Shashi Alok

Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review.

Asparagus racemosus (A. racemosus) belongs to family Liliaceae and commonly known as Satawar, Satamuli, Satavari found at low altitudes throughout India. The dried roots of the plant are used as drug. The roots are said to be tonic and diuretic and galactgogue, the drug has ulcer healing effect probably via strenthening the mucosal resistance or cytoprotection. It has also been identified as one of the drugs to control the symotoms of AIDS. A. racemosus has also been successfully by some Ayurvedic practitioner for nervous disorder, inflammation and certain infectious disease. However, no scintific proof justify aborementioned uses of root extract of A. racemosus is available so far. Recently few reports are available demonstrating beneficial effects of alcoholic and water extract of the roots of A. racemosus in some clinical conditions and experimentally indused disease e.g. galactogougue affects, antihepatotoxic, immunomodulatory effects, immunoadjuvant effect, antilithiatic effect and teratogenicity of A. racemosus. The present artical includes the detailed exploration of pharmacological properties of the root extract of A. racemosus reported so far.

Nanosponges: a potential nanocarrier for novel drug delivery-a review

Abstract The ideal delivery system will solubilize the drug, lead the therapy to the target site, and release the therapy to fulfill the individual need of the patient and disease stage. Nanosponges are one of such effective drug carriers which conquer the problems of drug toxicity and poor bioavailability as they can load both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Nanosponges are tiny in size with a 3-dimensional network and a nanometric cavity size. Nanosponges are highly porous having unique ability to entrap active moieties and offer a unique advantage of programmable release. They are biologically safe and simple to produce. Nanosponges can be prepared by cross linking different types of cyclodextrins with a carbonyl or a dicarboxylate compound as a cross linker. Nanosponge technology has been explored for various applications like enhancing the bioavailability of drug molecules and delivery of drugs into the oral, topical as well as parenteral routes. Nanosponges can also be used as a carrier for biocatalysts in the delivery and release of enzymes, proteins, vaccines and antibodies.

Macroscopial, anatomical and physico-chemical studies on fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae)

Abstract Objective To rationalize the macroscopial, anatomical and physico-chemical studies on fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae). Methods The crude ethanolic extract of fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae) was using physico-chemical parameters, fluorescence analysis, and preliminary photochemical investigation (TLC, HPTLC, column chromatography). Results An attempt has been made to highlight this folk herbal medicine through present study which will assist in the identification of fresh as well as dried crude samples of fruits anatomically and physico chemically. TLC fingerprint profiling and fluorescence analysis of powdered fruits were also carried out and the salient qualitative and quantitative parameters are reported. Conclusions The present study will provide referential information for correct identification and help in checking adulteration in market samples used in the preparation of various herbal medicines. The present observation will also be helpful in macroscopial, anatomical and physico-chemical studies on fruits of Coccinia indica Wight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae).

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical evaluation of Dolichos biflorus Linn.

Abstract Objective To study in detail the micromorphology and physicochemical analysis of the seeds of Dolichos biflorus Linn. (Family: Papileonaceae). Methods Macroscopy, microscopy, physicochemical analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening and other WHO recommended parameters for standardizations were performed. Results The seeds are roughly trapezoidal and flattish, with quite thin cotyledons. The hylum is small and linear and located in a small depression on the seeds lateral margin. The length of archeological specimens are usually 3.0–4.0 mm, width 2.0–2.6 mm and thickness 1.4–2.0 mm. Microscopic evaluation revealed the epidermis is single layered brown in colour, thin walled and shining cells because of mucilage in this layer. Endosperm forms bulk of the seed with thick walled polygonal parenchymatous cells. Outer portion of the seed contains alueron grains which are protein in nature. In the mid of the seeds, embryo can be seen which provides nutrition. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of steroids, tannins, proteins, aminoacids, flavonoids, terpenoids, mucilage, volatileoil, saponin and carbohydrates and absence of alkaloids, fixed oil. Conclusions The microscopic using histological identification, microscopic constants and other physico chemical examinations of the seeds of Dolichos biflorus Linn. can be used as a rapid, inexpensive botanical identification technique and is useful in standardization, hence it would be of immense value in authentication of seed.