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The methanol extract of Asparagus racemosus root (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant antitussive activity on sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice, the cough inhibition (40.0 and 58.5%, respectively) being comparable to that of 10-20 mg/kg of codeine phosphate (36.0 and 55.4%, respectively).

The antitussive activity of a methanol extract of Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. (MEJS) (family Onagraceae) leaves has been evaluated for its potential on a cough induced by sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) gas model in mice. The extract (MEJS) showed significant antitussive activity in a dose dependent manner. The antitussive potential of MEJS was comparable to that of codeine phosphate (10 mg/kg), a standard drug. The extract (MEJS) at a dose level of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. showed appreciable inhibition on the cough reflex by 48.52% and 59.8% respectively during 120 min of the experiment., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The antidiarrhoeal potential of a methanol extract of the aerial parts of Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. (MEJS) was studied with several experimental models of diarrhoea in rats. MEJS treated rats showed significant inhibitory activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE(2) induced enteropooling. It also showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility following a charcoal meal in rats. The extract exhibited significant antidiarrhoeal potential at doses of 100,200 and 300 mg/kg in all the animal models and thus established the efficacy of MEJS as a potent antidiarrhoeal agent., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

A study was carried out to evaluate the anti-pyretic potential of the methanol extract of the aerial part of Jussiaea suffruticosa Linn. (MEJS) on normal body temperature and yeast-induced pyrexia in albino rats. Yeast suspension (10 ml/kg body wt.) increased rectal temperature after 19 hours of subcutaneous injection. The MEJS, at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body wt. p.o., showed significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature in a dose-dependent manner. The effect also extended up to 5 hours after the drug administration. The anti-pyretic effect of MEJS was comparable to that of paracetamol (150 mg/kg body wt, p.o.), a standard anti-pyretic agent.

The ethanol extract of stalks of Nelumbo nucifera (NNSE) was evaluated for its antipyretic potential on normal body temperature and yeast induced pyrexia in rats. NNSE showed significant activity in both the models at oral doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg. NNSE at a dose of 200 mg/kg was found to produce significant lowering of normal body temperature up to 3 h and at 400 mg/kg it caused significant lowering of body temperature up to 6 h after its administration. In the model of yeast provoked elevation of body temperature NNSE showed dose-dependent lowering of body temperature up to 4 h at both the doses and the results were comparable to that of paracetamol, a standard antipyretic agent., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Extracts of Ficus racemosa Linn. leaves were tested for antibacterial potential against Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Basillus pumilis ATCC 14884, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25619 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29737. The effects produced by the extracts were significant and were compared with chloramphenicol. The petroleum ether extract was the most effective against the tested organisms., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The daily use of allicin and whole germinated bengal gram seeds for 8 weeks led to a significant decrease in serum cholesterol levels in normal volunteers with no side effects. The standard reference, guggulipid therapy, significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the mean serum cholesterol level to 142.88 +/- 24.14 mg/100 mL from an initial status of 211.91 +/- 6.23 mg/100mL (32.36% +/- 12.48% fall). Allicin treatment significantly reduced the mean serum cholesterol level to 129.99 +/- 2.79 mg/100 mL from a pre-treatment value of 148.10 +/- 8. 81 mg/100mL, a fall of 13.36% +/- 4.64%. The serum cholesterol value was reduced to 135.62+/- 22.85 mg/100 mL from a pre-treatment value of 157.29 +/- 4.94 mg/100mL (17.15% +/- 9.94% fall) due to daily use of whole germinated bengal gram seeds. Hence the hypocholesterolaemic effects of allicin and whole germinated bengal gram seeds are comparable to the established standard reference, guggulipid. These two materials are herbal in origin and it is supposed to have a lesser risk-benefit ratio compared with other available synthetic drugs. The inclusion of these herbal products in the normal diet may be an alternative effective measure for hypercholesterolaemia., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The effect of a methanol extract, obtained from the roots of Ocimum sanctum, on mouse swimming performance were studied using three different doses. On the basis of our findings, a high dose (400 mg/kg, i.p.) of the extracts of Ocimum sanctum increased the swimming time suggesting a central nervous system stimulant and/or antistress activity. The effect produced by the extract was comparable to that of desipramine, an antidepressant drug., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Different concentrations (50, 100, 150 microg/mL) of the methanol extract of the roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd. showed considerable in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas putida, Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The effects produced by the methanol extract were compared with chloramphenicol., (Copyright 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The macroscopic characters of L. lavandulaefolia, physical constant values, behaviour on treatment with different chemical reagents, fluorescence characteristics after treatment with different chemical reagents of the powder of L. Lavandulaefolia were studied to fix some pharmacognostical parameters. Preliminary phytochemical studies and TLC characterization of different extractives has also been performed. These studies will help in future for identifying the plant for further research.

The microscopic and macroscopic characters of the leaves, physical constant values, behavior on treatment with different chemical reagents, fluorescence characters under ultra violet light after treatment with different chemical reagents of the powdered leaves of Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Family-Meliaceae) were studies to fix some pharmacognostical parameters.

The macroscopic character of the leaves, physical constant values, extractive values, behavior on treatment with different chemical reagents. Fluorescence characters under ultraviolet light after treatment wit different chemical reagents of the powdered leaves of Cassia tora Linn. (Family: Leguminosae) were studied to characterize some pharmacognostical parameters. Preliminary phytochemical study on different tracts of the leaves were also performed.

Methanol extract of Punica granatum seed was evaluated for antidiarrhoeal activity against different experimental models of diarrhoea in rats. P. granatum seed extract treated animals showed significant inhibitory activity against castrol-oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats. The extract also showed a significant reduction in gastro-intestinal motility in charcoal meal test in rats. The results obtained established the efficacy of P. granatum seed extract as an antidiarrhoeal agent.

Hepatoprotective activity of the n-heptane extract of Cassia fistula leaves was investigated in rats by inducing hepatotoxicity with carbon tetrachloride:liquid paraffin (1:1). The extract has been shown to possess significant protective effect by lowering the serum levels of transminases (SGOT and SGPT), bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The extract of C. fistula at a dose of 400 mg/kg showed significant hepatoprotective activity which was comparable to that of a standard hepatoprotective agent.

An extract of the leaves of Ficus racemosa Linn. (Moraceae) was evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in rats by inducing chronic liver damage by subcutaneous injection of 50% v/v carbon tetrachloride in liquid paraffin at a dose of 3 mL/kg on alternate days for a period of 4 weeks. The biochemical parameters SGOT, SGPT, serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were estimated to assess the liver function. The activity of extract was also comparable to a standard liver tonic (Neutrosec)., (Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Different strength of alcohol 40.50,60,70,80,90 per cent (v/v) and absolute were utilized for the preparation of tincture of azadirachta Indica A. Juss leaves by maceration for 7, 14,21 days. 60 per cent tincture produced after 21 says of maceration showed a maximum solid content of 1.425 per cent (v/v) and sowed pH 3.15. This tincture was characterized by studying is various physico-chmicla properties along wit its thin-layer chromatographic characteristics.

The rhizome of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (fam. Nymphaeaceae) was studied to fix the parameters for pharmacognostical standards. The present investigation deals with the macro and microscopically characters of rhizome along with studies on some physical constants, behavior of powdered rhizomes on treatment with different chemical reagents and florescence characteristics on exposure to U.V light, which would help in identification of the drug.

Ethanol extract of four different plants of the Khatra region of the Bankura district of West Bengal, India were evaluated for anti-diarrhoeal activity against different experimental models of diarrhoea in rats. The extracts of Ficus bengalensis Linn. (hanging roots), Eugenia jambolana Lam. (bark), Ficus racemosa Linn. (bark) and Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees (aerial parts) showed significant inhibitory activity against castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats. These extracts also showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal tests in rats. The results obtained establish the efficacy of all these plant materials as anti-diarrhoeal agents.

Oral administration of the ethanolic extract of rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera markedly reduced the blood sugar level of normal, glucose-fed hyperglycemic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, when compared with control animals. The extract improved glucose tolerance and potentiated the action of exogenously injected insulin in normal rats. When compared with tolbutamide, the extract exhibited activity of 73 and 67% of that of tolbutamide in normal and diabetic rats, respectively.

The methanol extract of Leucas lavandulaefolia was investigated for its effects on a cough model induced by sulfur dioxide gas in mice. It exhibited significant antitussive activity when compared with control in a dose-dependent manner. The antitussive activity of the extract was comparable to that of codeine phosphate (10 mg/kg), a prototype antitussive agent. The Leucas lavandulaefolia extract at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. p.o. showed inhibition of cough by 35.0, 51.9, and 56.5% within 1 h of performing the experiment.

Leucas lavandulaefolia Rees (Labiatae), commonly known as Halkusha, is a well-known plant in Indian traditional medicine. On the basis of its traditional use and literature references, this plant was selected for evaluation of its wound healing potential. A methanol extract of L. lavandulaefolia was examined for its wound healing activity both in the form of an ointment as well as an injection in two types of wound model in rats: (i) the excision wound model and (ii) the incision wound model. Both the injection and the ointment of the methanol extract of the plant material produced a significant response in both of the wound types tested. The results were also comparable to those of a standard drug, nitrofurazone, in terms of wound contracting ability, wound closure time, tensile strength and regeneration of tissues at the wound site.

The methanol extract of Drymaria cordata Willd. was investigated for its effect on a cough model induced by sulfur dioxide gas in mice. It exhibited significant antitussive activity when compared with the control in a dose-dependent manner. The antitussive activity of the extract was comparable to that of codeine phosphate, a prototype antitussive agent. The D. cordata extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) showed 11.6%, 31.6% and 51.5% inhibition of cough with respect to the control group.

Tinctures of Ficus racemosa Linn leaves were prepared by maceration process. 70% alcohol of 21 days maceration showed maximum total solid 2.07% deep greenish brown colour and of 7.1 pH.

Methanolic extract of rhizomes of Nelumbo nucifera (NNRE) was investigated for different psychopharmacological actions in rats and mice. The extract was found to cause reduction in spontaneous activity, decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern by the head dip and Y-maze test, reduction in muscle relaxant activity by rotarod, 30 degrees inclined screen and traction test and potentiated the pentobarbitone induced sleeping time in mice significantly.

Various strength of alcohol were utilized for the preparation of tincture of asparagus racemosus roots by maceration for 7, 14 and 21 days. 50% (V/V) alcohol after 21 days of maceration showed maximum yield of total solid. The tinctures were evaluated by studying their different physico-chemical characteristics along with thin-Layer chromatography.

The macroscopic character of the roots physical constant values, extractive values, behaviour on treatment with different chemical reagents, fluorescence characters under ultra violet light after treatment with different chemical reagents of the powdered roots of Asparagus racemosus Willd, (Fam. Liliaceae) were studied to fix some pharmacognostical parameters.

The macroscopic character of the leaflets ash values extractive values by different solvent extractive behavior on treatment with different chemical reagents fluorescence characters by treatment with different chemical reagents of the powdered leaves of Maoringa oleifera lam (fam moringaceae) were studied to fix some pharmacognostical parameters, chemical group test of different extracts of the leaves were also performed.

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn (Family- Nymphaeaceae) is a well known plant in ancient medical sciences, Much research have been done on the leaves, flowers, seeds and rhizomes of the plant, Our present aim is to review all the work performed on the plant to get a clear idea to evaluate its various medicinal principles relating to phytochemical pharmacological microbiological and allied approaches.

Antipyretic activity of methanolic extract of rhizome of N. nucifera was studied on normal body temperature and yeast induced pyrexia in rats. Yeast suspension (10 ml/kg, s.c.) increased rectal temperature after 19 hr of administration. The extract, in doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg/kg (po) produced significant dose dependent lowering of normal body temperature and yeast provoked elevation of body temperature in rats. The effect produced was comparable with the standard antipyretic drug, paracetamol (150 mg/kg, i.p.).

A fraction of leaf extract isolated from leaves of Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae) was tested for lowering of blood cholesterol level in rats. The extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg i.p. significantly lowered the blood cholesterol level in test animals.

The ethnolic extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera Lam. (Fam. Moringaceae) was tested for antimicrobial activities against Gram Positive - Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea: Gram negative - Escherichia coli and Acid fast Mycobacterium phlei. Significant antimicrobial activity of the extract was found in this study.

The hepatoprotective activity of a fraction of the leaf extract of A.indica against carbon tetrachloride : liquid paraffin (1:1) induced liver damage in rats at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg was evaluated. A significant dose dependent hepatoprotective activity was evidenced by lowering of the elevated levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the serum of CCl(4) : liquid paraffin (1:1) treated rats.

A few 1,2-bis(N-alkylaminomethyl)indolizines, simple indolizinecarboxylic acids, and several 6-alkoxyindolizine-2-carboxylic acids were synthesized and screened as possible oral hypoglycemic agents. The absence of any significant hypoglycemic activity excludes these compounds from the predicted structural lead provided by some hypoglycemic Vinca alkaloids, such as vincamine, vindoline, and vindolinine, having the indolizine ring as one structural component. But an extension of the rationale that indolizines are also the structural components of some carcinolytic Vinca alkaloids, such as vincristine and vinblastine, used in cancer chemotherapy provided encouraging results. One indolizine derivative showed significant antineoplastic activity in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.