Jasia Bokhari

Prevention of CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity with Sonchus asper in rat

Sonchus asper (SA) is locally used in renal aliments. The present work investigated the antioxidant effects of S. asper methanolic extract (SAME) against CCl(4)-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley male rats. CCl(4) (3 ml/kg b.w., i.p.; 30% in olive oil) biweekly for 4 weeks induced lipid peroxidation, as reflected by significant increase of TBARS; diminished the renal antioxidant defenses, as revealed by a decrease of the level of GSH, CAT, SOD, GST, GSR, GSH-Px and QR while elevated the level of gamma-GT, H(2)O(2) and nitrite contents. CCl(4) caused histopathological injuries and significantly increased the renal AgNORs count and DNA damage. Telomerase activity in kidney was determined positive with CCl(4) treatment. Creatinine, urobilinogen and urea concentration was increased whereas creatinine clearance was decreased in serum and urine. Level of protein and albumin was increased in urine while reduced in serum. Serum level of nitrite was increased with CCl(4) treatment. Treatment of rats with SAME (100, 200mg/kg b.w.) effectively ameliorated the alterations induced with CCl(4) in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defenses, biochemical markers, genotoxicity and renal lesions. The present data suggests that SAME protect the kidneys possibly by alleviating the oxidative stress induced with CCl(4) in rat.

Assessment of Antioxidant Potential, Total Phenolics and Flavonoids of Different Solvent Fractions of Monotheca Buxifolia Fruit

Objectives This study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential of methanol extract and its derived fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and aqueous) of fruits of Monotheca buxifolia (Falc.) Dc., a locally used fruit in Pakistan. Methods Dried powder of the fruit of M. buxifolia was extracted with methanol and the resultant was fractionated with solvents having escalating polarity; n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and the residual soluble aqueous fraction. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were estimated for the methanol and various fractions. These fractions were also subjected to various in vitro assays to estimate the scavenging activity for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), superoxide, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and reductive ability for ferric ions and phosphomolybdate assay. Results The n-butanol, aqueous and methanol fractions possessed high amount of phenolics and flavonoids compared with other fractions, and subsequently showed a pronounced scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide radicals and had a potent reductive ability on ferric ion and phosphomolybdate assay. There was a found significant correlation between total phenolic and flavonoid contents and EC50 of DPPH, superoxide, hydrogen peroxide radical and phosphomolybdate assays, whereas a nonsignificant correlation was found with the hydroxyl radical and ABTS radical assay. Conclusion M. buxifolia fruit can be used as natural antioxidant source to prevent damage associated with free radicals.

Hepatoprotection with a chloroform extract of Launaea procumbens against CCl4-induced injuries in rats

BackgroundLaunaea procumbens (Asteraceae) is used as a folk medicine to treat hepatic disorders in Pakistan. The effect of a chloroform extract of Launaea procumbens (LPCE) was evaluated against carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats.MethodsTo evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of LPCE, 36 male Sprague–Dawley rats were equally divided into six groups. Animals of group 1 (control) had free access to food and water. Group II received 3 ml/kg of CCl4 (30% in olive oil v/v) via the intraperitoneal route twice a week for 4 weeks. Group III received 1 ml of silymarin via gavage (100 mg/kg b.w.) after 48 h of CCl4 treatment whereas groups IV and V were given 1 ml of LPCE (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w., respectively) after 48 h of CCl4 treatment. Group VI received 1 ml of LPCE (200 mg/kg b.w.) twice a week for 4 weeks. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) were measured in liver homogenates. DNA damage, argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) counts and histopathology were studied in liver samples. Serum was analyzed for various biochemical parameters. Phytochemical composition in LPCE was determined through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).ResultsLPCE inhibited lipid peroxidation, and reduced the activities of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase in serum induced by CCl4. GSH contents were increased as were the activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, GST, GSR, GSH-Px) when altered due to CCl4 hepatotoxicity. Similarly, absolute liver weight, relative liver weight and the number of hepatic lesions were reduced with co-administration of LPCE. Phyochemical analyses of LPCE indicated that it contained catechin, kaempferol, rutin, hyperoside and myricetin.ConclusionThese results indicated that Launaea procumbens efficiently protected against the hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats, possibly through the antioxidant effects of flavonoids present in LPCE.

Evaluation of diverse antioxidant activities of Galium aparine

Methanol extract and its n-hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fraction of Galium aparine L. (Rubiacea) were evaluated in vitro for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH, superoxide radical, phosphomolybdate assay); reducing power (ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide, to reduce Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) ions) and to estimate total flavonoid and phenolic contents. All the free radical generating assay models depicted differential positive scavenging activity but considerable magnitude for all the fractions. The results showed that aqueous fraction strongly scavenge the DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals. A significantly high correlation coefficient existed between IC(50) values of DPPH and superoxide radical with total phenolic content and phosphomolybdate assay with total flavonoid contents, respectively. These results suggested that aqueous fraction can be a good source of antioxidant therapeutic in oxidative stress damages.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Oxalis corniculata against carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4 ) induced injuries in rat

Many human diseases are caused due to oxidative stress involving excessive production of free radicals that can be ameliorated by the antioxidant activities of plant extracts. Present study was designed to characterize the chemical composition of Oxalis corniculata methanol extract (OCME) and its various fractions; O. corniculata n-hexane (OCHE), O. corniculata ethyl acetate (OCEE), O. corniculata chloroform (OCCE) and O. corniculata aqueous (OCAE); and to determine the antioxidant potential by different in vitro assays. OCME was also evaluated for its antioxidant capacity against hepatotoxicity induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4: 1 ml/kg b.w., 20% in olive oil, seven doses) in rat. The results showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, phlobatannins and steroids in OCME while tannins were absent. Total amount of phenolic and flavonoids was affected by the solvents and the sequence of solvents for phenolic contents was OCME > OCAE > OCCE > OCEE > OCHE while for flavonoids was OCME > OCCE > OCAE > OCEE > OCHE. Free radicals were scavenged by the extract/fraction in a dose response curve in all models. Biochemical parameters of serum; aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT), total bilirubin, cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly increased while total protein and albumin were decreased by CCl4. Treatment of CCl4 significantly decreased the liver contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and activities of antioxidant enzymes; catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GSR) and quinone reductase (QR) whereas elevated the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) contents, and hepatic lesions. All the parameters were brought back to control levels by the supplement of OCME. The results of the present study suggest the antioxidant potential of OCME and its fractions as evidenced by scavenging of free radicals and hepatoprotective capacity.

Evaluation of anti-asthmatic and antioxidant potential of Boerhavia procumbens in toluene diisocyanate (TDI) treated rats

AIM OF THE STUDY Asthma is an ailment of airways characterized by activation of the T helper (Th) 2 lymphocytes and subsequent movement of inflammatory cells. Boerhavia procumbens of family Nyctaginaceae is locally used for the treatment of asthma, cough, hemorrhoids, dropsy, cardiac, eyes and kidney problems. We have evaluated its methanol extract (BPM) as a therapeutic candidate for asthma against toluene diisocyanate (TDI) allergic model in rat. The BPM extract was obtained from the whole plant of B. procumbens in methanol. Sprague-Dawley male 36 rats (200-250 g) were categorized into 6 groups having six rats in each category. The animals were provoked (10%) and sensitized (5%) by TDI. Animals of groups I-III were vehicle control (ethyl acetate), diseased control (TDI) and reference control (TDI+dexamethasone {2.5mg/kg bw}), respectively. Animals of group IV (TDI+200mg/kg bw) and group V (TDI+400mg/kg bw) were administered with BPM whereas group VI was administered with 400mg/kg bw alone of BPM. Protective effects of BPM were determined by counting the number of leucocytes and estimation of interleukines in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and in in vitro culture of spleen cells. Estimation of antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxides and H2O2 and histopathology of lungs were carried out for antioxidant potential of plant extract used. RESULTS Methanol extract of B. procumbens suppressed the asthmatic symptoms and inhibited the infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes in lungs of TDI provoked rats. Administration of BPM to TDI provoked rats, dose dependently, inhibited the release of interleukins (IL)-2 in serum and IL-4, IL-6 interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and in in vitro culture of spleen cells, and ameliorated the oxidative stress in lung tissues. Quantitative scoring of the lung histopathology exhibited protective effects of BPM and the inflammation, mucus, thickening of peribronchial smooth muscle layer and subepithelial deposition of collagen induced with TDI were ameliorated. The BPM has the anti-inflammatory properties that may be used to treat the asthma and inflammatory related ailments.

Antimicrobial and phytotoxic screening of various fractions of Sonchus asper

Sonchus asper is used in the treatment of many diseases ethnopharmacologically in Pakistan. In the present manuscript we demonstrate the antimicrobial and phytotoxic effects of various fractions of S. asper. Six (6) different bacteria (Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are used in the screening of extract as well as 4 strains of fungi are characterized. Raddish root inhibition assay was used for phytotoxic screening. Methanolic fraction of S. asper showed best activities in all of assays, in inhibition of microbes and phytotoxic activities. The potency of these activities is due to the presence of bioactive flavonoids, saponins and phenolic compounds.

Assessment of phytochemicals, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory potential of Boerhavia procumbens Banks ex Roxb

Boerhavia procumbens is traditionally used in the treatment of various disorders including jaundice and gonorrhea, is a refrigerant, and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the phytochemical classes, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol extract (BPME) and different fractions (n-hexane (BPHE), ethyl acetate (BPEE), n-butanol (BPBE), and residual aqueous fraction (BPAE)) of B. procumbens against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of B. procumbens, 42 Sprague Dawley male rats (150–200 g) were randomly divided into seven groups. Group I received distilled water and group II was treated with diclofenac potassium (10 mg/kg) body weight (bw) orally. Groups III, IV, V, VI, and VII were administered BPME, BPHE, BPEE, BPBE, and BPAE (200 mg/kg bw) orally, 1 h before the treatment with carrageenan (10 mg/kg bw) in rats. Anti-inflammatory effects of B. procumbens were determined by estimating the inhibition of edema at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hour after carrageenan injection. Qualitative analysis of methanol extract indicated the composition of diverse classes, namely, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, and anthraquinones. Quantitative determination illustrated that BPBE and BPEE possessed the highest concentration of total phenolic (60.45 ± 2.1 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram sample) and total flavonoid content (68.05 ± 2.3 mg rutin equivalent per gram sample), respectively. A dose-dependent response for antioxidant activity was exhibited by all the samples. The sample with the highest aptitude for antioxidant activity was the BPBE for 2,2-azobis,3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity. Carrageenan-induced paw edema was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by BPBE and BPME at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd hour and was comparable to control drug diclofenac potassium. Results revealed that various fractions of B. procumbens manifested the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential and accredit the local use of B. procumbens in various disorders.

Protective effect of Launaea procumbens against KBrO 3 induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Launaea procumbens is traditionally used in the treatment of renal dysfunction. In the present study, protective effects of L. procumbens against KBrO3-induced nephrotoxicity in rat were determined. In this study, 24 male albino rats (195 to 200 g) were equally divided into 4 groups. Group I was given saline (1 ml/kg b.w., 0.85% NaCl) and DMSO (1 ml/kg b.w.); Group II was treated with KBrO3 (30 mg/kg b.w., i.p.); Groups III and IV administered with KBrO3 and after 48 h with L. procumbens (100; 200 mg/kg b.w.). All the treatments were given twice a week for 6 weeks. The results revealed that KBrO3 induced oxidative stress as evidenced by the significant depletion (P < 0.01) of antioxidant enzymes (catalase CAT, superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione-S-transferase, GST, glutathione reductase; GSR, glutathione peroxidase GSH-px and quinone reductas, QR) and glutathione contents while enhanced markedly (P < 0.01) tissue nitrite, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide level in kidney. Coadministration revealed that L. procumbens methanol extract significantly (P < 0.01) protect the liver against KBrO3 mediated oxidative damage by restoring activity of antioxidant enzyme and lipid peroxidation which might be due to the presence plant bioactive constituents.

Cardioprotective effect of Digera muricata (L) Mart. against the cardiotoxicity induced by acrylamide in rats

T annual incidence of urolithiasis in industrialized regions is considered to be 1,500-2,000 cases per millions with reoccurrence rate of 75% in 20 years. There is no effective management therapy for renal calculi. Allopathic and herbal therapies havetheir inherent limitations and side-effects. Bergenia ligulata has been used since ancient time in many herbal compositions and it is major component of Cystone® (Himalaya, herbal healthcare) for treating kidney stones. The present work has been designed to study the anti-lithiatic potential of B. ligulata, isolation of the potent metabolite(s) and its mechanism of action. Commercially available dried rhizomes of B. ligulata were powdered and subjected to activity guided fractionation using in vitro calcium oxalate crystal growth inhibition assay. Further, rat hyperoxaluric model was used to assess anti-lithiatic ability in vivo. The isolated fractions showed anti-calcifying activity in vitro. The sequential isolation of the potent fraction led to the purification of the most active molecule. The metabolite was eventually characterized as bergenin employing LC-MS, NMR, FTIR and UV spectroscopy. Bergenin was found to be effective in reducing oxidative stressmarkers like malondialdehyde (187% in diseased vs. 20% in treated) and elevating reduced glutathione levels (-46% in diseased vs. -15% in treated). It exhibited anti-lithiatic activityas assessed by measuring the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase in serum samples. The creatinine clearance was also normalized with bergenin treatment in rat hyperoxaluric model. The present study provides significant evidence in the effectiveness of bergenin in treating and managing renal calculi.D mellitus is a metabolic disorder constituting a major health concern today whose prevalence has continuously increased in the world. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of methanolic extract of Hyoscyamus albus (HAMeOH) in diabetic rats. Hyoscyamus albus (Solanaceae) is an herbal medicine traditionally applied as a parasympatholytic and nervous sedative. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was carried out by administering glucose (2 g/kg, b.w), to non-diabetic rats treated with HAMeOH at oral doses 100 and 200 mg/kg, b.w and glibenclamide 5 mg/kg. Also, Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, these diabetic rats were administered (100 and 200 mg/Kg b.w ) and standard drugs glibenclamide was given to rats for 30 days. The oral administration of both doses of HAMeOH significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic rats. Determination of plasma insulin levels revealed the insulin stimulating action of the leaves extract. It is concluded that HAMeOH have significant anti-diabetic activity.Grewia nervosa (Lour) Panighrahi, belonging to the family Malvaceae s.l. is widely distributed along the Western Ghats of India. Although it has been commonly used in traditional medicine, the medicinal properties have not been scientifically evaluated. Phytochemical analysis established the presence of phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids and saponins in leaves. The aqueous and methanol extracts from leaves and bark of G. nervosa were investigated for medicinal properties using in vitro assays. The methanol extract of leaves demonstrated 97.5% inhibition of α-amylase activity. Additionally, the methanol extract of leaves also demonstrated antioxidant activity (5.41± 0.23 mmol/g, dw) that was higher compared to aqueous extract (3.32±0.45 mmol/g, dw). Further the methanol extract of bark exhibited anti-lipoxygenase activity indicative of its potential to control inflammatory activity. These results suggest that Grewia nervosa would be a potential source for treatment of diabetes and its associated complications such as oxidative stress and inflammationC herbs (Asteraceae) are extensively used as food additives and in folk medicine. Anti-cancer, anti-human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antiproliferative activities as well as antioxidant effects have been reported for Chrysanthemum species. We report the isolation and identification of flavonoids and new and known terpenoids from the endemic species, C. macrocarpum and C. deserticolum “guertoufa”, used in Algerian Sahara as tea drinks and in “couscous” and soups “Chorba”. Structures of the isolated compounds were established by 1-D and 2-D homo and hetero-nuclear NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY), mass spectrometry, UV and comparison with literature data. C. deserticolum extracts were tested by four methods to identify the antioxidant activity namely, ABTS•+, DPPH• scavenging, CUPRAC and ferrous-ions chelating activity methods. The in vitro anticholinesterase activity was achieved by the use of the basic enzymes that occur in causing Alzheimer’s disease: acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of C. macrocarpum extracts and isolated compounds are also reported here.T practice of traditional medicine for the control of fertility in most parts of India is based on the uses of plant medicines for many years. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the post coital antifertility activity of different varieties of Curcuma longa and underlying mechanism thereof. The effects of n-hexane, chloroform and acetone fraction of hydroalcoholic extract of three different varieties i.e. Salem, Krishna and Rajapore of Curcuma longa rhizomes were studied at three different doses to evaluate their antifertility, early abortifacient, antiovulatory activities and underlying mechanism thereof. Acute toxicity and thin layer chromatographic studies of same were also carried out. All varieties found to have significant antifertility activity (p<0.01). The n-hexane fraction of all varieties showed anti-implantation activity at the dose of 150 mg/kg weight whereas chloroform and acetone fraction of all varieties exhibited 100% reduction in pregnancy at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. Antifertility activity of test drugs was found through its antizygotic mechanism whereas all test drugs devoid of any antiovulatory and early abortifacient activity at all doses.M charantia (MC) fruits have previously been reported to reduce blood glucose in laboratory animals and human subjects with diabetes. Increase in insulin secretion is one of the chief mechanisms of antidiabetic action of MC extracts or their purified molecules. In present study the effect of aqueous extracts of MC (AEMC) was studied on insulin secretion in isolated pancreatic islets from normal Wistar rats with an attempt to evaluate the mechanism of action. Islets were incubated in HBBS buffer containing 3.3 or 16.7mM glucose, and AEMC, diazoxide, nimodipine and calphostin C, alone and in combinations. Release of insulin in external media was measured by ELISA. Cytotoxicity studies, to assess the integrity of the islets cells, were carried out by trypan blue uptake and LDH release assay. Trypan blue gained access to 9.6 ± 1.2% cells and 8.3 ± 1.1% dead islet cells were observed in LDH release assay on AEMC exposure, suggesting that the extract was non-toxic at tested concentration. AEMC stimulated insulin secretion from the isolated islets at 3.3 and 16.7 mM glucose. The effect of AEMC was dose dependent. As loss of cell integrity was not observed on AEMC exposure, hence, alteration of membrane integrity as the possible mechanism of insulin release is ruled out by this study. Addition of dizoxide and nimodipine completely diminished glucose induced insulin secretion. AEMC induced insulin secretion at 16.7mM glucose was partially inhibited by dizoxide and nimodipine, however no reduction was observed at 3.3mM of glucose. No change in insulin secretion at basal level of 3.3 mM of glucose suggests that the phytochemicals of AEMC may not be binding to either KATP or Ca channels. Calphostin C significantly (p<0.01) reduced AEMC induced insulin production both at 3.3 mM and 16.7 mM. The finding suggests that PKC inducing activity of AEMC phytochemical/s may be responsible for its insulin secretagogues potential.Bioassay-guided fractionation of the CH2Cl2/MeOH extract of the Thai marine sponge Acanthodendrilla sp. resulted in the isolation of six bromotyrosine-derived alkaloids; aerothionin (1), homoaerothionin (2), 2-hydroxy-3,5-dibromo,4methoxyphenylacetamide (3), 2,4-cyclohexadiene-1-acetamide-3,5-dibromo-1,6-dihydroxy-4-methoxy (4), 11-oxoaerothionin (5), and 11,19-dideoxyfistularin (6) . The structures of the isolated compounds were identified on the basis of detailed spectroscopic analysis. The compounds were tested for the acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity, and 3 showed the best acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity (92.0% at 0.1 mg/mL).T hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of bark of Ficus bengalensis against paracetamol and CCl4 induced liver damage was investigated. Treatment of rats with paracetamol and CCl4 produced a significant increase in the levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase SGPT, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase SGOT, alkaline phosphatase ALP, total and direct bilirubin. Rats pretreated with methanolic extract of barks of F. bengalensis 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight p.o. exhibited rise in the levels of these enzymes but it was significantly less as compared to those treated with paracetamol or CCl4 alone. The results of methanolic extract of F. bengalensis were comparable with the standard hepatoprotective agent silymarin 100 mg/kg. Maximum hepatoprotective effect was found to be at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight in case of CCl4 induced hepatic damage while 500 mg/kg body weight in case of paracetamol induced hepatic damage. Obtained data suggest that methanolic extract of F. bengalensis bark possesses a potential antihepatotoxic activity.The medicinal quality of plants has been known and exploited by man for centuries. A large number of modern drugs have been isolated from traditional herbal plants[1]. Numerous secondary metabolites obtained from plants, with previously unknown pharmacological activities, have been extensively investigated as a source of medicinal agents[1,2]. The acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of health care and the development of microbial resistance to the available antibiotics led to investigation on the antimicrobial activity of medicinal plants. The increasing failure of chemotherapeutics and antibiotic resistance exhibited by pathogenic agents has led to the screening of several PEER REVIEW ABSTRACTT genus of Phoebe of family Lauraceae is found the most abundance in Borneo and the Malaysian Peninsular. Phoebe tavoyana is locally known as ‘medang rungkoi.’ The woods of Phoebe species have the commercial values usually for housebuilding. As a wood of a good type soft to moderately hard, light, slightly colored than the hardwood used for carving and sculpture, paneling for doors altars wardrobes, carriages and ceiling. Phytochemical study on the leaves of Phoebe tavoyana (Meissn.) H.K.F. from Chebar Besar Reserved Forest, Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia has resulted the isolation of four known aporphines; laurolitsine (1), roemerine (2), laetanine (3), boldine (4) and one morphinandienone type, sebiferine (5). The structures of alkaloids were determined by spectroscopic analysis. This paper reports the antiplasmodial activity of three alkaloids from the leaves of Phoebe tavoyana (Lauraceae). The results showed that (1), (2) and (5) have shown potent inhibitory activity against the growth of Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 clone, with IC50 1.49, 0.89 and 2.76μg/mL respectively. No previous phytochemical investigation has been performed on this plant.Natural polysaccharides have been widely used because of their biocompatibility and biodegradabilityproperties. An attempt has been made to explore tamarind seed xyloglucan (TSX), a glucosaminoglycan polysaccharide extracted from the kernels of seeds of Tamarindus indica Linn., family Fabaceae for bimodal(immediate and controlled)drug release of multilayer tablet. Chemically TSX powder is highly branched carbohydrate polymer. High drug holding capacity of this polysaccharide was investigated for bimodal release.An in-house extracted TSX polysaccharide was characterized for swelling index, flow property, viscosity and compatibility with drug. Multilayer tablet was comprised of immediate release layer of tramadol hydrochloride (an analgesic agent), followed by tri-layer. This tri-layer consisted of upper and lower barrier layers of TSX and middle layer of drug granular matrix. Multilayer tablets were compressed based on 3 2 factorial design consideringconcentrations of matrix and barrier TSX layers as independent variables. Immediate release layer released the drug within 90 min in acidic media, revealing the retarded action showed bypolysaccharide layer attached to this layer. Granules of matrix layer were prepared by wet granulation technology.Multiplayer tablet of TSX was evaluated for hardness, thickness and drug content. Dissolution test in presence of rat caecal content was found to control the drug release rate for more than 9h. Stability studies confirmed the stable formulation. Thus, this study suggested that inexpensiveand abundantly available natural TSX can act as a potential polymer for bimodal releaseof a multilayer tablet.