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A validated UHPLC-PDA with an ESI-MS/MS method has been developed for simultaneous estimation of six bioactive alkaloids (magnoflorine, berbamine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine) in the different extracts of the roots of Berberis aristata DC (Family:Berberdiaceae). It is an important medicinal herb native to Northern Himalaya and commonly known as ‘daruharidra’, ‘daruhaldi’, ‘Indian barberry’ or ‘tree turmeric’. An insight into the research literature uncovered reports on isoquinoline alkaloids like magnoflorine, berbamine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine, and berberine as major bioactives in B. aristata roots, possessing different pharmacological and therapeutic effects. In the present study, these aforementioned alkaloids were separated on Phenomenex Luna®, 5 µm-C8 analytical column. The HPLC-MS analysis was performed at a flow rate of 0.90 mL min−1. Each alkaloid that is resolved was characterized by precursor ions and fragment ions with electrospray ionization (ESI) source in both positive and negative ionization using scan mode. The limit of detections (LODs) were 0.087, 0.727, 0.035, 0.124, 0.782 and 0.794 μg mL−1 for magnoflorine, berbamine, columbamine, jatrorrhizine, palmatine and berberine, respectively. The proposed UHPLC-PDA method was fully validated according to international (ICH) guidelines and was found to be selective, sensitive and highly accurate for the concomitant estimation of the aforementioned symbolic bio-markers of B. aristata roots.

Abstract: Aesculus L. is a genus of 12 to 19 woody species, representing one of the most acclaimed examples of inter-continental incoherence of the plants native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is traditionally valued in Ayurveda and the Chinese system of medicine for its various species that possess antitumor, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Current studies on this genus have revealed the presence of specific saponins with a multi-spectrum of pharmacological actions and therapeutic applications. A repertoire of literature related to the biological, taxonomical, phytochemical and ethnopharmacological aspects of Aesculus genus and its uses in different indigenous populations was explored. An inventory of all the species of this genus that were found to be useful as per ethnopharmacological literature was prepared. The ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the individual species are outlined in this review. The extensive information cited here has adduced the likely areas where the important species of this genus can illustrate significant therapeutic intervention in the management of chronic disorders including diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and cancer. The wide range of its pharmacological actions is attributed to the distinct phytochemicals occurring in the species, especially the triterpenoidal saponins like aescin. This review amplifies the recent studies on phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, which alludes that these species have noteworthy therapeutic potential.

Pleurospermum genus (family Apiaceae) comprises about 80 species native to India, Yunnan, China and Nepal. The plants of this species have long been used in traditional medicine systems to treat various illnesses. Different species are rich in coumarins, saponins, flavonoid glycosides, fatty acids and terpenoids. The extract of this genus and pure compounds isolated from it have been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, etc. The present literature survey was performed exhaustively using databases such as SciFinder, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and other resources. By corroborating the traditional uses and biological activities of Pleurospermum species, we hope to support new research on these plants, especially on those species whose biological properties have not been studied.

In medicinal plant field ethnopharmacological knowledge aggrandizes legibility for prioritizing species selection for future research opportunities. Many plant species representing the genus Onosma have been documented to be important in communities world-wide as evidenced by the numerous records on traditional medicinal and ethno-botanical information. Various species of the genus are used in the traditional medicinal systems in Europe and Asian countries especially in India, China, Turky and Pakistan. The literature on the species distribution and their characterization was compiled from different regional floras, regional revisions and databases. The information related to traditional uses, pharmacological activities and phytochemistry was systematically collected from the scientific databases including reference books, SciFinder, Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. Absence of comprehensive literature review on genus Onosma species led to design present study and dig the recorded documents to comparatively gauge magnitude of studies on each of the Onosma species through an exhaustive bibliographic evaluation of scientifically studied species of genus Onosma that are also taxonomically identified and are valued as traditional medicinal remedy for diseases in their countries of origin. The study hinted about lack of scientific literature on most of the species. A comprehensive bibliographic review on the geographical distribution, identification, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of the genus Onosma is attempted here to give insights into promising future drug discovery strategies. KEYWORDS: Onosma, Distribution, Traditional uses, Phyto-Pharmacology

Aim: Typha genus belongs to the family Typhaceae and is comprising of about 13 known species distributed in the subtropical and tropical regions of North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia and Europe. Several species are considered as invasive weeds that colonize wetlands and marshes because they are highly productive by clonal growth, forming very large, persistent and often monospecific stands. This review offers detailed information on the aquatic species of the cosmopolitan genus Typha L. with specific focus on their distribution, identification, importance in bioremediation, usability and traditional uses along with chemical and biological diversity. Methodology: An extensive browsing in three electronic databases (Unbound Medline, PubMed and ScienceDirect) and internet search engines (Scifinder and Google Scholar) enabled us to connote the studies on Typha genus available till date. Results: Literature survey corroborated that some species of Typha are valuable as sources of traditional medicine in human health, while some are still widely used for non-pharmacological purposes. Numerous phytochemical investigations of plants of this genus confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, steroids, phenols, saponins, flavanoids, carbohydrates, proteins, oils and fats. Besides, various studies cited in this review article have demonstrated that the extracts or active substances that have been isolated from the species of Typha genus have multiple pharmacological activities. Conclusion: The review draws the attention of scientists towards the utility and important issues associated with the probable approaches that should be investigated to encourage people to take maximal benefit of the potentially useful species of Typha genus.

Lepidium sativum Linn. (family Cruciferae) is an edible herb that is botanically related to watercress and mustard, having their peppery, tangy taste and odour. Traditionally L. sativum seeds are used to treat wounds, sprains, asthma, bronchitis, cough and is considered useful as abortifacient, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, diuretic, expectorant, gastrointestinal stimulant, gastroprotective, laxative and stomachic. Many of these traditional uses have been scientifically validated using different in vitro and in vivo studies and in this review are compiled in an inclusive manner. Seeds are reported to be rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, triterpenoids, steroids and saponin glycosides possessing different pharmacological activities. Aim of the study: This study is an effort to collate complete scientific literature published till March 2021 in order to generate a succinct summation on the distribution, traditional beneficial potential, chemical constituents, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of this coveted species of genus Lepidium. Materials and Methods: Exploring assorted scientific databases. Results: The present methodically compiled review article accentuates medicinal and nutritional significance of this highly valued plant by focusing on various aspects of the plant such as the, physicochemical characterisation and pharmacological studies that validates folklore uses. Thus, this annotated script on L. sativum would be a handy tool to explore the future prospective of research on this traditional plant.

Berberis aristata DC., well known as ‘Indian barberry’ or ‘tree turmeric’, (Berberidaceae) is a medicinal herb native to the Northern Himalaya. A dig in the research literature evinced different pharmacological and therapeutic effects of B. aristata and its isoquinoline alkaloids. Records on investigations for the chemical composition of the plant corroborated isoquinoline alkaloids, berberine, berbamine, palmatine, magnoflorine and jatrorrhizine as the important bioactive constituents. Recent upsurge in the demand of botanicals is a result of their scientific validation for efficacy and quality. Keeping this in view, a validated simultaneous high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed using silica gel 60 F254 as the stationary phase and ethyl acetate‒formic acid‒glacial acetic acid‒water (100:11:11:26, V/V) as the mobile phase. The plates were scanned densitometrically at 254 nm and 366 nm. The limits of detection and the percentage mean recoveries were 323.24, 227.00, 55.68, 88.67 and 86.56 ng/spot, and 99.35%, 99.98%, 98.55%, 99.40% and 98.92%, for berberine, berbamine, palmatine, magnoflorine and jatrorrhizine, respectively. The linearity range for berberine and berbamine was 1000‒6000 ng/spot, for palmatine 200‒700 ng/spot, for magnoflorine 500‒2000 ng/spot and for jatrorrhizine 300‒1800 ng/spot. The proposed HPTLC method offers a sensitive, specific and precise gage for the concurrent estimation of these five representative biomarkers of B. aristata and also aids in its qualitative analysis, since a fingerprint is generated, wherein the five active ingredients are resolved with other compounds present in the root.

Objectives Based on the ethno-medicinal use of Bombax ceiba leaf, in the treatment of diabetes, the present study is aimed at evaluation of antidiabetic potential of leaf extract and its major constituent mangiferin. Methods Efficacy of hydroalcoholic extract of Bombax ceiba leaf (BCL, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt.) and mangiferin (MF, 20 mg/kg body wt) was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and associated complications visually, retinopathy, cardiopathy and nephropathy. After 20 days, serum glucose, lipid profiles, glycol-hemoglobin % (HbA1c%), liver enzymes activity and glycogen content, and histopathology of the pancreas were corroborated. The study was coxswained for development of validated RP-HPLC method for the estimation of MF in BCL. Results The results demonstrated significant reductions in the levels of glucose (pw/w. Conclusions The anti-diabetic effects of BCL may be attributed to its ability to enhance insulin release, antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential.

Crataeva nurvala Buch-Ham. (Capparidaceae) is an important medicinal plant, the bark of which is extensively used in Ayurveda as a remedy for kidney stones, urinary tract infections, prostate-related disorders, and benign prostatic hypertrophy. In this study, a sensitive and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been developed for the simultaneous quantification of two bioactive markers, lupeol and β-sitosterol, in the stem bark of C. nurvala using precoated silica gel G 60 F254 HPTLC plates as the stationary phase and toluene–methanol (9.6:0.4, v/v) as the mobile phase. Detection and quantification were carried out by densitometric scanning at 545 nm after derivatization using 1% anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid reagent. The method was validated for linearity, inter-day and intra-day precision, repeatability, accuracy, specificity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed a good linear relationship (r2 = 0.987–0.990) in the concentration range of 2 to 6 μg for lupeol and β-sitosterol, both with respect to areas. The proposed method provides good resolution of lupeol and β-sitosterol from other constituents present in the stem bark of C. nurvala. It was found to be simple, accurate, precise, and reproducible and would potentially be a useful tool for routine analysis of C. nurvala.

A sensitive and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of bavachin, bakuchiol, and psoralen in Psoralea corylifolia seeds. The methanolic extract of the seeds was applied on a silica gel G 60 F254 plate. The plate was developed using toluene–ether, 1:1, saturated with 10% acetic acid (v/v) as the mobile phase and detection and quantification were performed by densitometric scanning at 254 nm. The correlation coefficients were found to be 0.999, 0.999, and 0.999 for bavachin, bakuchiol, and psoralen, respectively, in the developed method. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by conducting recovery studies at different levels using the standard addition method. The average recovery of bavachin, bakuchiol, and psoralen was found to be close to 98% confirming the accurateness of the method. The proposed method offers a new, sensitive, specific, and precise gauge for quantification of bavachin, bakuchiol, and psoralen representing all the categories of bioactive constituents in P. corylifolia.

Based on the ethno-medicinal use ofEfficacy of hydroalcoholic extract ofThe results demonstrated significant reductions in the levels of glucose (p0.001), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%, p0.001), cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins, and concurrent elevation of high density lipoproteins level in the groups administered BCL and MF relative to the controls. It significantly reversed most of the altered metabolic and oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes. Mangiferin content in BCL was found to be 0.04%The anti-diabetic effects of BCL may be attributed to its ability to enhance insulin release, antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential.

In this study, a simple and rapid LC with tandem MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of kaempferol and quercetin in Thespesia populnea extract. The compounds were eluted using a Gemini C18 column (50 × 2.0 mm, 3 μm), with the mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–0.3% formic acid in water at the flow rate of 0.400 mL/min. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range of 25–2500 ng/mL for both kaempferol and quercetin. The values for intra- and interday precision and accuracy were well within the generally accepted criteria for analytical methods (

Oldenlandia corymbosa Linn. (Rubiaceae) is an important herb traditionally used as a febrifuge and liver tonic. In this study, a high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been established for the quantification of four bioactive markers, oleanolic acid (OA), ursolic acid (UA), lupeol (LU), and stigmasterol (ST), in the whole plant of O. corymbosa. Separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol (8.2:1.8:0.5, v/v) for oleanolic acid and ursolic acid; and toluene-methanol (9.4:0.6, v/v) for lupeol and stigmasterol as the mobile phases. The quantitation of the four markers was carried out using the densitometric scanning at 540 nm after derivatization using sulfuric acid reagent. The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed a good linear relationship (r2 = 0.9831–0.9979) in the concentration range of 1200–4200 ng for oleanolic acid, 400–1400 ng for ursolic acid, 100–500 ng for lupeol, and 500–2500 ng per spot for stigmasterol with respect to area. The method was validated for linearity, inter-day precision, intra-day precision, repeatability, accuracy, specificity, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. The average recoveries for oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, lupeol, and stigmasterol were 98.77 to 99.12%, indicating the good reproducibility. Stigmasterol 1.19 ± 0.04% w/w was present at high concentration, and oleanolic acid 0.012 ± 0.006% w/w was present at low concentration in the whole plant powder. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be simple, precise, sensitive, accurate, reproducible, and robust.

Inula cappa (family Compositae) is used in the Ayurvedic medicinal system for the treatment of bronchitis, diabetes, fever, hypertension, and rheumatism. The proposed high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) study offers coherent evaluation of isoalantolactone, germacranolide, β-sitosterol, and lupeol from I. cappa root. Methanolic solutions of isoalantolactone, germacranolide, β-sitosterol, and lupeol were applied on an HPTLC plate and they were scanned at 525 nm. The mobile phase toluene—methanol (9.4:0.6, v/v) was used for all the phytochemicals. After development, all the plates were air-dried at room temperature, derivatized with anisaldehyde–sulfuric acid reagent and heated at 105°C. This study aids the identification of these compounds and provides an easy and simple method for the simultaneous estimation of these markers in the I. cappa roots. The method would serve as an expedient tool in routine analyses to corroborate the drug through good constancy.

Achillea millefolium is a flowering plant in the family, Asteraceae and is known to be used in traditional medicine as astringent, stimulant, tonic, antiphlogistic and for the treatment of cold and influenza. In an earlier study in the authors’ laboratory, four different extracts of a variety of yarrow called Achillea ‘Moonshine’ were tested for anti-acne effect. The petroleum ether extract of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ was demonstrated earlier in the authors’ laboratory to have phytochemicals that could scavenge free radicals, inhibit growth of Propionibacterium acnes and reduce tyrosinase activity which are needed for acne treatment. Using column chromatography, the petroleum ether extract was fractionated and each fraction was tested against P. acnes using TLC bioautography. The active compound from TLC bioautography was isolated by HPLC and identified using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry studies. This led to characterization of a novel piperidide, N-(21-hydroxy-21-(piperidin-1-yl) henicosa-17, 19-diyl-1-yl) acetamide, from the petroleum ether extract of Achillea ‘Moonshine’ that contributed to the anti-acne activity. This study led to identification of a novel natural anti-acne compound that is anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial against acne causing organism. Key words: Achillea ‘Moonshine’, petroleum ether extract, anti-acne activity, piperidides

Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a traditionally used plant to treat wounds. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-acne activity of Achillea ‘Moonshine’, a hybrid variety of Achillea. The plant was extracted in four solvents- petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. These extracts were screened for anti-microbial, free radical scavenging, anti-tyrosinase, anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxicity assays necessary to characterize its anti-acne activity. The most promising activity was determined in the petroleum ether extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value for the petroleum ether extract was 0.83 mg/ml against Propionibacterium acnes and 0.37 mg/ml against Staphylococcus. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value for petroleum ether was 0.83 and 0.75 mg/ml for P. acnes and S. epidermidis respectively. Though the ethyl acetate had a high flavonoid and phenolic content it was observed that the IC50 values for the petroleum ether extract for free radical scavenging activity was 64.81 µg/ml which was higher than ethyl acetate. Petroleum ether also showed tyrosinase inhibition at 0.033 mg/ml. The extract was also able to decrease the inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-8, and showed no cytotoxicity against dermal fibroblasts. These results suggest presence of active anti-acne phytochemicals in the petroleum ether extract making it a novel plant candidate for the treatment of acne. Key words: Anti-acne, Achillea ‘Moonshine’, petroleum ether extract.

Background: Mollugo oppositifolia, is one of the plants commonly used as, ‘Parpata’ by Ayurvedic practitioners. It is indicated as a bitter tonic, antiseptic and febrifuge. Aim: To generate and ensemble data of physical parameters for ascertaining the identification and to develop validated HPTLC method for quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol in M. oppositifolia. Materials and Methods: M. oppositifolia was studied for establishing pharmacognostic standards including macro and microscopical characters, physico-chemical analysis and quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol by HPTLC method. Results: It is an annual, prostrate herb with linear-lanceolate leaf and white coloured flower. Microscopically root can be characterized by crescent shaped phloem associated with continuous or discontinuous rings of xylem; stem by epidermis bearing multi-cellular simple and glandular trichomes, and sclerenchymatous pericycle; and leaf by continuous band of a palisade cells and rosettes and prisms of calcium oxalate throughout parenchyma. Powdered drug can be typified by multi-cellular trichomes, fragments of epidermis of leaf in surface view, epidermis of corolla and entire or broken seeds. Saponins and flavanoids were found be the major components. HPTLC method was developed for quantification of oleanolic acid and lupeol using precoated silica gel plates as a stationary phase, and toluene: methanol (9.4: 0.6) as a mobile phase and scanning the plate at 545 nm. The amount of oleanolic acid and lupeol were found to be 0.027-0.029% w/w and 0.015-0.016% w/w respectively. Conclusion: The quality parameters and HPTLC method developed would serve as useful gauge in standardization of Mollugo oppositifolia.

Background:Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa, Lythraceae, Pride of India) is a medicinal plant that grows in the Philippines, Japan, India, Southeast Asia, etc. Traditionally, the leaves are used to treat diabetes and hyperglycemia. This effect is attributed to its chemical constituents belonging to the groups of terpenoids, tannins, and flavanoids. The objectives of this paper are to present a new method of identification and quantification of corosolic acid, a terpenoid, using HPTLC.Material and methods:The hydroalcoholic extract of leaves was chromatographed on aluminum plates coated with silica gel 60F254, with Toluene: Acetone: Formic acid (5:2:1 v/v) as the mobile phase. Densitometric quantification of corosolic acid was performed after derivatization with 10 % methanolic sulphuric acid in fluorescence mode at 366 nm.Results:Amounts of corosolic acid (at 366 nm, Rf value = 7.2) in the sample was calculated using regression equations (R2 = 0.9959 (366 nm) of calibration plots, which showed there was a good polynomial relationship between peak area and amount of corosolic acid in the range 250-3000 ng/band. The limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantitation (LOQ) were 70 and 245.6 ng/band, respectively. The method was validated for precision and accuracy. Recovery was determined by spiking the extract with corosolic acid standard and found to be in the range 94.4–96.5%.Conclusion:The corosolic acid content found in the leaves was 1.5% w/w at 366 nm.

A sensitive and reliable high performance thin layer chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous estimation of quercetin and gallic acid in Leea indica, Vitaceae. Ethyl acetate extract prepared from hydrolysed aqueous alcoholic extract (70%) was applied on silica gel G 60 F254 plate. The plate was developed using toluene-ethyl acetate-formic acid, 5:4:1 (v/v/v) as a mobile phase and detection and quantification were performed by densitometric scanning at 254 nm. The system was found to give well resolved bands for quercetin (Rf 0.63) and gallic acid (Rf 0.45) from other constituents present in the extract of L. indica. The correlation coefficient was found to be 0.991 and 0.999 with relative standard deviation, 0.97–1.23% and 0.1–1.13% for quercetin and gallic acid respectively in the developed method. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by conducting recovery studies at different levels using the standard addition method. The average recovery of quercetin and gallic acid was found close to 99% suggesting the accurateness of the method. The proposed validated high performance thin layer chromatographic method offers a new, sensitive, specific and precise gauge for quantification of quercetin and gallic acid in L. indica. Keywords: Gallic acid, HPTLC, Leea indica, Quercetin, Simultaneous estimation, Validation

Background The medicinal properties of Inula cappa, a perennial shrub, are ascribed to its roots. In this article, we study the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of I. cappa root extracts based on its utilization in traditional medicine-treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, menoxenia, fever, jaundice and many others. Methods Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of I. cappa extracts were studied. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granulation method while the immunomodulatory activity was estimated by phagocytic assay method, hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer assay, delayed-type hypersensitivity assay method, plaque forming cell assay and determination of immunoprophylatic activity. Results The methanolic extract showed maximum reduction in the rat paw edema and showed significant inhibition of the cotton pellet-induced granulomas in rats. The methanolic extract also showed potential immunomodulatory activity in all the assays performed. Two sesquiterpenes, isoalantolactone and germacranolide were also isolated from the methanolic extract. Conclusions The present study supports the evidence that the roots of I. cappa can be used as a potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory agent.

Bryonia laciniosa Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) seed is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders. This investigation was carried out to investigate the anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic potential of the ethanolic extract of seeds of B. laciniosa Linn. and its saponin fraction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The ethanolic extract (250 and 500 mg/kg; p.o.) and saponin fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) were administered to diabetic rats and standard drug insulin (5 IU/kg; i.p.) to the group serving as a positive control. Effects of the ethanolic extract and saponin fraction on various biochemical parameters were studied in diabetic rats. Data were statistically analysed by one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's t-test. Oral administration of the ethanolic extract and saponin fraction for 28 days to streptozotocin-induced diabetes rats significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of blood glucose and improved the levels of plasma insulin. The levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase, urea, and creatinine were markedly altered in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Oral administration of the ethanolic extract and saponin fraction restored all these biochemical parameters to near control levels. This study reveals the efficacy of B. laciniosa seed extract and its saponin fraction in the amelioration of diabetes and its associated complications.

This paper deals with the detailed pharmacognostical evaluation of roots of Gmelina arborea Roxb. (Verbenaceae), a highly valued plant in Ayurveda as a bitter tonic, stomachic, laxative and useful in fever, indigestion, anasarca and skin problems. It has been used as an ingredient in many preparations like Dashmoola, Panchmoola di kwatha and Chyawanprasha. Chemical constituents of G. arborea roots have been studied extensively which include lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids and various phenyl propanoid glycosides but pharmacognosy of roots has not been reported. The main objective of the present work is to develop detailed pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and various pharmacopoeias for the roots, as this has not been reported so far for the roots of the plant. Preliminary analysis showed the presence of phenolics and flavonoids, which led us to estimate total phenolics in roots. The present study also focuses on development of high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC ) method for the quantitative analysis of roots using β-sitosterol as a chemical marker. Major microscopic features of roots are lignified cork, presence of oil globules, scattered stone cell islets in secondary cortex and pitted wood elements. Phytochemical screening reveals the presence of flavonoids, lignans, sterols, tannins, carbohydrate, coumarins and alkaloids. Total phenolics were found 1.89% w/w in roots and β-sitosterol was found 0.120 ± 0.018% in methanolic extract of the roots by the developed HPTLC method. These findings will aid in the standardization of one of the major roots used in a well known Ayurvedic formulation, Dashmoola. Validated HPTLC method developed can be used as a tool for standardization of roots in different formulations using β-sitosterol as a marker.

A sensitive and reliable high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed for the quantitative determination of oleanolic acid in the dried roots of Helicteres isora Linn. Total sapogenins were isolated from the roots, and their alcoholic extract was applied on silica gel G 60 F254 plates with toluene-ethyl acetate-glacial acetic acid, 7:3:0.1 (ν/ν/ν) as mobile phase. Detection and quantification were performed by densitometric scanning at 529 nm. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by conducting recovery studies at three different levels using the standard addition method. The average recovery of oleanolic acid was found to be 98.98%. The proposed HPTLC method provides good resolution of oleanolic acid from other constituents present in sapogenin extract of dried roots of H. isora and can be used for quantification of oleanolic acid present in the extract. The method is simple, accurate, and precise.

Introduction: Lagerstroemia flos-reginae (L) Pers. (Hindi-Jarul) belonging to Lythraceae is found throughout India, especially in Assam, Bengal and Deccan peninsula. A decoction of the leaves of L. flos-reginae in form of tea is widely used for diabetes mellitus in Philippines. Methods: The pharmacognostical investigations of leaves of L flos-reginae was done by evaluating its morphological, microscopical studies, leaf constants, phytochemical screening and various physicochemical parameters. Results: The microscopical studies revealed presence of epidermis with striated cuticle, bilayered palisade, rannanculaceous stomata, abundant calcium oxalate rosettes and prisms, fragments of bordered pitted xylem vessels and lignified pericyclic fibres in groups. Physical constants of leaf powder showed 14.23% alcohol soluble extractive value, 15.75% water soluble extractive value, 8.94% total ash, 8.65%water soluble ash, 1.94% acid insoluble ash, phytochemical analysis revealed presence of triterpenoid saponins, tannins, alkaloids, steroids, sugars and proteins. Conclusion: The above pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical studies will be beneficial for proper identification and authentification of leaves of L. flos-reginae .

Punarnavashtak kwath (PNK) is a classical Ayurvedic formulation, mentioned in Ayurvedic literature Bhaishajya Ratnavali, for hepatic disorders and asthma. This study investigated the hepatoprotective activity of PNK to validate the traditional use of this formulation.PNK was prepared in the laboratory according to the method given in Ayurvedic literature. Phytochemical screening was performed to determine the presence of phytoconstituents. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and by its effect on the HepG2 cell line.Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, and a bitter principle in PNK. Administration of PNK produced significant hepatoprotective effect as demonstrated by decreased levels of serum liver marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase, serum alanine transaminase, serum alkaline phosphatase, and serum bilirubin and an increase in protein level. Thiopentone-induced sleeping time was also decreased in the PNK-treated animals compared with the CCl(4)-treated group. It also showed antioxidant activity by increase in activity of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and by a decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substance level compared with the CCl(4)-treated group. Results of a histopathological study also support the hepatoprotective activity of PNK. Investigation carried out on the HepG2 cell line depicted significant increase in viability of cells exposed to PNK as compared with CCl(4)-treated cells.It can be concluded that PNK protects hepatocytes from CCl(4)-induced liver damages due to its antioxidant effect on hepatocytes. An in vitro study on HepG2 cell lines also supports its protective effect.

A b s t R A c t Punarnavashtak kwath (PN) a classical Ayurvedic formulation reported in “bhaishyajyaratnavali” consisting of eight medicinal plants was evaluated for its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect. In vitro antioxidant activity of PN kwath was investigated by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity and reducing power assay. In vitro antioxidant activity was found to be dose dependent. Hepatoprotective and in vivo antioxidant effect was evaluated by ethanol (3.7 g/kg, p.o for 45 days in all group except control) induced hepatic damage in rats. Pretreatment with PN kwath 100 mg/kg p.o for 45 days) significantly prevented physical (increased liver wt), biochemical (serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (sGPt), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and total protein level), histological (damage to hepatocytes) and functional changes (thiopentone induced sleeping time) induced by ethanol in liver. Further PN kwath showed antioxidant activity by increasing activity of GsH, sOD and cAt and by decreasing the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (tbARs). the results were compared to that of reference standard silymarin (50 mg/kg p.o for 45 days). The findings suggest that PN kwath protects the liver cell from ethanol induced liver damages due to its antioxidative effect on hepatocytes.

Aim of the study Saponins from Helicteres isora have previously been shown to exert antidiabetic effects. The present study explored the underlying mechanisms in C2C12 skeletal muscle cells. Materials and methods C2C12 cells were incubated with saponins and sapogenin followed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis. Results Western blotting revealed that incubation with saponins (100 μg/ml) and sapogenin (100 μg/ml) induced the phosphorylation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) as well as of the downstream targets protein kinase B/Akt (at Ser473) and glycogen synthase kinase GSK-3α/β (at Ser21/9) in a time-dependent manner. In contrast, no phosphorylation of the AMP-sensitive kinase AMPK (at Thr172) was observed. Within 48 h saponins/sapogenin treatment further increased the protein abundance of the insulin-sensitive glucose transporter Glut4. Confocal microscopy confirmed that saponins/sapogenin treatment stimulated Akt phosphorylation and revealed that the treatment was followed by translocation of Glut4 into the cell membrane of C2C12 muscle cells. Conclusions Saponins and sapogenin activate the PI3K/Akt pathway thus leading to phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK-3α/β with subsequent stimulation of glycogen synthesis as well as increase of Glut4-dependent glucose transport across the cell membrane.

Withania somnifera , commonly known as Ashwagandha, is a valued herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Root leaves, and preparations of the plant are traditionally used as tonic, hypnotic, sedative and diuretic. W. somnifera mainly contains withanolides which are specific to the Solanaceae family. The biological activity of withanolides, especially withaferin A, has been studied extensively. Methods for analysis of withaferin A and withnolide D require acetylation before analysis, or separation time is extremely long. The main problem in identification of withaferin Awith other separated withanolides is that all withanolides absorb UV light, so without comparison with a standard it is not possible to identify withaferin A. The objectives of this paper are to present a new method of identification of withaferin A, using a destructive reagent, and an HPTLC method for quantification of the compound. Chromatography on silica with toluene-ethyl acetate-acetone 2:3:3 as mobile phase enabled good resolution of withaferin A...

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Citrus limon. (L.) Burm. (Rutaceae) fruits, commonly known as lemon, in experimental liver damage. The ethanol extract of Citrus limon. fruits was evaluated for its effects on experimental liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride, and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the extract was evaluated on HepG2 cell line. The ethanol extract normalized the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total and direct bilirubin, which were altered due to carbon tetrachloride intoxication in rats. In the liver tissue, treatment significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), hence the lipid peroxidation, and raised the levels of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. It improved the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in treated rats in comparison with CCl4-intoxicated rats. In the histopathologic studies, treated animals exhibited restoration of t...

Convolvulus pluricaulis is a highly valued rasayana drug of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is one of the four drugs (Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, Clitoria ternatea, and Canscora decussata) described in Ayurveda as Shankhpushpi. Because C. pluricaulis is described and used as Shankhpushpi by most practitioners, the objective of this study was to develop an HPTLC method for generation of a distinct chemical profile of Shankhpushpi and for quantification of scopoletin in C. pluricaulis and in commercial formulations containing the plant. Because scopoletin is one of the major coumarins in C. pluricaulis, it was used as a chemical marker. Chromatography on silica gel, with toluene–ether, 1 + 1, saturated with 10% glacial acetic acid, as mobile phase enabled good resolution of scopoletin without interference from other compounds present in Shankhpushpi. Scopoletin was resolved at RF 0.31 as a blue fluorescent spot when scanned at λ = 366 nm. The study was extended to the analysis of commercial samples and formulations containing Shankhpushpi. Scopoletin was found to be present in almost all the commercial samples and formulations. Three other coumarins of RF 0.47, 0.55, and 0.63 were present in some of the samples. The HPTLC results were confirmed by results from UV spectroscopic scanning of the samples at λ = 366 nm. The method was validated for linearity (400–1200 ng/spot), correlation coefficient (0.9881), accuracy (recovery = 98.3%), precision (or CV, %; intraday 1.5–3.3%, interday 3.5–5.5%), limit of detection (50 ng/spot), and limit of quantification (100 ng/spot). The method is simple, sensitive, and precise and can be used for routine quality-control testing of C. pluricaulis and its commercial formulations.

The current study was undertaken to investigate the effect of the root bark of Oroxylum indicum. Vent. (Bignoniaceae) against experimental gastric ulcers. The 50% alcohol extract of root bark of Oroxylum indicum. and its different fractions, viz., petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n.-butanol, were studied (p.o.) against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The alcohol extract (300 mg/kg) and its different fractions (100 and 300 mg/kg) showed significant reduction in gastric ulceration. Out of all these fractions, the petroleum ether (96%) and n.-butanol (99%) fractions showed maximum inhibition of gastric lesions against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage. The results were comparable with omeprazole (reference standard). In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, treatment with both the active fractions and omeprazole showed significant antioxidant activity as evident from the reduction in the extent of lipid peroxidation that was measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), al...

The current study was designed to investigate the effect of a 50% alcohol extract of Chlorophytum arundinaceum. Baker (CAE) against ethanol-induced pylorus ligation and cold stress–induced experimental gastric ulcer. The CAE was given at the dose of 100 mg/kg, p.o., in all the models, and results of those were compared with that of animals treated with omeprazole 20 mg/kg, p.o. (reference standard). Ulcer index was a common evaluating parameter in all the models. In the pylorus ligation model, acid secretory parameters (total acid, pepsin activity, and total acid output) and mucoprotective parameters (total carbohydrate, total protein, and mucin activity) were studied. In addition, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity were specifically studied in cold stress–induced gastric ulcer model. Effects on vascular permeability as well as gastric emptying were also studied. CAE has shown significant protection in gastric ulceration as evident from reduction (p

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of Mimusops elengi (Sapotaceae) against experimental gastric ulcers. The 50% alcoholic extract of Mimusops elengi (Ext E) and its different fractions namely ethyl acetate (Ext E1), n-butanol (Ext E2), methanol (Ext E3) and aqueous (Ext E4) were studied (p.o.) against ethanol-induced gastric damage. Ext E1 was also studied in ethanol-induced, pylorus-ligated and water-immersion plus stress-induced gastric ulcer models. Ranitidine HCl (80 mg kg(-1)) was used as a reference standard. In ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, pantoprazole (20 mg kg(-1)) was also used as a reference standard. Ext E1 tested in mice up to the dose of 5000 mg kg(-1) (p.o.) did not produce any sign of toxicity. Ext E at the doses of 50, 100, 300 and 500 mg kg(-1) and its different fractions (100 mg kg(-1)) showed reduction in gastric ulceration (P0.05). Ext E1 at the doses of 10, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) showed dose-dependent inhibition of gastric lesions against ethanol-induced gastric damage. In 19 h pylorus-ligated animals, Ext E1 at 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) doses showed significant reduction in ulcer index (P0.05). Significant reduction was also observed in total acidity, volume of gastric acid secretion, total acid output and pepsin activity (P0.05) when compared with the control group. Besides, Ext E1 showed increase in the mucosal glycoproteins that was evident from significant rise in total carbohydrates to protein ratio (TC:PR ratio) (P0.05), which is an indication of mucin activity. Ext E1 also showed protection against water-immersion plus stress-induced gastric lesions that was evident from dose-dependent decrease in ulcer index (P0.05), score for intensity (P0.05) and total lesion area (P0.05) when compared with the control group. It can be concluded from our study that Ext E1 possesses anti-ulcer activity against experimental gastric ulcers. The mechanism of anti-ulcer activity can be attributed to decrease in gastric acid secretory activity along with strengthening of mucosal defensive mechanisms.

Introduction: Thespesia populnea L. (Family: Malvaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant distributed in tropical regions of the world and cultivated in South Gujarat and indicated to be useful in cutaneous affections, psoriasis, ringworm, and eczema. Bark and fruits are indicated in the diseases of skin, urethritis, and gonorrhea. The juice of fruits is employed in treating certain hepatic diseases. The plant is reported to contain flavonoids, quercetin, kaempferol, gossypetin, Kaempferol-3-monoglucoside, β-sitosterol, kaempferol-7-glucoside, and gossypol. T. populnea is a common component of many herbal and Ayurvedic formulation such as Kamilari and Liv-52. Objective: The present study aimed at developing validated and reliable high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method for the analysis of quercetin and kaempferol simultaneously in T. populnea. Method: The method employed thin-layer chromatography aluminum sheets precoated with silica gel as the stationary phase and toluene: ethyl acetate: formic acid (6:4:0.3 v/v/v) as the mobile phase, which gave compact bands of quercetin and kaempferol. Result: Linear regression data for the calibration curves of standard quercetin and kaempferol showed a good linear relationship over a concentration range of 100-600 ng/spot and 500-3000 ng/spot with respect to the area and correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.9955 and 0.9967. The method was evaluated regarding accuracy, precision, selectivity, and robustness. Limits of detection and quantitation were recorded as 32.06 and 85.33 ng/spot and 74.055 and 243.72 ng/spot for quercetin and kaempferol, respectively. Conclusion: We concluded that this method employing HPTLC in the quantitative determination of quercetin and kaempferol is efficient, simple, accurate, and validated.

Plumbagin, the major active compound and a potential biomarker characteristically found to be present in different Plumbaginales, is isolated by an austere and efficient method involving column chromatography. A literature survey suggests that the roots of Plumbago rosea. Linn. are the richest source of plumbagin. Chemically identified as a naphthoquinone, the compound is claimed to sublime at 90°C. This disposition of the compound correlates with the implication of cold maceration employed in isolation methodology for extraction of root powder with acetone. Plumbagin, being hydrophobic and insoluble in water, was precipitated out by addition of water to the acetone extract. The filtered residue was taken in chloroform, and the concentrated chloroform extract, when subjected to column chromatography, yielded plumbagin (1.65%), elution being carried out with n-hexane:ethyl acetate (92:8). The identity of the compound was confirmed by melting point data, UV, IR, and mass spectral data reported in th...

In the present work, Preliminary Phytochemical screening of Ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and Hydro-alcoholic (30:70) extracts of leaves was carried out. Acute toxicity study (ALD50) determined by Fixed dose (OCED Guideline No. 420) method of CPCSEA was adopted for toxicity studies. Hypoglycemic activity of these extract has been investigated on Normoglycemic Rats model and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test model. Result reveled that all three extract contain Flavonoids where as Alkaloids are absent. No Mortality observed during acute toxicity study at higher dose 2000 mg/kg bw so that 1/5th of higher dose i.e. 400mg/kg was used for biological evaluation. All the extracts showed significant hypoglycemic activity in Normoglycemic rats and OGTT model compare to Standard (Glibenclamide). Hydroalcoholic extract are superior to other in dose dependent manner. These findings suggest that the leaves of Bombax ceiba L have potential to lower the blood glucose level in experimental animals. Present research directs the importance of further research and development for its mechanism of action and molecular level study.

The study was aimed to investigate antiulcer effects of acetone extract and its different fractions Mimusops hexandra against experimental gastro-duodenal ulcers. 80% acetone extract of stem bark of Mimusops hexandra (Extract A, p.o.) and its different fractions namely diethyl ether (Extract A1, p.o.), ethyl acetate (Extract A2, p.o.) and aqueous (Extract A3, p.o.) were tested for the presence of preliminary phytoconstituents and were screened for their antiulcer potential in experimental animals using ethanol-HCl and aspirin-induced gastric damage at the dose of 500 mg kg-1p.o. Extract A2 being the most active fraction amongst all the fractions tested was also studied at different doses to find its ED50. Further, to establish the mechanism of action, Extract A2 was also tested for its effects in acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer models and cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. The effect was compared with cimetidine. Flavonoids (quercetin), procyanidins, saponins and triterpenoids were found to be present in bark. Oral administration of Extract A2 inhibited formation of gastric lesions induced by aspirin in a dose dependent manner. Elevated level of lipid peroxidation due to ethanol-HCl and aspirin induced gastric damage was significantly (p

Roots of Premna integrifolia Linn. Mant. (Verbanacea) are important rasayana (Adaptogenic) drugs and are considered to be useful in the treatment of variety of ailments. The present study was aimed at evaluating the for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Pretreatment with a single dose of methanolic extract of P. integrifolia (PIM) (300 mg/kg b.w.) produced significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, histamine induced wheal formation, and acetic acid-induced mouse vascular permeation. In a 7-day study, daily administration of PIM suppressed formalin induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced rat granuloma formation. The extract also showed significant inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase (COX-I) activity on rat uterus and plasma membrane stabilization. Apart from this, the antioxidant activity (in vitro) of the extracts was evaluated using the anti radical, superoxide scavenging, erythrocyte membrane stability, anti lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and reducing power (ferric thiocynate method and β-carotene bleaching test) assays. PIM showed significant anti-oxidant activity. In addition, PIM (300mg/kg b.w.) produced no observable sub acute toxicity in mice with in 15 days. The results scientifically demonstrated the antiinflammatory activity of P. integrifolia roots in various experimental models probably through their antihistaminic, antikinin, COX-inhibitory and antioxidant action. This therefore justifies the folkloric use of the plant.

Celosia Argentea L. (Amaranthaceae) Was Evaluated Morphologically, Microscopically, Chemically, Pharmacologically and Clinically. Detection and Estimation Of Triterpenoid Saponins (Root and Seed), Sucrose (Root) and Flavonoids (Leaf and Stem) Have Been Reported In This Work For The First Time. Antibacterial Activity Of The Alcohol Extracts Of Leaf and Its Flavonoids Have Also Been Studied. Diuretic Activity Of Seeds Gave Good Results When Tested On Albino Rats and Human Volunteers.

Leucas aspera commonly known as 'Thumbai' is distributed throughout India from the Himalayas down to Ceylon. The plant is used traditionally as an antipyretic and insecticide. Medicinally, it has been proven to possess various pharmacological activities like antifungal, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antinociceptive and cytotoxic activity. Further, studies reveal the presence of various phytochemical constituents mainly triterpenoids, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and b-sitosterol, nicotine, sterols, glucoside, diterpenes, phenolic compounds (4-(24-hydroxy-1-oxo-5-n-propyltetracosanyl)-phenol). These studies reveal that L. aspera is a source of medicinally active compounds and have various pharmacological effects; hence, this drug encourage finding its new therapeutic uses.

Context: Bryonia laciniosa Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) seed is used in traditional medicine for a number of ailments including metabolic disorders. Aim: This study evaluated the anti-diabetic action of the ethanol extract of B. laciniosa seeds and saponin fraction of it through its effect on hyperglycemia, dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress in neonatally streptozotocin (n-STZ)-induced diabetic rats (n-STZ diabetic rats). Materials and Methods: Ethanol extract (250 and 500 mg/kg; p.o.), saponin fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) and standard drug glibenclamide (3 mg/kg; p.o.) were administered to diabetic rats when the rats were 6 weeks old and continued for 10 consecutive weeks. Effects of ethanol extract and saponin fraction on various biochemical parameters were studied in diabetic rats. Results: The treatment with ethanol extract and saponin fraction for 10 weeks decrease in the levels of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, serum urea, serum creatinine and diminished activities of aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase. The anti-hyperglycemic nature of B. laciniosa is probably brought about by the extra- the pancreatic mechanism as evidenced from unchanged levels of plasma insulin. B. laciniosa modulated effect of diabetes on the liver malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity. Administration of ethanol extract and saponin fraction to diabetic rats showed a significant reversal of disturbed antioxidant status. Significant increase in SOD, CAT, and levels of GSH was observed in treated n-STZ diabetic rats. Conclusion: The present study reveals the efficacy of B. laciniosa seed extract and its saponin fraction in the amelioration of n-STZ diabetic rats.