Annals of Phytomedicine; An International Journal

3

Authors: Ruby Tiwari and C.S. Rana

Abs tract Present study has been carried out in the remote region of Uttarakhand, Himalaya. Faith herbal healers are those persons, who are curing various diseases and ailments of the local inhabitants of the remotest regions. This information is vanishing due to any reason which should be documented. Diabetes is a serious problem for all human beings, at any age groups, in the present scenario. A to tal of 17 plants have been identified in the present study, out of which 12 were herbs, 3 were shrubs an d 2 were trees, respectively

4

Authors: Dipti Kumar Chandraprabha Kale, Usha Mukundan and Himanshu Dawada

Abs tract Plants are an important source of different natural products, which have been utilised as medi- cine. One such natural product is protein, which has different applications like plant protection, therapeutic agent for different diseases. Ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) are one of such proteins which has N-glycosidase activity, due to which they can modify large mRNA and inhibit further translation. Different types of RIPs have been isolated from plants, crop plants and microorganisms. T hey are classified into three groups; Type I, Type II and Type III based on their physical properties. It has also been observed that more than one RIP can be isolated from one source, which indicates the presence of different isoforms in that source. One such frequently used RIP for medical purpose is Mirabilis Antiviral Protein (MAP), isolated from roots, leaves and seeds of Mirabilis jalapa L. MAP comes under the category of Type I RIP. MAP exhibits wide range of biological activities, such as antiviral, anticancer and antibacterial. The protein i s lysin rich with pI 9.1 and molecular weight close to 24 kDa as determined by SDS-PAGE. It is highly rigid and thermostable protein, and also reported to express and maintain its antiviral activity at high temperature.

5

Authors: D.P. Biradar

. Medicinal plants Plants have been one of the important sources of medicines ever since the dawn of human civilization. Chemically, medicinal plants may have secondary metabolites like alkaloids, glycosides, steroids or other groups of compounds which have marked pharmaceutical action as anticancer, antimalarial, antidiabetic, antidysenteric, etc . In spite of tremendous developments in the field of allopathy during the 20 th century, plants still remain as one of the major sources of drugs in modern as well as traditional system of medicine throughout the world. India has 15 agroclimatic zones and 17000-18000 species of flowering plants of which 6000-7000 are estimated to have medicinal usage in folk and documented systems of medicine, like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy. About 960 species of medicinal plants are estimated to be in trade of which 178 species have annual consumption levels in excess of 100 metric tons. Medicinal plants are not only a major resource base for the traditional medicine and herbal industry but also provide livelihood and health security to a large segment of Indian population. The domestic trade of the AYUSH industry is of the order of Rs. 80 to 90 billion. There is global resurgence in traditional and alternative healthcare systems, resulting in world herbal trade which stands at US$ 120 billion and is expected to reach US$ 7 trillion by 2050. Indian share in the world trade, at present, however, is quite low (1-2%

5

Authors: V.K. Shilpashree, Raman Dang and Kuntal Das

Abs tract The present study was undertaken to evaluate immunomodulatory activity of vidari. Vidari is the name of four botanical sources of plant drug which is controversial in Indian market. They are namely; Pueraria tuberose DC (P.t) (Family: Leguminosae), Ipomoea mauritiana Jacq (I.m) (Family: Convolvulaceae), Adenia hondala de Wide (A.h) (Family: Passifloraceae) and Cycas ci rcin ali s L inn (C .c) (F ami ly: Cycada cea e). In this stu dy, pr eli minary invest iga tions on phytoconstituents were evaluated separately and revealed the presence of carbohydrate, phenols, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, phytosterol, flavonoids, wax and gums in all the examined drugs but tannins were absent in all the drugs. Furthermore, immune response was evaluated by carbon clearance assay (Granulopectic index) against standard marketed drug, Withania somnifera (W.s), an approved potent immunomodulatory agent (positive control). Wister rats of either sex were divided into 6 groups (6 animal each) and all the drugs were administered at dose of 250 mg/kg body wt. after calculated individual maximum tolerance dose as per OECD guidelines. All the test substances and standard showed significant activity compared to control (p < 0.001) and, thereafter, immune response with respect to granulopectic index of P.t (p > 0.05) was found better (0.051/ min), compared to other extracts but the value was lesser than that of positive control (0.053/ min). This study ascertained pharmacologically, the authenticity of four different species of plant belong to the same name of “vidari”

6

Authors: T.S. Geetha and N. Geetha

Abs tract Plants have been utilized as a source of nutrition and healthcare products since ancient times. The present study deals with various standardization parameters like morphological characters, microscopic evaluation, fluorescence analysis, physicochemical evaluations-proximate analysis (Moisture, ash content, crude protein, crude lipid and crude fiber), solubility value (alcohol soluble, water soluble and ether soluble) and mineral analysis (macro and micro nutrients). In the present investigation, various sensory parameters of the plant material (such as colour, odour, size, shape, and taste) were also studied by organoleptic evaluation method. In fluorescence analysis, the leaf sample was subjected to different acid and basic solvents and the fluorescent nature was observed in visible light, short UV and long UV. The proximate analysis showed the moisture content of lemongrass leaves was 5.36% dry weight and crude protein 14.64% dry weight. It was observed that alcohol soluble extractives value is higher than water soluble and ether soluble extractive value. The content of vitamin E was found high (216.67 mg/gm of extract) followed by Vitamin C content (155.07 mg/gm of extract). The mineral analysis revealed various major and trace elements like calcium, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese and iron present in lemongrass leaves in various levels.

7

Authors: SM.P. Babu, Raman Dang and Kuntal Das

Abs tract The aim of the present study is to evaluate the phytoconstituents details and the potentiality of antimicrobial effect of the leaves extracts of Agave americana L. (AA) plant that are successively extracted with various solvents, viz . petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol and water. Preliminary study revealed the presence of steroidal saponins along with protein, amino acids and other essential oils. The presence of antimicrobial activity against two gram positive ( Bacillus substilis NCIM 2439, Staphylococcus aureus NCIM 2079) and two gram negative organisms ( Escherichia coli NCIM 2065, Pseudomonus aeruginosa NCIM 2200) was carried out for all the extracts, using nutrient agar plate method and compared with standard chloramphenicol (100 mg/ml). Based on MBC value, the concentrations were selected for the study. Methanolic extract showed better activity at concentration ranges of 50 to 202 mg/ml, than other extracts but the activity was lesser than that of standard. Further, bioautography of fractionated compounds confirmed the same at Rf 0.42. Thereafter, methanolic extract was subjected to bioguided fractionation and col umn chromatography to isolate new compound from pur ified pr ecipitati on of n-buta nol fraction that confirmed the antimicrobial activity, due to presence of saponin, i.e. (25R)-3 beta, 6 alpha-dihydroxy-5alpha-spirostan-12 one 3,6-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside which was supported by HPLC, NMR, IR MASS study

8

Authors: K.G.K. Deepak, P. Rathna Giri, P.B. Kavi Kishor and Ch. Surekha

Ab stract The genus, Salacia belongs to the family, Celastraceae and is distributed across the world. Roots and stems of Salacia are used mainly as antidiabetic agents in traditional system of medicine such as Ayurveda and Unani. The roots are either chewed directly or taken in dried powdered form or as decoction. Apart from antidiabetic activity, several species of the genus Salacia are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, antiperoxidative, antimicrobial, antileukemic, astringent and antimalarial activities. Salacia is being used in several herbal formulations for treating diabetes and obesity. It is also used to treat skin diseases such as leprosy, ulcers, hyperhydrosis, hepatopathy and dyspepsia. The present study is focussed on reviewing the progress made on the active principles of Salacia species, mainly S. oblonga Wall., S. reticulata Wight., S. chinensis Linn. and S. macrosperma Wight. and previewing their potential as an effective antidiabetic medicine.

11

Authors: Abd. Latif Mohmod, Getha Krishnasamy and Mohd. Ilham Adenan

Abstract Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by the bite of tsetse flies, affects more than 60 million people in the sub-Saharan African countries. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. Current treatment options for HAT are scarce, toxic, marginally effective, difficult to administer and compromised by the development of resistance, especially for the advanced second stage of the disease. Thus, new safe, effective, and affordable antitrypanosomal drug candidates are urgently needed. Numerous plant-derived natural products from different structural classes have been investigated for their trypanocidal activity. T his review aims to provide updated information, based on published articles, on the antitrypanosomal activity of natural products from Malaysian plants investigated by researchers at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and Malaysian Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals (IPharm). Extracts from a total of 1273 species of plants collected from different locations in Peninsular Malaysia were evaluated for in vitro growth inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma brucei brucei (strain BS221) and T. b. rhodesiense (strain STIB 900), using assays established at the respective institutes. Several plants that have demonstrated promising trypanocidal effects will be discussed using examples of other plant- derived antitrypanosomal natural products reported in the literature to compare their activity and chemical properties

4

Authors: Vandana Mishra , Neelam Yadav, Shalini Pandey and Vinita Puranik

Abstract Whole-gr ain cereals have rece ived considerable attention in the past years due to the presence of bioactive components like phytochemicals and antioxidants. However, still the bioactive and antioxidant properties of cereals have not received much attention as compared to fruits and vegetables. Studies show that increased consumption of whole-grains and its products has been associated with reduced risk of developing chronic diseases. T he various bioactive components present in coarse cereals are recognized for their health benefits. In this study, the bioactive and nutritional composition of underutilized cereals, Foxtail and Kodo millets are evaluted. The total polyphenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu, and antioxidant activity by DPPH % scavenging activity was analyzed. The crude proteins, crude fiber, total ash and fat contents of the two cereal grains were analyzed. Hence, it is suggested that both of the selected underutilized cereals can be considered to be functional crops due to their antioxidant effects and high nutrient contents

4

Authors: D. Madhavi, Rama Rao Bethapudi, G.L. David Krupadanam and P.B. Kavi Kishor

Abs tract Lemna paucicostata Hegelm is traditionally used as healthy feed for fish, broilers and as a source for vitamin A. In the present study, we report the isolation of an aromatic compound and a steroid glycoside from Lemna pauciscostata . T he methanolic extract of dried and powdered Lemna paucicostata was fractionated using solid phase extraction (SPE). T he compound was collected in a series of fractions. While first fraction contributed (80% pure) to an aromatic compound, 3 rd fraction contained a steroid glycoside. Preliminary analysis of the compounds was performed with nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Aromatic compound was analyzed by 1 H NMR and MS spectra, steroid glycoside were analyzed by 1 H NMR and IR spectra. Aromatic compound showed significant inhibition of growth (10 mm) against Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

5

Authors: Deepika, Kuldeep Singh Yadav, Preeti Maan, Sanjana Bhatia and Narayan Prasad Yadav

Abstract T he turmeric and onion mixture is used as home remedy for acute inflammation. T he anti- inflammatory effect of this mixture was evaluated on acute inflammatory condition i nduced by 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-Acetate (TPA) in mouse ear. The changes in ear redness, edema, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ), anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), lipid peroxidation assay and nitric oxide as say were evaluated as indicators of acute inflammation. Topically applied turmeric and onion extract mixture (1:1, 250 mg/kg body weight) significantly inhibited the TPA induced acute inflammation, leading to substantial reduc- tions in ear redness, ear weight (edema), pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. T he data suggest that turmeric and onion extract mixture is topically effective anti-inflammatory agent useful to treat the acute skin inflammatory conditions.

5

Authors: Mhaveer Singh, Shahid H. Ansari and Sayeed Ahmad

Abs tract Acorus calamus Linn., a traditionally known drug, used in Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine, find its diversified uses in treatment of different neurodisorders. Recently, beta asarone main ingredient of calamus oil is reported to have antiobese action whereas plant extract and alpha asarone have already been reported to contain such activity. The whole plant contains oil glands, containing terpenes that in turn, create difficulty to initiate calli from the explants. However, efforts have been made by employing MS and B5 Gamborg media, supplemented with different growth regulators. T he excellent shoot regeneration was observed in MS basal media, supplemented with 6-BA (4.0 ppm) + IAA (0.5 ppm). The distinguishing effects were noticed on the growth of the shoots by altering the nutritional content of MS medium. Simultaneously, estimation of its major constituents, alpha and beta asarones was carried out by HPTLC method in different cultured shoots along with assay of total phenolic and flavonoidal contents. T he present research work can be used for the production of high content of therapeutically active constituents of calamus as well as for quality control of the drug, using HPTLC method.

6

Authors: Satyendra Kumar, Alka Madaan, Ritu Verma, Arun Gupta and J.L.N Sastry

Abstract Mahanarayan (MN) oil is ayurvedic polyherbal oil for relieving joint and muscular pains. We investigated mechanism of a ction underlying the ant i-inflamma tory potential of M N oil at cellular level. Variants of MN oil (A, B, C, D and E) containing “kesar” and “haldi” in different ratios were evaluated for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity using key immune cells; Dendritic cells (DCs). At non-cytotoxic concentrations, all the 5 MN oil formulations significantly inhibited secretion of key cytokines; MIP-1-  , TNF-  and IL-1-  from DCs against LPS-stimulated levels. Alterations in the morphology of LPS-treated DCs were also induced by MN oil formulations (A- E) indicating their anti-inflammatory activity. The data obtained suggested that MN oil exerts anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting cytokines produced by DCs. MN oil formulations with varying ratios of kesar and haldi possess comparable anti-inflammatory effects.

7

Authors: M.S. Sheeba, K.H. Muneeb Hamza, N. Krishna Radhika and V.V Asha

Abstract A collection of Cardiospermum halicacabum Linn. plants was made from five different regions of Kerala to determine the extent of genetic variability using analysis at DNA level. As germplasm diversiti es are not influenced by the envir onment, RAP D (Ra ndom Amplifi ed Polymorphic DNA) provides different approach t owards the genotype ba sed classification of plants. T he present study was aimed to reveal the genetic polymorphism among five different populations of C. halicacabum . For this, the plants were collected from five different locations in Kerala. DNA was isolated from the leaves by CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide) method and quantified spectrophotometrically. The isolated DNA was subjected to RAPD analysis by Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 120 different primers. Among the 120 primers, 25 primers yielded the best product for RAPD analysis. Unweighted Pair Group Method and Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dendrogram analysis resulted in two clusters such as the plants collected from T rivandrum, Kanyakumari and Kollam were grou ped in one cluster and the remaining popul ations from Alappuzha and Palakkad grouped in the other cluster. From the results, it has been observed that the plants col lected from five di fferent l oca tions showed a low pol ymorphism. T he tot al polymorphism among the plants was 38% and the the number of polymorphic fragments ranged from 125 bp to 3.5 Kb

8

Authors: Meenu Thakur and Wamik Azmi

Abstract Mucor azygosporus MTCC 414, a homothallic orange colored fungus has been studied for production of  -carotene. Effect of different physico-chemical parameters such as selection of medium, medium pH, incubation temperature, inoculum size as well as carbon and nitrogen sources and role of growth supplements on  -carotene production by Mucor azygosporus MTCC 414 in shake flask cu ltu re was investigated. T he conventional one fact or at-a-t ime met hod wa s u sed for t he optimization. Response surface methodology (RSM) using central composite design was further employed to determine the process variables for maximum  -carotene production. The maximum production of  -carotene (3.4 mg/L ) from M. azygosporus MTCC 414 was obtained experimentally by applying RSM with specific production of 1940 μg/g dcw indicating approximately 4-fold increase than those obt ained under conditi ons before opti mizat ion ( 0.9 mg/L with speci fic production of 425 μg/g)

21

Authors: C.U. Rajeshwari, R.I. Shobha and B. Andallu

Ab stract Plants constitute an important source of natural products which differ widely in their structures, biological pr operties and mechanism of action. T he medicinal value of plants lies in some chemical substances that produce a definite physiological action in the human body. The most important of these bioactive constituents of plants are phenolic compounds, viz . tannins, flavonoids which are responsible for their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant effect of phenolic compounds is mainly due to their redox properties and is the result of various possible mechanisms: free- radical scavenging activity, transition metal-chelating activity, and/or singlet oxygen quenching capacity. Antioxidant assays have been developed to measure total antioxidants in plant extracts to provide various biomarkers of oxidative stress. Assays on antioxidant capacity are classified into two types based on their reaction with free radicals, viz . assays based on hydrogen atom transfer (HAT ) and assays based on electron transfer (ET) reactions. Besides their antioxidant pr operti es, they exhibit a wide r ange of biol ogi cal activiti es, su ch a s a nti -infla mma tor y, antibacterial, antiviral, antiallergic and anticarcinogenic effects. Nevertheless, epidemiological studies are useful tool to study the health effects of polyphenols. By utilizing in vitro biological activity assays, polyphenolic extracts and isolates can be tested for their biological response

4

Authors: Nlandu Roger Ngatu, Mimi Mukuamu, Ryoji Hirota, Luzitu Severin Nangana, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza and Narufumi Suganuma

Abstract We report on a 5-year old girl from Mbanza-Ngungu (formerly T hysville), a Congolese rural city, who developed atopic eczema skin lesions during infancy and which, later on, became recalcitrant despite a long period treatment with some steroid preparations, zinc oxide and also local ethnomedicine products. She was first diagnose d with psoriasis by the first doctor 4 years befor e. At the admi ssion, she present ed wit h sever e li chenificat ion, oozing, swell ing and hyperpigmention on large areas of upper and lower limbs and trunk. Her skin condition has seriously affected her quality of life and she had an associated Tinea capitis. After a careful history taking, physical examination and use of the Haniffin and Rajka AD diagnostic criteria whi le consi deri ng t he locali zati on of sk in l esi ons, the dia gnosis of sever e and recalcitra nt atopic eczema was considered. She was treated with a twice daily application of 10% Vernonia amygdalina e xtracts, an African edible plant that exerts anti-itch and antiallergic activities. And Tinea capi tis was successfully treated with 3 week topical 2% Miconazole. A marked impr ovement of eczema a rea severi ty i ndex (EASI ) and dermat ol o gical life qua li ty i ndex (DLQI) was noted 3 weeks later, with reduction of total serum IgE, eosinophilia and erythrocytes sedi menta ti on ra te (E SR ) at da y4 0 of tr eat ment. An improvement of the cou nt ry’s heal th system a nd pr ovi si on of speci al i zed hea lt h car e i n t he ru ra l a rea s cou ld help t o pr event misdiagnosis of treatable diseases in poor settings

6

Authors: Shivani Chaturvedi, Suaib Luqman* and Sunil Kumar Khare

Abstract Effect of different processing conditions on isoflavone, phenol and flavonoid content of Indian soybean varieties ‘Punjab long’, ‘Hardee’ and ‘Kalitur’ were appraised employing a variety of commonly prevalent processing practices such as boiling, soaking, sprouting and drying. The isoflavone contents were reduced on boiling, soaking, roasting and defatting, however, exposure of flour to ultra-violet radiation, soaking and sprouting under 50 o C increased the amount. T he examined varieties contained 1020.0 g, 611.8 g and 659.0 g of isoflavone per kg, respectively in soyflour. The black variety ‘Kalitur’ showed a superior phenol and flavonoid content, compared to other two varieties. The investigation revealed that process of soaking and sprouting contribute s towards increasing the isoflavone content in soybean varieties. The phenol and flavonoid contents were found to be significantly higher in Hardee and Kalitur varieties as compared to Punjab Long

6

Authors: Sharadha Srikanth, Joel Chandrakanth, V. Uma Maheswara Rao and G. Krishna Mohan*

Abstract Nootropics are agents that enhance cognition and memory and are alleged to work by increasing the levels of neurochemicals in the brain, especially cholinergic transmission or by neutralizing free radical s. Onion ( Allium cepa L.) is a known tradit ional medicina l plant that has been consumed for its putative nutritional and health benefits for centuries. Onion is a rich source of sever al phytonutr ients such as thiosulphinate, vola til e sulfur compounds and ma ny pol ar components of phenolic origi n. T he present study was aimed t o evaluate the cogniti ve and memory enhancing effect of aqueous as well as methanolic extract of onion bulb on mice. T he effects were also compared with some commercially available memory enhancer supplements. T he evaluation parameter, transfer latency, showed significant ( p <0.01) change in methanolic extract when compared with the aqueous extract. Whole brain acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity was studied which indicated that the methanolic extract of onion may be useful as a memory enhancer. The rich storehouse of antioxidants in the form of flavonoids and its ability to improve the cholinergic transmission may be attributed to the nootropic activity of onion extr acts.

7

Authors: Rand R. Wilcox

Abstract During the last fifty years, there have been many advances and insights relevant to the most basic statistical methods, designed to compare groups and study associations. Classic, routinely used methods assume sampling is from a normal distribution. Numerous papers make it clear that violating this assumption can result in missing true differences among groups and true associations among variables. Many new methods have been derived that are designed to perform well when dealing non-normal distributions and outliers that can make a substantial difference when analyzing data. Broadly, modern technology offers the opportunity to get a deeper and more accurate understanding of data. The paper reviews the basic reasons why standard methods can be highly unsatisfactory and provides an overview of some of the more modern methods that have been derived. Comments on SPSS and the software R are included

8

Authors: Nlandu Roger Ngatu, Ryoji Hirota, Maiko Kaneko Okajima, Luzitu Severin Nangana, Basilua Andre Muzembo, Masamitsu Eitoku, Okitotsho Stanislas Wembonyama, Tatsuo Kaneko Benjamin Longo-Mbenza and Narufumi Suganuma

Abs tract Vernonia amygdal ina Del. is an edible plant which is a member of the Asteracaea family, genus Vernonia, growing in the tropical Africa, whose leaf extracts are used as a remedy for malaria, cough, gastrointestinal disorders and hepatitis , whereas both root and leaf extracts are used to treat fever, hiccups, kidney disease, diabetes and helminthiasis in African ethnomedicine. The plant extracts are reported to contain antioxidant flavonoid compounds(Luteolin, Luteolin 7-O- b-glucoroniside, Luteolin 7-O-b-glucoside) and saponins such as Vernoniosides A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, D3 and C. T heir ma in active sesquiterpenes areVernodalin, Vernodalol, Vernolepin and Vernomygdin and Vernolides. We report on the safety and efficacy of the water and alcoholic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina leaf in children with atopic eczema.In this preliminary clinical trial, 25 atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis (AD) school children (age: 5-17 y) who satisfied entry criteria and completed at least 2 weeks of treatment were considered in this study. Each patient was randomly assigned one of the following topical treatments: water (Vamex1) and ethanol extract s (Vamex2) of V. amygdalina leaf, dexamethasone or Vaseline (5 -7 patients/ group). Clinical assessment and the evaluation of disease severity were performed once a week using the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scoring system. The treatment was administered topically twice daily; hematological assays and hepatic function assessments were performed. Topical application of Vamex1, Vamex2, as well as dexamethasone, significantly reduced the disease severity (EASI score) (vs. Vaseline; p<0.05); though dexamethasone showed a relatively better effect as compared to Vamex1 and Vamex2, the difference did not reach the significance level. In addition, topical Vamex1 and Vamex2 relieved itch within the second week of treatment (vs. Vaseline; p<0.05). Results from the hematological and immunological assays showed a significant reduction in ESR in Vamex1, Vamex2 and dexamethasone-treated patients (vs. Vaseline; p<0.05), whereas serum transaminases (AST, ALT ) remained within normal ranges in all groups after a four-week treatment period. In addition, a decrease in total IgE was noted in dexamethasone and Vamex-treated patients, but not significantly. No side effects related to any of the treatments was noted.Results from this preliminary trial show that topical application of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extracts might be safer and has a potential to serve as natural alternative remedy for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis

10

Authors: Sharadha Srikanth, K. Prathyusha, V. Uma Maheswara Rao and G. Krishna Mohan*

Abstract The evaluation of the nootropic activity of cod liver oil was carried out, using standard animal mode ls. C o d live r oil is ric h sourc e of e ssential fat ty acids lik e,  - 3- fatty ac ids suc h as docasahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid which are antio xidants by nature. They can scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative damage which is essential to reverse the effects of memory deficit which is a common problem now- a- days, occurring due to many reasons. O ur literature survey revealed that the nootropic activity and formulation of cod liver has not been scientifically evaluated. Hence, we decided to evaluate and formulate it. O ur preclinical studies revealed that it has significant nootropic activity as evidenced by its ability to reduce the transf er latency in elevated plus maze, step down latency (p<0.05), water maze (p<0.01) and reduce the acetyl choline esterase activity (p<0.01). The transdermal patches of cod liver oil were prepared by solvent evaporation method. Its preformulation studies and patch evaluation were carried out successfully

21

Authors: P. Pushpangadan, V. George, P. Sreedevi, A.J. Bincy, S. Anzar, T. Aswany, A.S. Ninawe* and T.P. Ijinu

Abstract Science has shown that diet affects human health. T herefore, healthy diets promote good health. The suggestion that certain food components and nutrients are associated with the prevention / treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, coronary heart disease (CHD), and osteoporosis has encouraged consumer’s interest in functional foods and natural health products. A nutraceutical is a product, isolated or purified from foods that is generally sold in medicinal forms not usually associated with food. A functional food is similar in appearance to, or may be, a conventional food, is consumed as part of a usual diet, and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/ or reduce t he risk of chronic di sea se beyond basic nut rit ional functi ons. T he creati on of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics, two fields with distinct approaches to elucidate the interaction between diet a nd genes but wi th a common ult ima te goa l t o opti mize heal th thr ough t he personalization of diet, provide powerful approaches to unravel the complex relationship between nutritional molecules, genetic polymorphisms, and the biological system as a whole. Ayurveda as a way of life and habits is the most ideally suited systems to inspire a discovery path to nutraceut icals. Ayurveda , enables sub grouping of individuals into three major categories namely: Vata , Pitta and Kapha , based on Prakriti . Research with this line will add a newer dimension to functional food science as having great potential for t he development of new food science, technology and industry. The emerging disciplines branching from genomics such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, RNomics, miRNomics, liponomics, fluxomics, toxigenomics etc . will, further facilitate these kinds of research

4

Authors: K. Latha

Abstract A comparative study of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) from two varieties of brinjal (local long green-bili badnea and purple-gundu badne) was conducted to determine differences and similarities of some of the characteristics of the PPO enzymes in terms of temperature and pH optima, substrate specificity, thermal inactivation and potency of some PPO inhibitors. PPO was partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by dialysis. The optimum pH and temperature of the two PPOs was found to be similar. It is found that the PPO activity is found more in local long green-bili badnea than in purple-gundu badne. PPO activity is almost double the concentration in local long green-bili badnea compared to PPO found in purple-gundu badne. The data obtained in this study help to better understand fruit browning in two varieties of brinjal

6

Authors: C.T. Shiny, Kuldeep Singh Yadav, Narayan Prasad Yadav, Suaib Luqman, LMS Palni

Abstract We evaluated the glucose tolerance potential of Costus pictus D. Don leaf extracted with hexane (CPH) , ethyl acetate (CPEA) , methanol (CPM) , water (CPW) , 50% methanol (CPMW) and fresh juice (CPFJ) in Swiss albino mice. The extracts of Costus pictus were administered orally at two doses viz., 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight and the glucose lowering effect was calculated in normal healthy mice by oral glucose tolerance test. The results showed that the tolerance of glucose was increased in all treated groups. The ascending order of glucose lowering effect of extracts was found as CPH-200 < CPW-200 < CPH-500 < CPFJ- 500 < CPMW-200 < CPFJ-200 < CPEA-200 < CPW-500 < CPM-200 < CPMW-500 < CPEA-500 < CPM-500 . The methanolic extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight showed the highest percentage of glucose lowering (72.40%), followed by ethyl acetate (67.38%) and was comparable to standard drug metformin

8

Authors: C.U. Rajeshwari, R.I. Shobha and B. Andallu

Abstract Phytochemicals provide protection against stress-induced diseases as they adopt multimodal therapeutic approach against multifactorial pathogenecity of diseases, viz . diabetes, (controlling blood glucose and lipids), cancer (inhibition of one or more of the stages of cancer process) and inflammatory diseases [inhibition of pro- inflammatory enzymes such as lipoxygenase ( LPO ), cyclo-oxygenases ( COX-1 and COX-2 )]. Coriander is one of the oldest spices, possessing multiple traditional health benefits. The present investigation was aimed to identify the phytochemicals by qualitative and quantitative tests and also to assess medicare potential of coriander. Methanolic extract of coriander seeds and all the fractions possessed phytochemicals in an individualized manner but ethyl acetate fraction had the highest concentration of phenolic compounds, steroids and terpenoids, glycosides etc . Hence, ethyl acetate fraction was evaluated for radical scavenging, antiperoxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, using in vitro methods and model systems. Ethyl acetate fraction of coriander seeds concentration dependently scavenged ABTS ( IC 50 75μg/ml ) and DPPH ( IC 50 80μg/ml ) radicals, exhibited antiperoxidative effect in linoleic acid model system ( IC 50 105μg/ml ) and liver homogenate ( IC 50 100μg/ml ) and showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activities of inflammatory enzymes, viz . lipoxidase ( IC 50 97μg/ml ) and xanthine oxidase ( IC 50 206 μg/ml ). High performance thin layer chromatography ( HPTLC ) of ethyl acetate fraction revealed the presence of many phenolic compounds, out of which quercetin and rutin could be identified and quantified; rutin being predominant in the fraction, followed by quercetin. Thus, coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.) seeds are a promising source of phytochemicals with wide applications in the prevention and treatment of diseases induced by free radicals.

8

Authors: J. Sravanthi , S. Gangadhar Rao , B. Thirupathi and C. Venkateshwar

Abstract The present study aims on antioxidant potential in Trigonella foenumgraecum L. (Ajmer methi variety). Leaves have been used for the determination and quantification of antioxidant constituents and free radical scavenging activities for treatment and prevention of vari ous diseases like diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, cataract, rheumatism, cancer and other auto immune diseases like ageing and antioxidants like phenols, flavonoids, flavonols, proanthocyanin, anthocyanin, total carotenoid,  -carotene, antioxidant enzyme systems like catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, glutathione reductase activities and free radical scavenging assays like FRAP, ABTS, DPPH were evaluated. The results showed highest phenolic content 38.3 ± 0.5 mg/g dry wt and FRAP free radical scavenging was 10 ± 0.05 %, recorded maximum than the other assays

9

Authors: Durgesh Nandani, Roop Narayan Verma and Amla Batra

Abstract During the present research work, a flavonoid (quercetin) and an anthraquinone (emodin) were isolated from the in vivo leaves and in vitro callus of Cassia tora L . Their extraction and isolation was done by using their standard protocols, respectively. However, their identifications were carried out through thin layer chromatography, NMR and IR spectroscopy.

10

Authors: P. Yuvaraj, A. Subramoniam, Therasilin Louis, V. Madhavachandran and M. Lakshmi Narasu

Abstract Recently a highly active hepatoprotective phenolic acids fraction (PF) has been isolated from Thespesia populnea stem bark. This fraction showed hepatoprotective action against toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride, acetaminophen and thioacetamide. It also showed in vitro anti-Hepatis B viral activity in cultured cells. In the present study, follow up investigations were carried out to determine the effect of PF on the expression of TNF -alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 in acetaminophen challenged rats. Further, the anti-inflammatory and in vitro antioxidant activities of PF were assessed. Acetaminophen administration resulted in liver damage and elevated levels of TNF- alpha, IL-6 and IL-10 . PF (2 mg/kg) administration prevented, to a large extent, acetaminophen-induced increase in the levels of these cytokines and liver injury. PF administration attenuated carrageenan induced paw edema in mice and rats. It showed potent in vitro antioxidant activity. Thus, the present study shows for the first time that PF from T. populnea attenuates toxic chemical-induced up-regulation of the cytokines and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. PF did not exhibit any conspicuous toxic symptoms in the preliminary subacute toxicity evaluation in rats. Therefore, PF is very promising for drug development.

19

Authors: Mary Grace Jinukuti and Archana Giri

Abstract Plants have been used for thousands of years to treat various health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics. Over the centuries within and among human communities, the knowledge of their healing properties has been transmitted. Attention has been drawn towards the studies on the potential antimicrobial activity of plant-derived substances by pharmaceutical and scientific communities, due to the challenge of growing incidence of drug-resistant pathogens. Recently, focus has been established on the effect of the plant extracts in terms of their microstatic and microcidal action and the spectrum of organism which has enabled exploitation of plants for the treatment of microbial infections in the development of new antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial action of the plant extract is largely dependent on the techniques employed in the investigations and conclusive results can only be obtained, if methods are standardized and universal. This review focuses on medicinal plants and their active compounds as a useful source of antimicrobial agents and current methods used in the investigation of the efficacy of plants as antimicrobial agents

6

Authors: C.T. Shiny*, Kuldeep Singh Yadav**, Narayan Prasad Yadav**, Suaib Luqman*** and L.M.S. Palni****

89 Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the most effective hypoglycemic fraction of methanolic extract from Costus pictus ( CP ) in streptozotocin ( STZ )- induced diabetic mice. Methanolic extract of leaves of Costus pictus ( CPME ) was fractioned with different solvents in order of increased polarity. The glucose tolerance of each fraction was tested in normal mice orally and, further, assessed for antidiabetic activity in STZ -induced diabetic mice. The blood glucose levels and body weight were measured periodically. Serum biochemical parameters were also evaluated and it was observed that the treatment with methanol fraction CPMF (500 mg/kg body weight) was found to be most effective as significant ( p <0.05) changes were perceived in random blood glucose levels, transaminase activities, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, creatinine and triglycerides levels

7

Authors: Brahm Kumar Tiwari, Kanti Bhooshan Pandey*, A.B. Abidi and Syed Ibrahim Rizvi*

37 Abstract Diabetes mellitus is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. In the year 2000, there were approximately 150 million individuals with diabetes which is likely to get doubled by 2025 . Insulin resistance and impaired glucose homeostasis under- lie the development of the chronic complications in diabetes, which are respon- sible for higher mortality and decreased life expectancy. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a causative factor in the development of diabetic complications. Plants and their products, used in traditional medicine, have represent a valuable alternative for the management of diabetic alterations. In the present article, we have updated the current status of diabetes mellitus wordwide and possible role of some Indian medicinal plants in ameliorating the impairments during type 2 diabetes mellitus

7

Authors: Roop Narayan Verma and Amla Batra

108 Abstract During the present research endeavour, a glycoside viz., rebaudioside A was isolated from the in vivo leaves of Stevia rebaudiana Bert. and identification of the isolated compound was carried out through thin layer chromatography, R f value, IR spectroscopy and NMR . Furthermore, the methanolic extracts of leaf were also analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy in S. rebaudiana . It was observed that 71 secondary compounds were isolated in S. rebaudiana, respectively

15

Authors: N.M.A. Rasheed, K. Nagaiah and M.A. Waheed*

44 Abstract Indigenous System of Medicine is gaining more and more attention towards its use allover the world, due to fewer side effects and less cost. Quality control of these medicines is the prominent part of this system of medicine for modernization and globalization. There are various analytical techniques available presently and screening of bioactive markers and compounds having therapeutic effects. Many hyphenated techniques are used for the quantitative determination of active principle in the drugs and also evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of the compounds, used against various diseases which prone to every layman. The comprehensive methods, such as fingerprint and multicomponent quantification are emphasized; generating the fingerprint profile is very much essential now-a- days. Hyphenated techniques like HPLC-MS, LC-MS-MS, GC-MS, CE-MS, LC-NMR, chemometric methods, and combination of chemical and biological methods such as biofingerprint, metabolic fingerprint are now more and more widely used. Therefore, the analysis and quality control of herbal medicines towards an integrative and comprehensive direction is needed, in order to better address the inherent holistic nature of drugs in traditional medicines.

15

Authors: Gauri Abhyankar, K.V. Rao and V.D. Reddy

74 Abstract This study deals with the establishment of hairy root cultures of Phyllanthus amarus, using Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain ATCC 15834 . Genomic and metabolomic profiles of hairy root clones were determined by employing amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. Hairy root clones and control showed ample differences in their AFLP profiles. AFLPs revealed 15-29 plasmid-specific bands and variable number of additional and/or missing bands of varied size in different clones, suggesting random and multiple integrations of Ri T-DNA . GC/MS analysis revealed marked differences in the profiles of compounds in various hairy root clones, indicating that the clones are distinct and dissimilar in their secondary metabolite production. These differences in the metabolite profiles of various clones may be attributed to the random T-DNA integrations resulting in missing and/or additional bands as well as changes in the gene expression pattern of recipient genomes. The hairy root clone Ph19 was found to produce maximum amount (27 g/100g dry weight) of a novel compound, Amarone. The overall results amply indicate the genome-wide changes caused by Ri T-DNA integrations leading to altered gene expression and wide variability in secondary metabolite profiles of different hairy root clones