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Methods: This review provides scientific grounds in the literature for the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of Rhododendron arboreum, from 2010- 2021. Chiefly three bibliographic databases were used as the main sources of information (Google scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct). The keywords used in this research are as follows: “Phytochemical”, “National flower”, “Bioactive compounds”, “Pharmacology” and “Rhododendron arboreum”. Results: Various studies were included in this review according to the required criteria, including phytochemical and traditional uses. Rhododendron arboreum contains flavonoids alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, steroids, anthraquinones, saponins and tannins. Pharmacological and traditional uses of this plant on the basis of presence of above active ingredients. Keywords: Bioactive compounds, National flower, Rhododendron arboreum

Abstract: Nanotechnology is a multidisciplinary domain that involves overlapping areas such as nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanobiotechnology. Herbal medicine is a significant component of traditional medicine and has been a part of treating many diseases. Asian people have been using these herbal medicines for decades. Still, herbal extracts' therapeutic efficacy and pharmaceutical application are associated with many factors such as poor bioavailability, low solubility, permeability, and lack of targeting potential. In the present work, we have reviewed thriving strategies for the targeted drug delivery of phytoconstituents and critically explained the most recent progressions on emerging novel nano-phytomedicine-based materials as herbal medicines carriers. Nanotechnologybased clinical trial studies targeting herbal bioactive compounds were discussed. Advancements in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems intended to enhance cellular uptake, improved pharmacokinetics, and effectiveness of herbal drugs have facilitated the powerful targeting of specific agents against diseases. This review provides insight into the current progress and future opportunities for nanomedicines as potential curative targets for the delivery of herbal bioactive compounds. This information could be used as a platform for the future expansion of multi-functional nano constructs for the advanced detection of diseases and functional drug delivery of phytoconstituents.

Abstract: Respiratory tract infections are underestimated because they are mild and disabling, but in clinical medicine, these are the most prevalent problems. According to the World Health Organization third-most comprehensive cause of death in the world till 2030 would be Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dominating viruses of respiratory infections are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, and human coronaviruses. Antibiotics are mostly used to treat bacterial infections, and they do not effectively manage viral infections like sinusitis, sore throats, bronchitis, influenza, and common respiratory infections. Presently no medication is available only symptomatic interventions is an option in our hand. However, a lot of research is going on the vaccine and drugs-based approaches against respiratory viruses worldwide. Traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. It is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds for treatment against antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) pharmacological actions modulate the immune system, inhibit virus growth, produce anti-inflammatory activity, and inactivate viruses. This comprehensive review mainly focuses on the role of licorice in managing respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including complications associated with its excess intake. There has been limited human research’s exhibited licorice effectiveness in respiratory infections; therefore, there is a need for uncompromising and long-term research. This paper will be a valuable reference for biologists and physicians looking for a medication for respiratory infections. Glycyrrhiza glabra could open the door to novel agents in drug discovery and development.

The Ayurveda combines the Sanskrit words Ayu (life) and Veda (science or knowledge) thus Ayurveda means science of life. Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine having emergence a thousand year ago. Since that ancient time Ayurvedic Aacharyas were well known by existence of Krimis, and they have mentioned it in their various literatures regarding its Nidana (causes), Sankhya (different number), Naamkarana (terminology), Swarupa (appearance), Lakshana (symptoms), Sthana (finding area) Chikitsa Vyavastha (management), Yoga (Kriminasaka formulation). Even in the modern era Krimi has been considered a life-threating issue as it causes illness in children and adult human beings having numbers of local to systemic manifestations such as Kandu, Kotha, Pidika, Shoola, Agnimandhya, Panduta, Vishthambhi, Balanasa, Lalasarava, Aruchi, Hridyaroga, and Atisara. In this review, an article effort has been made to elaborate the concept of Krimi chronologically from different Ayurvedic treatises and also to detailed the different perspective regarding its management as per traditional system of medicine.

Mortality and morbidity from influenza and other respiratory viruses are significant causes of concern worldwide. Infections in the respiratory tract are often underappreciated because they tend to be mild and incapacitated. On the other hand, these infections are regarded as a common concern in clinical practice. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, albeit this is becoming more challenging since many of the more prevalent infection causes have acquired a wide range of antimicrobial resistance. Resistance to frontline treatment medications is constantly rising, necessitating the development of new antiviral agents. Probiotics are one of several medications explored to treat respiratory viral infection (RVI). As a result, certain probiotics effectively prevent gastrointestinal dysbiosis and decrease the likelihood of secondary infections. Various probiotic bacterias and their metabolites have shown immunomodulating and antiviral properties. Unfortunately, the mechanisms by which probiotics are effective in the fight against viral infections are sometimes unclear. This comprehensive review has addressed probiotic strains, dosage regimens, production procedures, delivery systems, and pre-clinical and clinical research. In particular, novel probiotics’ fight against RVIs is the impetus for this study. Finally, this review may explore the potential of probiotic bacterias and their metabolites to treat RVIs. It is expected that probiotic-based antiviral research would be benefitted from this review’s findings.

Progress in radiation therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) is logically linked to the development of molecular predictors that would help to enhance individually tailored treatment. MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in tumors have repeatedly been tested to optimize the molecular diagnostics of HNSCC. In addition to tumor tissues, miRNAs are stably present in body fluids, including saliva, and can thus be collected non-invasively. The aim of our current study was to evaluate whether salivary miRNAs have potential as response predictors in HNSCC patients treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). In total 48 HNSCC patients treated by definitive IMRT were enrolled in our prospective study. To identify predictive salivary miRNAs, we used small RNA sequencing in 14 saliva samples of HNSCC patients and qRT-PCR validation of selected miRNA candidates in an independent set of 34 patients. We found that salivary miR-15a-5p and miR-15b-5p exhibited differential levels between patients with and without complete remission (p = 0.025 and p = 0.028, respectively). Subsequent Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that patients with higher levels of miR-15a-5p reached a significantly longer locoregional progression-free survival (LPFS) than those with low levels (p = 0.024). Finally, multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that miR-15a-5p may serve as an independent predictive biomarker of LPFS in HNSCC patients treated with IMRT (HR 0.104; 95% CI 0.004–0.911; p = 0.04). We conclude that salivary miR-15a-5p may represent a potential biomarker for individualized treatment decision-making in HNSCC patients.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received significant attention due to their distinctive antimicrobial, anticancer, catalytic and photochemical activity. The objective of this work is to amalgamate silver nanoparticles from the aqueous extract of Biamarckia nobilis seeds using green method, characterization using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. Further, its antimicrobial and anticancer activities were evaluated. The results displayed the characteristic UV peak, cubic phase with crystalline nature, spherical in shape having average size 14 nm, prominent peaks of bio-functional groups, good antimicrobial and anticancer activities.

Respiratory tract infections are underestimated because they are mild and disabling, but in clinical medicine, these are the most prevalent problems. According to the World Health Organization third-most comprehensive cause of death in the world till 2030 would be Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dominating viruses of respiratory infections are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinoviruses, and human coronaviruses. Antibiotics are mostly used to treat bacterial infections, and they do not effectively manage viral infections like sinusitis, sore throats, bronchitis, influenza, and common respiratory infections. Presently no medication is available only symptomatic interventions is an option in our hand. However, a lot of research is going on the vaccine and drugs-based approaches against respiratory viruses worldwide. Traditional medicines are getting the attraction to treat many diseases. It is vital to screen the medicinal plants to find the potential of new compounds for treatment against antiviral and antimicrobial activities. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (Licorice) pharmacological actions modulate the immune system, inhibit virus growth, produce anti-inflammatory activity, and inactivate viruses. This comprehensive review mainly focuses on the role of licorice in managing respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria, including complications associated with its excess intake. There has been limited human research's exhibited licorice effectiveness in respiratory infections; therefore, there is a need for uncompromising and long-term research. This paper will be a valuable reference for biologists and physicians looking for a medication for respiratory infections. Glycyrrhiza glabra could open the door to novel agents in drug discovery and development.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has provoked the urgent requirement to search for effective treatments since the implications are so huge globally as compared to the earlier pandemics. Momentarily, there has been no effective medicine for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and supportive care tends to be the most effective approach to treat COVID-19 patients. The rapidly growing awareness of SARS-CoV-2 virology offers a large number of possible drug targets. The World Health Organisation (WHO) is steadily updating the treatment protocol for COVID-19 based on the recent clinical trials. In the present review, we have summarised the possible mode of action, clinical evidence, consequences of dexamethasone as the therapeutic agent against Covid-19. Currently, many corticosteroids are being tested in ongoing randomised trials. Dexamethasone could come as the life-saving drug. Dexamethasone drug looks useful only in those patients who are already in a critical state. We might allow dexamethasone as a fascinating shot, if the drug proves to be clinically favourable for long-term health effects of Covid-19 recovered patients. It is commonly accepted to reinforce approved drugs in the fight against newly emerging diseases such as COVID-19 as these drugs have established pharmacokinetic profiles and protection. The current focus should be on the development of novel proven therapeutics along with vaccines. There is a need for high quality, more extensive, rapid and collaborative randomized controlled trials with more control groups.

Objectives To examine combined immunoprofiles of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), CD44, and p16 in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and to correlate them with radiotherapy treatment outcomes and clinicopathological parameters. Prognostic impact of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th edition staging system in comparison with 7th edition was analyzed. Methods The study included 77 OPSCC patients treated by definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Clinical staging was assessed according to the AJCC, both 7th and 8th edition. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of CD44 and EGFR was performed on primary biopsy tumor tissues. To evaluate the HPV status, IHC detection of p16 was employed. Results The AJCC 8th edition staging system revealed correlations between overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), locoregional control (LRC), and clinical stage. EGFR and CD44 positivity (+) and p16 negativity (-) were associated with clinical stage IV of the disease. CD44+ and EGFR+ OPSCC displayed worse OS and LRC, and these cases also showed the worst 3-year OS and LRC. Combined analysis of protein expressions identified an association between p16- and EGFR+, p16- and CD44+, EGFR+, and CD44+. Combined immunoprofiles CD44+/p16-, EGFR+/p16-, and EGFR+/CD44+ were associated with worst OS and LRC. Conclusions Combined immunoprofiles of p16, EGFR, and CD44 might provide valuable prognostic and predictive information for the individual OPSCC patients, especially in terms of response to IMRT and prediction of treatment outcomes. Application of the AJCC 8th edition staging for HPV+ OPSCC proved to improve hazard discrimination and prognostication of OPSCC.

Background: Typhoid fever is a gastrointestinal infection caused by Gram-negative bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (S.typhi). Typhoid fever continues to be one of the major public health problems in developing countries. Antimicrobial therapy is critical for the clinical management of enteric fever. Incidences of multi-drug resistance to S. typhi (MDRST) and nalidixic acid resistant (NAR) strain have limited treatment options. Resistance pattern and time to fever clearance vary in different geographical areas and overtimes. Hence, this study was conducted to compare efficacy and safety profile of Cefixime and Ofloxacin in uncomplicated typhoid fever in this region. Method: 50 adults proven cases of typhoid fever of the age group of 18-57 years of either sex were included in the study. Group I was treated with Cefixime 200 mg twice a day for 7 days and CG I was treated with Ofloxacin 200 mg twice a day for 7 days. Patients were clinically and bacteriologically evaluated during the study period and follow-up. Result: So both study groups were found comparable in terms of mean fever clearance time. 96% cure rates were observed in both groups. No relapse was recorded. Conclusion: Both Cefixime and Ofloxacin are equally efficacious and safe in the treatment of uncomplicated typhoid fever. Med Phoenix Vol.2(1) July 2017, 3-7

Background: Medical students are taught the internationally accepted approach to acute diarrhoea, viz. adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement is the fundamental management of acute diarrhoea. Antibiotics should be restricted to specific indications, such as acute dysentery. Despite the well known rationale, there has been a high rate of prescription of antibiotics for acute diarrhoea presenting to Emergency.Methods: The pre and post intervention data was collected in the following way. All Emergency case records were routinely scrutinized in the Dept of Family Medicine after discharge with the exception of cases that were admitted to the wards. All cases with a discharge diagnosis fitting the clinical criteria of acute diarrhoeal syndrome: diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, dysentery and cholera were separated, analysed and recorded sequentially.Results: Initially doctors were prescribing antibiotics for 52.8% of case of non-bloody diarrhoea. In the 2nd intervention period there were few cases, but it is remarkable how few were prescribed antibiotic (20%) while the survey of prescribing habits was underway. In the 3rd intervention period when an education event took place, it was the peak of the diarrhea season. Prescribing increased somewhat to 29%. In the 4th intervention a letter was sent out to the doctors describing the results so far, and pointing out the lower prescribing by “senior doctors”. The overall changes in prescribing behaviour after the educational interventions were statistically significant. The reduction in prescribing noted when comparing intervention 1 and intervention 4, is highly significant (antibiotic p < 0.0001, anti-protozoal p

Amongst all types of primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the commonest form of liver cancer in the world. Cancer chemoprevention using dietary supplements and phytochemicals has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Numerous study reports suggest the role of phytochemicals and dietary compounds in the prevention and treatment of liver cancer. Certain dietary agents and related phytochemicals present in grapes, pomegranate, vegetables, beans, turmeric, soy, rice bran, and fish oils are reported to have chemopreventive potentials against hepatocellular carcinoma. Phytochemicals such as Carotenoids, Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), Curcumin, Resveratrol, Rutoside, Quercetin, Chrysin and Silibinin have possible therapeutic importance in tumor suppression during the initial phases of carcinogenesis. Many phytochemicals which are still under investigation lack the scientific data in support of anticancer properties of these compounds rather than anti-oxidant mechanism. So, emphasis should be given on the investigation of plausible molecular mechanism behind anticancer activity. This review summarizes the use of these dietary agents and phytochemicals in the treatment and prevention of HCC and also highlights the mechanisms responsible for their effects.Med Phoenix Vol.2(1) July 2017, 52-62

Oligohydramnios is a threatening condition to fetal health and is associated with increased fetal morbidity. These conditions are often missed and patient may not seek appropriate treatment at appropriate time that often increases risk of numerous conditions. Early detection of oligohydramnios and its management may help in reduction of perinatal morbidity and mortality one side and decreased caesarean deliveries on the other side. A search in Google scholar, PubMed, Medline, EMBASE was performed using key words. Inclusion criteria for articles selection were singleton pregnancy, definition of olgohydramnios as AFI

Objective: Lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) produces an inflammatory condition leading to multiple organ failure. LPS most potent bacterial products are used for induction of host oxidative stress responses and liver injury. Methods: Present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in rats by measuring oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide, liver function test and cytokines. Results: The obtained data showed that LPS administration significantly reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), total cholesterol (TC) and albumin (ALB). There was significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokines activity, serum aspartate transaminase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and nitric oxide(NO). Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (MEAR) administration significantly (P

Oropharyngeal squamous cell tumors associated with human papillomavirus infection (p16 positive tumors) have better prognosis than p16 negative tumors regardless of the more advanced stage of the disease. Tumor volume (GTVt+n) is generally an important factor affecting treatment results of ionizing radiation. The aim of this prospective non-randomized study is to evaluate the effect of tumor volume on the (chemo)radiation treatment results in a group of patients with p16 negative and p16 positive oropharyngeal tumors.Patients with confirmed squamous cell tumor of the oropharynx of stages III and IV, according to the 7th version of the TNM (tumor-nodes-metastases) classification, were eligible for this study. The main exclusion criteria were palliative treatment, neoadjuvant chemotherapy or planned concomitant therapy with cetuximab. Patients were treated according to standardized protocols with curative intent. Primary tumor volume (GTVt) and involved nodes volume (GTVn) were obtained from radiotherapy planning system for further statistical analysis. The differences in tumor volumes between the groups according to p16 expression were assessed with subsequent testing of probability to achieve complete remission (CR) of the disease in both groups.In total, 49 patients - 84% men, median age 60.5 years, 25 (51%) patients p16 positive, 40 (82%) underwent concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Median of GTVt in the whole patients group is 40.2 ccm, GTVn 11.78 ccm and median volume of the whole tumor burden (GTVt+n) 70.21 ccm (range 11.05-249). Median of GTVn was greater in the p16 positive cohort (p = 0.041). In the entire group, the median time to reach CR was 91 days (95% CI 86-107 days) from the end of radiotherapy. In the group of p16 negative patients, 14 achieved CR (61%) out of 23 patients, in p16 positive group 20 (80%) out of 25 patients (p = 0.111). P16 negative patients had a longer time to CR (p = 0.196, HR 1.58, 95% CI 0.79-3.18). None of the independently assessed volumetric parameters of the tumor (GTVt, GTVn, GTVt+n) affected CR in the p16 positive patients group, while there was a significant impact of the whole tumor burden (GTVt+n) in the p16 negative cohort (median 58.1 ccm in CR patients vs. 101.9 ccm, p = 0.018).We have showed less GTVt+n dependence to achieve CR in p16 positive tumors in comparison with p16 negative tumors. Thus, p16 positive oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers should not be withdrawn from the curative treatment intent based on the greater GTVt+n. Key words oropharyngeal neoplasms - p16 status - treatment outcome - tumor burden - complete remission This work was supported by grant of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic AZV 15-31627A and by grant of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic - Conceptual development of a research organization (MMCI 00209805). The authors declare they have no potential conflicts of interest concerning drugs, products, or services used in the study. The Editorial Board declares that the manuscript met the ICMJE recommendation for biomedical papers. Submitted: 2. 11. 2018 Accepted: 11. 11. 2018.

Background/Aim: Head and neck cancers are a heterogenous group of epithelial tumors represented mainly by squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC), which are the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. Surgery together with radiotherapy (RT) is among the basic treatment modalities for most HNSCC patients. Various biomarkers aiming to predict patients' response to RT are currently investigated. The reason behind this effort is, on one hand, to distinguish radioresistant patients that show weak benefit from RT and, on the other hand, reduce the ionizing radiation dose in less aggressive radiosensitive HNSCC with possibly less acute or late toxicity. Materials and Methods: A total of 94 HNSCC patients treated by definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy were included in our retrospective study. We used a global expression analysis of microRNAs (miRNAs) in 43 tumor samples and validated a series of selected miRNAs in an independent set of 51 tumors. Results: We identified miR-15b-5p to be differentially expressed between patients with short and long time of locoregional control (LRC). Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that HNSCC patients with higher expression of miR-15b-5p reach a significantly longer locoregional relapsefree survival compared to patients expressing low levels. Finally, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that miR-15b-5p is an independent predictive biomarker of LRC in HNSCC patients (HR=0.25 ; 95% CI=0.05-0.78; p

Long non-coding (lnc)RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and are involved in almost every cellular process. They can bind to other molecules including DNA, proteins, or even other RNA types such messenger RNA or small RNAs. LncRNAs are typically expressed at much lower levels than mRNA, and their expression is often restricted to tissue- or time-specific developmental stages. They are also involved in several inter-species interactions, including vector–host–pathogen interactions, where they can be either vector/host-derived or encoded by pathogens. In these interactions, they function via multiple mechanisms including regulating pathogen growth and replication or via cell-autonomous antimicrobial defense mechanisms. Recent advances suggest that characterizing lncRNAs and their targets in different species may hold the key to understanding the role of this class of non-coding RNA in interspecies crosstalk. In this review, we present a general overview of recent studies related to lncRNA-related regulation of gene expression as well as their possible involvement in regulating vector–host–pathogen interactions.

Ficus religiosa commonly found tree in Indian sub-continent has numerous neuro-pharmacological effects including epilepsy in traditional medicine. Therefore, anticonvulsant effect of aqueous aerial root extract of F. religiosa at oral doses 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg was studied using Maximum electroshock (MES) and Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) induced seizure models in mice. F. religiosa showed anticonvulsant effect dose dependently in MES & PTZ test. In MES model F. religiosa 100mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) lowered duration of Tonic hind limb extension. In PTZ model, all three doses of F. religiosa significantly (p < 0.05)  increased latency to convulsion. These findings thus provide scientific evidence in support of the folkloric use of this plant in the management of epilepsy. Keywords: Anticonvulsant, Ficus religiosa, Maximum electroshock, Pentylenetetrazole, Root

Objective: To find out the antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory capabilities of Euphorbia hirta Linn. methanol extract in LPS-induced to oxidative stress animal model. Methods: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce oxidative stress in rats. Oxidative stress bio-markers (TBARS, GSH, CAT and SOD) were evaluated. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Griess assay were used analysis of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and nitric oxide (NO) level in brain tissues respectively. An anxiety was calculated by elevated plus maze test. Result: LPS treated rats showed markedly depleted brain reduced glutathione (GSH) level (56.25%), superoxide dismutase (SOD) level (43.93%) and catalase (CAT) level (58.55%) in brain tissue, whereas a significant (p

Aim of this is to examine the Pharmacognastical and Phytochemical properties of Asparagus racemosus. The qualitative microscopy, Phytochemical screening, physicochemical evolution, fluorescence analysis and HPTLC studies were carried out according to the standard procedure recommended in WHO guidelines. The root had compactly arranged, uniseriate, polygonal to radially elongated, thick walled cell represent the outermost piliferous layer. Immediately laying below the epidermis is extensively developed, several layers of thick cortex made up of parenchymatous cells. The cortical cells contain raphide bundles. The innermost one or two layer of cortex immediately outside the endodermis comprises thick-walled cells, with the numerous oval or circular pits on their walls. Endodermis is composed of a single layer of compactly arranged, barrel-shaped parenchymatous cells. Inner to endodermis is a single layer of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells constituting the pericycle in the form of a ring, which surrounds a central stele. Phytochemical investigation of root shows total ash (6.5 %w/w), acid insoluble ash (1.3% w/w), and water-soluble ash (2.2% w/w). Loss on drying is (5.5% w/w). Cold extractive value in pet, ether (0.5%% w/w) in chloroform (3.4% w/w), methanol (8.0 % w/w) and in water (10.2% w/w). Hot extractive value in pet. ether (0.9% w/w), in chloroform (4.6 % w/w), methanol (10.40 % w/w) and in water (11.2% w/w). In methanolic extract and aqueous extract, tannins and saponins present in a major amount. Other constituents include carbohydrate, glycosides and phenolic compounds were present. Various pharmacognistical parameters evaluated in this study help in identification and standardization of the root of Asparagus racemosus. Keywords: Asparagus racemosus Willd, Satavar; Phytochemical investigation, Phytochemistry

Background Progress in radiation treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) deserves the studies focused on molecular predictors that would help to enhance individually tailored treatment. Methods p16/epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/cluster of differentiation-44 (CD44) was immunohistochemically analyzed in 165 HNSCC patients. Results In the entire group and the p16 negative cohort, better 3-year overall survival and locoregional control correlated with p16 positivity, CD44, and EGFR negativity were observed. Combined analysis revealed the worst results in the CD44+/p16-, EGFR+/p16-, and EGFR+/CD44+ groups and in the EGFR+/CD44+ within p16 negative cohort. Multivariate analysis found tumor stage, Karnofsky index, p16, and CD44 as prognostic factors of overall survival and clinical stage, and p16 as a prognostic factor for locoregional control. Clinical stage and Karnofsky index affected overall survival and tumor stage. EGFR affected locoregional control in the p16 negative subgroup. Conclusion Our study confirmed the negative effect of CD44 and EGFR and the positive effect of p16 on radiotherapy results.

Resistance to the ionizing radiation is a current problem in the treatment and clinical management of various cancers including head and neck cancer. There are several biological and molecular mechanisms described to be responsible for resistance of the tumors to radiotherapy. Among them, the main mechanisms include alterations in intracellular pathways involved in DNA damage and repair, apoptosis, proliferation, and angiogenesis. It has been found that regulation of these complex processes is often controlled by microRNAs. MicroRNAs are short endogenous RNA molecules that posttranscriptionally modulate gene expression and their deregulated expression has been observed in many tumors including head and neck cancer. Specific expression patterns of microRNAs have also been shown to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in head and neck cancer. Therefore, microRNAs present promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets that might overcome resistance to radiation and improve prognosis of head and neck cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the functional role of microRNAs in radioresistance of cancer with special focus on head and neck cancer.

Not available.Med Phoenix Vol.2(1) July 2017, 1-2

Introduction: Head and neck cancers are the sixth most common cancers worldwide mainly represented by the squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Very important treatment modality in HNSCC is radiotherapy (RT). Closed as well as ongoing clinical trials are evaluating especially potential for reduced-dose RT in less aggressive radiosensitive HNSCC defined by human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity, with promise of less acute and late toxicity. To this end, variety of different biomarkers with promising predictive value is currently investigated in HNSCC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short endogenous RNAs that post-transcriptionally modulate gene expression and their deregulated expression has been observed in many cancers including HNSCC. Specific expression patterns of miRNAs have been also shown to predict prognosis and therapeutic response in HNSCC. Aim of our study was to identify tumor tissue miRNAs enabling of predict locoregional control (LRC) in HNSCC patients who underwent intensity-modulated RT. Materials and methods: We have analyzed global miRNA expression profiles in 43 FFPE tumor biopsies collected from HNSCC patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy, who were divided into two groups according to their LRC as follows: short LRC [n = 22; median 5.1 months (min 1.3, max 18.6)] vs. long LRC [n = 21; 60.4 (46.8, 98.8)]. This analysis has been performed using the hybridization Affymetrix GeneChip miRNA 4.0 array. Validation of miRNA candidates was performed in independent cohort of 64 HNSCC patients. MiRNA determination was carried out by RT qPCR technology using the miRNA-specific RT stem-loop primers according to the Taq-Man MicroRNA Assay protocol (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Results: We identified 24 miRNAs with significantly different expression between both examined groups (p < 0.05; average log(Fold Change) = 0.42). Based on pre-defined critera, 12 miRNAs were selected for independent validation, from which miR-421 and miR-1228 were differentially expressed between groups of patients with short and long LRC. Moreover, risk-score based on combination of these 2 miRNAs expression and CD44 status enabled to predict 3-years LRC with 82% sensitivity and 82% specificity (AUC = 0.798). Conclusion: Our results suggest that miR-421 and miR-1228 are promising predictive biomarkers in HNSCC patients treated with intensity-modulated RT. This work was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant nr. 15-34553A, 15-33158A, 15-31627A, 15-34678A, 16-31314A and 16-31765A. Citation Format: Parwez Ahmad, Jiri Sana, Marek Vecera, Jaroslav Juracek, Tana Machackova, Natalia Anna Gablo, Marek Svoboda, Marketa Hermanova, Marek Slavik, Pavel Slampa, Pavel Smilek, Ondrej Slaby. Predictive value of tumor microRNAs in head and neck cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiation therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5406.

Introduction: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a body fluid with many important functions that is in direct contact with the extracellular environment of the central nervous system (CSN). Therefore, CSF serves inter alia as a both communication channel allowing the distribution of various substances among CNS cells as well as a reservoir of waste products that these cells released. For these reasons, CSF is a potential source of diagnostic biomarkers of many neurological diseases including brain tumors. Recent studies have revealed that CSF contains also circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs, which have been described as biofluid diagnostic markers in many cancers. The analysis of CSF miRNAs in patients affected by brain tumors could enable more precise diagnosis and patient stratification.Material and methods: We performed next-generation sequencing analysis of small RNAs (small RNAseq) in 89 CSF samples taken from 35 GBM, 14 low-grade glioma (LGG), 14 meningioma, and 8 brain metastasis patients as well as 18 non-tumor donors. Informed consent approved by the local Ethical Commission was obtained from each patient before the lumbar puncture. cDNA libraries were prepared using CleanTaq Small RNA Library Prep Kit (TriLink BioTechnologies) and, subsequently, purified by Agencourt AMPure XP (Beckman Coulter). The final sequencing analysis was performed by Next 500/550 High Output v2 Kit - 75 cycles using the NextSeq 500 instrument (both Illumina). For miRNA mapping and analysis, an online tool Chimira was used. Obtained data were subsequently statistically evaluated in the environment of statistical language R using the Bioconductor edgeR and DESeq2 package.Results: We observed 211 miRNAs to be expressed in more than 60 CSF samples with 1 395 normalized counts in average (min 3, max 77 284; miR-486-5p was excluded from analysis due to its artificial expression). From these miRNAs, 63 showed different levels in CSF of GBM, 16 in LGG, 24 in meningioma, and 31 in brain metastases patients in comparison with CSF of non-tumor donors. MiR-10a-5p and miR-196a-5p have significantly highest levels in CSF of GBM samples. Moreover, 6 miRNAs (miR-30c-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-320c, miR-3960, and miR-6131) indicated significantly different levels between GBM and LGG (P Citation Format: Jiri Sana, Alena Kopkova, Marek Vecera, Jaroslav Juracek, Tana Machackova, Parwez Ahmad, Natalia Anna Gablo, Pavel Fadrus, Marek Svoboda, Ondrej Slaby. Analysis of microRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid of brain tumor patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3615.

Introduction: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and aggressive type of pancreatic cancer, associated with limited treatment options and high mortality rates. Radical resection remains the most effective curative approach for patients in early stage of disease. However, there is a high risk of surgical morbidity/mortality, and therefore development of prognostic assays to identify those patients who will not benefit from surgical resection, present important unmet medical need. miRNAs are small, non-coding RNAs, that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. miRNAs are frequently deregulated under pathological conditions including PDAC and therefore present promising candidates for new prognostic biomarkers in PDAC. Materials and methods: We analyzed preoperative plasma samples obtained from 45 PDAC patients who underwent radical tumor resection. Patients were divided into two prognostic groups: 23 patients with poor prognosis (median overall survival (OS) = 10 months) and 22 patients with good prognosis (median OS = 25 months). cDNA libraries were prepared using CleanTaq Small RNA Library Prep Kit (TriLink). The sequencing analysis were performed by Next 500/550 High Output v2 Kit - 75 cycles using the NextSeq 500 instrument (both Illumina). For miRNA mapping and analysis, an online tool Chimira was used. Obtained data were statistically evaluated using the Bioconductor edgeR and DESeq2 package. Results: When miRNA expression profiles of the patients from good and poor prognostic group were compared, 41 miRNAs were identified to have significantly different plasma levels between the two groups (P Conclusion: Our findings suggest, that there is a blood plasma miRNAs signature associated with the prognosis of PDAC patients, and after independent validation, miRNAs from this signature may allow for a prognostic stratification of PDAC patients. This work was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant nr.15-33158A, 15-34553A, 15-31627A, 15-34678A, 16-31314A, 16-31765A and by grant of Czech Grant Agency nr. 16-18257S. Citation Format: Natalia Gablo, Vladimir Prochazka, Tana Machackova, Eva Vencovska, Zdenek Kala, Jiri Sana, Parwez Ahmad, Jaroslav Juracek, Marek Vecera, Marek Svoboda, Ondrej Slaby. Small RNA sequencing of preoperative blood plasma identifies microRNA signature enabling to find pancreatic cancer patients who will not benefit from surgical resection [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4976.

Introduction: Rectal cancer accounts for approximately one third of all colorectal cancers (CRC), which belong among leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Standard treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer (cT3/4 and/or cN+) includes neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CHRT) with fluoropyrimidines followed by radical surgical resection. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs playing significant roles in the pathogenesis of many cancers including rectal cancer. MiRNAs could present the new predictive biomarkers of response to CHRT in rectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: In prospective one-center study, 48 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgical treatment were included. Blood plasma samples were collected before the neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (in 24 cases) and after the therapy at the time of clinical restaging (in 48 cases). Total RNA was isolated from 72 blood plasma samples of 48 patients. cDNA libraries were prepared using CleanTaq Small RNA Library Prep Kit (TriLink BioTechnologies). The final sequencing analyses were performed by Next 500/550 High Output v2 Kit - 75 cycles using the NextSeq 500 instrument (both Illumina). For miRNA mapping and analysis, an online tool Chimira was used. Obtained data were statistically evaluated using the Bioconductor edgeR and DESeq2 package. Results: When miRNA profiles of samples collected before and after therapy were compared, 10 miRNAs showed higher levels and of 2 miRNAs lower levels in pre-treatment specimens (P Citation Format: Tana Machackova, Dominika Brchnelova, Zdenek Kala, Vladimir Prochazka, Tomas Grolich, Lukas Fiala, Beata Hemmelova, Jaroslav Juracek, Marek Vecera, Jiri Sana, Natalia Gablo, Parwez Ahmad, Marek Svoboda, Ondrej Slaby. Deep sequencing of circulating microRNAs in rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5409.

The aim of this study was to discover a set of MicroRNAs (Mirnas) which will predict the radiation therapy response in head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) patients and be able to predict the locoregional control ( LRC) and classify these patients according to the time to local progression.

The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cluster of differentiation- 44 (CD44) and p16 in patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and correlate the expression profiles with radiation treatment outcomes.

The present study was conducted to examine the physicochemical parameters of water and parameters of Sona river sites at siwan district of Bihar and their impact on fish survival and growth. The parameters of water and soil parameter include temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolve solids, color, odor and elasticity. The results of the present study revealed that some selected parameter was found to be in permissible range for fish growth and survival except the conductivity values of soil and sediment found to be low, but proved to be not lethal for growth of fishes. Thus, our present work revealed that the environmental conditions in Sona river have been found to be more suitable for fish growth and survival with precautions and improvement in quality. Hence, our present study will provide useful assistance to the local fishermen and fisheries managers to improve more the conditions of such rivers for fish growth and survival. Furthermore, such information could also be valuable for determining the growth rate and productivity of fishes.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress and impairment of normal physiological function generally categorized by increased anxiety and reduced mobility. Therefore, the present study was to find out the effect Methanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (MEAR ) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress in rats . LPS-induced oxidative stress in rats was measured by locomotor activity by photoactometer test, anxiety with elevated plus maze test and also studied the oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide and cytokines. The obtained data shows that LPS markedly exhausted (p0.001) brain- reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly increased (p0.001) the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and the activity of cytokines in the brain. MEAR supplementation resulted in normalization of brain GSH and CAT and SOD and decreases in the levels of MDA with reduction of nitric oxide and cytokines in the brain. The action of the extract at dose of 200 mg/kg was almost similar to the standard drug, quercetin (100mg/kg, p.o.). These present study conclude that MEAR administration significantly (P0.05) reduced LPS- induced oxidative-stress and intensely suggest that Asparagus racemosus Willd. is a functionally newer type of cerebroprotective agent.

Objective: Anthelmintic resistance creates a major hitch over the decades throughout the world. As per WHO only synthetic drugs are frequently used in the treatment of helminth infestations in human beings but these synthetic drugs are out of reach of millions of people and have a lot of side effects. In view of this, an attempt has been made to study the anthelmintic activity of herbal drug. Methods: All the prototypes and the standard drug solution were freshly prepared before commencement of the experiments. All the earthworms were washed in normal saline solution before they were released into 10 ml of respective formulation as follows, vehicle (2% v/v Tween 80 in normal saline), and Piperazine Citrate (10 mg/ml) and prototypes (10, 20 and 50mg/ml). Results: All the investigational extract acquired the anthelmintic activity at minimal dose of 10 mg/ml. its significant activity (P

Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent primary brain tumor of astrocytic origin characterized by very poor prognosis. Despite conventional therapeutic protocol the prognosis of GBM patients is very poor with median of overall survival ranging between 12 and 15 months from diagnosis. Therefore, many financial charges and lot of effort is spent in research of new therapeutic approaches that could prolong the survival of GBM patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a relatively new class of noncoding gene regulators playing critical roles in tumor biology, including GBM. From this perspective, lncRNAs seem to be promising therapeutic targets in GBM patients. Material and Methods: We performed next-generation sequencing analysis of fresh-frozen histopatologically confirmed 45 GBM tissues and 5 non-tumor brain tissues obtained from non-dominant anterior temporal cortexes resected during surgery for intractable epilepsy. Informed consent approved by the local Ethical Commission was obtained from each patient before the treatment. rRNA depletion and cDNA library preparation were performed with GeneRead rRNA Depletion Kit (Qiagen) and NEXTflex Rapid Directional qRNA-Seq Kit (Bioo Scientific), respectively. Sequencing was held using NextSeq 500 High Output Kit and NextSeq 500 instrument (both Illumina). Statistical analysis evaluated 24 087 protein-coding and 8 414 non-coding RNAs and their sequential variants with non-zerou RPKM (Reads Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads) at least in one sample. We used CLC genomic workbench for the alignment and target counts. Targeted regulation of ZFAS1 level have been carried out by the transient transfection of specific siRNA in GBM stable cell lines (A172, T98G, U87MG, U251). Viability and migration were analyzed in vitro using MTT and scratch wound healing assay, respectively. Results: Statistical analysis has revealed 274 (P < 0.01) deregulated lncRNAs in GBMs in comparison with non-tumor brain samples. Moreover, the results have showed also 489 deregulated proten-coding RNAs with P value less than 0.001 and 26 protein-coding RNAs with P value less than 0.000001. For subsequent in vitro functional analyses was chosen one of the most upregulated lncRNAs in GBM samples ZFAS1. Targeted downregulation of this molecule led to the significant reduction of viability in all examined GBM cell lines. Decreasing of proliferation potential was observed only in A172 a U251 cell lines. Conclusion: We have demonstrated a deregulation of many lncRNAs and protein-coding RNAs in GBM tissue in comparison with non-tumor brain tissue. Moreover, ZFAS1, one of the most upregulated lncRNAs in GBM tissue, is involved in regulation of viability and migration of GBM cell lines in vitro. This work was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant nr. 15-33158A, 15-34553A, 15-31627A, 15-34678A, 16-31314A, 16-31765A and by grant of Czech Grant Agency nr. 16-18257S. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Jiri Sana, Marek Vecera, Romana Butova, Jaroslav Juracek, Tana Machackova, Parwez Ahmad, Natalia Anna Gablo, Kamila Souckova, Leos Kren, Radim Lipina, Martin Smrcka, Ondrej Slaby. ZFAS1 is upregulated in GBM tissue and affects viability and migration of GBM cells in vitro [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3445. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3445

Growing evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). In the present study, deregulation and functioning of tumor suppressive miR-215-5p was evaluated in CRC. In total, 448 tumor tissues and 325 paired adjacent healthy tissues have been used for miRNA expression analyses. We proved that miR-215-5p is significantly down-regulated in tumor tissues compared to non-tumor adjacent tissues and its decreased levels correlate with the presence of lymph node metastases, tumor stage, and shorter overall survival in CRC patients. To identify specific cellular processes affected by ectopic expression of miR-215-5p, a series of in vitro experiments have been performed using transient transfection of miR-215-5p mimics into four CRC cell lines. Increased levels of miR-215-5p significantly reduced proliferation, clonogenicity, and migration of CRC cells, lead to cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase and p53-dependent induction of apoptosis. The ability of miR-215-5p to inhibit tumor growth was confirmed in vivo by use of NSG mice model and stable cell line over-expressing miR-215-5p. Finally, we proved epiregulin and HOXB9 to be the direct targets of miR-215-5p by luciferase assay and western blot analyses. Since epiregulin is EGFR ligand and HOXB9, is its transcriptional inducer, we suggest, that the main molecular link between miR-215-5p and CRC cells phenotypes presents the EGFR signaling pathway, which is one of the canonical pathogenic pathways in CRC. This work was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant nr. 15-33158A, 15-34553A, 15-31627A, 15-34678A, 16-31314A, 16-31765A and by grant of Czech Grant Agency nr. 16-18257S. Citation Format: Petra Faltejskova-Vychytilova, Jana Merhautova, Pablo Conesa-Zamora, Katerina Slaba, Tana Machackova, Marek Svoboda, Marek Vecera, Jitka Mlcochova, Jaroslav Juracek, Jiri Sana, Parwez Ahmad, Natalia Gablo, Ondrej Slaby. MiR-215-5p is a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer targeting EGFR ligand epiregulin and its transcriptional inducer HOXB9 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3425. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3425

Bladder cancer is the most common cancer of the urinary tract. More than 90% of bladder cancers are urothelial carcinoma, which are divided into non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive forms. Non-muscle-invasive tumors frequently recur (50-70%) and can also progress to invasion form (10-15%). These patients are monitored by cystoscopy and may have multiple resections over many years. Improved monitoring method is needed, ideally via urine analysis, which could reduce the morbidity and costs associated with long follow up. Currently there are no molecular biomarkers which could diagnose or accurately predict disease progression. We aimed to develop a clinically applicable, specific and sensitive panel of urine microRNAs enabling detect bladder cancer and predict risk of progression to muscle-invasive form.Within the exploratory phase of study we have analyzed expression profiles of 1733 miRNAs in urine supernatant of 16 bladder cancer patients (6 muscle invasive, 5 high-grade muscle non-invasive, 5 low-grade muscle non-invasive), 17 controls, 10 RCC patients and 4 urinary tract infections (UTI) using Affymetrix miRNA microarrays. Diagnostic and prognostic potential of selected microRNAs was further validated on independent samples in training phase (50 bladder cancer patients, 15 controls) and validation phase (100 bladder cancer patients, 55 controls, 45 renal cancer patients) using specific TaqMan assays and qRT-PCR method.Global expression profiling identified set of 76 miRNAs able distinguish bladder cancer patients from healthy controls (P < 0,01), thereof 64 highly up-regulated and 12 down-regulated. Moreover 23 miRNAs were able distinguish invasive and non-invasive forms of UCUB (P < 0,01) and 18 miRNAs high-grade and low-grad non-invasive (p < 0,01). Set of 12 miRNAs with highest expression level and statistical significance was validated in training phase of study. Based on the results the panel of three miRNAs (miR-31, miR-93, miR-191) was profiled. In validation phase we confirmed diagnostic potential and ability of this urine miRNA-based panel to diagnose patients with bladder cancer with high sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 0,8794, sensitivity = 82%, specificity = 80%).Our data have shown that urinary microRNAs could serve as sensitive and specific biomarkers of urinary bladder cancer and could be useful tool to increase sensitivity of standard cytological examination and reduce costs associated with long-term follow-up of bladder cancer patients. This work was supported by Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, grant nr. 15-33158A, 15-34553A, 15-31627A, 15-34678A, 16-31314A, 16-31765A and by grant of Czech Grant Agency nr. 16-18257S.. All rights reserved. Citation Format: Jaroslav Juracek, Tana Machackova, Marek Vecera, Kamila Souckova, Jiri Sana, Parwez Ahmad, Natalia Anna Gablo, Ondrej Slaby, Michal Stanik, Jan Dolezel. Panel of urinary cell-free microRNAs in detection of urinary bladder cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5451. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-5451

Traditional knowledge and ethno-botanical use of plants have been widely acknowledged all over the world. Certain people of India, using whole plant of Euphorbia hirta L . as an effective remedy for varities of diseasese. The documentation of traditional knowledge from eastern Uttar pardesh area reveals that it is highly widely used in Ayurveda . Pharmacological and physico- chemical details of E.hirta not available in authentic litrature including API (Ayurvedic Pharmacopea of India) So the validation and standardisation of whole plant of Euphorbia hirta . was carried out to establish its macro- and microscopical standards, physicochemical parameters, preliminary phytochemical investigation and TLC profiles to evaluate the characters of the plant. Macroscopic characters of E. hirta leaves shows composition of leaf is simple with dark green color about 2-6cm. long in size, T.S. of the leaf revealed the presence of stomata, upper and lower epidermis, vascular bundle. Powder characteristics revealed the presence of starch gran-ules, covering trichomes. The various diagnostic characteristic of leaf powder was coarse, dark green, which revealed the presence of lignified xylem vessel,anomocytic type of sto-mata, Physicochemical parameters were also evaluated. Preliminary phytochemical analysis indicated a high percentage of quercetine and flavonoids and this may be one of the reasons behind the anti diabatic and hepatoprotective activity of this plant. The above parameters, which are being reported for the first time in this plant, are significant towards establishing the pharmacognostic standards for future identification and authentication of genuine plant material used Ayurveda for various diaeases in eastern UP.

Objective: To evaluated immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaves in mice. Methods: The assessment of immunomodulatory activity on specific and non-specific immunity was studied by administration of test extract by oral feeding canula to the test groups. Hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hematological profile (Hb, WBC, RBC), lipid per oxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were determined by in vivo experiments. Results: The evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of A. carambola (800 and 1 200 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a dose-dependent increase in antibody titer values and DTH reaction induced by SRBC was also found significant (P