Ethnomedicinal plants of Jaunsar-Bawar hills, Uttar Pradesh, India

An insight into the neuroprotective effects and molecular targets of pomegranate (Punica granatum) against Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that still has no permanent cure. The drugs prescribed in the present days are only for symptomatic relief for the patients. Many studies correlating the reduction in the incidence of AD with the diet consumed have been published. These studies showed that a diet rich in polyphenols is associated with a decrease in the incidence of AD. The present review is focused on the ability of pomegranate and its bioactive components to ameliorate the progression of AD and their ability to exert a neuroprotective effect. Various studies showing the ability of pomegranate in inhibiting enzymes, reducing reactive oxygen species, inhibition of microglial activation, inhibition of tau protein hyperphosphorylation, maintenance of synaptic plasticity, anti-inflammatory activity and its ability to inhibit Beta secretase-1 (BACE-1) has been reviewed in this article. In spite of the lack of studies on humans, there are compelling evidence indicating that pomegranate can reduce various risk factors involved in the causation of AD and thus can be used as a persistent nutraceutical to slow ageing and for providing neuroprotection for the treatment of AD.Highlights An overview of traditional and pharmacological uses of pomegranate (POM).Potential of POM in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases especially in AD.Insight into the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotective effects of POM in AD.Clinical evaluation studies involving POM and its bioactive components.

Genus Equisetum L: Taxonomy, toxicology, phytochemistry and pharmacology

INTRODUCTION

The genus Equisetum (Equisetaceae) is cosmopolitan in distribution, with 41 recognized species. Several species of Equisetum are widely used in treating genitourinary and related diseases, inflammatory and rheumatic problems, hypertension, and wound healing in traditional medicine practices worldwide. This review intends to present information on the traditional uses, phytochemical components, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of Equisetum spp. and to analyze the new insights for further study.

METHODS

Relevant literature has been scanned and collected via various electronic repositories, including PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Connect, and Science Online, from 1960 to 2022.

RESULTS

Sixteen Equisetum spp. were documented as widely used in traditional medicine practices by different ethnic groups throughout the world. A total of 229 chemical compounds were identified from Equisetum spp. with the major group of constituents being flavonol glycosides and flavonoids. The crude extracts and phytochemicals of Equisetum spp. exhibited significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiulcerogenic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and diuretic properties. A wide range of studies have also demonstrated the safety of Equisetum spp.

CONCLUSION

The reported pharmacological properties of Equisetum spp. support its use in traditional medicine, though there are gaps in understanding the traditional usage of these plants for clinical experiments. The documented information revealed that the genus is not only a great herbal remedy but also has several bioactives with the potential to be discovered as novel drugs. Detailed scientific investigation is still needed to fully understand the efficacy of this genus; hence, very few Equisetum spp. were studied in detail for phytochemical and pharmacological investigation. Moreover, its bioactives, structure-activity connection, in vivo activity, and associated mechanism of action ought to be explored further.

A multivariate and quantitative assessment of medicinal plants used by the indigenous Malayali tribes in the Javadhu hills of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India

The study of medicinal plants with their traditional uses and related pharmacological studies has received more attention during the past several decades around the world. The Malayali tribes of the Javadhu Hills in the Eastern Ghats rely heavily on a system of traditional medicine for healthcare. A qualitative ethnographic method with a semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 52 people across 11 localities in the Javadhu Hills. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics such as Use reports (UR), frequency of citations (FC), relative frequency of citations (RFC), informant agreement ratio (IAR), fidelity level (FL), and informant consensus factor (FIC) were studied. In the current investigation, 146 species from 52 families and 108 genera were discovered to treat 79 diseases. Leguminosae and Apocynaceae were the dominant families (12 species each). The most frequently used life form was the herb and the plant part were the leaf. The majority were being harvested from natural resources. Most medicines were taken orally. The most frequently cited species are Moringa oleifera and Syzygium cumini. The illnesses were divided into 21 categories. The majority of the plants mentioned are utilised to increase human immunity and health. The principal ailment (general health) was revealed by two-way cluster analysis and PCA. The species Litsea decanensis, Phoebe paniculata, Commiphora caudata, etc., were new records for the Javadhu hills according to a comparison between the current study and previous local and regional research. Documenting novel ethnomedicinal species and their therapeutic applications will encourage more phytochemical and pharmacological research and may even result in the creation of new medications. Furthermore, the study's significant novelty is that principle component analysis and two-way cluster analysis clearly revealed that the species that are used to treat various diseases, as well as species that are closely associated with treating specific ailment categories, are distinct. Significantly, species recorded in this study rely on maintaining and improving general body health of humans.

Indigofera linifolia ameliorated CCl4 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in liver of rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Indigofera linifolia (L.f.) Retz. is used in subcontinent for liver disorders, in wounds, febrile eruption and as diuretic.

AIM OF STUDY

The current study evaluates the protective effects of the methanol extract of Indigofera linifolia (ILM) on CCl₄-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in liver of rat.

METHODS

ILM was analyzed for phytochemical classes, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) as well as multidimensional in vitro antioxidant assays. Male (Sprague Dawley) rats were dispersed into seven groups (6 rats/group) receiving 0.9% saline (1 ml/kg bw), CCl₄ (1 ml/kg bw) diluted in olive oil (3:7 v/v), silymarin (200 mg/kg bw) + CCl₄ (30% v/v), ILM (150 mg/kg bw) + CCl₄ (30% v/v), ILM (300 mg/kg bw) + CCl₄ and ILM alone (either 150 mg/kg bw or 300 mg/kg bw).

RESULTS

ILM extract was constituted of different phytochemical classes. Co-administration of ILM along with CCl₄ to rat revert the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in blood serum and antioxidant parameters in liver. Further, CCl₄ increased the level of ER stress markers and inflammatory mediators while decreased level of GCLC and Nrf-2 in liver tissues of rat. CCl₄-induced histopathological variations were reduced with ILM co-administration in liver tissues.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that active phyto-constituents of I. linifolia might be responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gene-regulating activities.

Ethnomedicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Urolithiasis in India: A Review

Background:

The kidney stone is the most commonly observed and painful disease of the urinary tract in human being. Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors are responsible for the formation of kidney stone, for instance, age, sex, heredity (intrinsic factors) and climate, dietary, geography, mineral composition, and water intake (extrinsic factors). The kidney stones are categorized into calcium, struvite or magnesium ammonium phosphate, uric acid or urate, cystine and other types of stones based on chemical composition and pathogenesis. Due to the multifactorial nature of kidney stone disease, the patient may need to rely on complex synthetic medication. However, in ancient Indian history, there are several pieces of evidence where natural resources such as plants were used to remediation this lethal disease.

Objective:

The present review attempts to provide exhaustive information of ethnomedicinal and ethnopharmacological information of medicinal plants used for kidney stone in India.

Result:

Hitherto, there are a total of 258 ethnomedicinal plants from 90 different families reported using for kidney stone application. The majority of the plant species are associated with three important families: Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, and Fabaceae. Most of the plants are from Andhra Pradesh (43 plants), followed by East Bengal (38), Jammu & Kashmir (36), Uttarakhand (31), Panjab (27), Mizoram (23), Karnataka (20), Maharashtra (20) and Assam (18). The commonly used plant parts for the herbal preparation are roots (21.22 %) followed by leaves/leaf (20.15 %), and sometimes complete plant (17.77 %) is used. The most commonly used method for the formulation is decoction (46.41 %) followed by powder (18.66 %) and then extracts (15.78 %) of different aerial and non-aerial parts of the plant. To date, the in-vitro and in-vivo activities against the kidney stone assessed for more than sixty ethnomedicinal plants.

Conclusion:

The present review epitomizes the ethnomedicinal information of medicinal plants used for kidney stone and pharmacological evidence for anti-urolithiasis activity. Most reported medicinal plants are not yet scientifically explored and need immediate attention before we lose some important species due to excessive deforestation for farming and industrial needs.

Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review

Medicinal plants represent rich sources of traditional medicines and numerous currently used medicines are either directly or indirectly derived from plants. Verbascum thapsus L. (great mullein or common mullein), a medicinal herb indigenous to northern Africa, western and central Asia, and Europe, has been brought to the Americas and Australia. It has been used as a medicine for lung, skin and throat disorders and has a long history of therapeutic importance, particularly as an astringent and calming agent. Presently, the dried leaves, flowers, various plant extracts and flower oil are used in several formulations within Indian traditional medicine. An extract taken from the roots is useful in minimizing toothache, and it also relieves stiffness and seizures. V. thapsus contains a wide variety of phytoconstituents, such as flavonoids, iridoid, phenylethanoid and phenylpropanoid glycosides, saponins, as well as vitamin C and minerals. The most valuable constituents are coumarin and hesperidin, which possess healing properties. Emerging literature based on experimental studies on V. thapsus demonstrates various biological and pharmacological properties, including antiviral, antioxidant, analgesic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antibacterial, antifungal, as well as anticancer activities. The present review provides an updated, comprehensive, and critical evaluation of various health-promoting and disease-mitigating properties of V. thapsus.

Ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Centella asiatica (L.) Urban: A comprehensive review

The well-known medicinal plant Centella asiatica (L.) Urban is an Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of different health problems and as an edible vegetable in a regular diet. Ease of availability in the wide range of environmental conditions plus low-cost cultivation process has made the plant popular in ethno-medicinal healthcare systems. In the present review, phytochemical analysis of plant-extract and pharmacological activities of bioactive-compounds are discussed based upon the available reports to understand their therapeutic potentialities along with the mechanisms behind. The results exhibited that C. asiatica and its triterpenoids demonstrated an array of pharmacological effects and health benefits, some of which were confirmed in many preclinical and clinical studies. Those reports also provided considerable evidences in support of the principles of folk treatment in different countries. Increase and maintenance of the prospective plant secondary metabolites would provide an enriched resource of drug molecules. Development of suitable derivatives of the therapeutic compounds can give an assurance for getting more effective drug candidates with reduced side effects. The review also enumerates the application of advanced nanotechnology, toxicology, and clinical-trial reports on the plant with notes on the shortcomings in the present research and future perspectives of using this medicinal plant.

Metabolic Diversity and Therapeutic Potential of Holarrhena pubescens: An Important Ethnomedicinal Plant

Holarrhena pubescens is an important medicinal plant of the Apocynaceae family that is widely distributed over the Indian subcontinent. The plant is extensively used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicinal systems without obvious adverse effects. Beside notable progress in the biological and phytochemical evaluation of this plant over the past few years, comprehensive reviews of H. pubescens are limited in scope. It has economic importance due to the extensive use of seeds as an antidiabetic. Furthermore, the plant is extensively reported in traditional uses among the natives of Asia and Africa, while scientifical validation for various ailments has not been studied either in vitro or in vivo. This review aims to summarize information on the pharmacology, traditional uses, active constituents, safety and toxicity of H. pubescens. Chemical analysis of H. pubescens extracts revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds, such as conessine, isoconnessine, conessimine, conimine, conessidine, conkurchicine, holarrhimine, conarrhimine, mokluangin A-D and antidysentericine. Overall, this review covers the ethnopharmacology, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological potential of H. pubescens, with a critical discussion of its toxicity, biological activities (in vitro and in vivo), the mechanism of action, as well as suggestions for further basic and clinical research.

Bioactive Sesquiterpene Lactones Isolated from the Whole Plants of Vernonia cinerea

Twelve sesquiterpene lactones were isolated from the whole plants of Vernonia cinerea. These included eight new compounds, vercinolides A-H (1-8), along with four known substances (9-12). The structures of the new compounds were determined by 1D and 2D NMR experiments and mass spectrometric methods. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-8 were determined by Mosher experiments and ECD data. Compounds 1-8 are the first examples of a new class of sesquiterpene lactones possessing a rare 4α,10α-ether ring and a 2,14-ether ring. Compounds 1-4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 were evaluated for their cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory activities. Compounds 10 and 12 exhibited inhibitory effects against nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells with IC₅₀ values of 21 and 23 μM, respectively. Both compounds were inactive for HeLa cells (IC₅₀ > 10 μM).

Ethnomedicinal Investigation of Medicinal Plants of Chakrata Region (Uttarakhand) Used in the Traditional Medicine for Diabetes by Jaunsari Tribe

The Himalayan region is the treasure house of natural wealth, particularly of medicinal and aromatic plants. These plants are used by the Indian traditional healers for the past many centuries to treat various ailments such as skin disorders, asthma, diabetes, snake bite, fever, pain, eye diseases, diarrhoea, indigestion, jaundice, burn, wound, liver disorder, CNS disorders and urinary tract infection. The indigenous traditional knowledge of medicinal plants and therapies of various local communities has been lost due to changes in traditional culture and the introduction of modern technologies. Therefore, it is essential to explore the traditional knowledge of the indigenous medicinal plants mainly in such areas where there is a severe threat to natural vegetation owing to human inhabitation. The present study aimed to explore the medicinal plants of Chakrata region (Jaunsar-Bawar Hills), Uttarakhand, India used in the folk medicine for the management of diabetes by Jaunsari Tribe. In a comprehensive field survey, the information about the medicinal plants have been mainly collected from the traditional healers and other elderly people belong to the tribal community. All the information about the medicinal plants of the study area was documented in a field book. Various tools have been used to collect the samples for identification purpose and the authentication of the plants was done with the help of taxonomists. The literature on these plants was also searched from online (PubMed and Scopus) as well as from some textbooks and Ayurvedic classical texts. The present survey-based work described a total of 54 plants belonging to 47 genera and 30 families used in the traditional medicine for the management of diabetes in Chakrata region. The information gathered from the local community revealed that the plants are effective in diabetes and one can use most of them without consulting a practitioner or traditional healer. The literature revealed that most of the surveyed plants are already used in the preparation of various antidiabetic formulations such as Chandraprabha vati, Nishamalaki chunra, Amritamehari churna and Nisakathakadi kashayam along with various patent drugs which are frequently prescribed by the Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The present study explored the traditional as well as scientific knowledge on the antidiabetic plants used by the tribal community. The documented information on these plants can be further used by the scientific community to develop new drugs/formulations with the help of modern techniques.

Natural products: a hope for glioblastoma patients

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors with an overall dismal survival averaging one year despite multimodality therapeutic interventions including surgery, radiotherapy and concomitant and adjuvant chemotherapy. Few drugs are FDA approved for GBM, and the addition of temozolomide (TMZ) to standard therapy increases the median survival by only 2.5 months. Targeted therapy appeared promising in in vitro monolayer cultures, but disappointed in preclinical and clinical trials, partly due to the poor penetration of drugs through the blood brain barrier (BBB). Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have intrinsic resistance to initial chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and acquire further resistance via deregulation of many signaling pathways. Due to the failure of classical chemotherapies and targeted drugs, research efforts focusing on the use of less toxic agents have increased. Interestingly, multiple natural compounds have shown antitumor and apoptotic effects in TMZ resistant and p53 mutant GBM cell lines and also displayed synergistic effects with TMZ. In this review, we have summarized the current literature on natural products or product analogs used to modulate the BBB permeability, induce cell death, eradicate CSCs and sensitize GBM to CRT.

Barleria cristata: perspective towards phytopharmacological aspects

OBJECTIVES

Barleria cristata (Family: Acanthaceae), commonly known as Philippine violet, is used in different ethnomedical systems for the treatment of a wide range of ailments. This review aimed to provide a scientific overview of B. cristata with reference to its ethnobotanical aspects, geographical distribution, medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity, and critical analyses research gaps and future research opportunities for investigations on this plant.

KEY FINDINGS

Ethnomedical uses of the plant have been observed in lungs disorders, inflammatory conditions, toothache, anaemia, snake bite, diabetes and tuberculosis. The exhaustive bibliographic research carried out on this plant revealed that the plant parts are rich in various phytochemical constituents including triterpenes, phenolic compounds, glycosides and flavonoids type phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the plant was also investigated in terms of its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antifungal, hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review confirms that B. cristata is a potential herb for the treatment of a wide range of diseases especially lung disorders and inflammatory conditions. Modern pharmacological studies have also validated many ethnobotanical uses of B. cristata, though data regarding many aspects of this plant such as mechanism of action, adverse effects of extracts and active compounds are still limited which call for additional studies.

Studies on detection and analysis of proteases in leaf extract of medicinally important plants

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The whole plant or the extracts obtained from them have long been used as medicine to treat various human diseases and disorders. Notably, those plants endowed with protease activity have been traditionally used as the agents for treating tumors, digestion disorders, swelling, blood coagulation, fibrinolysis and also for immune-modulation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Proteases occupy a pivotal position in enzyme based industries. Plant proteases have been increasingly exploited for pharmaceutical, food, leather and textile processing industries. Earlier investigations have focused on the occurrence of proteases in medicinally unimportant plants. Therefore it has been aimed to study the occurrence of proteolytic enzymes from medicinally important plants establish any correlation exists between protease activity and medicinal use of individual plants.

METHODS

Crude extract were obtained from the leaves of 80 different medicinal plants. Tris-HCl buffer was used as the extraction buffer and the supernatants obtained were used for determination of total protein and protease activity using spectrophotometric methods. Qualitative screening for the presence of protease was carried out with agar diffusion method by incorporating the substrate. SDS-PAGE was used to analyse the isoforms of protease and for determination of relative molecular mass.

RESULTS

Relatively higher protease activities were observed in the extracts of leaves of Pongamia pinnata (Fabaceae), Wrightia tinctoria (Apocyanaceae) Acalypha indica (Euphorbiaceae), Adhatoda vasica (Acanthaceae) and Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae). No correlation was found between the total protein content and protease activity in individual plant species. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated the presence of multiple forms of protease of higher molecular weight range in several plant species. We found a strong correlation between the protease activity and medicinal application of the plant CONCLUSION: The present study has unequivocally revealed that the leaves of medicinal plants could serve as excellent sources of proteases which could be exploited for various industrial, food and pharmaceutical applications.

Anemone rivularis inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase activity and tumor growth

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anemone rivularis Buch.-Ham. ex DC. (Ranunculaceae) have been used as a traditional remedy for treatment of inflammation and cancer. However, there is no report demonstrating experimental evidence on anti-tumor action of A. rivularis.

AIM OF STUDY

The Warburg's effect, preference of aerobic glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) even in oxygen rich condition, is focused as one of major characteristics of malignant tumor. Thus, we investigated the effect of A. rivularis on the Pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinases (PDHKs), a major molecular targets for reducing aerobic glycolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanol extract of whole plant of A. rivularis (ARE), fingerprinted by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), was applied to in vitro and cell-based PDHK activity assays. The effect of ARE on cell viabilities of several tumor cells was estimated by MTT assay. The expression of phosphor-PDH, PDH and PDHK1 were measured by Western blot analysis. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, using 5-(and-6)-carboxy-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (carboxy-H2DCFDA) and Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining, respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential was examined by tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester (TMRM) staining. In vivo anti-tumor efficacy of ARE was estimated by means of tumor volume and weight using allograft injection of murine Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells to dorsa of C57BL/6 mice.

RESULTS

ARE inhibited the viabilities of several cancer cells, including MDA-MB321, K562, HT29, Hep3B, DLD-1, and LLC. ARE suppressed PDHK activity in in vitro kinase assay, and also inhibited aerobic glycolysis by reducing phosphorylation of PDHA in human DLD-1 colon cancer and murine LLC cells. The expression of PDHK1, a major isoform of PDHKs in cancer, was not affected by ARE treatment. Moreover, ARE increased the both ROS production and mitochondrial damage. In addition, ARE suppressed the in vitro tumor growth through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. The growth rates of allograft LLC cells were also reduced by ARE treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we firstly report that ARE inhibits PDHK activity and growth of tumor in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Therefore, we suggest ARE as a potential candidate for developing anti-cancer drugs.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Palamalai region of Eastern Ghats, India

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

During the last few decades there has been an increasing interest in the study of medicinal plants with their traditional use and related pharmacological research all over the World. This paper enumerated folk medicinal plants used by Malayali tribal people in an unexplored and biodiversity rich region of Eastern Ghats in southern India.

AIM OF STUDY

The aim of this study is to collect and identify the plants used in medicinal therapy by the local people and professional traditional healers with quantitative analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out during January to December 2014 among the Malayali tribal people in four villages of Palamalai region in Eastern Ghats, India. The information was obtained through open and semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the local knowledgeable people and professional traditional healers. The statistical analysis, use value, family use value, informants' consensus factor, fidelity level, frequency of citation, relative frequency citation and informants' agreements ratio were calculated for the quantitative study of ethnomedicinal data.

RESULTS

A total of 118 plant species belonging to 95 genera and 55 families dominated by the families like Leguminosae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae were enumerated with detailed information on parts used, method of preparation, mode of administration and ailments treated. Leaves were mostly used plant part and predominantly used herbal preparations were decoction and paste. Moringa oleifera Lam. was reported by all the interviewed informants and gives the highest UV of 3.9 with 78 use reports due to its diverse medicinal uses.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated the need for importance of documenting the traditional knowledge of forest dwelling people. As a result of the study, Abutilon indicum (L.) Sweet., Andrographis echioides (L.f.) Nees., Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Canarium strictum Roxb., Centella asiatica (L.) Urban., Senna auriculata (L.) Roxb. and Tribulus terrestris (L.) were recommended for further ethnopharmacological studies since these plants were recorded with high UV, IAR, RFC and FL values.

Ethnobotanical and phytomedical knowledge in the North-Western Ligurian Alps

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The ethnobotany of European alpine regions is much diversified and scarcely investigated. These regions retain a well-developed heritage culture and botanical traditional knowledge, favored by the isolated montane location. We carried out a study of therapeutic and traditional uses of native plants of a poorly explored area of the Western Italian Alps in the Ligurian region (NW Italy). The area has been the object of human activities since prehistoric ages, and an obliged crossroad for people moving across Provence, Liguria and Piemonte.

METHODOLOGY

The investigation was conducted in the upper Tanarello and Arroscia Valleys by using semi-structured, open interviews. Data were summarized by different indices--Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Cultural Value Index (CV), Ethnobotanicity Index (EI) and Informant Consensus Factor (Fic).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

A group of 65 informants were interviewed, yielding an inventory of 199 botanical taxa from 64 families, and a total of 2661 citations. A total of 13 categories of use were found, of which the most frequent ones were medicinal and food. In addition, 12 main medicinal subcategories were recorded. Botanicals were mainly used to treat digestive system, respiratory system, and the skin. A relevant role was played by plants with digestive and remineralizing properties. On the basis of quantitative analysis (RFC and CV indices) among the 30 most relevant plants are included rare and/or protected species, such as Achillea ligustica, Arnica montana, Gentiana ligustica, Gentiana lutea, and Achillea erba-rotta.

CONCLUSIONS

An exhaustive prospect of the ethnobotanical knowledge in North-Western Ligurian Alps has been achieved through the recording of a large number of data. About 50% of the recorded uses have survived in the area. A great traditional importance is retained by species such as Artemisia absinthium, Lavandula angustifolia and Arnica montana which were formerly cultivated and marketed for their therapeutic virtues. A substantial role is also attributable to the tree species Pinus sp. pl., Castanea sativa and Olea europaea that have been exploited as sources of wood/food since long ago. These plants are a natural resource deserving reevaluation among local agriculture and commercial activities.

Bioactive sesquiterpene lactones and other compounds isolated from Vernonia cinerea

Four new sesquiterpene lactones, 8α-(2'Z-tigloyloxy)-hirsutinolide (1), 8α-(2'Z-tigloyloxy)-hirsutinolide-13-O-acetate (2), 8α-(4-hydroxytigloyloxy)-hirsutinolide (3), and 8α-hydroxy-13-O-tigloyl-hirsutinolide (4), along with seven known derivatives (5-11), three norisoprenoids (12-14), a flavonoid (15), and a linoleic acid derivative (16), were isolated from the chloroform partition of a methanol extract from the combined leaves and stems of Vernonia cinerea. Their structures were established by 1D and 2D NMR, UV, and MS analyses. Compounds 1-16 were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against the viability of U251MG glioblastoma and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that harbour aberrantly-active STAT3, compared to normal NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts that show no evidence of activated STAT3. Among the isolates, compounds 2 and 7 inhibited the aberrant STAT3 activity in glioblastoma or breast cancer cells. Further, compounds 7 and 8 inhibited viability of all three cell lines, compounds 2, 4, and 9 predominantly inhibited the viability of the U251MG glioblastoma cell line.

Pharmacognostic Characterization and Phytochemical Screening of Achyranthes Aspera Linn

Achyranthes aspera Linn. is a well-known plant drug in Ayurvedic, Unani-Tibbi, Siddha, Allopathic, Homeopathic, Naturopathic & Home Remedies. The present communication deals with the pharmacognostic evaluation on the different parts of Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae). Macroscopic and microscopic examinations of the different organ, observations and differential microchemical test has been carried out for the authentication of the samples. Physiochemical values such as the Moisture contents, percentage of total ash, acid insoluble ash, acid soluble ash, extractive values like petroleum ether-soluble extractives, ethanol-soluble extractives, methanol-soluble extractives and water-soluble extractives were calculated as well as colour reactions of powder and extract with different chemicals were performed. The extracts were subjected to qualitative screening test for various constituents. This revealed the presence protein, glycosides, alkaloids, tannins and phenolic compound, steroid reducing sugars and saponin glycosides. These observations will help in the Pharmacognostical identification and standardization of the drug in the crude form and also to distinguish the drug from its adulteration.

A review of the medicinal potentials of plants of the genus Vernonia (Asteraceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Vernonia genus has about one thousand species and members of the genus are widely used as food and medicine. The aim of this review is to analyze published data on the ethnomedicinal, ethnoveterinary and zoopharmacognostic uses of plants of the Vernonia genus. This will help to identify the state of ethnopharmacological knowledge in regard to this genus and to propose future research priorities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The major scientific databases including SciFinder, Sciencedirect, Medline and Google Scholar were queried for information on Vernonia genus using various keyword combinations. The International Plant Name Index was also used to verify the names of species and authors.

RESULTS

A total of 109 Vernonia species were reported in the literature to have medicinal properties. One hundred and five (105) plants were linked to the treatment or management of 44 human diseases or health conditions. Plants of the genus also feature in ethnoveterinary and zoopharmacognostic practices. A total of 12 vernonia species were identified to be used in ethnoveterinary medicine while 2 species are used in self medication practices by chimpanzees and gorillas. In vitro and in vivo research studies reporting the validation of the medicinal properties of some species were also reviewed. One hundred and three bioactive compounds isolated from various Vernonia species were also identified. Vernonia amygdalina was identified as the most frequently used member of the Vernonia genus. The Vernolides, a class of sesquiterpene lactone were identified as the most studied compounds from the genus and show interesting bioactivity in antiplasmodial, antileishmanial, antischistosomial, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory assays.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of results from a combination of in vitro and in vivo efficacy and toxicity studies reported, Vernonia amygdalina holds the most promise for development into a nutraceutical against diabetes and malaria while Vernonia cinerea has potential against cancer and inflammatory conditions. Vernolide A is so far the most promising single agent from a Vernonia species that has potential for development into an anticancer agent. The other Vernonia species and isolated compounds require further studies to ascertain their medicinal potentials.

Antiurolithiatic Effects of Solanum xanthocarpum Fruit Extract on Ethylene-Glycol-Induced Nephrolithiasis in Rats

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Solanum xanthocarpum fruit extract in ethylene-glycol-induced urolithiasis in the male Wistar rats. Nephrolithiasis was induced in male Wistar rats by adding ethylene glycol (0.75%) in drinking water for 28 days. Animals were divided into six groups, each containing six viz. Vehicle control, model control, S. xanthocarpum methanol extract in different doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o., Cystone (750 mg/kg, p.o.) served as a standard. Hyperoxaluria as well as an increase in the excretion of calcium, phosphate, uric acid and decrease in citrate and magnesium in urine, impairment of renal function and oxidative imbalance in kidney were observed in the calculi-induced group. Treatment with S. xanthocarpum decreases hyperoxaluria, calcium, and uric acid, improves renal function, and also produces antioxidant effects. Crystalluria was characterized by excretion calcium oxalate (CaOX) crystals, which were enormous in the lithogenic group but smaller in the drug-treated group. The histology showed that the calculi-induced group had a large deposition of CaOX crystals in kidney while the treated group had trivial and fewer deposits. The result indicates the antiurolithiatic activity of S. xanthocarpum mediated possibly by CaOX crystal inhibition, diuretic, antioxidant and maintaining balance between stone promoter and inhibitor constituents, and this study rationalized its medicinal use in urolithiasis.

Identification, quantification of bioactive constituents, evaluation of antioxidant and in vivo acute toxicity property from the methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea leaf extract

CONTEXT

Vernonia cinerea (L.) Less [Compositae (Asteraceae)] is used traditionally for several medical purposes such as inflammation, pain, fever, and cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The present study identified the bioactive constituents in the methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea leaf and evaluated its antioxidant activity and acute toxicity.

METHODS

The identification of phytochemicals was accomplished by GC-MS and the major antioxidant phenolic compounds in the extract were quantified by HPTLC analysis. To quantify the essential elements, atomic absorption spectrophotometeric analysis was carried out. Total phenol and flavonoid content was measured by Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and 2% aluminium chloride, respectively.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis identified the presence of 27 phytoconstituents. The predominant phenolic compound in the extract as quantified by HPTLC was gallic acid (1.92 mg/g) followed by rutin (0.705 mg/g), quercetin (0.173 mg/g), caffeic acid (0.082 mg/g) and ferulic acid (0.033 mg/g). The following elements were quantified: Fe (0.050 ppm), Mn (0.022 ppm), Co (0.0180 ppm), Pb (0.029 ppm), Hg (3.885 ppm) and Se (4.5240 ppm). The antioxidant activity of the extract increased with increasing concentration and the correlation (r²) for all in vitro assays were satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

V. cinerea extract has significant (p < 0.05) antiradical activity. Hence, V. cinerea may have potential medicinal value and can be used in the formulation of pharmacological products for degenerative diseases.

Vernonia cinerea Less. Inhibits Tumor Cell Invasion and Pulmonary Metastasis in C57BL/6 Mice

The effect of Vernonia cinerea Less. extract on the inhibition of lung metastasis induced by B16F-10 melanoma cells was studied in C57BL/6 mice. V cinerea extract significantly ( P < .001) inhibited lung tumor formation (78.8%) and significantly increased the life span (72.5%). Moreover, lung collagen hydroxyproline, uronic acid, and hexosamine and also serum sialic acid, γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were found to be significantly ( P < .001) lower in treated animals compared with untreated controls. Histopathological analysis of the lung tissues also correlated with these findings. V cinerea treatment significantly inhibited the invasion of B16F-10 melanoma cells across the collagen matrix of the Boyden chamber. V cinerea also inhibited the migration of B16F-10 melanoma cells across a polycarbonate filter in vitro. It downregulated the production and expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-α, IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-6, and GM-CSF (granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor). V cinerea extract administration could suppress or downregulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, lysyl oxidase, prolyl hydroxylase, K-ras, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1, ERK-2, and VEGF and also upregulate the expression of nm-23, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), and TIMP-2 in the lung tissue of metastasis-induced animals. It also inhibited the protein expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in gelatin zymographic analysis of B16F-10 cells. These results indicate that V cinerea could inhibit the metastatic progression of B16F-10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice by regulating MMPs, VEGF, prolyl hydroxylase, lysyl oxidase, ERK-1, ERK-2, TIMPs, nm23, and proinflammatory cytokine gene expression in metastatic lung tissue.

Protective role of Vernonia cinerea L. against gamma radiation—induced immunosupression and oxidative stress in mice

The radioprotective effect of Vernonia cinerea extract was studied in balb/c mice. Whole-body irradiation of γ-rays (6 Gy) given to animals reduced the white blood cell count, bone marrow cellularity and α-esterase positive cells in control animals, which were elevated by the administration of V. cinerea extract (20 mg/kg body weight [b.wt.], intraperitoneally [i.p.]). The elevated levels of serum enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamate pyruvate transferases (GPT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) after irradiation were also reduced with V. cineria extract administration. V. cinerea treatment also significantly enhanced the animal’s antioxidant status by enhancing the activities superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in irradiated animals. Histopathological analysis of liver and small intestine also suggests that V. cinerea could reduce the tissue damages induced by radiation. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) elevated after irradiation, which were significantly reduced by V. cinerea extract administration. On the other hand, the extract stimulated the production of other cytokines such as granulocyte monocyte—colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in animals exposed to radiation. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA isolated from bone marrow of control animals showed heavy DNA damage, but a reduced DNA damage was seen in animals treated with V. cinerea extract. Administration of V. cinerea did not compromise the anti-neoplastic efficiency of radiation. In fact, there was a synergistic action of radiation and V. cinerea in reducing the solid tumours in mice. Methanolic extract of V. cinerea given i.p. showed a significant radioprotective activity without compromising the radiotherapeutic efficacy of radiation, indicating its possible use as an adjuvant during radiotherapy.

Antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective property of leaf extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in rats

Extracts of Boerhaavia diffusa leaves were evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in the acetaminophen-induced liver damage model. Antioxidative evaluation of ethanolic extract gave total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, vitamin C content and vitamin E content and the levels of selenium and zinc as 6.6+/-0.2mg/g tannic acid equivalent, 0.092+/-0.003 mg/g quercetin equivalent, 0.21+/-0.03 mg/g, 0.054+/-0.002 mg/g, 0.52+/-0.05 ppm and 9.28+/-0.16 ppm, respectively. The DPPH scavenging capacity and the reductive potential were 78.32+/-2.41% and 0.65+/-0.02 mg/g ascorbic acid, respectively. Pretreatment with aqueous and ethanolic extracts decreased the activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and the level of bilirubin in the serum that were elevated by acetaminophen. The two extracts also ameliorated the elevation in the activities of the enzymes in the liver. Acetaminophen intoxication led to reduction in serum and liver albumin levels which were not significantly increased by pretreatment with the extracts. The extracts also protected against acetaminophen induced lipid peroxidation. These results indicated that leaf extracts from B. diffusa possess hepatoprotective property against acetaminophen-induced liver damage which may be mediated through augmentation of antioxidant defenses.

pH-Zone-refining centrifugal partition chromatography for preparative isolation and purification of steroidal glycoalkaloids from Solanum xanthocarpum

pH-Zone-refining centrifugal-partition chromatography (CPC) was successfully applied in the separation of complex polar steroidal glycoalkaloids of close Rf values, directly from a crude extract of Solanum xanthocarpum. The experiment was performed with a two phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate/butanol/water (1:4:5 by volume) where triethylamine (5 mM) was added to the upper organic mobile phase as an eluter and TFA (10 mM) to the aqueous stationary phase as a retainer. Separation of 1 g of crude extract over CPC resulted in two distinct pH-zones. The fractions collected in pH-zone i afforded 72 mg of solasonine while the fractions collected in pH-zone ii were slightly impure, hence were purified over medium pressure LC, which afforded 30 mg of solasonine and further 15 mg of solamargine (SM). The steroidal glycoalkaloids, SM and solasonine were isolated in 93.3 and 91.6% purity, respectively. The isolated alkaloids were characterized on the basis of their (1)H, (13)C-NMR, and ESI-MS data.

Toxicity study of Vernonia cinerea

The methanol extract of Vernonia cinerea Less (Asteraceae), which exhibited antimicrobial activity, was tested for toxicity. In an acute toxicity study using mice, the median lethal dose (LD(50)) of the extract was greater than 2000 mg/kg, and we found no pathological changes in macroscopic examination by necropsy of mice treated with extract. As well as the oral acute toxicity study, the brine shrimp lethality test was also done. Brine shrimp test LC(50) values were 3.87 mg/mL (6 h) and 2.72 mg/mL (24 h), exhibiting no significant toxicity result. In conclusion, the methanol extract of V. cinerea did not produce toxic effects in mice and brine shrimp.

Vernonia cinerea L. scavenges free radicals and regulates nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines profile in carrageenan induced paw edema model

In this study, we evaluated the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the medicinal plant, Vernonia cinerea L (Asteraceae) using in vitro as well as in vivo models. Methanolic extract of Vernonia cinerea was found to scavenge the hydroxyl radical generated by Fenton reaction (IC(50)130 microg/ml), Superoxide generated by photo reduction of riboflavin (IC(50)190 microg/ml) and inhibited lipid peroxidation significantly (IC(50)130.5 microg/ml). The drug also scavenged nitric oxide (IC(50)210 microg/ml). Intraperitoneal administration of Vernonia cinerea was found to inhibit the PMA induced Superoxide generation in mice peritoneal macrophages. The administration of Vernonia cinerea to mice significantly increased the levels of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S transferase in blood and liver, whereas lipid peroxidation activity was significantly decreased. It was also found that Vernonia cinerea extract significantly inhibited carrageenan induced inflammation, compared with control models. Down regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine level and gene expression were also support the above result.

BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE NATURAL PRODUCTS OF THE GENUS CALLICARPA

About 20 species from Callicarpa have reported ethnobotanical and ethnomedical uses, and several members of this genus are well known in the traditional medical systems of China and South Asia. Ethnomedical reports indicate their use in the treatment of hepatitis, rheumatism, fever, headache, indigestion, and other ailments. Several species of Callicarpa have been reported to be used against cancer (e.g., Callicarpa americana root to treat skin cancer and Callicarpa rubella bark to treat tumors of the large intestine). Extracts from about 14 species in this genus have been evaluated for biological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-insect growth, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic activities. In addition to amino acids, benzenoids, simple carbohydrates, and lipids, numerous diterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes have been detected in or isolated from the genus Callicarpa. The essential oils of Callicarpa americana have recently been reported to have antialgal and phytotoxic activities, and several isolates from this species (and C. japonica) were identified as contributing to the mosquito bite-deterrent activity that was first indicated by folkloric usage. Recent bioassay-guided investigations of C. americana extracts have resulted in the isolation of several active compounds, mainly of the clerodane diterpene structural type.

Studies on hypoglycaemic activity of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. fruit extract in rats

Aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl. (Solanaceae) was investigated for hypoglycaemic activity in rats and mice. Screening for the hypoglycaemic activity was assessed on normoglycaemic, alloxan treated hyperglycaemic and glucose loaded rats along with in vitro study on glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm. The various haematological and biochemical parameters were also studied. The extract was found to possess significant hypoglycaemic activity when compared with the reference standard glibenclamide. The in vitro study on glucose utilization by isolated rat hemidiaphragm suggests that the aqueous extract may have direct insulin like activity which enhances the peripheral utilization of glucose and have extra pancreatic effect. The toxicity studies report safety usage of the plant extract.

Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory effects of methanol, chloroform and ether extracts of Vernonia cinerea less leaf

The chloroform, methanolic and ether extracts of Vernonia cinerea (Asteraceae; Less) leaf (100, 200 and 400mg/kg intraperitoneally) were tested in: acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, carrageenin-induced oedema and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats to assess their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and behavioral activities, respectively. The changes in writhings and behavioural activities in mice, the pyrexia and paw volumes in rats were reduced significantly (P<0.05) compared to the control. There was an increase in pain threshold on the oedematous right hind limb paw of the rats. These results indicate that the extracts could possess analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties. All these effects and the changes in the behavioural activities could be suggested as contributory effects to the use of V. cinerea leaf in the treatment of malaria.

Plants used against cancer - an extension of the work of Jonathan Hartwell

A survey of plants used ethnomedically against cancer was undertaken, using the NAPRALERT database currently maintained by the Program for Collaborative Research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois-Chicago. We report over 350 species which are reported to be used against cancer and not cited in the work of Jonathan Hartwell, "Plants used against cancer: a survey", including previously unrepresented genera and families.

Plant natural products active against snake bite--the molecular approach

The article surveys the substances identified in plants reputed to neutralize the effects of snake venoms. Protective activity of many of them against the lethal action of the venom of the jararaca (Bothrops jararaca) snake was confirmed by biological assays. It was shown that all belong to chemical classes capable of interacting with macromolecular targets--receptors and enzymes. In a few cases it has been shown that exogenous natural micromolecules can mimic the biological activity of endogenous macromolecules. From the evidence presented, it can be inferred that micromolecules which neutralize the action of snake venoms mechanistically replace endogenous antitoxic serum proteins with venom neutralizing capacity such as produced by some animals.

Chemical, pharmacological and clinical profile of the East Asian medical plant Centella asiatica

Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant that has been in use since prehistoric times. Its active constituents include pentacyclic triterpene derivatives. Studies have been conducted in particular to investigate the madecassosides and asiaticosides. In common with most traditional phytotherapeutic agents, Centella asiatica is used in folk medicine to treat a wide range of indications. In contrast to other medicinal plants, however, Centella asiatica has been subjected to quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations. Studies done in accordance with standardized scientific criteria have shown it to have a positive effect in the treatment of venous insufficiency and striae gravidarum. Centella asiatica also appears to be effective in the treatment of wound healing disturbances. At the present time, clinical studies aimed at investigating the sedative, analgesic, antidepressive, antimicrobial, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects that have been demonstrated experimentally, are still lacking. However, the therapeutic potential of this plant in terms of its efficacy and versatility is such that further detailed research would appear worthwhile.

Adhatoda vasica: a critical review of ethnopharmacological and toxicological data

Adhatoda vasica (L.) Nees is a well-known plant drug in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. It has been used for the treatment of various diseases and disorders, particularly for the respiratory tract ailments. During the last 20 years, several scientific reports on oxytocic and abortifacient effects of vasicine and alkaloid derived from the plant have appeared. This leads to questions concerning the safety of A. vasica as a herbal medicine. In this article, the major data on traditional uses as well as ethnopharmacological and toxicological studies, both published and unpublished, are reviewed and commented upon. The data have been evaluated from the point of view of correctness, reliability, relevance and importance for the overall evaluation of the safety of A. vasica.

The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review

Plantago major L. leaves have been used as a wound healing remedy for centuries in almost all parts of the world and in the treatment of a number of diseases apart from wound healing. These include diseases related to the skin, respiratory organs, digestive organs, reproduction, the circulation, against cancer, for pain relief and against infections. P. major contains biologically active compounds such as polysaccharides, lipids, caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides and terpenoids. Alkaloids and some organic acids have also been detected. A range of biological activities has been found from plant extracts including wound healing activity, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, weak antibiotic, immuno modulating and antiulcerogenic activity. Some of these effects may attribute to the use of this plant in folk medicine.