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Journal of Pharmacognosy & Natural Products

ISSN: 2472-0992

Open Access

Articles in press and Articles in process

    Research Article Pages: 1 - 7

    In Vivo Antidiabetic Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Calpurnia aurea and Bidens macroptera in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Mice

    Getachew Moges* and Yohannes Mengesha

    DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2022.8.200

    Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic health problems globally. There is no satisfactory effective therapy to cure diabetes mellitus. Currently available drugs for managing diabetes produce some serious side effects and have decreased efficacy over time. Calpurnia aurea and Bidens macroptera have been used traditionally for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other ailments in Ethiopia.

    Objective: To investigate the antidiabetic activities of Bidens macroptera and Calpurnia aurea in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice.

    Methods: Qualitative phytochemical screening tests were conducted to identify the chemical constituents of the plants. Healthy swiss albino mice of either sex (25 g-30 g) with no prior drug treatment were used for the present study. An acute toxicity study was carried out according to the 2008 organization for economic cooperation and development guideline 425. The effects of extracts of the plants on fasting blood glucose level and body weight of diabetic mice were evaluated using repeated dose antidiabetic activity test model. Fasting blood samples were collected from the control and test groups weekly to monitor blood glucose levels. Changes in body weight were also recorded weekly.

    Results: Phytochemical screening of both plants indicated the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenolic compounds that might contribute to the antidiabetic activity. The medium Lethal Doses (LD50) of both extracts were higher than 2 g/kg body weight. The extracts also reduced the elevated blood glucose levels and improved the body weight loss of streptozotocin induced diabetic mice.

    Conclusion: The methanolic extracts of Bidens macroptera and Calpurnia aurea revealed blood glucose lowering activity and improved body weight loss of diabetic mice over the 14 days treatment period.

      Review Article Pages: 1 - 10

      Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Screening Studies of Calotropis gigantea Leaves

      Dibikshya Bhandari*, Mohan Amatya and Sabyata Gautam

      DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2022.8.205

      Introduction: Calotropis gigantea (Apocynaceae) is a wild herb that can be used to cure a variety of ailments, including fever, indigestion, colds, coughs, asthma, and scabies.

      Methods: The powdered C. gigantea leaves was examined for ash value, extractive value, organoleptic properties, and microscopy. Also, the extract of the plant in several solvents (petroleum ether, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water) was successively calculated. Each extract was screened for phytochemicals and evaluated for total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. The antioxidant activity of aqueous and alcohol extracts was assessed, along with the antibacterial properties of each extract.

      Results: Alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, proteins, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, proteins, tannins, amino acids, phenols, coumarin, and quinones were found in preliminary phytochemical analyses of extracts. The aqueous extract had a greater total phenolic concentration and total flavonoids content. The DPPH scavenging experiment showed dosage dependent result in both the aqueous and alcohol extracts. The alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the plant were found to be effective against E. coli in a dose dependent manner during antibacterial screening. On TLC analysis, ethyl acetate, alcohol, and aqueous extracts displayed distinct visible tailing in the TLC plates, spots of other extracts could only be seen under a UV light.

      Conclusion: The recent study in the extracts of the C. gigantea leaves indicated the presence of antioxidants with phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Therefore, this could be potential lead molecule for antibiotic.

      Research Article Pages: 1 - 7

      Standardization and Biological activity of Calotropis gigantea

      Vijay Danapur*, Gopinath, Shravani, Annapurna G, Sinchana and Goutami Hadimani

      DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2023.9.247

      Calotropis gigantea (L.) is an important plant drug of Ayurveda from the ancient times of medicinal system? The Sanskrit name of Calotropis gigantea is Arka, it is also commonly called as crown flower or gaint milk weed. It is antifungal, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory drug. The Calotropis (L.) contains anti-diabetic properties that can be identified as having a good influence on diabetes. It has specific properties that are responsible for stimulation of insulin production. The leaves and flower of Arka have certain anti-diabetic agents that improve the sensitivity of insulin and trigger secretion of insulin. The present study is on the determination of pharmacology, preliminary phyto-chemical analysis, fluorescence studies of leaves of Calotropis gigantean (L.). It also comprises the biological activities like antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-bacterial activities.

        Review Article Pages: 1 - 10

        Review: Approach of herbal constituent in fertility regulation

        Seema Devi**

        DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2023.9.249

        Population is increasing day by day but now, it reaches to an alarming position. Various approaches have been applied in the control population. Many studies have been done on the basis of traditional system of herbal medicine. Most of the studies until are mainly based on the plant with anti-fertility activity. Now, this article is further approach in fertility control in both male and female by giving main attention on active phytoconstituent present in anti-fertility plants. In this article active constituents are discussed based on their abortifacient, anti-estrogenic, anti-spermatogenic and their anti-fertility activity based on their mechanism of action in various animal models. In this article we discussed 37 active anti-fertility constituents some of these have antifertility activity both in male and female and other only in female. Recent study on anti-fertility constituent is published with basic aim to control the population.

          Review Article Pages: 1 - 21

          A Review on: Synthetic and Herbal Approaches for the Treatment of Alzheimer?s disease

          Abhijit N Daf*, Gauri S Dhandre, Akash S Kapse, Shailesh B Pise and Kanchan S Pise

          DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2023.9.248

          Alzheimer’s Disease/Disorder (AD) is common kind of neurodegenerative cause of dementia. The treatments available for AD are completely symptoms preventive this Review was done with the objective to analyze and estimate for the herbal and synthetic approaches for the treatment of AD. The article review and analysis has gone through 8-10 herbal drugs and around 10-12 drugs from synthetic sources. The antioxidant potential of herbal drugs is found to be quite effective as that of synthetics. Thus this article proves more potency of herbs in the treatment of AD.

            Research Article Pages: 1 - 4

            Antidepressant Activity of Embelin Isolated from the Methanol Extract of Fruits of Embelia ribes Burm

            Dhanapal Venkatachalam*

            DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2023.9.256

            Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the major known active principle embelin of Embelia ribes for possible antidepressant activity. Embelia ribes Burm (Family: Myrsinaceae) is extensively used in Indian traditional medicine for treating various disease conditions including chronic inflammatory disorders, heart and urinary conditions, snake and insect bites and tumour.

            Methodology: Fractionation of the methanlic extract of dried powdered fruits using column chromatography over silica gel afforded embelin. Experimental depression was induced by subjecting mice to Tail Suspension Test (TST) and Forced Swimming Test (FST) experimental models. Intraperitonial administration of embelin (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) 30 min prior to induction of experimental depression resulted in dose-dependent reduction of immobility under both test conditions.

            Results: The effects of embelin on immobility time of mice in the TST at the doses of 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, embelin induced antidepressant like effect with significance level of p<0.05; p<0.001 respectively when compared with the control group. The positive control, imipramine, administered at the dose of 15 mg/kg did also show antidepressant like effect comparable with that of 5 mg/kg embelin (p>0.001). As with the FST, treatment of mice with 2.5 and 5 mg/kg of embelin given by intra-peritoneal route significantly decreased immobility in the FST. The data obtained at these two doses were significantly different from the control group (p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively). The positive control, imipramine, did also shorten immobility time in the FST (p<0.001).

            Conclusions: The result concludes that, the major bioactive constituent of Embelia ribes, embelin, exhibited significant activity in mice TST and FST experimental models. The observed potent activity at doses lower than the standard antidepressant drug, imipramine, suggests the potential of embelin and Embelia ribes for treating mental depression.

              Research Article Pages: 1 - 7

              In Vitro Anti-onchocercal Activity, Phytochemical Analysis and Toxicity Studies of Extracts of Azadirachta indica

              Irene Memeh Tumanjong, Tobias Obejum Apinjoh, Faustin Pascal Tsague Manfo, Evans Ngandung Mainsah, Stanley Dobgima Gamua and Fidelis Cho-Ngwa*

              DOI: 10.37421/2472-0992.2024.10.281

              Ivermectin and moxidectin are the only recommended drugs for the treatment of onchocerciasis, with the former being the most widely used. However, both drugs are not suitable in eliminating the disease. There is the need to identify novel anti-onchocercal agents including from plant sources. This project investigated the anti-onchocercal activity of extracts of Azadirachta indica that could eventually yield new drug leads for the cure of onchocerciasis. Organic extracts were obtained from the leaves and seeds of Azadirachta indica using solvents of different polarities and tested in vitro against two developmental stages of the bovine model parasite, Onchocerca ochengi. Both microfilariae (mf) and adult male worm viabilities were assessed by motility reduction, while adult female worm viability was evaluated using the standard MTT/formazan assay. Toxicity of active extracts was assessed on monkey kidney epithelial cells (LLC-MK2) and in BALB/c mice. The methylene chloride extract of the leaves was the most active against the adult female worms and the mf with IC50s of 55.61 μg/ml and 8.048 μg/ml respectively. The hexane extract of the leaves was the most active against the adult male worms with an IC50 of 16.34 μg/ml. Selectivity indices for the most active extracts were 1.12 for adult females, 7.77 for the mf and 7.35 for adult males indicating that the extracts are selectively active on the parasites. The most active extracts showed no acute toxicity to Balb/c mice and had no significant effect on the liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and markers of kidney function, urea and creatinine (p<0.05). Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, alkaloids, polyphenols and terpenoids. The anti-onchocercal activity and selectivity indices of A. indica extracts suggest the plant is a potential source of new anti-onchocercal drug leads justifying further investigations for the identification and isolation of the bioactive compounds.

              Research Article Pages: 1 - 10

              An Effective Liposomal Gel Preparation for the Long-lasting Herbal Mosquito Repellent

              T. M. Suruthelaya, Kaviya Suresh, K. K. Suriya Prakaash, S. Nagalakshmi, A. C. Niranjanasree, Gopinath Subramaniyam, J. Srikanth, P. Krishnan and Anbarasan Balu*

              Herbal mosquito repellent is a promising alternative to overcome the drawbacks of conventional mosquito repellents containing N, N-diethyl metatoluamide. The liposomal gel has a propensity for keratinizing the skin's horny layer and can penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced absorption and is therapeutically effective and less toxic than other topical dosage forms, resulting in prolonged and controlled extract release. Vitex negundo (Chaste tree) leaves were dried and mechanically powdered. The powder was extracted with ethanol and distilled water (1:1), then the solvent was removed, dried using a lyophilization process, and stored. The phytochemical and composition analysis of the plant extract was done. The hydration process is carried out at a temperature of 40°C. Liposomal gel was prepared using the thin film hydration methods. A suitable base concentration was used to adjust the pH of the topical gel (6.5 –7.5). The liposomal dispersions were characterized for particle size distribution, SEM, XRD, ATR-FTIR, entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release study, and stability study. The liposomal gel was evaluated for colour, appearance, smoothness, Washability, skin irritation study, and Mosquito repellent activity. The developed formulations showed continuous extract release over 8 hours, extending the medication's residence time. The prepared optimized gel formulation was clear and stable after 90 days of storage under accelerated stability conditions. The mosquito-repellent activity of the optimized gel formulation was investigated using the arm-in-cage methodology. The field trials of the optimized gel were performed at 30, 60, 120, and 180 minutes, demonstrating excellent mosquito repellency. The total number of mosquitoes that landed was counted in a triplicate manner. The results of the present study revealed that Vitex negundo extract loaded mosquito repellent liposomal gel could produce fewer side effects, inexpensive, more effective, and long-lasting more than 10 hours to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.

              Mini Review Pages: 1 - 2

              Chemical Ecology Unraveling Nature\'s Secrets for Natural Product Discovery

              Leena Castanheiro*

              Chemical ecology is a multidisciplinary field that explores the chemical interactions between organisms and their environment. It delves into the chemical signals that shape ecological interactions, driving processes such as communication, defense and competition among organisms. Within this intricate web of interactions lies a treasure trove of natural compounds with potential applications in medicine, agriculture and industry. Chemical ecology focuses on the chemical compounds produced by organisms and their roles in ecological interactions. These compounds can serve various functions, including communication, defense against predators, attraction of mates and competition for resources. For example, pheromones are chemical signals used by organisms to communicate with members of the same species, playing crucial roles in mating, territory marking and aggregation. Communication lies at the heart of many ecological interactions and chemical signals play a significant role in this process. Organisms release volatile compounds into the environment, which can be detected by other individuals, often over long distances. These chemical signals can convey information about mating availability, territory ownership, or the presence of predators or prey. For instance, plants release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) to attract pollinators or to defend against herbivores.

              Mini Review Pages: 1 - 2

              Collaborative Approaches in Natural Product Discovery Industry, Academia and Conservation

              Nourdine Ahorangi*

              In the realm of natural product discovery, where the bounty of nature holds untold treasures, collaboration emerges as a beacon guiding researchers, industries and conservationists towards shared goals. Nature has long been humanity's foremost pharmacist, offering a rich repertoire of compounds with therapeutic potential. From the rainforests to the depths of the oceans, diverse ecosystems harbor an abundance of plant, microbial and marine species, each a potential source of novel bioactive molecules. However, unlocking this potential requires a multidisciplinary approach that transcends traditional boundaries. Academic institutions serve as the vanguards of scientific inquiry, driving fundamental research and nurturing the next generation of scientists. Within the realm of natural product discovery, academia plays a pivotal role in elucidating the chemical diversity of organisms and unraveling their pharmacological properties. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, researchers combine expertise in chemistry, biology and pharmacology to identify and characterize bioactive compounds.

              Mini Review Pages: 1 - 2

              From Plants to Pharmaceuticals Secondary Metabolites in Drug Development

              Kutan Cheikh*

              The quest for novel drugs and therapeutic agents has always been a central pursuit in medical science. Throughout history, nature has served as an abundant source of inspiration for pharmaceutical research, with plants emerging as a treasure trove of bioactive compounds. Among the various classes of natural products, secondary metabolites have garnered significant attention due to their diverse chemical structures and pharmacological activities. Secondary metabolites are organic compounds synthesized by plants, fungi and bacteria, which are not directly involved in primary metabolic processes such as growth and development but play crucial roles in ecological interactions and defense mechanisms. These compounds exhibit remarkable structural diversity, ranging from simple phenolic compounds to complex alkaloids and terpenoids. Secondary metabolites often possess pharmacological properties, making them valuable resources for drug discovery and development.

              Mini Review Pages: 1 - 2

              From Rainforests to Oceans Exploring Biodiversity for Natural Product Gems

              Zoya Evens*

              The Earth is adorned with an intricate tapestry of life, with ecosystems ranging from lush rainforests to vast oceans, each harboring a treasure trove of biodiversity. Within these ecosystems lie natural product gems—bioactive compounds sourced from plants, animals and microorganisms—that hold immense potential for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and beyond. Rainforests, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," are biodiversity hotspots that cover only 6% of the planet's surface but are home to more than half of all known species. Within these dense canopies and rich forest floors lie a plethora of plant species, many of which have been used for centuries by indigenous cultures for medicinal purposes. One such example is the Amazon rainforest, which boasts unparalleled biodiversity and is a veritable treasure trove of natural product gems. From the bark of the cinchona tree, indigenous peoples derived quinine, a compound used to treat malaria. Similarly, the rosy periwinkle plant, native to Madagascar, yielded compounds that led to the development of drugs for leukemia and Hodgkin's disease.

              Short Communication Pages: 1 - 2

              Green Chemistry in Natural Product Discovery Sustainable Strategies for Drug Development

              Madeline Genet*

              Natural products have long served as a cornerstone in drug discovery, providing a rich source of chemical diversity and biological activity. However, the traditional methods of isolating and synthesizing these compounds often involve environmentally harmful processes, leading to significant concerns regarding sustainability and ecological impact. In recent years, the principles of green chemistry have emerged as a promising framework for transforming natural product discovery and drug development into more sustainable practices. By integrating green chemistry principles into every stage of the drug discovery process, researchers can minimize waste, reduce energy consumption and mitigate environmental impact while still harnessing the potential of natural products for therapeutic applications.

              Short Communication Pages: 1 - 2

              Natural Product Discovery in the Digital Age Big Data and Bioinformatics

              Irene Ahmad*

              Natural products, compounds derived from living organisms, have long been invaluable sources of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and other biologically active molecules. Historically, their discovery relied heavily on labor-intensive processes such as bioassay-guided fractionation. However, with the advent of the digital age, the landscape of natural product discovery has undergone a significant transformation. Big data and bioinformatics have emerged as powerful tools, revolutionizing the way researchers identify, isolate and characterize novel natural products. Natural products have been a prolific source of biologically active compounds, with many serving as the basis for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Their structural complexity and diverse chemical scaffolds make them valuable starting points for drug development. However, traditional methods of natural product discovery are often time-consuming, resource-intensive and limited by the vastness of natural biodiversity.

              Commentary Pages: 1 - 2

              Natural Products and Traditional Medicine Bridging the Past and Future of Healing

              Nouran Adriano*

              In an age marked by technological advancement and scientific innovation, the allure of natural products and traditional medicine persists as a testament to the enduring wisdom of our ancestors. From ancient herbal remedies to indigenous healing practices, traditional medicine has served as a cornerstone of human health and wellness for millennia. Today, amidst growing concerns over the side effects of synthetic drugs and the unsustainable practices of modern healthcare, there is a resurgence of interest in natural products and traditional healing modalities. The roots of traditional medicine can be traced back to the dawn of human civilization, where ancient cultures developed sophisticated systems of healing based on the medicinal properties of plants, minerals and animal-derived substances. In ancient Egypt, for example, medicinal herbs such as aloe vera and garlic were revered for their healing properties, while in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal remedies formed the cornerstone of healthcare practices. Similarly, indigenous cultures around the world, from the Amazon rainforest to the Australian outback, have long relied on the knowledge of local plants and traditional healing rituals to maintain health and vitality.

              Commentary Pages: 1 - 2

              Secondary Metabolites in Herbal Medicine Bridging Tradition and Science

              Kuntano Evens*

              Herbal medicine, rooted in centuries-old traditions, has long been a cornerstone of healthcare practices worldwide. Its efficacy and safety have been supported by anecdotal evidence and cultural heritage. Central to the potency of many herbal remedies are secondary metabolites— bioactive compounds produced by plants for various purposes, including defense against predators and environmental stresses. These secondary metabolites have garnered significant attention in recent years, not only for their therapeutic potential but also for their role in bridging traditional herbal medicine with modern scientific approaches. Secondary metabolites, also known as natural products, are organic compounds synthesized by plants, fungi and bacteria that are not essential for their primary metabolic processes but serve crucial ecological functions. These compounds exhibit a remarkable diversity in structure and function, ranging from alkaloids and terpenoids to flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Each class of secondary metabolites possesses unique chemical properties and biological activities, making them valuable resources for drug discovery and medicinal applications.

                Commentary Pages: 1 - 1

                Essential Oils of Aromatic and Medicinal Plants as Botanical Biocide for Management of Coconut Eriophyid Mite (Aceria guerreronis Keifer)

                Hadiza Fadel

                The eriophyid parasite (Aceria guerreronis Keifer) is an infinitesimal creature that stays under the perianth of the coconut and has been one of the genuine vermin of coconut throughout the previous thirty years in significant coconut developing nations. These little bugs total in states in the internal and external bracts and under the tepals and feed on the meristematic tissues on the nut surface. Because of bug assembly and taking care of the meristematic tissue underneath the perianth becomes chlorotic and afterward breaks. A. guererronis pervasion prompts surface scars, decreased organic product development, and untimely organic product fall. The announced yield misfortune brought about by A. guererronis was discovered to be 34% in India. In the previous few years, a few examinations have zeroed in on the expected utilization of fundamental oil details in natural control of different bug and illnesses. The fundamental oils which get more quickly corrupted into the climate than substance compounds have been read for their activity against different bug of put away items. Late examinations have exhibited the antilarval and antifeeding, postponed grown-up rise and egg mortality, arrestant and repellant activities of fundamental oils. The current examination has been expected to utilize these characteristic subordinates as an option ecofriendly intends to control the eriophyid bugs (A. guererronis Keifer), one of the genuine bugs of coconut.              

                  Research Article Pages: 1 - 8

                  In Vivo Effect of Medicinal Plants on Some Serum Biochemical Parameters in Laying Hens

                  Muhammad Mushtaq*, Naila Chand, Sarzamin Khan, and Umer Saddique

                  Effect of medicinal plants on overall performance and serological parameters were explored in the laying birds. Forty weeks old 210-egg type birds were used as tested criteria. Birds were randomly alienated to 7 experimental groups with 3 replicates, consisted of 10 birds/replicate. Data were recorded for serology and haematology of laying birds. Serum hepatic, lipids, kidney function parameters, serum antibody titre against Newcastle disease and haematological parameters were estimated at the end of trial. Significantly lower egg yolk and serum cholesterol was recorded in group Bl-1. Medicinal plants supplementation significantly lower the triglycerides level over the control group. Significantly improve/high level of high density lipoprotein was recorded in Tg-1, Bl-1 and Ta-1, while low level of low density lipoprotein was recorded in Bl-1 and Ta-1.  Haematological parameters significantly improved in medicinal plants treated groups except haemoglobin and red blood cells counts. Hepatic biomarkers ALT and AST were recorded non-significant in all treated groups, while serum ALP and total protein was significantly altered in groups Bl-1 and Ta-0.5. Non-significant observations were recorded for nephro-protective effect of medicinal plants in laying birds. It is concluded from the results that medicinal plants possess hypolipidemic, haematological and hepato-nephro protective effects.

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