Journal of Natural Remedis

12-23

Authors: Rana Mohamad Bitar, Ragaee Ramzi Fahmi, Jamilah Mohamad Borjac

Annona muricata (AM) is a herb traditionally used to treat various human ailments. The mechanistic effect of Annona muricata extract on NALP3 inflammasome activation is not well understood. Objective: The present study investigates the inhibitory effects of Annona muricata extract on NALP3 inflammasome activation and its role in sepsis prevention. Methods: Sepsis was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia fergusonii. Mice were treated with Annona muricata extract. Its effect on liver was assessed both histologically and biochemically. Lipid peroxidation, level of IL-1β, TNF-α was measured colorimetrically and using Elisa kit in liver homogenates. The expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, caspase-1 and NALP3 genes were measured using RT-PCR. Results: AM extract significantly minimized the inflammation by decreasing the level and the expression levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in a time-dependent manner. Significant decrease in the gene expression level of caspase-1 and NALP3 was observed. Histopathologically, normal architecture of the liver of infected mice was regained after the herb treatment. Conclusion: Anonna Muricata can act as a potent therapeutic agent in treating various NALP3 associated inflammatory disorders.

32-42

Authors: Veena , Vandana Verma, Sangeeta Gehlot

Nutrition is the science that interprets the interaction of food in relation to maintenance, growth, health and disease of an organism. The history of nutrition science and dietetics can be traced back as far as history of civilization across the world. The food habits, cooking and food processing have been evolved with cultural development of human beings. The ancient physicians from Greek, Hippocrates, Galen, Plato, Chinese civilization and Indian physician of Ayurveda like Charak and Sushruta have duly recognized the importance of diet and dietetics along with physical activity in health and management of various disorders. Although the advancement in nutrition science has added the discovery of various micronutrients and fortified food substances, still a large number of populations worldwide is suffering from disorders of malnutrition, food-borne diseases, neurotoxins and other non-communicable diseases due to wrong cooking, storage, packaging practices and intake of food in wrong combination. Ayurveda has advocated that to get the optimum benefits from the consumed food (Aahara), people should give due consideration to their psychosomatic constitution (Prakriti), state of digestive power (Agni), age, dietary rules, nature and combination of food etc. It is very surprising fact that scientific development of nutrition science was started in between 18th and 19th century, but the researchers and academicians working in the field of nutrition and medicinal health science have not incorporated the valuable, time tested knowledge of Ayurveda, which could be applied for development of nutrition science, and will be helpful in treatment of diseases and maintenance of health too.

49-56

Authors: H. A. Abdel Maksoud, Raafat R. Mohammed, Mohamed G. Elharrif, Nedal S. Abdulatif

Kombucha tea is highly fermented beverage popularly consumed in many countries. The aim was to evaluate the possible protective effects of the usage of Kombucha as natural agent against the stressful effects resulted from administration of high sucrose diet to male rabbits through determination of some biochemical parameters. The results demonstrated that pretreatment with Kombucha tea in high sucrose stressed rabbit significantly improve lipid profile and antioxidant system meanwhile significant reduction of glucose, urea, creatinine, cupper and non significant change in testosterone and copper levels. In conclusion, Kombucha tea was able to ameliorate serum biochemical parameters in high sucrose stressed rabbits mediated by antioxidant and lipotropic properties.

10-20

Authors: Eman Ramadan Elsharkawy, Abdelaziz Ed-dra, Suliman Alghanem, Emad Mohamed Abdallah

Background and Objective: Some species from genus Artemisia were used in ancient medicine since Pharaonic civilization, most species of this genus are grown in arid or desert zones in Egypt. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of the essential oils of three species of Artemisia (Artemisia sieberi, Artemisia judaica and Artemisia monosperma) grown in Egypt. Materials and Methods: Chemical constituent of the essential oils of these species were analysed by GC-MS, antibacterial activities were carried out using disc-diffusion test and antioxidant properties were investigated with Iron, Fe (III) to Fe (II) reduction and DPPH radical scavenging capacity. Results: The results of chemical analysis revealed similarity between the three species in 20 compounds, the major compounds identified in essential oils were verbenol, (7.5 % and 11.51%) in A. sieberi and A. monosperma, β-caryophyllene oxide (1.25 % – 0.78%) and Methyl jasmonate (0.9 % and 1.21 %) in A. sieberi and A. judaica, respectively. While the major compound in A. judaica was Lilac alcohol C (9.6%) and camphor (4.5%). The antibacterial investigation exhibited significant and broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy of A. monosperma and A. judaica against different strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Whereas, A. sieberi showed higher antibacterial efficacy against the gram-positive bacteria but weak or no effect against the Gram-negative bacteria. The results of the antioxidant investigation showed that A. sieberi present the higher reduction capacity with an IC₅₀ of 0.17 ± 0.03g/L, followed by A. judaica with an IC₅₀ of 0.58 ± 0.04g/L and A. monosperma with an IC₅₀ of 6.35 ± 0.41g/L. However, the reducing capacity of ascorbic acid and quercetin were 0.091 ± 0.002g/L and 0.026 ± 0.002g/L respectively. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the essential oils of A. sieberi, A. judaica and A. monosperma possesses significant antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which attributed to the plenty of varied chemical compounds in these medicinal plants.

29-39

Authors: Taufiqurrachman Nasihun, Eni Widayati

Introduction: Indonesian male population has traditionally used Pimpinella alpina Molk (PaM) to prevent degenerative disease. However, the scientific evidence of PaM effect on increase in antioxidant and decrease in prooxidant level and their negative correlation remains unclear. Objective: To prove the effect of PaM on increase in antioxidant and decrease in prooxidant and their negative correlation following Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposed repeatedly. Methods: Forty male rats were assigned into 8 groups, treatment groups for 7 days: PaM 50 mg (PaM50-7), PaM 100 mg (PaM100-7), PaM 150 mg (PaM150-7), and for 15 days: PaM 100 mg (PaM100-15), PaM 150 mg (PaM150-15). The increase in antoxidant and decrease in prooxidant levels were measured by ELISA and Spectophotometer. Results: Statistical analysis indicated that antioxidant Catalase (CAT) and Super Oxyde Dismutase (SOD) activities in PaM groups were significantly higher, p < 0.001. In contrary, prooxidant levels marked by Malondialdehide (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) concentrations in PaM groups were significantly lower, p < 0.001. There was also a negative correlation between antioxidant and prooxidant levels, p < 0.001. Conclusion: PaM administration with 50-150 mg daily dosage for 7-15 days capable of increasing antioxidant and decreasing Prooxidant levels, with a negative correlation following UVB irradiation repeatedly.

131-142

Authors: Kaoutar Zoheir, Mohamed Bnouham, Abdelkhaleq Legssyer, Abderrahim Ziyyat, Mohammed Berrabah, Mohammed Aziz, Mohammed Bensaid, Hassane Mekhfi

The objective was to study the effect of Calamintha officinalis methanolic fraction in the prevention of thrombosis and to explore its effect on primary and secondary hemostasis. The antithrombotic activity was evaluated by using the pulmonary thromboembolism experimental model. Platelet aggregation, tail bleeding time and coagulation assays were explored to elucidate the antithrombotic mechanism. For aggregation, washed platelets were incubated in presence of Calamintha officinalis methanolic fraction and then activated by different agonists (thrombin, ADP, collagen). The bleeding time was determined to measure the time between the tail incision and the moment the bleeding stops. The coagulation was explored by measuring prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and plasmatic fibrinogen concentration. For ex vivo study, the animals were treated by the Calamintha officinalis methanolic fraction (250 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks. Then, platelet aggregation, tail bleeding time and coagulation parameters was studied. The results indicate that C. officinalis methanol fraction seems to exert in vivo an antithrombotic action (40% of protection). The in vitro investigations also show that this fraction significantly inhibits aggregation, increases bleeding time, coagulation times and reduces fibrinogen concentration. The chronic treatment of animals confirms the precedent data. This study demonstrates an antithrombotic effect of C. officinalis. The observed antiaggregant and anticoagulant effects could explain this activity.

151-155

Authors: Sriram Kaliamoorthy, Jayasuriya Vijayakumar, Santhosh Kumar Caliaperoumal, Ambiga Pazhani, Kanmani Raju, Padmavathi Venkatesan, Vikneshan Murugaboopathy

Background: Oil pulling is an oral hygiene practice and is described in the ancient Ayurvedic literature. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects with plaque related mild – moderate gingivitis in the age Group of 18-25 was recruited and they were divided into two Groups as Group A and B, each with 15 subjects. Group A subjects were advised to practice coconut oil pulling therapy and Group B subjects were advised to use Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12% solution for 4 weeks as an adjuvant practice along with routine tooth brushing. Estimation of salivary Aspartate Aminotransferase was done at pre and post intervention stage for both the study Groups by using semi auto analyser. Results: Statistically significant reduction in the reduction in the salivary Aspartate Aminotransferase level was seen at post intervention stage in Group A and Group B compared to preintervention stage. Comparison of salivary Aspartate Aminotransferase level between Group A subjects and Group B subjects at pre and post intervention stage revealed no significant difference. Our study results show that oil pulling utilizing coconut oil is effective in reducing the severity of plaque induced mild-moderate gingivitis and the effect is comparable to 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque formation and gingivitis. Conclusion: Oil pulling utilizing coconut oil is an effective adjuvant oral hygiene practice in reducing the severity of plaque induced mild – moderate gingivitis along with the routine oral hygiene measure. Coconut oil pulling practice could be a potential alternative to chlorhexidine mouth wash for long term use.

86-99

Authors: Abdul Nazer Ali, Jong Shi Jie, Sunil Kumar Prajapati, Mohd. Zahid Iqbal, Nazer Zulfikar Ahmed, Thamir M. Alshammari

Introduction: Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the most frequently encountered sexually transmitted disease. Lack of HPV knowledge and vaccination intentions are the main concern for its high prevalence. The primary outcome measure were to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) levels among HPV vaccinated secondary school adolescents and estimate the impact of educational intervention through repeated measures. Methods: A longitudinal study was performed using pre-validated questionnaire and educational pamphlet as study and intervention tools. The survey was conducted in three phases, (0, .5 and 3-6 months). The scores were categorized based on original blooms cut-off scale. Descriptive statistics for categorical data and Friedman's test for repeated measures followed by pos hoc Wilcoxon signed rank test with Bonferroni correction (type-1 error) was used for inferential statistics. Result: The research findings showed significant differences (p<.001) in KAP scores, observed at all three phases (ph). The KAP scores were 58%, moderate at ph1, 67% good at ph2 and 59% good at ph3. The knowledge scores were, 63% poor at ph1, 64% good at ph2 and 64% good at ph3. An estimate for impact of intervention for knowledge gain revealed, a significant (p<.001) overall median knowledge score of 9(6) and 15(4) between ph1 and ph2, respectively. The knowledge retention showed significant differences (p<.001) in median scores, 9(6) and 15(7) between ph1 and ph3, respectively. Conclusion: Educational pamphlet significantly increased knowledge and KAP scores about HPV in the study population, regardless of socio-demographic characteristics among the study population. Effective, informative and appropriate educational protocols designed for the target population using 'Spaced Repetition-Based Educational Intervention' are particularly important for better and sustained outcomes.

107-112

Authors: Ben Amor M. Larbi, Benchikha Naima, Eman R. Elsharkawy, N. Salah Neghmouche

Cotula cinerea is a traditional Algerian medicinal plant that has many biological properties, such as analgesic, antiseptic and antibacterial activities. Essential oil of Cotula cinerea was subjected to chromatographical and spectroscopical studies to determine the chemical composition. The analysis highlighted that the oil contains trans thujone (51.86%), santalina triéne (10.6%), α-pinéne (2.02%), sabinene (6.17%), cineole <1.8> (5.34%), δ-terpinene (1.57%), camphor (2.63%), β-terpineol (1.39 %) and terpin-4-ol (1.73%) as the major constituents. The essential oil was tested for antibacterial activity. The oil exhibited substantial antibacterial activity against both the tested Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. In search of better anticancer agent the essential oil of Cotula cinerea was also subjected for in-vitro cytotoxic activity on two cancerous human cell lines; colon (HCT116) and hepatic (HePG2) cancer cell lines. The results indicates that the essential oil of Cotula cinerea has a significant cytotoxic activity on the tested colon cancer cell lines with a 66.9% inhibition and a minimal inhibition (33.9%) on liver cancer cell line.

49-54

Authors: Anton Bahtiar, Delvika Yessi Chumala

Background: Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb. extract has eleutherinol that could bind with estrogen receptor alpha selectively, therefore it’s a candidate for selective estrogen receptor modulator drugs. Objective: To determine the influence of 70% of ethanol extract of E. bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., bulbs on blood pressure of ovariectomized rats. Methods: To analyze the content of the E. bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., bulbs, thin layer chromatography of the extracts were performed using chloroform : methanol (7 : 1, v/v) as the mobile phase. Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were used for this study, they were divided into six groups: SHAM and ovariectomized both given vehicle; tamoxifen (1.8 mg/kg BW.) as the positive control; three doses of extract at 40, 60, and 90 mg/kg BW were administereted respectively. All groups were ovariectomized on day 1, except the SHAM group. Measurement of blood pressure was performed on the day before ovariectomy, every week after ovariectomy until 28 days before treatment by the extract and then every week after treatment by the extract. Results: Three weeks after treatment of ovariectomized rats by the dose of 90 mg/kg BW of E. bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., extracts, could reduce the systolic blood pressure level to 28.06%, the diastolic to 30.47%. Conclusion: 70% of ethanolic extracts E. bulbosa (Mill.) Urb., could recover the blood pressure of ovariectomized rats, particularly at 90 mg/kg.

63-70

Authors: Marisca Evalina Gondokesumo, Bambang Pardjianto, Sutiman Bambang Sumitro, Wahyu Widowati, Arbi Dimyati

Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) is one of the most popular fruits which has been widely used medicinally. The major constituents are mostly found in the pericarp particularly, xanthones, which are tricyclic isoprenylated polyphenols. Xanthones have been reported for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-proliferative, proapoptotic and anti-carcinogenic activities. In this study, the mangosteen pericarps in various maturity levels were investigated using various characterization techniques such as PSA (Particle Size Analyzer), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). The results revealed the characteristic of mangosteen at various maturity levels.