International Journal of Phytomedicine
Not a member yet
664 research outputs found
Sort by
In vitro antifungal activity of Cassia fistula L. against selected pathogenic water molds
No full textWater mold infections in both cultured and wild aquatic animals, caused by members of the genera Saprolegnia, Achlya, and Aphanomyces, have widely occurred worldwide. Outbreaks in aquatic creatures, especially in aquacultural facilities and fish hatcheries are common problem. Cassia fistula L. has been used as medicinal plant for broad purposes including for fungal infectious diseases remedy, but efficacy against water molds is still not apparently known. The present study was aimed to investigate in vitro antifungal activity of C. fistula stem-bark alcoholic extracts against the selected pathogenic water molds isolated from fish. The results showed that the C. fistula extract was capable to kill hyphae and zoospores of Saprolegnia paracitica NJM 8604 and S. diclina NJM 0005 at levels ranging from 1,000-4,000 microg/mL evidently within 24 h-exposure, while, a level of 500 microg/mL was sufficient to kill the both stages of Aphanomyces invadans NJM 9701. In addition, the antifungal activity of C. fistula absolute alcoholic extract comparing to 50% aqueous alcoholic extract were seemingly not different. Conclusively, the C. fistula stem-bark extracts, both absolute and 50% aqueous alcoholic extractions, were effectively able to inhibit growth and kill the 3 strains of pathogenic water molds by affect throughout the 2 important, zoospore and hyphal, stages
Aerial parts of Hypericum olympicum possess antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation and antiglycation activity
No full textObjective: To investigate the crude methanol extract and solvent fractions of aerial parts of Hypericum olympicum for in vitro antioxidant, antiglycation, and anti-lipid peroxidation activity. Method: Total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) of all the samples were determined by colorimetric methods. Free radical scavenging, anion scavenging, anti-lipidperoxidation and anti-glycation activities were determined using spectrophotometric analyses. Results: TPC and TFC were highest in ethyl acetate fraction (125.32 ± 1.77 mg GAE/g dE and 68.94 ± 1.03 mg QE/g dE respectively) for which strongest free radical scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was also determined (IC50 = 121.081 ± 2.09 µg/ml). For anion scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation and antiglycation activity strongest effect was observed for the crude methanol extract with 32.593 ± 1.95, 67.203 ± 1.48 and 42.886 ± 1.83% inhibition respectively at 500 µg/ml. The extracts were tested for cytotoxicity against NIH3T3 mouse fibroblast cells. All the extracts were non toxic at 30 µg/ml. A strong correlation was observed between TPC and radical scavenging activity while no such correlation was observed for anion scavenging, anti-lipid peroxidation and antiglycation activity. Conclusion: The polar extracts of the plant can be a good source of phytochemicals with antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation and antiglycation activity
Comparative study of methanolic and aqueous extracts of Cocculus hirsutus leaves on specific and non specific immune responses
No full textThe aim of the present study was to find out comparatively about methanolic and aqueous extract of Cocculus hirsutus on specific and non specific immune responses in experimental mice. Oral administration of the methanolic (200 and 400 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) were studied on various immune paradigm like determination of antibody titer, delayed type hypersensitivity reaction using SRBC as an antigen, carbon clearance assay as a measure of phagocytic index and total leukocyte count in cyclophosphamide induce immunosuppresed animals. Methanolic extract of Cocculus hirsutus to a large extent enhanced specific and non-specific activity in dose 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Aqueous extract at 250 mg/kg dose level failed to show appreciably immunomodulatory activity but 500 mg/kg of aqueous extract potentiated the activity however less significantly compared with both dose of methanolic extract
Preliminary phytochemical screening, analysis of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Genista cephalantha Spach. (Fabaceae)
No full textThis study was designed to estabilish a preliminary phytochemical screening, evaluate the phenolic and flavonoid content according to the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, and aluminum chloride method respectively and to determine qualitatively, using HPLC-UV method, the most important products present in ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts of the aerial parts of Genista cephalantha Spach. from east Algeria. The antioxidant activity of these extracts was spectrophotometrically tested by measuring their ability to scavenge a stable DPPH free radical and by β-Carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay. Evaluated extracts showed a good activity in both antioxidant system assays
Antiepileptic activity of leaves of Leucas aspera.
No full textLeucas aspera (LA) is a plant that has been used in folk medicine to treat asthma, fever, skin diseases and has several pharmacological activities. The antiepileptic property of LA was not yet been studied. Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the antiepileptic activity of ethanolic extract obtained from leaves of LA on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling seizures in mice. Method: The ethanolic extract 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg were evaluated for the antiepileptic activity against PTZ (40mg/kg IP) induced seizure method. Diazepam was used as the standard drug. Antiepileptic activity was evaluated by observing seizure intensity, motor coordination, depression and oxidative stress by malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Results: Treatment with extract was found to be in dose dependant manner with significant prolonged onset time, decreased duration and intensity of seizure when compared with vehicle treated group. Extract has even protected the animal from loss of motor coordination and depression. Conclusion: From the results of present study it can be concluded that, the ethanolic extract of leaves of LA protected the animals from seizure effect induced by PTZ and attenuated the oxidative stress induced by PTZ without producing loss of motor coordination and depression
Effect of aqueous extract of Ficus platyphylla on female Wistar rats with estradiol valerate-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome
No full textThe aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Ficus platyphylla on female Wistar rats with estradiol valerate (EV)-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS was induced in female Wistar rats with regular 4-5 day oestrus cycles via the intramuscular injection of 4 mg EV per rat in an oily solution. The rats were allowed 30 days to establish PCOS. Then, the animals were divided into five treatment groups. The positive control group received clomiphene citrate, the negative control group received distilled water and the other groups received 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the aqueous extract. All groups were dosed for 15 days, except the positive control group, which was dosed for 5 days. On the 16th day, the animals were sacrificed. Hormonal assays and histological studies were then conducted. An elevated Luteinizing hormone (LH)-to- Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio is typical in many women with PCOS. The extract-treated groups showed a lower LH/FSH ratio compared with both the positive and the negative control groups. The progesterone levels were higher in the extract-treated groups compared with the negative control group, indicating luteal phase repair. The influence of the extract on ovarian morphology in the EV-induced PCOS model showed a marked reversal of polycystic ovary. These data help validate the use of this extract in folk medicine for the treatment of infertility. Considering its apparent safety, this study paves the way for an efficacy study for its use in treatment of PCOS in humans
Evaluation of hypoglycemic properties and fertility effect of Piper sarmantosum Roxb. aqueous leaf extract in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice
No full textMale mice of ICR strain (6-7 week old, 30-40 g) were used for evaluation of the hypoglycemic and fertility effect of Piper sarmentosum Roxb. leaf extract. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (6.0 mg/100gBW) and glibenclamide (reference drug) 1 mg/ 100gBW and Piper sarmentosum Roxb. leaf extract (PS) at 60 and 100 mg/100gBW were orally administered (per os) for 21 days. The hypoglycemic activity of PS was 73.04 and 120.96% of the glibenclamide. Meanwhile, the blood insulin level also significantly increased by 8.25 and 50.53 % of the diabetic control. The concordant results showed that diabetic pancreatic islets were impaired and improved after extract treatment. However, the fertility status test showed that the seminal quality and blood testosterone of diabetic mice decreased significantly (P< 0.05) as compared to the normal mice and significantly increased when compared to the diabetic control after long-term treatment. In conclusion, Piper sarmentosum Roxb. aqueous leaf extract at doses of 60 and 100 mg/100 gBW revealed hyperglycemic properties in diabetic mice. They also improved both pancreatic islet function and fertility status of diabetic mice after 21 days of extract treatment
Pharmacological significance of shatavari; The Queen of herbs.
No full textShatavari (A. racemosus) has been used since ages by the rural people as a galactagogue. The herb is a source of phytochemicals like steroidal saponins, sapogenins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin), and poly phenols (secondary metabolites that have high pharmacological importance). These active principals gives medicinal value to the plant as anti-ulcerogenic, anti-oxytocic, anti-tussive, anti-diabetic, immunostimulants, cardioprotective, anti-cancerous, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-bacterial, anti-diarrheal, anti-aging, anti-depressant, anti-lithiatic, and anti-candidal activities. The review has been written in an attempt to enlist the detailed aspects of pharmacological significance of shatavari with the aim to provide a direction for further clinical research to promote safe and effective herbal treatments to cure a number of diseases
Ethnobotanical study of wound healing plants in Kpando Traditional Area, ghana.
No full textBackground: An ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in the Kpando Traditional Area of Volta Region in Ghana to identify and record information on medicinal plants used for treating wounds. Methods: Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMP’s) and inhabitants both young and adults were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires and open-ended conversations. Field trips were made to the sites where TMP’s harvest plants. Results: The survey identified and recorded 27 plants species from 20 families, used for treating wounds in Kpando. The Euphorbiaceae (30.0 %) was the most represented plant family while herbs made up 57.0 % of the total medicinal plants used. Ten plant species namely; Adiatum veneris capillus L. (Rutaceae), Vernonia colorata (Willd.) Drake (asteraceae/compositae), Combretum dolichopetalum Engl. & Diels (Combretaceae), Coffee arabica (Rubiaceae), Milicia excelsia (Welw.) C. C. Berg. (Moraceae), Anogeissus leiocarpus (DC) Guill and Perr. (Combretaceae), Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae), Bridelia ferruginea Benth. (Euphorbiaceae), Amaranthus spinosus Linn. (Amaranthaceae) and Corchorus olitorius L. (Tiliaceae) have not previously been documented for the treatment of wound in Ghana. The leaf was the most commonly used plant part while grinding the fresh part of plant to form poultice was the most common method of traditional drug preparation. Almost all the medicinal plants (95%) are harvested from immediate surroundings. Knowledge of the use of plants as medicines does not only remain with the older generation but extends to the youth who show much interest. Majority still depends on the use of plants for wound healing as the first choice of medication. Conclusions: Different number of plants species are used for treating wound among the people of Kpando Traditional Area. Several traditional uses of these plants still need to be explored by both in vitro and in vivo bioassays leading to further investigations for the identification of their chemical compounds of therapeutic valu
Evaluation of RBC membrane stabilization and immunostimulatory effect of Sesbania grandiflora flowers extract
No full textTo investigate of RBC membrane stabilization and immunostimulatory effect, the effect of Sesbania grandiflora flower extract. Heat induced haemolysis method used for a membrane stabilizing activity and measurement of the IgG and IgM serum levels via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay used for immunostimulatory activity. In the Investigation, it was observed that methanolic and aqueous extract of Sesbania grandiflora have significant membrane stabilizing activity. At dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg of methanolic extract showed significant increase in the level of IgM and IgG, after four and seven days of the experiment through modulation of B lymphocyte functions. These results suggested that methanolic extracts from Sesbania grandiflora contained several chemical compounds that possess positive modulator effects on the immune system. In summary, these studies provide important insight into the biological activities of Sesbania grandiflora