Advancement in Medicinal Plant Research

Number 4, 2021

68-74
Exploration of antimicrobial and wound healing activities using ethanolic leaf extract gel of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis on rabbits

Authors: K. Ravishankar and A. Satya Sireesha

Abstract

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The present study aimed to investigate the anti-microbial and wound healing activities of Nyctanthes arbor-titris leaves extract gel on rabbits. The leaf extracts of the plant were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion method with different concentrations. Animals in group 1 were without treatment and served as control (Carbapol gel base). Animals in group 2 received the 5 %w/v N. arbor-tristis leaf gel extract base. Animals in group 3 received 10% w/v N. arbor-tristis gel extract base. Animals in group 4 received gel containing betadine Gel was applied on the wound once daily up to 14-15 days starting from the second day of wounding. The prepared gel was characterized for its physicochemical constants, preliminary phytochemical analysis, spreadability, pH. Carbopol 934 was tried and finally, the gel which showed good spreadability and pH was selected for wound healing property of herbal gel of N. arbor-tristis. Gel formulation prepared with a 10% N. arbor-tristis exhibited a response in terms of wound epithelialization, angiogenesis and number of hair follicles at wound area better than the gel base on the 15th day post-wound day. Application of gel base produced further advantages by increasing hydroxyproline content and collagen fiber thickness. This study explored the wound healing potential of a gel containing 10% N. arbor-tristis through topical application of total extract in a model of excisional wound healing in rabbits.

75-80
Why blackseed can be the cure for all illnesses except death

Authors: Rashid Bhikha

Abstract

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Number of views: 87

The use of plants to prevent and treat illnesses has been known since time immemorial. Blackseed has been used in different civilizations around the world for centuries. The curative properties of blackseed were mentioned in the Bible and further elaborated on by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) as “Hold on to the use of blackseed, as it has a remedy for every illness except death”. Extensive research conducted over the past century into the phytochemistry of blackseed has identified many active ingredients and confirmed its pharmacological action in the treatment of a vast range of illness conditions across the different systems of the body, including the prevention and treatment of cancer, and optimum functioning of the immune system. Furthermore, the Tibb philosophical principles highlight the ability of the body’s inherent self-healing capacity, known as Physis, and the intricate functioning of the human body, based on the temperamental and humoral theory. This paper emphasizes the importance of Physis, and its role in the maintenance and restoration of health with the regular intake of blackseed, highlighting why blackseed can be a cure for all illnesses except death.