Ernest David

Pharmacognosy of Coccinia grandis: a review

Traditional system of medicine consists of large number of plants with various medicinal and pharmacological importances and hence represents a priceless tank of new bioactive molecules. Coccinia grandis belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. It is a rapidly growing, perennial climber or trailing vine. Traditionally different parts of this plant namely the roots, leaves and fruits are used in folklore medicine for several purposes like jaundice, diabetes, wound healing, ulcers, stomach ache, skin disease, fever, asthma, cough. The leaf and its constituents have been reported to possess hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. This review provides adequate information to develop suitable therapeutics out of these plant parts.

A review on some poisonous plants and their medicinal values

Abstract The aim of this review is to provide a report on poisonous medicinal plants using for various treatments. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries, and numerous cultures still rely on indigenous medicinal plants for their primary health care needs. Poisonous medicinal plants are used for various ailments such as Antidiabetic, Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Cytogenetic effect. The review reveals that wide numbers of phytochemical constituents have been isolated from the various medicinal plants which possess activities like diuretic, purgative, laxative, anti-allergic and various other important medicinal properties. This information is most important for pharmaceutical companies could formulate drug.

A comparative study on selected marine actinomycetes from Pulicat, Muttukadu, and Ennore estuaries

Abstract Objective To isolate and make a comparative study of marine sediments actinomycetes from Pulicat estuary, Muttukadu estuary and Ennore estuary, TamilNadu, India. Methods A unique selective enrichment procedure has resulted in the isolation and identification a total of 304 actinomycetes colonies which were isolated from different stations of marine soil sediments in Pulicat estuary, Muttukadu estuary and Ennore estuary, TamilNadu, India. Results Among them, 277 isolates were morphologically distinct on the basis of spore mass colour, aerial and substrate mycelium formation and production of diffusible pigment. The majority (60%; 162 isolates) were assigned to the genus Streptomyces. (35%; 104 isolates) were assigned to the genus Actinopolyspora , (5%; 11 isolates) were assigned to the genus Nocardiodes . Conclusions The present study concluded that the physiological characteristics of actinomycetes Streptomyces, Actinopolyspora and Nocardiodes varied by available nutrients in the medium and the physical conditions.

Pharmacognosy of Enicostemma littorale: A review

Traditional medicine system of India comprised varieties of plants which are playing a significant role in curing diseases from ancient times. Among them, Enicostemma littorale blume (E. littorale) a perennial herb of the family Gentianaceae is cosmopolitan in occurrence in India. The bittery natured plant acts as a laxative, helps in curing fever, rheumatism, skin diseases, abdominal disorders, snake bite, obesity and helps to regulate blood sugar levels. The plant constituents have been reported for possessing antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, antiinflammatory, hypolipidaemic, hepatoprotective and hypoglycemic properties. This review provides a birds eye view about geographical distribution, physicochemical parameters, phytoconstituents and pharmacological properties of E. littorale.

Hypolipidemic activity of Piper betel in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemic rat

Abstract Objective To evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of Piper betel ( P. betel ) in high fat diet induced hyperlipidemia rat. Methods The methanol leaf extract was tested for hypolipidemic effect in the albino rats at the selected optimum dosage of 250 mg/kg body weight and administered orally. Adult male albino rats of six numbers in each group were undertaken study and evaluated. Results In group II animals, the activity levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL) were significantly enhanced when compared to that of normal rat. Conclusion It could be said that the methanolic leaf extract of P. betel exhibited a significant hypolipidemic effect.

In-vivo and ex-vivo inhibition of intestinal glucose uptake: A scope for antihyperglycemia

Abstract Objective To study hypoglycemic effect of Phyllanthus amarus (P. amarus) leaf extract and its glucose uptake inhibition effect in rat small intestine ex-vivo and in vivo models. Methods Hypoglycemic studies were carried out in glucose loaded and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic albino rats. Blood glucose levels were estimated at I, III and IV hour time intervals after administration of aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus. The study on the effect of plant extract on intestinal glucose absorption in rat was carried out using everted gut sacs. Results The blood glucose levels were significantly depleted in the animals administered with aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus (250 mg/kg body weight). Incubation of the rat everted intestinal sacs with the aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus resulted in the inhibition of glucose transport across the intestinal membrane. Conclusions The kinetic studies on the glucose transport inhibition across the intestinal membrane by the plant extract was a non competitive type of inhibition of the intestinal glucose transporter protein (GLUT2 and SGLT1) revealing the probable mechanism of hypoglycaemic effect of the aqueous leaf extract of P. amarus .