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Mammary carcinogenesis possesses great challenges due to the lack of effectiveness of the multiple therapeutic options available. Gene therapy-based cancer treatment strategy provides more targeting accuracy, fewer side effects, and higher therapeutic efficiency. Downregulation of the oncogene mTOR by mTOR-siRNA is an encouraging approach to reduce cancer progression. However, its employment as means of therapeutic strategy has been restricted due to the unavailability of a suitable delivery system.A suitable nanocarrier system made up of 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) has been developed to prevent degradation and for proficient delivery of siRNA. This was followed by in vitro and in vivo anti-breast cancer efficiency analysis of the mTOR siRNA-loaded neutral liposomal formulation (NL-mTOR-siRNA).In our experiment, a profound reduction in MCF-7 cell growth, proliferation and invasion was ascertained following extensive downregulation of mTOR expression. NL-mTOR-siRNA suppressed tumour growth and restored morphological alterations of DMBA-induced breast cancer. In addition, neutral liposome enhanced accumulation of siRNA in mammary cancer tissues facilitating its deep cytosolic distribution within the tumour, which allows apoptosis thereby facilitating its anti-tumour potential.Hence, the current study highlighted the augmented ground for therapies aiming toward cancerous cells to diminish mTOR expression by RNAi in managing mammary carcinoma.

Background:: Mammary carcinogenesis, being ranked second in cancer-related mortality and the inadequacy of existing chemotherapy advocates the development of a novel treatment approach targeting its molecular signalling. Hyperactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has a critical role in developing invasive mammary cancer and it can be a potential target. Objective:: This experiment was to explore the efficacy of mTOR-specific siRNA on therapeutic targeting of the mTOR gene, assess its proficiency in suppressing in vitro breast cancer and determine underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods:: Specific siRNA targeting mTOR was transfected into MDA-MB-231 cells and mTOR downregulation was validated through qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was analysed by MTT assay and confocal microscopy. Apoptosis was studied through flow cytometry and S6K, GSK-3β and caspase 3 expression were estimated. Further, the effect of mTOR blockade on cell cycle progression was determined. Results:: Following transfection of mTOR-siRNA into the MDA-MB-231 cells, cell viability and apoptosis were examined which indicates that clinically relevant concentration of mTOR-siRNA inhibited cell growth and proliferation and promote apoptosis, resulting from the suppression of mTOR. This leads to the downregulation of mTOR downstream S6K and upregulation of GSK-3β. An increased level of caspase 3 symbolises that the apoptotic activity is mediated through caspase-dependent pathway. Further, mTOR downregulation causes cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase as observed in the flow cytometry study. Conclusion:: With these results, we can conclude that mTOR-siRNA exerts direct ‘anti-breast cancer’ activity propagated by the S6K-GSK-3β- caspase 3 mediated apoptosis and by inducing cell cycle arrest. other: NA

Objective Brahmi vati (BV) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation used since ancient times and has been prescribed in seizures associated with schizophrenia and related memory loss by Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The aim of the study was to investigate these claims by evaluation of anticonvulsant, antischizophreniac, and memory-enhancing activities. Antioxidant condition of brain was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels estimations. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was quantitatively estimated in the brain tissue. Methods Brahmi vati was prepared in-house by strictly following the traditional Ayurvedic formula. Bacoside A rich fraction (BA) of Bacopa monnieri was prepared by extraction and fractionation. It was than standardized by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and given in the dose of 32.5 mg/kg body weight to the different groups of animals for 7 days. On the seventh day, activities were performed adopting standard procedures. Key findings Brahmi vati showed significant anticonvulsant, memory-enhancing and antischizophrenia activities, when compared with the control groups and BA. It cause significantly higher brain glutathione levels. Acetylcholinesterase activity was found to be significantly low in BV-treated group. Conclusion The finding of the present study suggests that BV may be used to treat seizures associated with schizophrenia and related memory loss.

Breast cancer (BC) is a persistent and impulsive metabolic disorder with the highest prevalence in women, worldwide. 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) is a potent polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-based carcinogen producing mammary carcinomas in rats resembling the human hormone-dependent BC. 7,8-Dihydroxycoumarin (78DC) is a coumarin derivative that possesses diversified and favorable pharmacology profile to be considered in anticancer research against various malignancies. The present study was intended to investigate the antiproliferative and chemotherapeutic potentials of 78DC (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg BW) against DMBA (20 mg in olive oil)-induced mammary carcinoma Sprague-Dawley rats. We established the in silico approach for evaluation of the effect of 78DC on hormonal (estrogen receptor-α (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR)), growth factor receptors (EGFR and IGFR), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HD1), and aromatase. Effect of 78DC on estrogen synthesis, tumor growth, proliferation markers (Ki-67 and PCNA), cytokines (IL-10, IL-1β, IL-12), chemokine (MCP-1), and cellular expressions of ERα, PR, EGFR, IGF1R, p-MAPK1/2, p-JNK1/2, p-Akt, 17β-HD1, and aromatase was evaluated in mammary carcinoma bearing SD rats. DMBA induces large tumor burden and histological alterations in mammary gland with a subsequent increase in ERα, PR, EGFR, IGF1R, Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA ), cytokines, and chemokine expressions. This was also correlated with the changes in rapid cell differentiation and proliferation. In contrast, 78DC treatment to the cancer-bearing animals abbreviated these changes and revealed to possess antitumorigenic and antiproliferative potentials. Further, a significant decrease in expressions of ERα, PR, EGFR, IGFR, p-MAPK1/2, p-JNK1/2, p-Akt, 17β-HD1, and aromatase signifies a reduction in estrogen sensitivity and secondary signaling pathways that may contribute to the prevention of tumor growth. The current findings revealed that 78DC potentially reduce cancer cell proliferation and reverted mammary cancer-induced changes in experimental animals in a dose-dependent manner.

Cancer is a faction of disorders that conjugated primarily with oxidative imbalance. In mammary carcinoma, oxidative stress secondarily changes various gene expressions and signalling pathways that bring genomic instability and mutagenic alterations that fascinating carcinogenesis. Several coumarin compounds are active against various malignancies. Among them, daphnetin (DAP) exhibits valuable safety and bioactivity profile that contributes towards its efficacy against cancer. In this study, the antioxidative and chemotherapeutic potential of DAP against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)- induced mammary carcinogenesis was evaluated in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Besides this, we have determined the effect of DAP on Keap1-Nrf-2, associated HO-1 and NF-κB expressions behind the antioxidative and anti-proliferating activity. In our findings, a protective effect of DAP was established against lipid peroxidation, enzymic (Total SOD, MnSOD, CuZnSOD, CAT, GPx) and non-enzymic (GSH) antioxidative markers in serum, liver, kidney and breast tissue of both control and experimental groups. An up-regulation of protective Nrf-2 & HO-1 with a synchronized suppression in Keap1 & NF-κB mRNA and protein expressions were observed. DAP revealed the inhibition of p-AKT which accountable for decrease in NF-κB expressions but shown to be ineffective on p-ERK1/2. This study revealed that DAP inhibits mammary carcinogenesis through multiple mechanisms. Dual efficacy of DAP on Nrf-2-Keap1 pathway and NF-κB expressions propose it as a potential chemotherapeutic agent in mammary cancer management.

Objective Ayurvedic formulations are preferred over other formulations as well as commercialized on broad level to treat various ailments. The World Health Organization has established certain guidelines for quality control of heavy metals and pesticide residues. Bacopa monnieri, a popular herb with immunomodulator and memory-enhancing properties is the chief constituent of several Ayurvedic formulations, which include Brahmi Vati (BV), Brahmi Ghrita (BG) and Saraswat Churna (SC), etc. In view of the World Health Organization guidelines, two products of each formulation from six different manufacturers were purchased from Ayurvedic Pharmacy, Bulanala-Varanasi, India for testing heavy metal and pesticide residue. Methods In the present study, all the formulations—BV, BG and SC—were selected for estimation of four heavy metals namely lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) by a plasma emission spectrophotometer. Organochlorine pesticidal residues were estimated for dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane, isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and α-endosulfan, etc. in total 12 samples of test formulations containing Bacopa monnieri L. using gas chromatography technique. Results Out of 12 samples, Pb, Cd, Cr and Ni were present in all samples but below the permissible limit. Although atrazine, aldrin, dialdrin were in below detection limit, but other pesticides were detected in some samples as oxamyl, hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, β-HCH and γ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene. Conclusion The presence of heavy metals in the formulations was low to cause toxicity. However evaluation of heavy metals and pesticide residue in every batch is necessary.

Aim The aim of present work was to study the pharmacognostic standardization, physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of the stem of Bacopa monnieri L. Method Standard method was followed for pharmacognostic, physicochemical, and phytochemical study. For quantitative analysis, HPTLC technique was employed. Maximal electroconvulsive shock (MES) and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) method was used for anticonvulsant evaluation. Result Microscopic study of the stem showed presence of epidermis and cortex having large intercellular spaces. The oval shaped starch grains were present in cells of cortex and endodermis. Total ash (5.98%), water-soluble ash (4.91%), acid-insoluble ash (3.96%), water soluble extractive (15.31%) and ethanol soluble extractive (6.74%) values were evaluated for physicochemical evaluations. Quantitative estimation of Bacoside A (marker compound) by HPTLC technique was performed. The linearity (100–600 ng), the % recovery (97.81% w/w) were estimated. The Bacoside A in the alcoholic extract was found to be higher than that of the other extracts. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be simple and accurate. The anticonvulsant activities of all the extracts were evaluated by MES and PTZ models in mice. Conclusion The least anticonvulsant potential was recorded for acetone extract in dose of 100 mg/kg and maximum anticonvulsant action was recorded for ethanolic extract in dose of 300 mg/kg.

Citronella oil is the main product of Java citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) rich in geraniol and citronellol, widely used in mosquito repellents and perfumeries. The age of the plant plays a key role in oil composition and its yield such that young leaves have lesser oil content than the mature leaves. Also, a remarkable difference between fresh and dried leaves regarding oil yield is observed. The various methods of extracting essential oils from citronella grass with respect to yield (%) were studied. Average percent yield in the manual extraction and hydro-distillation procedure was 0.8 and 1 % respectively, which was better as compared to steam distilled oil (0.7 %). The chromatographic analysis of essential oils with respect to standards geraniol and citronellol were studied by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) with n-hexane and ethyl acetate (3:2) as mobile phase followed by its separation on plates. The developed plates showed geraniol, citronellol and citronellal as major bands. The analysis of all extracted oil samples by means of electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in the positive ion mode showed rapid mass fingerprints of constituents present in the samples according to the observed mass of standards. Furthermore, the analysis of vibrational spectra was accomplished with Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) specifying all the functional groups as major peaks confirming all of them as monoterpene alcohols with conjugated double bonds. Thus, HPTLC, ESI-MS and FTIR studies evidenced that the two essential oil components were majorly present in the methanol extract suggesting methanol as a good extractant in the manual extraction process.

The aim of the present study was to standardize Brahmi vati (BV) by simultaneous quantitative estimation of Bacoside A3 and Piperine adopting HPLC-UV method. BV very important Ayurvedic polyherbo formulation used to treat epilepsy and mental disorders containing thirty eight ingredients including Bacopa monnieri L. and Piper longum L.An HPLC-UV method was developed for the standardization of BV in light of simultaneous quantitative estimation of Bacoside A3 and Piperine, the major constituents of B. monnieri L. and P. longum L. respectively. The developed method was validated on parameters including linearity, precision, accuracy and robustness.The HPLC analysis showed significant increase in amount of Bacoside A3 and Piperine in the in-house sample of BV when compared with all three different marketed samples of the same. Results showed variations in the amount of Bacoside A3 and Piperine in different samples which indicate non-uniformity in their quality which will lead to difference in their therapeutic effects.The outcome of the present investigation underlines the importance of standardization of Ayurvedic formulations. The developed method may be further used to standardize other samples of BV or other formulations containing Bacoside A3 and Piperine.

Coumarins, identified as plant secondary metabolites possess diverse biological activities including anti-angiogenic properties. Daphnetin (DAP), a plant derived dihydroxylated derivative of coumarin has shown significant pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, etc. The present study was performed to investigate the anti-angiogenic potential of DAP, focusing on the mechanism of action. In-vivo anti-angiogenic potential of DAP was evaluated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced rat aortic ring (RAR) assay and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. For in vitro evaluation, wounding migration, transwell invasion, tube formation and apoptosis assays were performed on VEGF (8ng/ml)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The cellular mechanism of DAP was examined on TNFα (10ng/ml) and VEGF-induced HUVECs by extracting the mRNA and protein levels using RT-qPCR and western blotting. Our data demonstrated that DAP inhibited the in vivo angiogenesis in the RAR and CAM assay. DAP also inhibited the different steps of angiogenesis, such as migration, invasion, and tube formation in HUVECs. DAP inhibited Nuclear Factor-κB signaling together including TNF-α induced IκBα degradation; phosphorylation of IκB kinase (IKKα/β) and translocation of the NF-κB-p65 protein. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that DAP significantly down-regulated the VEGF-induced signaling such as c-Src, FAK, ERK1/2 and the related phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and VEGFR2 expressions. DAP reduced the elevated mRNA expression of iNOS, MMP2 and also, induced apoptosis in VEGF-stimulated HUVECs by the caspase-3 dependent pathway. Taken together, this study reveals that DAP may have novel prospective as a new multi-targeted medication for the anti-angiogenesis and cancer therapy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This manuscript covers a detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of Scoparia dulcis Linn. whole plant (Scrophulariaceae), including morphology, microscopy, physicochemical, and phytochemical screening. Microscopy of different plant part was done by performing transverse sections and longitudinal sections, which were identified by the different staining reagents and dyes. Physicochemical constants were done for whole plant; it includes ash value, extractive value and moisture content. Phytochemical screening was done for aqueous and methanolic extract in maceration and soxhletion, results revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, carbohydrates, phenolic compound, flavonoids, saponins, proteins, and amino acids. These study includes parameters to establish the authenticity of S. dulcis and can possibly help to differentiate the drug from its other species.

Background: Kuth (Saussurea lappa), Nisotha (Operculina turpethum), Akarakara (Anacyclus pyrethrin) and Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanicum) are some common plants used in Ayurvedic system of medicines and herbal drugs. Objective: The objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of the samples of same plant marketed into different area, on the standardization parameters given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Methods: Three different marketed samples of these roots were subjected to pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis and results were compared to the standards given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Results: Variations were found in physicochemical and phytochemical parameters of two samples in each case of Saussurea lappa, Operculina turpethum, Anacyclus pyrethrin and of one sample in case of Plumbago zeylanicum. Pharmacognostical parameters were found same as given in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia for all the samples. Conclusions: The outcome of the study suggested that there is a lot of difference in the quality of the same drug marketed in different parts of country which may also cause variation in products prepared from them. These findings may be very useful for the identification of the species which may be useful to pharmaceutical industries for the quality control of the commercial samples.

Barks, roots, fruits, buds, leaves and other parts of plant are considered as source of essential aromatic oils to cure several ailments. The antioxidant property has been shown to be important in recovery from several diseases. The essential oil extracted from eucalyptus leaves was tested for phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities. The Eucalyptus oil extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus family Myrtaceae was screened for the presence of phytochemicals and their effect on 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and Nitric oxide free radical. Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and reducing sugars. Eucalyptus globulus is not having any cardiac glycosides and anthraquinones. The free radical scavenging activity of the different concentrations of the leaf oil (10, 20, 40, 60 and 80% (v/v) in DMSO) of E. globulus increased in a concentration dependent fashion. In DPPH method, the oil in 80% (v/v) concentration exhibited 79.55 ± 0.82%. In nitric oxide radical scavenging assay method, it was found that 80% (v/v) concentration exhibited 81.54 ± 0.94% inhibition. It was concluded that leaf oil is potent inhibition of free radicals.

Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders (Acanthaceae) is traditionally used in Indian medicine for the treatment of microbial infections, liver diseases, cancer, inflammation, rheumatism, diabetes, pain, fever etc. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of chloroform and alcoholic extracts of the leaves of H. spinosa in chronic inflammation models in rats as our previous study revealed that these two extracts had anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced paw oedema model. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was revealed by their scavenging activity of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and a flavonoid compound (apigenin) was also isolated and characterized from the alcoholic extract of the plant. Chloroform and alcoholic extracts showed anti-inflammatory activity both in cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in a dose dependent manner. The decrease in body weight due to injection of CFA was improved significantly by the above two extracts also. Both the extracts also exhibited antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated that H. spinosa has anti-inflammatory activity in chronic models of inflammation which support the traditional use of H. spinosa in the treatment of rheumatism. Introduction Hygrophila spinosa T. Anders (Acanthaceae) commonly known as ‘Talmakhana’ in Hindi is found in water-logged areas throughout India, contains a number of phytoconstituents viz. lupeol (Shailajan and Abhishek, 2008), βsitosterol (Tiwari et al., 1967), stigmasterol (Khare, 2007), ascorbic acid, βcarotene (Sahoo and Acharya, 2005), nicotinic acid (Sharma et al., 2002), hentriacontane (Chopra et al., 1958), luteolin, luteolin-7-rutinoside (Balraj and Nagarajan, 1982), syringic acid, vannilic acid (Daniel, 2005) etc. In our earlier studies we have reported the other constituents, traditional uses, pharmacological activities of the plant (Patra et al., 2009a); various groups of phytoconstituents in petroleum ether, chloroform, alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the leaves of the plant (Patra et al., 2009b) and also few pharmacological studies of the above extracts (Patra et al., 2008, 2009c). The aim of this study was to determine the anti-inflammatory activity of chloroform and aqueous extracts of the leaves of H. spinosa in chronic inflammation models in rats. Materials and Methods Plant material H. spinosa plants were collected from Berhampur, Orissa, India and botanical identification was done through Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi (Voucher no. BITPcog. 463/07-08). Voucher specimen was preserved in the department for further verification. Preparation of different extracts The leaves were washed thoroughly, dried under shade and pulverized. The coarse powder was extracted successively with petroleum ether, chloroform and alcohol using soxhlet apparatus. The extracts were dried using a rotary vacuum evaporator and stored in a desiccator until further use. Anti-inflammatory activity Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by cotton pellet-induced granuloma and Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Antioxidant activity Antioxidant activity of the extracts was revealed by their scavenging activity of the stable 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical. Isolation of compound 1 from alcoholic extract 50 gm of alcoholic extract was column chromatographed on a silica gel column (mesh 60-120) and eluted with solvent mixtures of increasing polarity: chloroform (300 ml), chloroform-acetone [(80:20, 300 ml), (60:40, 300 ml), (40:60, 300 ml), (20:80, 300 ml)], acetone (300 ml), acetonemethanol [(80:20, 300 ml), (60:40, 300 ml), (40:60, 300 ml), (20:80, 300 ml)] and methanol (300 ml). Fractions (20ml) were collected and monitored on TLC. Fractions (151 to 165) collected were pulled together as these fractions showed a single spot of same Rf value in TLC. It was evaporated in a water bath (70-800C) to afford a solid residue. The residue was dissolved in EtOH with little warming on a water bath. It was left undisturbed in refrigerator when crystals of compound 1 was obtained (yield: 0.0015% w/w). Characterization of compound 1 The various instruments used for recording the data for compound 1 are: FTIR spectroscopy (Shimadzu, IRPrestige-21), elemental analysis (Elementar, Vario EL III), 1H and 13C NMR spectra (PABBO BB NMR spectrophotometer), mass spectroscopy etc. Other physicochemical characters as melting point, solubility and physical appearance were also recorded. Statistical analysis The results were expressed as mean ± standard error mean (SEM). Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Student’s t-test to determine the significant difference between the control and the treated groups. P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results Fig. 1. Effect of different extracts of H. spinosa leaf on body weight of animals in CFA induced arthritic rats. HSCH, chloroform extract; HSAL, alcoholic extract Treatment Dose (mg/kg, p.o.) Weight of dry granuloma (mg) Percentage inhibition of granuloma Vehicle (Control) 122.36 ± 2.32 Indomethacin 10 65.42 ± 1.52* 46.53* Chloroform 200 109.65 ± 1.05* 10.38* 400 92. 88 ± 0.98* 24.09* Alcoholic 200 102.28 ± 1.06* 16.41* 400 78.68 ± 0.86* 35.69* Table 1. Effect of different extracts of H. spinosa leaf on cotton pellet-induced granuloma

Objective To prepare the Praval bhasma (PB) and to perform its characterization. Methods The preparation was performed strictly as per method prescribed in Ayurvedic formulary of India followed by preliminary tests including Nischandratva, Rekhapurnatvam, Varitaramtavm, Nisvadutvam and Amla pariksha. The physicochemical characterization was done with the use of instrumental techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX). Results The FTIR bands appearing in final product spectra showed a significant shift in infrared vibration frequency as well as intensity when compared with the raw material, which was indicative of formulation of bhasma. The XRD analysis revealed that raw material contained CaCO 3 whereas in case of final product of bhasma, CaO was identified. SEM analysis revealed the difference in particles size of bhasma (10–15 μm) and raw material (100–150 μm). The EDAX analysis showed presence of different concentration of carbon in both the samples. Conclusion It may be concluded that modern analytical techniques may be involved to evaluate the quality aspects of PB. The findings of the present research work may be helpful for further formulation and standardization of PB in routine analysis.

Validated modified lycopodium spore method has been developed for simple and rapid quantification of herbal powdered drugs. Lycopodium spore method was performed on ingredients of Shatavaryadi churna, an ayurvedic formulation used as immunomodulator, galactagogue, aphrodisiac and rejuvenator. Estimation of diagnostic characters of each ingredient of Shatavaryadi churna individually was carried out. Microscopic determination, counting of identifying number, measurement of area, length and breadth of identifying characters were performed using Leica DMLS-2 microscope. The method was validated for intraday precision, linearity, specificity, repeatability, accuracy and system suitability, respectively. The method is simple, precise, sensitive, and accurate, and can be used for routine standardisation of raw materials of herbal drugs. This method gives the ratio of individual ingredients in the powdered drug so that any adulteration of genuine drug with its adulterant can be found out. The method shows very good linearity value between 0.988-0.999 for number of identifying character and area of identifying character. Percentage purity of the sample drug can be determined by using the linear equation of standard genuine drug.Keywords: Shatavaryadi Churna, Lycopodium spore, Ayurvedic formulation, Leica microscope, Standardisation

Purpose: To investigate the sedative, hypnotic and anticonvulsant activities of the ethanol extract of the roots of the Flemingia chappar (ERFC) on the central nervous system (CNS) of mice. Methods: The ethanol extract of the roots of F. chappar in doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, p.o., was studied in mice for its sedative effect by evaluating its locomotor activity; its hypnotic effect was assessed by measuring pentobarbital–induced sleeping time, while anticonvulsant effect was determined by evaluating its activity on maximal electroshock–induced and pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. The latency of tonic convulsions and number of animals protected from tonic convulsions were noted. Results: ERFC (200 - 600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased locomotor activity. ERFC also produced dose-dependent prolongation of pentobarbitone sleeping time. In addition, ERFC (400 and 600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the duration of seizure induced by maximal electroshock (MES), The same dose also protected from pentylenetetrazol-induced tonic seizures and significantly (p < 0.05) delayed the onset of tonic seizures. Conclusion: The results indicate that the ethanol root extract of F. chappar has sedative and anticonvulsant activities, thus justifying its use in traditional medicine for epilepsy

The present study deals with standardization of an in-house standard preparation and three marketed samples of Brahmi vati, which is a traditional medicine known to be effective in mental disorders, convulsions, weak memory, high fever and hysteria. Preparation and standardization have been done by following modern scientific quality control proceduresfor raw material and the finished products. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed the reduction of metals and minerals (particle size range 2-5 ìm) which indicates the proper preparation of bhasmas, the important ingredient of Brahmi vati. Findings of EDX analysis of all samples of Brahmi vati suggested the absence of Gold, an importantconstituent of Brahmi vati in two marketed samples. All the samples of Brahmi vati were subjected to quantitative estimation of Bacoside A (marker compound) by HPTLC technique. Extraction of the samples was done in methanol and the chromatograms were developed in Butanol: Glacial acetic acid: water (4.5:0.5:5 v/v) and detected at 225nm. The regression analysis of calibration plots of Bacoside A exhibited linear relationship in the concentration range of 50-300 ng, while the %recovery was found to be 96.06% w/w, thus proving the accuracy and precision of the analysis. The Bacoside A content in the in-house preparation was found to be higher than that of the commercial samples. The proposed HPTLC method was found to be rapid, simple and accurate for quantitative estimation of Bacoside A in different formulations. The results of this study could be used as a model data in the standardization of Brahmi vati.Keywords: Brahmi vati( BV); Standardization; EDX; HPTLC; Bacoside-A

Terminalia arjuna has been marked as a potential cardioprotective agent since vedic period. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of butanolic fraction of Terminalia arjuna bark (TA-05) on Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. Male wistar rats were used as in vivo model for the study. TA-05 was administered orally to Wistar rats at different doses (0.42 mg/kg, 0.85 mg/kg, 1.7 mg/kg, 3.4 mg/kg and 6.8 mg/kg) for 6 days/week for 4 weeks. Thereafter, all the animals except saline and TA-05-treated controls were administered 20 mg/kg Dox intraperitonially. There was a significant decrease in myocardial superoxide dismutase (38.94%) and reduced glutathione (23.84%) in animals treated with Dox. Concurrently marked increase in serum creatine kinase-MB (CKMB) activity (48.11%) as well as increase in extent of lipid peroxidation (2.55-fold) was reported. Co-treatment of TA-05 and Dox resulted in an increase in the cardiac antioxidant enzymes, decrease in serum CKMB levels and reduction in lipid peroxidation as compared to Dox-treated animals. Electron microscopic studies in Dox-treated animals revealed mitochondrial swelling, Z-band disarray, focal dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) and lipid inclusions, whereas the concurrent administration of TA-05 led to a lesser degree of Dox-induced histological alterations. These findings suggest that butanolic fraction of Terminalia arjuna bark has protective effects against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity and may have potential as a cardioprotective agent.

Background: Flemingia strobilifera ( FS ) R.Br. (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant. In wealth of India it has been reported that roots of FS are used by santals in epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia, and to relieve pain. In Burma also the roots of F. strobilifera are used to treat epilepsy. Objective: To investigate anticonvulsant potential of 95% ethanol extract and four subsequent fractions (petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions of the roots of FS against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced convulsions. Material and Methods: All the fractions and crude ethanol extract were administered (i.e., 200, 400, 600 mg/kg, p.o. ) for 7 days and at the end of the treatment convulsions were induced experimentally using pentylenetetrazole and Maximal electroshock Test. Diazepam and phenytoin (4 mg/kg, i.p. and 20 mg/kg, i.p. , respectively) were used as reference anticonvulsant drugs against experimentally induced convulsions. The latency of tonic convulsions and the numbers of animals protected from tonic convulsions were noted. Results: High doses (200 and 300 mg/kg, p.o. ) of ethyl acetate fraction and 95% ethanol crude extract (400 and 600 mg/kg, p.o. ) significantly reduced the duration of seizure induced by maximal electroshock (MES). The same dose also protected from pentylenetetrzole-induced tonic seizures and significantly delayed the onset of tonic seizures. However, pet, ether, chloroform, and aqueous fraction at any of the doses used ( i.e. , 100, 200, 300 mg/kg, p.o. ) did not show any significant effect on PTZ and MES induced convulsions. The treatment with crude ethanolic extract and ethyl acetate fraction caused signs of central nervous system depressant action in the locomotor activity test, confirmed by the potentiation of sodium pentobarbital sleeping time. Both did not cause disturbance in motor coordination assessed by rotarod test. Conclusion: The data suggest that crude ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction of roots of Flemingia strobilifera have a central nervous system depressant action and behave as a potential anticonvulsant. It may produce its anticonvulsant effect via non-specific mechanism since it reduced the duration of seizures produced by maximal electroshock as well as delayed the latency of seizures produced by pentylenetetrazole.

In the present investigation different fractions (hexane, ethylacetate and methanol) of the whole methanolic extract of Cressa cretica L.(Convolulaceae), a widely grown halophytic plant were studied against wide ranges of bacteria (both positive and negative strain) and five fungi Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis – dimorphic fungi , Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger – systemic fungi and fusarium oxysporum by agar disc diffusion method. Among the three fractions the ethylacetate fraction of C.cretica showed the highest activity, but among the pathogens highest activity was revealed against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae (zone of inhibition diameter in mm was found to be 26 and 31, respectively). The ethylacetate fraction was sensitive to both gram +ve and gram –ve bacterias. C.cretica showed higher inhibitory activity against the Aspergillus fumigates , Aspergillus niger (zone of inhibition diameter in mm was found to be 26 and 22, respectively) than the Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis and least was found for Fusarium oxysporum . As ethylacetate fraction revealed better activity than other fractions, further study of morphological and biochemical alterations were carried out only with ethylacetate fraction and the results revealed some morphological and biochemical alterations, which indicates that ethylacetate fraction of C. cretica possess potential broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Keywords: Cressa cretica ; Antifungal; Gram positive bacteria; Gram negative bacteria; Biochemical alterations. © 2012 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsr.v4i1.7719 J. Sci. Res. 4 (1), 203-212 (2012)

Herbal medicine is used by up to 80% of the population in developing countries. Cressa cretica L. is a popular holophytic plant and is used in folklore medicine for ailments including diabetes, ulcers, asthma, anthelmintic, stomachic, tonic and aphrodisiac purposes, enriches the blood, and is useful in constipation, leprosy, and urinary discharges. The plant is traditionally used in Bahrain as expectorant and antibilious agent. Scientific evidence suggests its versatile biological functions such as its antibacterial, antifungal, antitussive, anticancer with some other plants, anti-inflammatory, and improving testicular function in rats. In this article, a comprehensive account of the morphology, phytochemical constituents, ethnobotany, and biological activities are included in view of the recent findings of importance on the plant, C. cretica.