Preeti Panthari

Therapeutic potential of Rhododendron arboretum Smith (Burans) flowers

Background: The present investigation was aimed to formulate transdermal films incorporating herbal drug components. The allopathic system of medicine includes two conventional lines of treatment for inflammatory diseases, which come along with certain side effects. Hence, turning to safe, effective and time-tested Ayurvedic herbal drug formulation would be a preferable option. Materials and Methods: With this view, transdermal films incorporating herbal drug components such as aqueous extract of fruits of Abelmoschus esculentus, Lagenaria siceraria and Trichosanthes dioica were envisaged. The polymeric films were evaluated for their physical properties like thickness, weight uniformity, moisture content, folding endurance, tensile strength and diffusion studies. The skin irritation study done on rat skin showed that the formulation does not produce irritation to the skin. Results: The formulation is screened for its anti-inflammatory potential and it is found to significantly reduce the paw edema by 60% when compared with the standard drug diclofenac i.e. 70%. Conclusion: Overall, it was observed that the well-known ayurvedic drugs have been found to be effective through modern pharmaceutical formulation techniques. Biochem & Pharmacol 2013, 2:4 http://dx.doi.org/10.4172/2167-0501.S1.004J (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), occurs naturally in the leaves, roots, husks, and bark of plants in the Juglandaceae family, particularly the black walnut (Juglans nigra), and is toxic to some plants and insect herbivores as well. Like several naphthoquinones, the antitumor activity of Juglone relies on a quinone redox cycling capacity that triggers oxidative stress. Such a quinone redox cycling is strongly enhanced by vitamin C, a natural reducing agent. Since cancer cells are highly sensitive to an oxidative stress, the effects of jugloneon T24 bladder cancer cells either in the absence or in the presence of sodium ascorbate (vitamin C) were investigated.The end-points used to characterize the juglone-mediated cytotoxicity, included cell functionality (MTT assay and cell morphology), formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), GSH levels, caspase-3 activity, PARP cleavage and protein phosphorylation of histone H2AX and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α). Cell proliferation and motility were monitored by the colony forming and the wound healing assays. The EC50 value at 24 h for juglone was 5-fold decreased in the presence of ascorbate. Juglone alone or associated with ascorbate neither cause caspase-3 activation nor PARP cleavage, indicating that cell demise is rather necrotic than apoptosis. In cells treated by juglone, a concentration-dependent decrease in cell proliferation was observed. Ascorbate did not impair the capacity of cells to proliferate, but its association with juglone leads to a clonogenic death state and impairment of cell migration. In summary, juglone causes clonogenic death, inhibiting proliferation and motility of T24 cells. These effects were enhanced by ascorbate.A efficient and rapid in vitro propagation protocol had been standardized using cotyledonary node explants excised from aseptically germinated seedlings of Hippophae salicifolia D. Don. Various nutrient media, antioxidants and different combinations of cytokinins and auxins were assessed and optimized for shoot proliferation. WPM medium with Staba vitamin containing sucrose (30 g l-1), PVP (100 mg l-1), agar (8 g l-1) and growth hormones BAP (0.44 μM), Kn (23.2 μM), IAA (28.5 μM) and GA3 (0.28 μM) was found to be optimum with 21.6 shoots per explants in 6 weeks of culture and an average of 30.5 shoots per explants in 6 weeks of 1st subculture. Efficient rooting (100%) was achieved in a medium containing IBA (4.9 μM) on halfstrength WPM medium. The rooted shoots showed 100% survival after acclimatization in the greenhouse. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting profiles had been used to evaluate the genetic stability and clonal fidelity of the in vitro regenerated plants. The protocol reported in the present study will be useful in the mass multiplication of H. salicifolia for commercial propagation of this valuable medicinal plant.Background: Chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) has been used as a folk remedy to treat several illnesses including gastrointestinal disorders. However, its effects on intestinal inflammation and colorectal cancer (CRC) have not been clearly elucidated. Objectives: We investigated the effects of an aqueous extract of Inonotus obliquus (IOAE) on HCT116 and DLD1 cells and in three mice models, DSS-induce experimental colitis, AOM/DSS-induced colitis associated colon cancer (CACC) and adenoma in APCMin/+ mice. Methods: Cell cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry. Immunohistochemical analysis of intestinal tissues was performed for inflammation scoring and expression of proteins. Cytoplasmic and nuclear protein lysates were isolated for western blotting. Total RNA was isolated and reverse-transcribed to cDNA for PCR amplification of inflammation related genes. Results: HCT116 and DLD1 cell lines: IOAE suppressed cell proliferation by inducing mitochondrial intrinsic apoptosis, autophagy, and S phase cell cycle arrest. IOAE suppressed β-catenin and its downstream targets cyclin D1 and c-Myc along with CRC oncogene CDK8. IOAE also inhibited the nuclear and cytoplasmic levels of NF-κB. DSS-induced colitis mice: IOAE ameliorates colonic inflammation by suppressing iNOS and Cox-2 and myeloperoxidase accumulation. IOAE inhibited the mRNA expression of inflammation mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and iNOS) in colon. AOM/DSS-induced CACC mice: IOAE suppressed the number of colorectal tumor. IOAE diminished the expressions of iNOS, Cox-2, cyclin D1 and c-Myc, and dramatically inhibited the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colon. These results indicate potent anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of IOAE in CACC model of mice. APCMin/+ mice: IOAE suppressed polyp formation in small intestine. IOAE inhibited the levels of β-catenin along with cyclin D1, c-Myc and CDK8. IOAE triggered caspase-3 activation and PARP cleavage in intestinal tissues. IOAE inhibited the mRNA expression of inflammation mediators also. Conclusions: IOAE suppressed colorectal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo through anti-inflammation and downregulation of β-catenin/NF-κB pathway. Considering recent anticancer approaches involving natural products with least side effects, we advocate that Chaga could be a beneficial supplement in prevention of colorectal cancer.There are two conceptually divergent streams of therapeutic modules operative in India today both being vibrant. These modules are operative on one hand in the modern hospitals as Allopathic system and the other being scattered in the country especially in the rural parts as Ayurvedic, Sidha and Unani and to an extent the century and half old Homeopathic systems. This review is to probe the possibility of converging the conceptually different systems under a single roof of modern hospital, the rendezvous achieved by the role of a Clinical Pharmacognosist who could bridge the gap between both the systems. The concept has been pushed on for the last decade and half by way of scientific articles and presentations by the author. There are several instancesespecially in the southern India that many modern hospitals maintain a holistic wing without any clinical interaction of give and take. It is vital to operate both the systems complimentarily keeping their own idiom intact in the presence of Physicians of both the systems who are linked by Clinical Pharmacognosist in the hospital environment.T effect of butanol fraction of ethanol extract of S. rebaudiana on streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice was evaluated the diabetes laden gene expression in diabetic conditions. In streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, two weeks consecutive treatment of butanol fraction (200 mg/kg) was used to evaluate fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum lipid profile, tissues glycogen content, glucose-6-phosphatase and hexokinase enzyme levels in liver and insulin estimation. Subsequently, responsible phytoconstituents for respective activity were identified by HPLC. OGTT determination at 60 min with respect to 30 min level and serum lipid profile exhibited significant reduction (p<0.005) by 38%, 58%, 30% and 30% in TC, LDL,VLDL and TG level respectively with about 75% improvement in HDL in SREEBF treated diabetic mice. Moreover, significant changes in gene expression of Glut-4 in muscle and adipose tissue, AR in kidney, PPAR-α, PPAR-γ and TNF-α in adipose tissues were observed in the experimental animals. SREEBF (200 mg/kg) exhibited significant OGTT and improved serum lipid profile with considerable gene expression of Glut-4, AR, PPAR-α, γ and TNF-α in experimental mice. Study concludes that butanol fraction of ethanol extract of S. rebaudiana did not invoke insulinotropic activity but it has demonstrated antihyperglycemic action. Butanol fraction of ethanol extract of S. rebaudianacan facilitated glucose entry presumably through PPAR-α, γ and Glut-4 receptor into glucose deprived cells, playing vital role in maintaining glucose homeostasis.M (Morus alba L., cv. S1) is an important economical crop plant in sericulture and it grows under a wide range of ecological condition. It holds a special place as a major foreign exchange earner. India secures second position for the production of raw silk in the world, which is short about 30% to fulfill the home requirements. The reasons for this deficiency as well as low quality of raw silk are, however, generally attributed to build up of the diseases of mulberry and silkworms, inadequate employment of improved culture and rearing practice. Recent studies have confirmed that eco-friendly biological agent homeopathic medicineAakashmoni 200C, prepared from the funicles of Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn mixed with water @ 7.2 mg/ml, was applied by foliar spray once daily for 15 days @ 10ml/mulberry plant was highly effective in ameliorating mulberry diseases like root-knot [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood], leaf spot [Cercosporam moricola (Cooke)], powdery mildew [Phyllactinia corylea (Pers.) Karst], mosaic disease (mosaic virus) and tukra disease [Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)]. It also improves the growth of silkworms, shell weight, effective rate of silkworms rearing, sex ratio percentage and egg laying capacity of mother moth which commercially increased silk production without disturbing biosphere.I this work, angiogenic activity of Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberacea) oil extract was evaluated, considering traditional use and medicinal properties associated to this plant. Oil extract was obtained with the Curcuma longa originated from Brazil, state of Goias, in September 2012, and through layer chromatography, we identified presence of curcumin. Experimental protocol with animals used in this study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Goias. Chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of 30 embryonated eggs were used to evaluate angiogenic activity. Effect of vascular proliferation was evaluated by morphometric analysis to fresh fragment and blood vessels count of CAM to planimetry by point counting. Results were submitted to statistical treatment by use of GraphPad InStat software (Version 3.05 for Windows). From the KolmogorovSmirnov test for normality, the CAM data were evaluated by Unpaired or Mann-Whithey test. Angiogenic activity to extract oil was evidenced both by morphometry (p<0.0001) as increase in the number of blood vessels (p=0.01). From results obtained in this work, we can conclude that the Curcuma longa presented positive effect on angiogenesis characterized by the induction of neovascularization. This effect can demonstrate use in further studies on process of wound healing, since angiogenesis is a step in the repair process.R separation is a chemical process in which the synthesis of a substance (reaction) and the separation of by-products proceed simultaneously in one unit. In the chemical, refining and pharmaceutical industries, the interest in combining chemical reaction and separation in one hybrid process has been constantly growing. In traditional plants, reaction and separation proceed in units connected in a series: a reactor and generally numerous separation columns. In case of reactive separation, however, the reaction takes place in the reaction zone, and the separation of by products in the separation zone(s), of one and the same column.Background: Medicinal plants play an important role in the treatment of malaria especially in developing countries where resources are limited. Thus, it is crucial to document medicinal plants used for treatment of malaria and other diseases. This study documented medicinal plants that are traditionally used for treatment of malaria in Dembia District, Northwest Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in four malarious villages of Denbia District, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia in March 2013. Information was collected by interviewing traditional healers using semi-structured questionnaire. Specimens of the reported antimalarial plants were collected and stored at the Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Gondar, following identification. Results: A total of 30 traditional healers were interviewed of which 96.7% were males and 3.3% females. Twenty four plants species used in the treatment of malaria were identified. Detailing information such as common and vernacular names, parts used, methods of preparation, frequency and duration of use were compiled. Of the plants identified during the survey, Allium sativum (32.2%), Adhatoda schimperiana (22.6%), Croton macrostachys (6.4%) and Brassica nigra (6.4%) showed the highest incidence of encounter. The traditional usage of fresh bile from domestic goat, Capra aegagrus, (6.4%) and white fish (3.2%) in the treatment of malaria is also reported by the healers. Conclusions: The results provide data for further pharmacological and toxicological studies and development of commercial antimalarial phytotherapy products.T major modalities of cancer treatment include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and hormonal therapy (e.g. for breast and prostate cancer). Presently, biologically targeted drugs (e.g. imatinib and trastuzumab) have become a new group of agents used in cancer therapy. In addition, Chinese herbal medicines are increasingly used as alternative therapies by many cancer patients worldwide, although the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of most Chinese herbal medicines are yet to be established. Many patients respond to anticancer drugs poorly due to the development of multidrug resistance (MDR), which is mainly caused by overexpression of various drug transporters that pump out the cytotoxic drugs from the cancer cells. Multiple ATP-binding cassette transporters such as P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2), and multidrug resistance proteins 1 and 2 (MRP1/ABCC1 & MRP2/ABCC2) have been implicated in MDR. Inhibition of pumpmediated drug extrusion is an important approach to overcoming MDR. Although a number of MDR reversers have been identified, most are effective for single transporters only and most that are effective in in vitro assays have proven to be weak MDR reversers in cancer patients and many of them are toxic at high doses. In this regard, there is an increasing interest to seek potent and safe MDR reversers from natural sources. Studies at our laboratory have shown that tanshinone IIA and cryptotanshinone from the commonly used herbal medicine Salvia Miltiorrhiza and glabridin from licorice can inhibit P-gp, BCRP and MRP1 in vitro with IC50 values of 0.1-2.5 μM which can be readily achieved in vivo when purified preparations are administered at safe dosages. These herbal compounds are well tolerated and do not alter the pharmacokinetics of cytotoxic drugs such as vinblastine and paclitaxel in rodents. Initial studies in nude mice bearing human prostate or colon xenografts demonstrate that these herbal compounds can potentiate the antitumor activity of docetaxel and vinblastine. Chinese herbal compounds may represent a new class of MDR reversing agents with broad-spectrum activity that may be candidates for clinical investigations in cancer patients resistant to conventional chemotherapy. The identified herbal ingredients may be used as lead compounds for the design of new molecules which are more potent and safer MDR reversal agents.A microbial strain showing antibacterial (extra cellular) and antifungal (intra cellular) activity was isolated from a pretreated soil sample collected from the agricultural field of northern India and was characterized as Streptomyces capoamus. From the fermented broth of the culture, three compounds showing antimicrobial activity against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial cultures and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv were purified and two of them were characterized as actinomycin V and actinomycin D. Actinomycin V was evaluated in vitro against M. tuberculosis H37Rv by BACTEC radiometric detection system at concentrations ranging from 50 to 1.56 μg ml-1. The MIC of actinomycin V, streptomycin and rifampicin for M. tuberculosis H37Rv were found to be 3.125, 2 and .075 μg ml-1 respectively. Besides above activities actinomycin V showed some promising activity against Trichomonas vaginalis with very low MIC value 10 μg ml-1. This is the first report to mention as Streptomyces capoamus producer of actinomycin V and D and antitubercular and antitrichomonas activity of actinomycin V.