Rashmi Dubey

Medicinally important constituents of tulsi (Ocimum spp.)

Abstract The medicinal potential of a highly important Indian medicinal plant Tulsi (Ocimum spp.) has been evaluated with respect to isolation of bioactive agents, the synthesis of important derivatives, and the bioactivity of isolated/synthesized derivatives toward cure of various human ailments. To this end, isolation strategies for important bioactive agents from different parts of this plant have been emphasized that includes essential oils, eugenol, ursolic acid, etc. Then, the efficacy of different synthetic schemes of important derivatives of these isolated bioactive compounds has been discussed and critically evaluated. Finally, the bioactivity potential of important compounds/derivatives of Tulsi has been evaluated against several diseases and health problems such as immunomodulatory effects, cardiovascular disease risk factors, antidiabetic property, stress resilience, headache treatment and psychological disorders, against kidney stones, antiinflammatory disorders, antimicrobial, antifertility effect, antioxidant activity, anticoagulant activity, thyroid activity, respiratory disorders, toothache, antiulcerogenic, and for nutrient as well. At the end, the current status of research on Tulsi and its importance as medicine for a number of health problems has been critically assessed and future perspectives are highlighted.

Molecular docking study of conformational polymorph: building block of crystal chemistry.

Two conformational polymorphs of novel 2-[2-(3-cyano-4,6-dimethyl-2-oxo-2H-pyridin-1-yl)-ethoxy]-4,6-dimethyl nicotinonitrile have been developed. The crystal structure of both polymorphs (1a and 1b) seems to be stabilized by weak interactions. A difference was observed in the packing of both polymorphs. Polymorph 1b has a better binding affinity with the cyclooxygenase (COX-2) receptor than the standard (Nimesulide).