs and dietary supplements may bederived from a broader variety of plants that arenormally present in the human diet. Botanicals orphytopharmaceuticals are a perfect fit for prophylacticuse in order to prevent diseases and also for ournormal wellbeing. The screening and evaluation ofmedicinal plants mostly depends on propercultivation and collection of the plant materialsfollowed by their extraction and deriving thephytochemical entities to access the optimizedbioactive compound production and use in therapy.This is very much required for multi-componentdrugs and their standardized extracts for assuringthe quality and batch to batch consistency(Mukherjee, 2002). The Indian subcontinent, withthe history of one of the oldest civilization,harbours many traditional health care systems.Their development was supported by the diversebiodiversity in flora and fauna due to variations ingeographical landscaping (Mukherjee and Wahile,2006). Therefore the potential plants need to beexplored for new drug development. Reviews ofseveral medicinal plants including oriental medicineMangifera indica (Rai et al., 2007), therapeutic potentialsand untoward effects of Piper betle (Rai et al., 2005)has been reported from our laboratory. Beside this

Objectives Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (Nymphaeaceae), also known as sacred lotus, is a well known medicinal plant. This article reviews the traditional uses, phytochemistry and therapeutic reports on different parts of N. nucifera viz. the seeds, rhizomes, leaves and flowers. This review also describes various compounds isolated from different parts of this plant and the therapeutic benefits derived from those phytoconstituents. Key findings There are several therapeutic benefits of this plant for which different parts are used. The extracts of rhizomes, seeds, flowers and leaves have been reported to have varied therapeutic potential. Several bioactive compounds have been derived from these plant parts belonging to different chemical groups, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, triterpenoid, vitamins etc., which all have their own therapeutic impact. Thus, the pharmacological effects and various active ingredients of different parts of N. nucifera are well understood. Summary In this review we explore the current pharmaceutical, phytochemical and pharmacological knowledge about this well known plant species as well as several emerging aspects for research on N. nucifera.

At Bangriposi, variable stages in replacement of staurolite by chloritoid - Na-K-Ca mica shimmer aggregates in muscovite schists provides insight into the complex interplay between fluid flow, mass transfer, and dissolution-precipitation during pseudomorph growth. Idioblastic chloritoid growing into mica caps without causing visible deformation, and monomineralic chloritoid veins (up to 300 mu m wide) within shimmer aggregates replacing staurolite attest to chloritoid nucleation in fluidfilled conduits along staurolite grain boundaries and crystallographic planes. The growth of shimmer aggregates initiated along staurolite margins, and advanced inwards into decomposing staurolite along networks of crystallographically controlled fluid-filled conduits. Coalescence among alteration zones adjacent to channel fills led to dismemberment and the eventual demise of staurolite. Mass balance calculation within a volume-fixed, silica-conserved reference frame indicate the shimmer aggregates grew via precipitation from fluids in response to mass transport that led to the addition of H2O, K2O, Na2O and CaO in the reaction zone, and Al2O3 was transported outward from the inward-retreating margin of decomposing staurolite. This aided precipitation of chloritoid in veins and in the outer collars, and as disseminated grains in the shimmer aggregates at mid-crustal condition (similar to 520 +/- 20 degrees C, 5.5 +/- 2.0 kbar). Computation using one-dimensional transport equation suggests that staurolite decomposition involved advection dominating over diffusive transport; the permeation of externally derived H2O caused flattening of chemical potential gradients in H2O and aqueous species, for example, (Na+H-1+] and [Na+ K--1(+1)], computed using the Gibbs method. This suggests that staurolite decomposition was promoted by the infiltration of a large volume of H2O that flattened existing chemical potential gradients. In the initial stages of replacement, chloritoid super-saturation in fluid caused preferential nucleation and growth of chloritoid at staurolite grain boundaries and in crystallographic planes. As reaction progressed, further chloritoid nucleation was halted, but chloritoid continued to grow as the 3-mica aggregates continued to replace the remaining staurolite in situ, while the chloritoid-compatible elements were transported in the water-rich phase facilitating continued growth of the existing chloritoid grains.

Free radicals are known to play important role in pathophysiology of hepatic disorders and antioxidants are employed along with other chemotherapeutic agents in treatment of such diseases. In search of natural antioxidant, successive extracts of Hypericum (H.) hookerianum (Family: Hypericaceae) were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. Extracts of aerial parts of H. hookerianum were subjected for 1,1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay), nitric oxide radicals scavenging assay and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay. Methanolic extract was found to be more active than other extracts in DPPH and in vitro TBARS assay with IC50 at 5.82 ± 1.33 µg/ml and 49.78 ± 3.79 µg/ml respectively. While petroleum ether extract showed more potentials in scavenging the nitric oxide radicals with IC50 220.97 ± 2.69 µg/ml. The administration of CCl4 to the control animals caused decrease in the level of catalase and superoxide dismutase, together with significant increase in the level of TBARS in liver and kidney. Reversal of these changes towards normal group was observed by administration of H. hookerianum methanolic extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight, while other extracts were found to be less active.

This study models geochemical and adjunct geologic data to define provinces that are favorable for radioactive-mineral exploration. A multi-element bed-sediment geochemical survey of streams was carried out in the headwaters region of the Ganga River in northern India. Overall median values for uranium and thorium (3.6 and 13.8 ppm; maxima of 4.8 and 19.0 ppm and minima of 3.1 and 12.3 ppm respectively) exceed average upper crustal abundances (2.8 and 10.7 ppm) for these radioactive elements. Anomalously high values reach up to 8.3 and 30.1 ppm in thrust zone rocks, and 11.4 and 22.5 ppm in porphyroids. At their maxima, these abundances are nearly four- and three-fold (respectively) enriched in comparison to average crustal abundances for these rock types. Deformed, metamorphosed and sheared rocks are characteristic of the main central thrust zone (MCTZ). These intensively mylonitized rocks override and juxtapose porphyritic (PH) and proterozoic metasedimentary rock sequences (PMS) to the south. Granitoid rocks, the major protoliths for mylonites, as well as metamorphosed rocks in the MCT zone are naturally enriched in radioelements; high values associated with sheared and mylonitized zones are coincident with reports of radioelement mineralization and with anomalous radon concentrations in soils. The radioelement abundance as well as REE abundance shows a northward enrichment trend consistent with increasing grade of metamorphism indicating deformation-induced remobilization of these elements. U and Th illustrate good correlation with REEs but not with Zr. This implies that zircon is not a principal carrier of U and Th within the granitoid-dominant thrust zone and that other radioelement-rich secondary minerals are present in considerable amounts. Thus, the relatively flat, less fractionated, HREE trend is also not entirely controlled by zircon. The spatial correlation of geologic boundary zones (faults, sheared zones) with geochemical and with geophysical (Rn) anomalies infers ore mineralization by hydrothermal processes generated during multiple episodes of deformation and thrusting. The geologic setting of the anomalies also suggests that crystalline rocks (MCT Zone) along the nearly 2500 km length of the LesserHimalayan belt, where in the vicinity of thrust and fault zones, have potential for radioelement mineralization. Zones of higher concentrations of radioelements delineated by this study and locations of anomalous radon discharge determined by other investigations may indicate a potential health hazard over the long term. However, the low human population density precludes direct manifestation of health effects attributable to chronic exposure to these radioelements; however, the magnitude of natural concentrations suggests the need for more detailed studies and monitoring.