Barkat Ali Khan

Acacia nilotica: A plant of multipurpose medicinal uses

Acacia nilotica Lam (Mimosaceae) indigenously known as ‘Babul’ or ‘Kikar’ is a proverbial, medium sized tree and is broadly scattered in tropical and subtropical countries. It has an inspiring range of medicinal uses with potential anti-oxidant activity. This plant contributes a number of groups among which are alkaloids, volatile essential oils, phenols and phenolic glycosides, resins, oleosins, steroids, tannins and terpenes. A. nilotica is a medicinal plant acknowledged to be rich in phenolics, consisting of condensed tannin and phlobatannin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, pyrocatechol, (+) -catechin, (-) epi- gallocatechin-7-gallate and (-) epigallocatechin-5, 7-digallate. Different parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seeds, bark, fruits, flowers, gum and immature pods act as anti-cancer, antimutagenic, spasmogenic, vasoconstrictor, anti-pyretic, anti-asthamatic, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic, anti-platelet agregatory, anti-plasmodial, molluscicidal, anti-fungal, inhibitory activity against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-I and antioxidant activities, anti-bacterial, antihypertensive and anti-spasmodic activities, and are also engaged for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine. This review spotlights on the detailed phytochemical composition, medicinal uses, along with pharmacological properties of different parts of this multipurpose plant.

The morphology, characteristics, and medicinal properties of Camellia sinensis' tea

The aim of this literature review was to provide essential information about a plant which is known to everyone as a beverage. In this study we collected particular information about the tea, such as its history, botanical classification, types, extraction methodologies, plant morphology, its active constituents and uses as medicine. Every aspect was elaborated briefly with essence of easy understanding. Special consideration was given to antioxidant potential of the tea and mechanisms by which it acts as antioxidant. At the end, some suggestions for further expanding of the research were defined.

The morphology, extractions, chemical constituents and uses of Terminalia chebula: A review

Trust on traditional medicines in the treatment of ailment is at a halt and a lot of population, especially rural population, still believes on herbs due to their easy accessibility and cost effectiveness. Due to greater attentiveness concerning significance of conventional medicine in health care, research on medicinal plants would be valuable. The plants of genus Terminalia, comprising of 250 species, are widely distributed in tropical areas of the world. Fruits of Terminalia chebula (Family: Combretaceae) commonly known as black Myroblans in English and Harad in Hindi, are widely grown in Pakistan and India among many Asian and African countries and is a popular folk medicine. T. chebula has been studied for its homeostatic, antitussive, laxative, diuretic and cardiotonic activities. This article gives a vivid account of T. chebula as a natural product and aims to (i) to refresh the importance of T. chebula to the medicinal plant researchers and (ii) to presents new information such of T. chebula.

Whitening efficacy of plant extracts including Hippophae rhamnoides and Cassia fistula extracts on the skin of Asian patients with melasma

Introduction Melasma/hyperpigmentation and solar damage of the skin remains a difficult problem to treat. Various types of whitening agents are used to treat hyperpigmentation. A change has been observed recently to use plant extracts as skin whitening agents. Aim To compare the effectiveness of emulsion formulations containing plant extracts that include catechins/polyphenols and placebo without plant extracts, on patients with melasma. Material and methods Two groups of 25 patients each (aged 21–35 years), who reported to the outpatient department of BV Hospital and Personal clinic of a dermatologist, were included in the study. Volunteers applied the formulations with plant extracts and placebo to one side of the cheek. Prior to the study, signed consent was obtained from each patient. The tyrosinase inhibitory activity of the extracts and formulations was tested in vitro. The pigment density of patients was evaluated biometrologically using Mexameter® and subjectively using a visual survey before and after treatment of 12 weeks. The approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee of Faculty of Pharmacy, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur was obtained before the study. One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the statistical analysis. Results A significant decrease in the level of melanin was determined in all 50 patients who used a plant extract containing catechin (p ≤ 0.05). The difference between pre- and post-treatment levels of melanin was statistically significant (p = 0.05). Formulations prepared with plant extracts containing catechin were found effective on melasma, compared to the placebo. Conclusions Formulations containing plant extracts that are not yet being used widespread commercially on melasma could be an effective alternative treatment of melasma.

Investigation of the effects of extraction solvent/technique on the antioxidant activity of Cassia fistula L.

Cheaper and safer antioxidants of natural origin is the focus of research in recent times due to increased in safety concerns about synthetic antioxidants. The effects of four extracting solvents that is, ethanol, methanol, n-Hexane and pet ether and two extraction techniques that is, simple maceration and hot percolation (Soxhlet apparatus) were investigated on the antioxidant activity of pods, leaves, barks and flowers of Cassia fistula. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) was used as standard free radical while ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and Quarcetin were used as standard anti oxidants. Experiments revealed that extracts have solvent-dependent and technique-dependent antioxidant effects. Using the simple maceration technique, 70% methanolic v/v leaf extract showed 89% DPPH scavenging activity when ascorbic acid was taken as standard and 84.7% when quercetin was taken as standard. However, the percentage inhibition of a similar concentration of pods, barks and flowers extract were 66, 81 and 83.4%, respectively, using simple maceration and ascorbic acid as a standard. However, extraction carried out by Soxhlets apparatus showed less free radical scavenging activities.

Organic Nitrates: Past, Present and Future

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important vasodilator molecules produced by the endothelium. It has already been established that NO/cGMP signaling pathway deficiencies are involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of many cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the development of NO-releasing drugs for therapeutic use appears to be an effective alternative to replace the deficient endogenous NO and mimic the role of this molecule in the body. Organic nitrates represent the oldest class of NO donors that have been clinically used. Considering that tolerance can occur when these drugs are applied chronically, the search for new compounds of this class with lower tolerance potential is increasing. Here, we briefly discuss the mechanisms involved in nitrate tolerance and highlight some achievements from our group in the development of new organic nitrates and their preclinical application in cardiovascular disorders.

Development of a sebum control cream from a local desert plant Capparis decidua

The aim of this study was to develop a stable cream from a local desert plant capable of producing Antisebum effects. Two creams (emulsions) were prepared, both of which were of w/o type. One was the formulation in which 5% extract obtained from the plant Capparis decidua was added during the preparation of the cream and the other was the base or control in which the extract was not added while other ingredients were the same as that of the formulation. Thirteen healthy male volunteers were selected and their initial sebum readings of both the cheeks were noted with the help of Sebumeter. The volunteers were given both the creams and asked to apply the creams on the face daily two times, the base on the right side and the formulation on the left side. The readings were taken every fifteen days for a period of three months. At the end of the study period, it was found that the formulation significantly decreased the sebum values on the left side. On the other hand, an increase in the sebum values was observed on the right side where the base was applied, although the increase was not significant statistically. The results showed that the cream prepared from the local desert plant C. decidua had the ability to produce Antisebum effects in the human volunteers.

Assessment of anti erythmic and skin whitening effects of milk thistle extract

This study was intended to explore the effects of a topical cream (w/o emulsion) of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract against its vehicle as control on skin erythma and skin melanin. Milk thistle extract was entrapped in the inner aqueous phase of w/o emulsion. The vehicle (base without extract) and the active formulation (containing 4% extract) were applied by volunteers (n = 11) for a period of 12 weeks. Skin erythma and melanin were measured fortnightly to determine any effect produced by these topical creams. Base showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase while active formulation showed significant decrease in skin melanin content. In the case of skin erythma, the base showed insignificant decrease (P ≥ 0.05), whereas the formulation showed statistically significant decrease. The study showed that active formulation containing extract of milk thistle reduced skin melanin due to the presence of silymarin flavonoids. The formulation also possessed anti-inflammatory effects and was found to be suitable for topical application.

Antiobesity, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Achyranthes aspera seed saponins in high cholesterol fed albino rats

Introduction Numerous herbal medicines have been recommended for the treatment of different diseases. Achyranthes aspera, Linn. (Family: Amaranthaceae), popularly known as Charchitta or Pitpapra, is commonly used by traditional healers for the treatment of fever, malaria, dysentery, asthma, arterial hypertension, pneumonia, and diabetes. The root extract is well reputed for its insect molting hormonal activity. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of saponins from Achyranthes aspera seeds on the serum lipid profile of albino rats fed a high cholesterol diet. Material and methods Hypolipidemic, antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of these saponins were tested as described previously. To determine the mechanism underlying the observed effects, serum antioxidant status was assessed according to ABTS (2,2’-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), superoxide dismutase and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays in saponin-treated hyperlipidemic animals. Liver enzyme levels were determined to reveal any possible hepatotoxicity. Results Four-week oral administration of A. aspera seed saponins produced a significant (p < 0.05) decrease of total cholesterol, total triglycerides and LDL-C and a significant increase of HDL-C level in hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with A. aspera seed saponins also showed a significant (p < 0.01) improvement of serum antioxidant status in tested animals. No significant hepatotoxicity was produced by such treatment as the serum liver enzyme activity remained unaltered. Conclusions Saponins from A. aspera seeds possess antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant properties which might lead to improvement of serum lipid profile and blood antioxidant status. Our findings support the folkloric use of this indigenous plant in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. However, its exact mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.

Fabrication, physicochemical characterization and preliminary efficacy evaluation of a W/O/W multiple emulsion loaded with 5% green tea extract

Complex multiple emulsions have an excellent ability to fill large volumes of functional cosmetic agents. This study was aimed to encapsulate large volume of green tea in classical multiple emulsion and to compare its stability with a multiple emulsion without green tea extract. Multiple emulsions were developed using Cetyl dimethicone copolyol as lipophilic emulsifier and classic polysorbate-80 as hydrophilic emulsifier. Multiple emulsions were evaluated for various physicochemical aspects like conductivity, pH, microscopic analysis, rheology and these characteristics were followed for a period of 30 days in different storage conditions. In vitro and in vivo skin protection tests were also performed for both kinds of multiple emulsions i.e. with active (MeA) and without active (MeB). Both formulations showed comparable characteristics regarding various physicochemical characteristics in different storage conditions. Rheological analysis showed that formulations showed pseudo plastic behavior upon continuous shear stress. Results of in vitro and in vivo skin protection data have revealed that the active formulation has comparable skin protection effects to that of control formulation. It was presumed that stable multiple emulsions could be a promising choice for topical application of green tea but multiple emulsions presented in this study need improvement in the formula, concluded on the basis of pH, conductivity and apparent viscosity data.