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Mosquito-borne diseases are major public health-associated diseases. The chemical insecticides are used for several decades to control vector mosquitoes. The large-scale application of chemical insecticides caused several problems like insecticide resistance, the resurgence of pest species, environmental pollution, toxic hazards to humans and other nontarget organisms. Mosquito control with botanicals proved to be a good alternative to chemical insecticide. The essential point of this investigation was to screen non-poisonous and effectively accessible mosquito control of natural origin. The current investigation evaluated the role of larvicidal activity of crude hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol leaf extracts of Piper longum L. tested against the third instar of Aedes aegypti larvae at 24h exposure. Among the crude extracts, the highest larval mortality crude extract was undergone the GC-MS analysis for the identification of active phytocompouds. The highest larval mortality was observed in ethanolic extract followed by chloroform, petroleum ether, and hexane. The corresponding LC50 and LC90 values of hexane, petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol were 46.90 and 82.30; 39.82 and 75.22; 30.00 and 63.33; 22.55 and 52.63µg/dl respectively. Twenty-four compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. Results of this study revealed that the ethanolic leaf extract of P. longum may be considered a potent source of mosquito larvicidal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to investigate protective effects of the extract of piper longum fruit, pomegranate peel, silymarin and vitamins C and E on reproductive toxicity induced by thioacetamide in male rat by evaluating the oxidative biomarkers including, malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in testes tissue and plasma level of testosterone and sperm parameters in adult male rats. Reproductive toxicity was induced by thioacetamide (200 mg/kg BW) and treatment with herbal and vitamin supplements were orally administered by gavage for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, oxidative biomarkers, testosterone and sperm parameters including concentration, motility, viability, and abnormality in adult male rats were measured. The results of this study indicated that thioacetamide significantly increased MDA, and decreased testosterone and antioxidant enzyme activity and impaired sperm parameters (p<0.05). While, treatment with PPE200, PPE400, PL200, PL400, S, E, and C had protective effects on toxicity induced by thioacetamide and could significantly improve the above parameters (p<0.05). The results also indicated that PPE and PL acted in a dosedependent manner. Given the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role of their compounds, it seems reasonable that higher doses have a greater potential for treatment. It can be concluded that thioacetamide causes oxidative damage and impaired reproductive function and pomegranate peel and PL fruit extract, and vitamins E and C can improve reproductive toxicity by thioacetamide in male rats. Therefore, using herbal supplements and vitamins can be helpful in improving sexual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for the development of alternative types of selective control methods for crop protection with reduced use of chemical pesticides was the main objective of this present review article. This review is based on earlier works performed by many investigators on insecticidal and acaricidal property of bioactive components derived from Piper longum. The summarization of all recent works on application of phytochemicals associated with P. longum in insect pests control may be an alternative to currently used chemical pesticides for development of target specific, biodegradable into nontoxic products, safer and potentially suitable to use in integrated pests management programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piperlongumine B ( 19 ), an alkaloid previously isolated from long pepper ( Piper longum ) has been synthesized for the first time in a short sequence and in good yield together with 19 analogs. Screening of these compounds in Ellman's assays showed several of them to be good inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase while being less active for butyrylcholinesterase. Activity of the compounds increased with the ring size of the heterocycle, and a maximum of activity was observed for an analog holding 12 methylene groups in the aliphatic side chain. These compounds may be regarded as promising candidates for the development of efficient inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase being useful for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four promising hybrids along with female parent and Viswam variety were evaluated for growth and yield under open, twenty five percent and fifty percent shade levels. Among the hybrids, PI 9, PI 63 and PI 140 recorded higher plant height, number of laterals, number of spikes, fresh and dry spike yield per plant which were on par but significantly higher than the present popular variety "Viswam" released by the Kerala Agricultural University. The hybrid PI 63 was found to be the most promising hybrid followed by PI 9 under open condition. At 25 per cent shade, hybrid PI 140 produced higher fresh and dry spike yield per plant. However, at 50 per cent shade, Pl 9 produced maximum spike yield. Yield was higher at lower shade level (zero per cent) compared to higher (25 per cent and 50 per cent). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was conducted at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat with ten accessions including check variety of Piper Longum germplasm collected from different states of North Eastern region during 2013-14 and 2014-15.The piperine, a major alkaloid used in different therapeutic treatment, per cent content was determined from dried plant materials. Deionised water was used throughout the experiment and the chromatographic separation was carried out in an isocratic elution mode on RP-18 column with 5μm particle size, 4.6mm internal diameter and 250mm length. The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol and water (80: 20). The solvent flow rate was 1.0 ml/minwith injection volume 20 μL. The photo diode array detector wavelength was set at 342 nm for the identification of piperine in all extracts. The per cent piperine content in extract was found to be 42.36 per cent in germplasm PLJ-30.The highest per cent piperine content in fruit was recorded in PLJ-11(7.85%) followed by germplasm PLJ-9 (7.64) and significantly superior over check variety"Viswam"(5.15%). The descending order of piperine content in fruits among germplasm was PLJ-11>PLJ-09>PLJ-30>PLJ-17> PLJ-03> PLJ-19> check variety >PLJ-01>PLJ-20 and PLJ-16. It can be revealed from the present experiment that piper germplasm with high piperine content has a great scope for commercial cultivation as alkaloid piperine has high demand in pharmaceutical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a major constraint for the sustainable cattle industry in the tropical and subtropical regions including the Indian subcontinent. The development of resistance to most of the commonly used acaricides leads to an attempt to screen plant extracts and their combinations for their possible acaricidal activity to develop an eco-friendly tick control alternative. An alcoholic and various aqueous extracts of Piper longum, Piper nigrum and Zingiber officinale and their combinations were evaluated for acaricidal activity against the three-host ixodid tick, Hyalomma anatolicum by larval immersion test using 14-21 days old unfed larvae. The efficacy was assessed by measuring larval mortality (%) and the lethal concentrations for 50% (LC) and 95% (LC) with their 95% confidence limits (CL) values were estimated by applying regression equation analysis to the probit transformed data of mortality. A concentration-dependent mortality response was recorded in all extracts prepared from seeds of P. longum and P. nigrum and their combinations. The highest acaricidal property was exhibited by the alcoholic extract of P. longum seeds with the minimum LC and LC (95% CL) values of 0.071% (0.07-0.072) and 0.135% (0.13-0.14), respectively, followed by alcoholic combinations. Interestingly, no acaricidal activity was recorded in extracts prepared from the rhizome of Z. officinale. The results indicated that the ethanolic extracts of P. longum and P. nigrum and their combinations can be used effectively for tick control in an integrated format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we tested successfully a green method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Piper longum fruit extract (PLFE) along with data on their in vitro antioxidant and catalytic activities. The formation of P. longum gold nanoparticles (PLAuNPs) was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. The average size of the PLAuNPs was 56 nm as confirmed by the DLS particle size analyzer. The TEM-EDX revealed that PLAuNPs were spherical in shape and contained metallic gold. FTIR analysis indicated that the phenolic groups present in PLFE were involved in the reduction and capping of PLAuNPs. The thermal stability of PLAuNPs was analyzed by the TGA. PLFE and PLAuNPs exhibited moderate free radical quenching ability when analyzed by various in vitro antioxidant assays. The catalytic activity of PLAuNPs against four organic dyes namely methyl blue, methyl red, crystal violet and acridine orange was tested, which resulted in respective degradation of 65, 28, 39 and 34% after 28 h of mixing. Such green nanoparticles with potent catalytic properties might be useful in clearing the toxic dyes in industrial effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidences from ethnopharmacological practices have shown that combination of Abutilon indicum and Piper longum are traditionally used to treat symptoms of the liver disorder. The hypothesis is phytosomes of a combination of both crude drug extract will be more effective and safe as hepatoprotective agent. Aim: Present work is aimed at development and characterization of phytosomes containing ethanolic extract of both drugs to meet the need for better effectiveness and safety. Materials and Methods: Phytosomes were formulated by using Indena's patented process. Characterization involved following parameters: Particle size determination, percentage yield, entrapment efficiency, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and high performance thin liquid chromatography. Liver damage was induced in adult Charles foster rats (150 ± 10 g) with CCl4 in olive oil (1:1 v/v, i.p) 1 ml/kg once daily for 7 days. LIV 52 (1 ml/kg per oral [p.o]), ethanolic extract of A. indicum and P. longum combination (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o) and phytosomes (100 mg/kg p.o.) was given 3 days prior to CCl4 administration. Estimation of liver marker enzymes and histopathological studies were done. Result was analyzed by using (analysis of variance) followed by Student-Newman-Keuls test. Result: Combined extract has shown hepatoprotective activity but phytosomal formulation has more potent hepatoprotective effect on CCl4 induced liver toxicity at very low dose comparative to a higher dose of combined extract. Conclusion: Novel approach for herbal drug delivery is more prominent than conventional which improves bioavailability of polar extract and also patient compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piper longum L. is an important medicinal species. Reproductive biology of Piper longum was studied in detail. Spikes were cylindrical and creamy white in female. In male and bisexual types, immature spikes were green, changing to dull yellow on maturity. Time taken for attaining full length of spike was 22 days in female, 43 days in male and 46 days in bisexual types. Anthesis and anther dehiscence were between 7.30 am and 4.30 pm with a peak between 10.30 am to 12.30 pm. Pollen fertility was maximum at 9.30 am (42.54 per cent). Complete opening of flowers in an inflorescence took seven days in male, female and bisexual types. Complete dehiscence of anthers also took one week in male and bisexual inflorescences. Fruits did not normally contain viable seeds. Viable seeds could be produced on artificial pollination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxocara canis owns an exceptional ability to withstand host's immune system by encystment of larval stages into host's tissue and thus, paving way for anthelmintic ineffectiveness against the larval stages of the parasite. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of three herbal (methanolic extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides, H. salicifolia and Piper longum) and one allopathic (levamisole) immunomodulators on the migratory behaviour of T. canis larvae in tissues of Swiss albino mice, experimentally infected with T. canis embryonated eggs on day 14 of immunomodulatory medication. On the basis of biochemical and leukocyte observations on days 14 and 28 post infection, H. salicifolia and H. rhamnoides were recorded as superior immunomodulators followed by levamisole and Piper longum in Swiss albino mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ultrasound assisted extraction of piperine from Piper longum L. [•] Optimized different process parameters for Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). [•] Comparison of UAE with traditional extraction methods. [•] Significant decrease in extraction time and increase in yield of piperine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Silver nanoparticles synthesized through bio-green method has been reported to have biomedical applications to control pathogenic microbes as it is cost effective compared to commonly used physical and chemical methods. In present study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized using aqueous Piper longum fruit extract (PLFE) and confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy. The nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 46nm as determined by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) particle size analyzer respectively. FT-IR spectrum revealed the capping of the phytoconstituents, probably polyphenols from P. longum fruit extract and stabilizing the nanoparticles. Further the ferric ion reducing test, confirmed that the capping agents were condensed tannins. The aqueous P. longum fruit extract (PLFE) and the green synthesized silver nanoparticles (PLAgNPs) showed powerful antioxidant properties in in vitro antioxidant assays. The results from the antimicrobial assays suggested that green synthesized silver nanoparticles (PLAgNPs) were more potent against pathogenic bacteria than the P. longum fruit extract (PLFE) alone. The nanoparticles also showed potent cytotoxic effect against MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines with an IC 50 value of 67μg/ml/24h by the MTT assay. These results support the advantages of using bio-green method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles with antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities those are simple and cost effective as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the screening search for Hepatitis B virus inhibitory agents from medicinal plants, the ethanol extract of Piper longum Linn. was found to possess superior anti-HBV activity in vitro. Bioassay-guided fractionation coupled with repeated purification resulted in the isolation of four new compounds, involving two new glycosides longumosides A (1) and B (2) and two new amide alkaloids erythro-1-[1-oxo-9(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-8,9-dihydroxy-2E-nonenyl]-piperidine (3), threo-1-[1-oxo-9(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-8,9-dihydroxy-2E-nonenyl]-piperidine (4), as well as two compounds 3β,4α-dihydroxy-2-piperidinone (5), 5,6-dihydro-2(1H)-pyridinone (6) from natural source for the first time. The structures of the four new compounds were determined by extensive analyses of the MS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR data. Besides, the compounds 2–6, together with the known compounds 7–11 obtained previously, were assayed for their anti-HBV activity by using Hep G 2.2.15 cell line in vitro. Results suggested the compound piperine (7) possessed remarkable inhibitory HBV activity, against the secretion of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg) with the Selectivity Index (SI) values of 15.7 and 16.8, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Visceral leishmaniasis or kala-azar is caused by the dimorphic parasite Leishmania donovani in the Indian subcontinent. Treatment options for kala-azar are currently inadequate due to various limitations. Currently, drug discovery for leishmaniases is oriented towards rational drug design; the aim is to identify specific inhibitors that target particular metabolic activities as a possible means of controlling the parasites without affecting the host. Leishmania salvages pteridin from its host and reduces it using pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1, EC 1.5.1.33), which makes this reductase an excellent drug target. Recently, we identified six alkamides and one benzenoid compound from the n-hexane fraction of the fruit of Piper longum that possess potent leishmanicidal activity against promastigotes as well as axenic amastigotes. Based on a homology model derived for recombinant pteridine reductase isolated from a clinical isolate of L. donovani, we carried out molecular modeling and docking studies with these compounds to evaluate their binding affinity. A fairly good agreement between experimental data and the results of molecular modeling investigation of the bioactive and inactive compounds was observed. The amide group in the conjugated alkamides and the 3,4-methylenedioxystyrene moiety in the benzenoid compound acts as heads and the long aliphatic chain acts as a tail, thus playing important roles in the binding of the inhibitor to the appropriate position at the active site. The remarkably high activity of a component containing piperine and piperine isomers (3.36:1) as observed by our group prompted us to study the activities of all four isomers of piperine-piperine (2 E,4 E), isopiperine (2 Z,4 E), isochavicine (2 E,4 Z), and chavicine (2 Z,4 Z)-against LdPTR1. The maximum inhibitory effect was demonstrated by isochavicine. The identification of these predicted inhibitors of LdPTR1 allowed us to build up a stereoview of the structure of the binding site in relation to activity, affording significant information that should prove useful during the structure-based design of leishmanicidal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) commonly known as 'long pepper' is a well known medicinal plant in ayurveda. Different parts of this plant, such as root, seed, fruit, whole plant etc. are used traditionally in various ailments. Here we have investigated the antidermatophytic activity of sequentially extracted petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water extracts from P. longum leaf against Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, T. tonsurans, Microsporum fulvum and M. gypseum. Better activity of chloroform and methanol extracts was observed. The chloroform extract was selected for further study and the MIC value was recorded as 5.0 mg ml against the test organisms. In the chloroform extract, tannins and phenolic compounds were detected. Further activity-guided fractionation of chloroform extract by silica gel column chromatography yielded nine major fractions. Among these, fraction-1, 4, 5 and 7 showed higher antidermatophytic activity. Fraction-4 on further purification by repeated column chromatography yielded a potential antidermatophytic fraction showing MIC value of 0.625 mg ml against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum as determined by broth microdilution method. The major compounds were identified as 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester (CHO] (41.45 %), 2,2-dimethoxybutane (CHO] (13.6 %) and β-myrcene (CH) (6.75 %) based on GC-MS data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To isolate the larvicidal component from the fruits of Piper longum (P. longum) against the filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus (C. quinquefasciatus). Methods: Pulverized fruits of P. longum were subjected to soxhlet extraction using series of organic solvents of increasing polarity. All the solvent extracts were verified for their larvicidal efficacy against 4th instar larvae of C. quinquefasciatus employing standard WHO procedure. Bioassay-guided fractionation through column chromatography lead to the isolation of a bioactive amide, pipyahyine from the petroleum ether extract. Results: Petroleum ether extract was found to be the most active fraction among all the extracts tested with LC50 and LC90 being 1.03 and 2.04 ppm respectively. Whereas, pipyahyine, an isolated component of the same fraction was found to be even more effective than the parent extract in terms of LC50 being 0.58 and 1.88 ppm respectively. Conclusions: From the results, it is evident that P. longum can be considered as a powerful arsenal for the control of mosquito population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The in-vitro free radical scavenging efficacy of the combined ethanolic Biherbal extract (BHE) from equal quantities of the leaves of Eclipta alba and seeds of Piper longum was investigated. This was compared with its individual preparation of ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba (EAE) and ethanolic extract of Piper longum (PLE). The 1, 1, diphenyl -2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), super oxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and reducing power from BHE, EAE, and PLE were investigated employing various established in vitro systems. Total phenolic and flavonoid content were also determined. The results revealed that BHE has notable activity in quenching of DPPH, super oxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals when compared to its individual preparation of EAE and PLE. The BHE at 1000μg/ml showed maximum scavenging of DPPH (88.75%) super oxide (84.78%) nitric oxide (89.02%) and hydroxyl (82.82%) against the scavenging of EAE and PLE which showed DPPH (81.77%,83.54%) super oxide (79.88 ± 1.84, 80.88 ± 1.44%) nitricoxide (76.14 ± 1.80, 77.2 ± 1.18%) and hydroxyl (79.86%, 74.64%) radicals respectively at the same concentration. A linear correlation between BHE and reducing power was also observed. The quantitative estimation of the extract revealed the considerable amount of phenols and flavonoids. The results of this study strongly indicate that the BHE has more potent antioxidant potential action than its individual preparation EAE or PLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the antimicrobial efficacy of five solvent extracts of two Piper species commonly used in diet and traditional medicine, P. cubeba and P. longum, against selected bacterial and oral fungal pathogens i.e. Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of five extracts of cubeb berries and Indian long pepper fruits was determined by the agar well diffusion method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for the acetonic, methanolic and ethanolic extracts was determined by the modified agar well diffusion method. Results: Of the 5 fruit extracts evaluated, acetone, ethanol and methanol extracts of both the Piper spp. were found to have variable antimicrobial activities against all the four oral pathogens. The acetonic fruit extract of P. cubeba was the most effective against both the yeasts with the highest zone of inhibition (15.31 mm) against C. albicans followed by the methanolic (12.31 mm) and ethanolic (11.94 mm) extracts. C. albicans was found to be most sensitive pathogen, which survived up to 6.25 mg/mL in the acetonic extract (MIC = 12.5 mg/mL) followed by the methanolic and ethanolic extracts (MIC = 25 mg/mL). The acetonic, methanolic and ethanolic extracts of P. longum fruits showed almost equal inhibition zones of both yeasts, ranging between 10.64 and 14 mm. C. albicans survived up to 12.5 mg/mL (MIC= 25 mg/mL) while S. cerevisiae survived up to 25 mg/mL (MIC = 50 mg/mL). Conclusions: The crude extracts obtained from the fruits of the two Piper spp. may be used to treat oral fungal species, especially C. albicans, as they produced larger inhibition zones than antifungal drugs often used to treat these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum ether extracts of Piper longum, Curcuma aromatica, and Ocimum basilicum were tested for their larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus, a filarial vector using WHO standard procedures. Among the three plants, extract of P. longum was found to be highly effective with LC50 and LC90 being 0.89 and 1.49 ppm, respectively. C. aromatica also showed significant larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 being 11.41 and 17.36 ppm, respectively. The LC50 and LC90 for O. baslicum were 76.67 and 200.56 ppm, respectively. Propoxur, a carbamate was also studied for its larvicidal activity, which showed LC50 to be 0.09 ppm and LC90 to be 0.16 ppm. Synergistic studies of all three plant extracts with propoxur revealed P. longum as a more efficient synergist with synergistic factor (SF) of 4.13 for LC50 value and 1.68 for LC90. Both C. aromatica and O. basilicum exhibited antagonistic activity at their respective LC90 values with propoxur. At 1 : 1 ratio of the phytoextracts and propoxur, P. longum and C. aromatica showed synergism whereas O. basilicum displayed additive effect. Thus, P. longum was found to be a better larvicidal and synergistic agent at all tested ratios. Evidence indicates that mixed formulations of phytoextracts with insecticides might reduce the concentration of the chemicals to be applied for vector control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Effects of essential oil of Allium sativum (garlic) and Piper longum (Indian long pepper) were evaluated on muscular activity of whole Fasciola gigantica and its strip preparation. The whole flukes and longitudinal strip preparations of the flukes were isometrically mounted to record the spontaneous muscular activity (SMA) and to evaluate effects of cumulative doses (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0mg/ml) of the plant essential oils. Whole flukes and the strip preparations exhibited continuous SMA without any significant difference in its baseline tension, frequency and amplitude for 2h. Essential oil of A. sativum produced significant reduction in the frequency and the amplitude of the SMA of whole fluke at 1 and 3mg/ml concentrations. It caused complete paralysis of the fluke after 15min of administration of 3mg/ml concentration. Similar to whole fluke, essential oil of A. sativum (3mg/ml) also produced flaccid paralysis in the strip preparations of the flukes. Essential oil of P. longum firstly induced marked excitatory effect and then there was flaccid paralysis of the whole fluke following 15min exposure at 3mg/ml concentration. Complete flaccid paralysis of the strip preparation was also ensued after 15min of administration of 3mg/ml concentration of P. longum. In both the essential oils, the whole fluke and strip preparations did not recover from paralysis following 2–3 washes. In conclusion, the observations demonstrated irreversible paralytic effect of essential oils of A. sativum and P. longum on F. gigantica in vitro which might possibly help to developing herbal-based anthelmintic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: There is an increasing commercial demand for various nanoparticles due to their extensive applicability in various areas such as electronics, catalysis, chemistry, energy and medicine. Wet chemical techniques were used for the traditional synthesis of metallic nanoparticles, where the chemicals used are quite often toxic and flammable. In the present study, we describe a cost effective and eco-friendly technique for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles from 1mM AgNO3 solution using the extract of Piper longum leaf as reducing as well as capping agent. Nanoparticles were characterized using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. SEM analysis showed the spherical nanoparticles with 17.6–41nm in size. These biologically synthesized nanoparticles were also exhibiting excellent cytotoxic effect on HEp-2 cell lines. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was undertaken to assess the biochemical changes in goats treated with anthelmintic indigenous herbs. The analysis of data was done in 18 goats, irrespective of age, sex and breed. The experimental goats were randomly divided in six groups. The effect of crude powder and cold aqueous extract of Nigella sativa, Swertia chirata and Piper longum was studied on various biochemical parameters, i.e., Blood glucose, Total protein, Albumin and Globumin. Significant increase was noticed in the level of blood glucose, serum total protein and albumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which seeks to identify the inhibitory effects of the prenylated phenolic compounds of the fruit Piper longum against melanin production in B16 mouse melanoma cells. The study used bioassay-directed fractionation to isolate compounds Bakuchiol, Bavachin, and Isobavachalcone from Piper longum. Findings of the study suggested that Piper longum may have suppressive effects against pigmentation by melanin in the skin.

In the present study, antiinflammatory activity of the Piper longum dried fruit's oil was studied in rats using the carrageenan-induced right hind paw edema method. The activity was compared with that of standard drug ibuprofen. The dried fruit's oil inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The results indicated that the dried fruit's oil produced significant (p< 0.001) antiinflammatory activity when compared with the standard and untreated control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]