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Evaluating the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the experimental model of Alzheimer's disease in rats
Full text linkAlzheimer is a destructive neurodegenerative disease related to elderly age of people and it is described by memory decline, loss of cognitive and psychiatric characters. The Ocimum species has been used for anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the possible role of basil (Dino cultivar) in rats against Alzheimer disease (AD). Dino cultivar was selected among the 16 basil genotypes and 4 cultivars growing under field condition in 2019 vegetation period. Some quality properties such as essential oil and its compositons and extract yield of the Dino cultivar were determined. Also, biochemical parameters and immunohistochemical findings and behavioral test were obtained in rats against AD. Dino had high essential oil content (1.28%), five major essential oil compositions (p-Allyl-anisole, linalool, trans-caryophyllene, methyl eugenol and beta bergamontene) and extract yield. The extract of the Dino cultivar was used for the biochemical parameters of the Alzheimers as total antioxidant status (TAS: 0.21-0.82 mmol/L), total oxidant status (TOS: 5.7-15.23 µmol/L), catalase (CAT: 2.17-177.31 U/L), oxidative stress index (OSI: 1.056-3.818), malondialdehyde (MDA: 0.365-2.022 mmol/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD: 194-207 U/mL) and Glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1: 10.82-18.22 ng/mL) in experimental rats. Also, the effect of the extract was used to determine immunohistochemical findings and behavirol test results. As a result of the study, the extract of the Dino cultivar had positive effect on AD depending on the examined properties. It can be suggested that basil extract can be used for the treatment of AD.
Design and development of a poly- herbal spray formulation and its physicochemical and biological profiling: from classic to modern drug delivery system
Full text linkMany of the polyherbal formulations are described in ayurvedic classics for inflammation and pains. Among them rasna saptak kwath gives best therapeutic effect in clinical studies but palatable issue makes it less popular among patients. The present work emphasizes on the transformation of this classical formulation into more convenient and acceptable form for the patients without disturbing its efficacy. In the present study kwath was converted into mechanical spray form for pain and inflammation. The extractions of herbs were done by both classical and modern methods. The mechanical spray solution was prepared with permeation enhancer, humectant, in suitable solvent system. The spray was standardized on various parameters like viscosity, evaporation time, and spray pattern. Spray was also evaluated for in vitro drug release, anti inflammatory, analgesic and skin irritation study. In the result, the spray pattern was found uniform and evaporation time was 9.81±0.30 min. The fluxes for spray were found to be 2.82±.0.11 (µg/cm2/h). The kinetic model for spray best fitted to zero order permeation at a constant flux for spray r>0.98. The spray also provides good results in pain and inflammation. So, here is the possibility of replacing that sticky oil of Ayurveda with spray for good relief. The products show the path for a new generation of Ayurvedic dosage form, which has the bright future in this busy schedule of life where integrity of Ayurvedic medicines not hampered.
Notes on some potential new and noteworthy first hand ethnomedicinal herbal drug dosimetry interviewed with the Gorkha Nepalese Community of Darjeeling Hills (India)
Full text linkPresent paper deals with 20 selected potential ethnomedicinal wild plants and an insect taxon which may be used to cure a good number of human diseases based on oral interviews with ten different Gorkha-Nepalese community of Darjeeling hills. Diseases like piles, skin irritation, diarrhoea, jaundice, old wounds, gastric problems including chronic acidity and gas, arthritis, pyorrhea or toothache, snakebite polyherbal formulations, fevers, urinary problem including kidney disorder, energy tonic, earache, anaemia, bone fracture and ligament injury, abdominal pain, high blood pressure, diabetes melitus, body pain reliever, throat pain, cold and cough, labour pain reliever and vomiting etc. are either cured or relieved by using different parts of these plants documented during oral interviews since December 2011 till December 2022. The efficacy of these ethno medicinal plants needs to be subjected to pharmacological validation. Maximum number of ethnomedicinal first hand information was documented from Rhododendron arboreum Sm. Minimum number of information documented from Boehmeria clideminoides Miq. var. diffusa (Wedd.) Hand.-Mazz. Maximum number of informants belonged to Rai, Tamang and Thami communities followed by Chhetri, Sherpa and Gurung communities, respectively. Most of these validated authentic information are not recorded earlier, when reportedtheir dosimetry and plant parts are different
Perceptions and linkage of indigenous community in conservation of sacred natural sites in Assam, Northeast India
Full text linkSacred natural sites are one of the most valuable ecosystems preserving the cultural integrity of different communities worldwide. Out of different sacred natural sites, sacred groves have acquired more importance due to spiritual theories and religious ethics. There are many sacred groves with diverse historical importance which are not yet been studied. The current study aimed to report the documentation and prominence established by the local community for the conservation of sacred groves in Assam during 2015 to 2017. Sacred groves were inventoried across the state, wherein sacred plants, people's perceptions, and anthropogenic disturbances were studied. Assam is a culturally rich state, and various ethnic communities conserved a total of 282 sacred groves covering an area of 672.48 ha, distributed within 23 AMSL to 955 AMSL. 83 tree species belonging to 68 genera and 38 families were listed, out of which 15 sacred trees were protected in the vicinity of the sacred groves. We observed a significant relationship between the cultural belief system and anthropogenic disturbances in the sacred groves, χ2 (1, N= 768) =50.032, p<0.001. The record on the degree of anthropogenic disturbances revealed 51% of wood collection from sacred groves, followed by browsing/grazing activities (38%) and fire frequency of 11%. The result of our study has widened the perception of the need to conserve the sacred groves not merely for aesthetic but also for community implications intended for ecological significance
Traditional knowledge of Vedic grasses - Their significance and medicinal uses
Full text linkGrasses have originated and evolved even before origin of human beings. The grass species are revealed in the Vedic texts with a specific purpose. From the Vedic age, grasses are upheld to be the most sacred as they have been used for different purposes in various rituals. These grasses are used in various sacraments and also used as medicinal herbs that are detailed in the Veda Saṃhitas, Brāhmaṇās, Āraṇyakas, Upaniṣhads, Epics, Purāṇas and also in later Sanskrit texts. The darbha grass or the sacrificial grass is used to spread the Yajñavēdi (Yajña altar), to make a seat, used as amulets or charms, for sacred ceremonies and so on. The grasses revealed in the Vedic texts can be classified into wild grasses, cereal and millet crops. Grasses play a major role in the life and development of mankind. The cereal and millet crops revealed in the Vedic texts are still being cultivated by our farmers for the utilization by mankind and cattle on day to day basis as food and fodder, respectively. The grass, ikṣu, sugarcane is used to produce sugar and ethanol. They occupy a significant position in many traditional medicines including Ayurveda. There are several potential grasses that produce grass oil which are used in Indian medical systems. The present article elucidates the descriptions of these grasses, their ritualistic and medicinal significances as revealed in the Vedic texts are discussed
Festival of flowers (Fulaich): Unique traditional culture and custom of Kinnaura tribes in Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya, India
Full text linkFairs and festivals are important parts of the lives of tribal communities living in the Indian Himalayan Region. For ages, the Kinnaura tribes of Himachal Pradesh have been highly dependent on locally available plant resources for fulfilling their daily livelihood needs and performing various cultural rituals. In Kinnaur district, 'Fulaich’ is one of the most famous festivals celebrated every year during the 10th August-26th October to express respect and love towards high-altitude wild flowers, to pay homage to departed family members and to celebrate a new birth. According to local tradition, during the festival time, from every village 2-14 persons are selected by the villagers to visit alpine and sub-alpine areas and collect wild flowers, mainly Aconitum violaceum, Bistorta affinis, Bergenia stracheyi, Carex nivalis, Delphinium spp., Hymenidium brunonis, Saussurea gossypiphora, Saussurea obvallata, Poa alpina, etc., and offers them to local deities. It is believed that these flowers keep away evil spirits and bring good health, wealth and prosperity. Therefore, the study was conducted to gather information on different religious plants used by different customs and rituals practiced by Kinnaura tribes during the Fulaich celebration. The present study records 47 plants (Angiosperms 41 spp. and Gymnosperms 6 spp.) belonging to 38 genera and 20 families. The occurrence of 25 native shows the high conservation value of the plants. The study helps to understand how Fulaich is playing an important role in the solidarity and cultural identity of the Kinnaura tribes, along with the conservation of plant species. This festival also has great tourism potential, for which it should be declared an International level festival
Traditional uses of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) based on ethnomedicine study in 254 Indonesia ethnic groups
Full text linkGinger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is the most cited plant for medicinal purposes around the globe. The rhizome of Z. officinale has been documented in traditional medical systems around the world, including Indonesia. The ethnomedicine study was conducted to inventory the traditional use of Z. officinale by ethnic groups in Indonesia. This study is one of a few stepping stones towards averting the extinction of indigenous knowledge and medical practices held by the community. The research was designed as a semi-qualitative study that involved 254 ethnic groups from 34 provinces. This study exhibited 785 traditional uses of Z. officinale to treat 69 ailments. Z. officinale was primarily utilized in a combination form of concoction rather than a single preparation. Pre- and postnatal care was recorded as the most frequent indication of Z. officinale practiced by traditional healers. The composition, plant parts used, and the way of administration of Z. officinale were different among the ethnic groups. This study demonstrated the critical role of traditional healers in treating various ailments using Z. officinale and the differences in the traditional utilization of Z. officinale in Indonesia
Comparative in vitro analysis of the biological potential of Usnea florida (L.) Weber ex F.H. Wigg., Usnea intermedia (A. Massal.) Jatta, and Usnea lapponica vain and quantification of usnic acid
Full text linkThe present study focused on the antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, and DNA-protective effects of Usnea lapponica, Usnea intermedia, and Usnea florida, which are distributed in Turkey. The methanol extracts of these three lichen species were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis to quantify the amount of usnic acid and the highest amount was found in U. lapponica (3345.9±92.18 mg/gextract). Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were analyzed. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by different chemical assays, together with antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and DNA-protective properties.The results of the antioxidant assays showed that U. lapponica exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, whereas the extract that scavenged ABTS radicals more potently was identified as U. intermedia. The disc diffusion method was used to investigate the antimicrobial activity, and the strongest effect was observed in U. intermedia methanol extract with a zone value of 13 mm on Micrococcus luteus. In cytotoxicity experiments, U. florida extract (250 μg/mL; 36.03% viability) exhibited a high antiproliferative effect on A549 cells and U. intermedia (62.5 µg/mL; 23.65% viability) on MDA-MB-231 cells. DNA-protective effects were investigated using pBR322 plasmid DNA, and all the studied species were found to have DNA-protective effects. These results suggest that Usnea species may be potential candidates for the development of new phytopharmaceuticals and functional ingredients
Assessment of in-vivo safety and antibacterial activity of phages against methicillin resistant S. aureus in mouse model
Full text linkTraditionally Ganges water that contains bacteriophages, are used in Hindu rituals in India. Bacteriophages are bacterial-specific viruses and present abundantly on Earth. They are present most widely in the biosphere, soil and the intestine of animals. Specificity of infection makes them a powerful alternative for the control of bacterial infection which is normally showing resistant to antibiotics. In present study, isolation of bacteriophage was carried out from sewage of piggery and dairy farms to find out antimicrobial property. Isolated bacteriophages were showing an icosahedral symmetry with long tail of 109 nm and head of 52.20 nm in diameter under electron microscopic observation. These phages were considered as member of Myoviridae family. Presently, antimicrobial resistance is an acute problem across the globe, and therefore alternate for antimicrobials should be searched on priority. Primary aim of this study was to isolate and evaluate the efficacy of a bacteriophage against Multi drug resistance pathogen like Methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus. A total 150 sewage samples were processed for bacteriophage isolation out of them 27 were found to be positive for bacteriophages. Four isolates of bacteriophage lysate ØVS1, ØVS5, ØVS9 and ØVS 27 were used as a cocktail in trail. Therapeutic and safety profile of the purified phage lysate cocktail were performed in well-defined mouse model at laboratory animal house of College of Veterinary Science & A.H., Jabalpur (M.P.). Results showed 100% in mice G-III (challenged with MRSA) was treated with phage Cocktail with in ten days whereas G-IV was showing approx. 40% in abscess (challenged with MRSA). Our findings reported that the bacteriophage therapy is safe and better than traditional antibiotics therapy especially in multidrug resistance cases