Nagendra Singh Chauhan

Phyllanthus amarus: Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Phyllanthus amarus Schum. & Thonn. belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae is a small herb well known for its medicinal properties and widely used worldwide. P. amarus is an important plant of Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine which is used in the problems of stomach, genitourinary system, liver, kidney and spleen. It is bitter, astringent, stomachic, diuretic, febrifuge and antiseptic. The whole plant is used in gonorrhea, menorrhagia and other genital affections. It is useful in gastropathy, diarrhoea, dysentery, intermittent fevers, ophthalmopathy, scabies, ulcers and wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present review covers a literature across from 1980 to 2011. Some information collected from traditional Ayurvedic texts and published literature on ethanomedicinal uses of Phyllanthus amarus in different countries worldwide. RESULTS Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of many valuable compounds such as lignans, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins (ellagitannins), polyphenols, triterpenes, sterols and alkaloids. The extracts and the compounds isolated from P. amarus show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including antiviral, antibacterial, antiplasmodial, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective nephroprotective and diurectic properties. CONCLUSION The present review summarizes information concerning the morphology, ecology, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, biological activities, clinical applications and toxicological reports of P. amarus. This review aims at gathering the research work undertaken till date on this plant in order to provide sufficient baseline information for future works and commercial exploitation.

Spilanthes acmella ethanolic flower extract: LC–MS alkylamide profiling and its effects on sexual behavior in male rats

According to Indian Systems of Medicine, Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr. (Family - Asteraceae), is considered effective in the treatment of sexual deficiencies especially due to ageing. In the present study, characterization of ethanolic extracts of the Spilanthes acmella flower and its effect on general mating pattern, penile erection and serum hormone levels of normal male Wistar albino rats were investigated and compared with sildenafil citrate. In vitro nitric oxide release was also investigated in human corpus cavernosum cell line. As N-alkylamides are a promising group, their profiling was performed using a gradient reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) method on an embedded polar column. MS(1) and MS(2) fragmentation data were used for identification purposes. For assessment of sexual behavior, animals were divided into five groups of eight male rats. The extracts (50, 100 and 150mg/kgbodyweight/day) and sildenafil citrate (5mg/kgbodyweight/day) (positive control) were administered orally for 28 days. The behavioral and sexual parameters were observed at days 0, 15, 28 and after a lapse of 7 and 14 days of discontinuance of drug treatment. Five N-isobutylamides, one 2-methylbutylamide and one 2-phenylethylamide were identified. The orally administered extract had a dose dependent positive effect on mounting frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculation frequency and the most significant effects (p<0.05) were observed at 150mg/kg treatment, even after a lapse of 7 and 14 days of discontinuance of drug treatment. A dose dependent effect was also observed on the FSH, LH and testosterone serum levels. With 150mg/kg of ethanolic extract the values for FSH, LH and testosterone were 3.10±0.25mlU/ml, 6.87±0.18mlU/ml and 3.72±0.12ng/ml, respectively. In vitro nitric oxide release was 21.7±2.9μM, which was significantly higher compared to the control group (p<0.01). Sildenafil citrate exhibited also a significant effect on NO release, but no effect on hormone levels of rats was observed. The aphrodisiac potential of an ethanolic Spilanthes acmella extract was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. N-Alkylamides might attribute to the improved sexual potential. Study lends support to the traditional utilization of S. acmella as a sexual stimulating agent.

A Review on Plants Used for Improvement of Sexual Performance and Virility

The use of plant or plant-based products to stimulate sexual desire and to enhance performance and enjoyment is almost as old as the human race itself. The present paper reviews the active, natural principles, and crude extracts of plants, which have been useful in sexual disorders, have potential for improving sexual behaviour and performance, and are helpful in spermatogenesis and reproduction. Review of refereed journals and scientific literature available in electronic databases and traditional literature available in India was extensively performed. The work reviews correlation of the evidence with traditional claims, elucidation, and evaluation of a plausible concept governing the usage of plants as aphrodisiac in total. Phytoconstituents with known structures have been classified in appropriate chemical groups and the active crude extracts have been tabulated. Data on their pharmacological activity, mechanism of action, and toxicity are reported. The present review provides an overview of the herbs and their active molecule with claims for improvement of sexual behaviour. A number of herbal drugs have been validated for their effect on sexual behavior and fertility and can therefore serve as basis for the identification of new chemical leads useful in sexual and erectile dysfunction.

Effect of Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruits on testosterone-induced alopecia

Alopecia is a psychologically distressing phenomenon. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of alopecia, which affects millions of men and women worldwide, and is an androgen driven disorder. Here, the Citrullus colocynthis Schrad fruit is evaluated for hair growth activity in androgen-induced alopecia. Petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis was applied topically for its hair growth-promoting activity. Alopecia was induced in albino mice by testosterone administration intramuscularly for 21 days. Its inhibition by simultaneous administration of extract was evaluated using follicular density, anagen/telogen (A/T) ratio and microscopic observation of skin sections. Finasteride (5α-reductase inhibitor) solution was applied topically and served as positive control. Petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis exhibited promising hair growth-promoting activity, as reflected from follicular density, A/T ratio and skin sections. The treatment was also successful in bringing a greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase than the standard finasteride. The result of treatment with 2 and 5% petroleum ether extracts were comparable to the positive control finasteride. The petroleum ether extract of C. colocynthis and its isolate is useful in the treatment of androgen-induced alopecia.

Immunomodulatory activity of petroleum ether extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum

Context: Anacyclus pyrethrum DC (Compositae) roots, commonly known as Pellitory root and locally as akarkara, are widely recognized in the Indian traditional systems of medicine, Ayurveda, as a ‘rasayana’, i.e. a plant with immunomodulatory properties. Objective: Evaluation of A. pyrethrum extract for its effect on normal and chemically suppressed immune systems in vivo. Materials: Petroleum ether extract (PEE) of roots was tested at 50 and 100 mg/kg dose. The effect of both doses on total and differential leukocyte count, cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression, survival rate against Candida albicans infection, delayed type hypersensitivity reaction, percentage neutrophil adhesion, and phagocytic activity were tested. Results: The PEE-treated rats were able to overcome cyclophosphamide-induced myelo-suppression as evidenced by the normalization of blood parameters. Survival rate of albino rats was improved in Candida albicans-infected animals by treatment with the extract (p <0.05). An increase in delayed type hypersensitivity response (DTH), percentage neutrophil adhesion, and in vivo phagocytosis by carbon clearance method was observed after treatment. Extract administration also increased the HA titer value and IgG antibodies. Discussion: Immunostimulant activity increased two-fold upon doubling the dosage of extract administered. While a significant (p <0.05) improvement was observed in the humoral component, a highly significant (p <0.01) effect was observed in the cellular components of the immunity evaluated. The results thus provide a basis for the use of A. pyrethrum as an adaptogen and immunomodulator in the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Pueraria tuberosa DC Extract Improves Androgenesis and Sexual Behavior via FSH LH Cascade

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ethanolic extract of Pueraria tuberosa (PT) on sexual behaviour and androgenic activity. Male albino rats were divided into four groups of six animals each: control group 1 (2% acacia solution), PT-treated group 2 (50 mg/Kg), PT-treated group 3 (100 mg/Kg), and PT-treated group 4 (150 mg/Kg). Sexual behavior of male rats in the presence of a female rat was recorded. The treated groups were evaluated for sexual parameters. The extract was characterized using LC-MS. The effect of treatment on anabolic and weight of secondary sexual organs was determined. The histological changes in section of testis and epididymis after treatment were observed. Sperm count in epididymis and fructose content in seminal vesicles were also measured. Levels of hormones like FSH, LH, and T were determined. A dose-dependent increase in sexual behaviors was evidenced in the animals of extract treated groups. Increase in testis weight was recorded in PT. At the highest dose PT also affects the hormones level. The four compounds namely puerarin, daidzein, biochanin-A and formononetin were identified in ethanolic extract using LC-MS. It concluded that PT extract possesses androgenic effect and it significantly increased the sexual behaviour and hormones level.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Abutilon indicum extract

Abutilon indicum Linn. had been broadly used for its reported biological activities in indigenous system of medicine. The ethanolic extract of the whole plant of A. indicum Linn. was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity at doses 250, 500 and 750 mg kg−1 using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in healthy Wistar albino rats. Results of in vivo activity led to the conclusion that the ethanolic extract of A. indicum showed predominantly significant activity in a dose-dependent manner, which is comparable to the reference standard ibuprofen. The results prove the traditional use of plant in the treatment of inflammation.

DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A STABILITY-INDICATING HPLC METHOD FOR ANALYSIS OF ZIDOVUDINE (ZDV) IN BULK DRUG AND IN VITRO RELEASE STUDIES OF TABLETS

A reverse phase HPLC method for the analysis of Zidovudine has been developed in bulk and pharmaceutical formulation. The developed method is also utilized to determine purity and quality of the market formulation drug by dissolution studies. The mobile phase consisted of methanol and water (89:11 v/v) showed retention time of 2.99 min with a flow rate of 1 mL/min at detection wavelength 266 nm. Linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship between response and concentration in the range 25–350 µg mL−1; the regression coefficient was 0.9995 and the linear regression equation was y = 19.75x + 57.73. The detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) limits were 2.92 and 8.87 µg mL−1, respectively. The method was validated for accuracy, precision, specificity, robustness, and detection and quantification limits, in accordance with ICH guidelines. Statistical analysis proved the method was precise, reproducible, selective, specific, and accurate for analysis of Zidovudine. The wide linearity range, sensitivity, accuracy, short retention time, and simple mobile phase imply the method is suitable for routine quantification of Zidovudine with high precision and accuracy.

A study on the extracts of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in treatment of cyclophosphamide induced alopecia

BackgroundAlopecia is a dermatological disorder with psychosocial implications on patients with hair loss. Hair loss is one of the most feared side effects of chemotherapy. Plants have been widely used for hair growth promotion since ancient times in Ayurveda, Chinese and Unani systems of medicine. The effect of extracts of Cuscuta reflexa Roxb. in testosterone induced alopecia was reported.ObjectiveIn the present study, the efficacies of the extracts of Cuscuta reflexa in promoting hair growth in cyclophosphamide-induced hair loss have been determined.Materials and methodsThe study was performed by treated with petroleum ether and ethanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa at the dose 250 mg/kg in male swiss albino rats. Cyclophosphamide (125 mg/kg) was used to induce alopecia.ResultsGroups treated with extracts of plant showed hair regrowth. Histopathology and gross morphologic observations for hair regrowth at shaved sites revealed active follicular proliferation.ConclusionsIt concluded that extracts of Cuscuta reflexa shown to be capable of promoting follicular proliferation or preventing hair loss in cyclophosphamide-induced hair fall.

Development of HPTLC Method for Puerarin Estimation in Pueraria tuberosa (Roxb.ex Willd.) DC

A simple, precise, and rapid HPTLC method has been established for analysis of puerarin from ethanolic ex- tract of tubers of Pueraria tuberosa. The method involves densitometric evaluation of puerarin after their resolution on pre-coated silica gel 60F254 plates with chloroform- methanol 9:1 (v/v) as mobile phase. Detection was at 254 nm. Good resolution was achieved with Rf 0.71 for puerarin. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and repeatability. The method was linear in the range 10-60 μg/mL per band. Study of puerarin was found 99.90% by this method. The method is simple, specific, precise, accurate and reproducible for estimation of puerarin in pueraria species and its formulations.