S. Hemalatha | Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi (original) (raw)

Papers by S. Hemalatha

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017

Objective: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (Apocynaceae) has been traditionally used as an Ayurvedic ... more Objective: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (Apocynaceae) has been traditionally used as an Ayurvedic ulcer treatment and the study scientifically validates the antiulcer effect of A. dichotoma ethanol root extract (EAD).Methods: The studies included the isolation, quantification of ursolic acid through HPTLC. Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of EAD for 28 d and antiulcer effect of ursolic acid (50 mg/kg, p. o.), EAD (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p. o.) were also evaluated on both the physical (pyloric ligation, PL; cold restrain stress, CRS;) and chemical (absolute ethanol, aspirin, ASP;) induced ulcer in Charles Foster albino rats for 7 d. The various gastric-ulcer parameters, viz. gastric pH, volume, acid-pepsin output, DNA content, H+K+-ATPase activity, mucus content, microvascular permeability, antioxidant enzyme, and gastric histopathological study were performed.Results: The isolated ursolic acid was characterized by NMR and mass spectrometer and quantified through HPTLC in EAD (4.26...

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, Jan 15, 2017

Roots of the plant Eriosema chinense Vogel (Fabaceae) is distributed mainly over the Eastern Hima... more Roots of the plant Eriosema chinense Vogel (Fabaceae) is distributed mainly over the Eastern Himalayan region of India and China. The roots of the plant are used as a vegetable by the people of Northern Australia, China and North East India and are used traditionally by the tribal people of Meghalaya (India) for the treatment of diarrhoea. It has been reported to have significant antidiarrhoeal, cytotoxic and antimycobacterial activity. The present investigation was undertaken to isolate a lead molecule responsible for the observed antidiarrhoeal activity. Eriosematin E, a prenylated flavanone, was isolated using column chromatography and was characterized by comparing its melting point and spectroscopic data (UV, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, Mass Spectra) from literature. Eriosematin E (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg p.o.) was then screened for normal faecal excretion rate and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models in rats. Further, it was examined for small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accum...

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 2016

In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, derma... more In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, dermatopathies, wounds, inflammation, and in symptoms of diabetes. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extract and its different fractions of Leea macrophylla root tubers using phytochemical profiling which is still unexplored. Quantitative estimations of different phytoconstituents along with characterization of ethanol extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed using chlorogenic acid as a marker compound for the first time. The extract and its successive fractions were also evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using different models. The extract was further tested against a few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for its antibacterial activity. Phytochemical screening and quantitative estimations revealed the extract to be rich in alkaloid, flavonoid, phenols, and tannins, whereas chlorogenic acid quantified by HPLC in ethanol extract was 9.01% w/w. The results also indicated potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which was more prominent in the extract followed by its butanol fraction.

Review on Clinical Pharmacology and Medicinal Therapy, 2012

Potentilla fulgens Wall. (family: Rosaceae) is a short slender herb commonly found at higher alti... more Potentilla fulgens Wall. (family: Rosaceae) is a short slender herb commonly found at higher altitudes of the Western himalayas and is used traditionally for curing gastric problems, diabetes mellitus, pyorrhea and diarrhea. The aim of the present study is to scientifically evaluate the gastroprotective effect of the alcoholic root extract of (APf) on various experimental gastric ulcer models. The gastroprotective effect of APf graded doses after acute oral toxicity study (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, po) was studied on four experimental gastric ulcer models viz. pylorus ligation (4h Pl), ethanol (95 % EtOh, 1h), cold restrain stress (2h Abstracts. PHYTOPHARM 2012 M 76 Obzory po kliniceskoj farmacologii i lekarstvennoj terapii [Reviews of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy] ТОМ 10/2012/2

ABSTRACT Introduction and objective of the study: Controversy of crude drugs has been the main pr... more ABSTRACT Introduction and objective of the study: Controversy of crude drugs has been the main problem occurring worldwide and has increases drastically in the ayurvedic and herbal system of medicine. The present study was aimed to comparatively standardize the three commercially available crude drug of Nagakesar on the basis of pharmacognostical aspects. Mesua ferrea Linn., Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. Hook.F., and Cinnamomum wightii Meissn. are the three crude drugs commercially available in the Indian market under the common name Nagakesar. Experimental methods: Pharmacognostical studies of all the three crude drugs were done as per the experimental methods available in the W.H.O. guidelines and I.H.P. 2002. Results: All the three Nagakesar was found to have different diagnostic pharmacognostical characters. Morphologically, the flower buds of Mesua ferrea, Ochrocarpus longifolius and Cinnamomum wightii were respectively observed to possess light brown, orange-red and dark brow...

Journal of Acute Disease, 2013

To investigate glucose utilization capacity of bioactivity guided fractions of Hybanthus enneaspe... more To investigate glucose utilization capacity of bioactivity guided fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus (H. enneaspermus) and Pedalium murex (P. murex) in isolated rat hemidiaphragm. Methods: Dried coarsely powdered plant material was extracted in ethanol using soxhlation technique, further extract was fractionated using solvents of varying polarity. Glucose utilization capacity of bioactivity guided fractions using isolated rat hemidiaphragm was performed in the present study. Results: The entire tested fraction showed increased glucose uptake capacity, and was found to be maximum in case of chloroform fraction of P. murex extract (CHPM) which was quite comparable to standard insulin (P<0.05). Conclusions: In vitro glucose uptake by hemidiaphragm study showed increased utilization of the glucose by hemidiaphragm in the presence of different fractions. From these findings we can conclude that that different fraction of both plant materials had some extra pancreatic mechanism like glucose uptake by peripheral tissues.

International journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy, 2013

Natural antioxidants present in plants have attracted interest because of their safety and potent... more Natural antioxidants present in plants have attracted interest because of their safety and potential nutritional and therapeutic effects. The plant kingdom offers a wide range of natural antioxidants. The HPTLC fingerprinting was done for methanolic extracts of Argyreia speciosa leaves and

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2014

Introduction: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (AD) is a large climber with very stout stem belonging ... more Introduction: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (AD) is a large climber with very stout stem belonging to the family Apocynaceae. The Plant has significant medicinal value as described in traditional system of medicine. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for AD on the basis of its pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The study includes quality control standardization as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants. Fluorescence drug analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions, quantification of some phytoconstituents and in-vitro antioxidant activity were also carried out. Quantification of Quercetin in the ethanolic extract of A. dichotoma was determined by HPTLC analysis. The ethanolic extract of root of A. dichotoma was subjected to in-vitro antioxidant activity. Results: The diagnostic characters of A.dichotoma root were evaluated on the basis of macroscopical and microscopical characters. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated such as 6.7% w/w loss on drying with; ash values (in % w/w): 13.75 total ash, 5.75 acid-insoluble ash, 3.6 water-soluble ash; Extractive values (% w/w): 12.75 water, 11.82 ethanol, 2.26 ethyl acetate, 3.13 chloroform, and 3.16 pet ether; foaming index 181.81; swelling index 3.2 ml/g; hemolytic activity 227.89 unit/gm of powder drug and crude fiber content was 19.4%. Total numbers of starch grain in 1 mg of root powder were 2,49,981. Quantification of quercetin in the ethanolic extract was assessed by HPTLC analysis and was found to contain 2.40%, w/w. Conclusion: The parameters determined in the present study may provide necessary information for identification and authentication of plant material.

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2010

The fruits of Withania coagulans Dunal.

Pharmaceutical Biology, 2010

Withania coagulans Dunal. (Solanaceae) has been shown to possess hypoglycemic, free radical scave... more Withania coagulans Dunal. (Solanaceae) has been shown to possess hypoglycemic, free radical scavenging and wound healing activity. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to study the effect of Withania coagulans in diabetic wound healing. This study included determination of rate of wound contraction and estimation of various biochemical parameters such as collagen, hexosamine, total protein, total DNA, SOD and CAT levels in the granulation tissues. The hydroalcoholic fraction of the methanolic extract (standardized by withaferin-A using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) )of Withania coagulans in the form of 10% w/w ointment topically and at a dose of 500 mg/kg per oral (p.o.) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results obtained were compared with diabetic control and Aloe barbadensis Miller (syn. Aloe vera L.) (Liliaceae) was used as a reference drug. The amount of withaferin-A present in the methanolic extract was 3.67 mg/g of the extract. The hydroalcoholic fraction in both the forms, i.e., topical (10% w/w ointment) and oral (500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant increase in the rate of wound contraction (83.02% topical and 65.14% oral) topical and 93.18% oral) when compared to diabetic control (66 which was further justified with significant increase in the levels of collagen, protein, DNA, SOD, CAT, and decreased level of hexosamine. The hydroalcoholic fraction of Withania coagulans in oral form is found to be more effective than the topical form. However, further studies are in progress to find the lead molecules responsible for the wound healing effect.

The stems and their branches of V.punctatum and V.coriaceum and V.erubescens were collected from ... more The stems and their branches of V.punctatum and V.coriaceum and V.erubescens were collected from Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu, India. A primary organic analysis on these species revealed the presence of bio-active molecules such as tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds (flavonoids) and other phenolic glycosides as their principal phytoconstituents. The crude drug (Patha) was formulated in to an asava using conventional anaerobic fermentation process for about 90 days. Apart from some traditional methods of standardization of asava, a new approach was made to select about thirteen numbers of physical, physic-chemical including organoleptic and primary organic analysis and were attempted with the asava to obtain a reproducible and consistent results and the same were recorded. Since the stem asava contained phenolic compounds as principal constituents, a screening for its anthelmintic activities against piperazine citrate induced paralysis p<0.01was significant.

The present study investigates the hypolipidemic effect of aqueous extract of whole plant of Melo... more The present study investigates the hypolipidemic effect of aqueous extract of whole plant of Melothria maderaspatana (AEMM) in high fat diet fed rats. In this study three doses (0.5, 1 and 2 gm kg-1) of AEMM were used. Treatment with AEMM (2 gm kg-1 , p.o.) had shown significant reduction in the lipid level in high fat diet fed animals. The AEMM exhibited significantly hypolipidemic activity comparable with the navaka guggulu (400mg kg-1) in high fat diet induced rats. In histological evaluation of the hepatic tissue, marked degenerative and fatty changes in liver of rats (high fat diet fed) were observed. Whereas, on treatment with the aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana and Navaka guggulu illustrate, striking micro vesicular fatty changes with control and reference drug navaka guggulu in rat's liver.

Viburnum coriaceum Blume (syn. V. cylindricum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) of family Caprifoliaceae is o... more Viburnum coriaceum Blume (syn. V. cylindricum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) of family Caprifoliaceae is of medicinal value. In the present study pharmacognostical investigations such as morphology, microscopy including leaf constant, measurements and other applicable physicochemical parameters are carried out on its leaves. The findings may provide useful information with regards to its identification and standardization in future.

Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2014

The present review is an attempt to put an insight into a medicinal plant Houttuynia cordata Thun... more The present review is an attempt to put an insight into a medicinal plant Houttuynia cordata Thunb, which is indigenous to NorthEast India and China. It is an aromatic medicinal herb belonging to family Saururaceae and is restricted to specialized moist habitats. The review provides detailed information regarding the morphology, distribution, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacological uses and also describes various pharmacological activities reported on the plant H. cordata. The review describes therapeutic efficacy of the whole plant and its extracts, fractions and isolated compounds in different diseased condition. Among the important pharmacological activities reported includes, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, adjuvanticity, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, anti-leukemic, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps activities. Thus, the present review will act as a source of referential information to researchers to perform clinical studies on isolated compounds that may serve the society and will help in improving human health care system.

Gastric ulcer occurs in stomach. The ulcers are mucosal erosions which may further complicate to ... more Gastric ulcer occurs in stomach. The ulcers are mucosal erosions which may further complicate to bleeding and perforation of mucosal wall. It occurs due to imbalance between offensive (acid, pepsin & bacteria) and defensive (mucin, mucosal glycoproteins & prostaglandins) factors. Ethanolic extract of Argyreia speciosa Sweet leaves was explored for gastric- ulcer protective activity. Acute toxicity studies of ethanolic extract of Argyreia speciosa (AS) leaves were conducted by following OECD, 423 guidelines. There was no mortality or any signs of behavioral changes or toxicity observed after oral administration of AS up to the dose level of 2000mg/kg body weight in rats. Ethanol (EtOH)-induced and Cold restraint stress (CRS)-induced ulcer models were used for evaluation of gastro-protective activity. AS in the dose of 50mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg was given orally once daily for a period of five days, had shown pronounced dose dependent protective effect against gastric ulcers induced by cold restrain stress (CRS). At 200mg/kg, AS had shown maximum ulcer protective effect in ethanol induced model. The ulcer index in ethanol induced model was reduced from 52.66 ± 1.82 to 21.16 ± 1.08 and from 21.66 ± 1.86 to 10.33 ± 0.8 in CRS model. AS had not shown any significant effect on the weight of glandular portion of the stomach. AS in the dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg almost completely inhibited the animals against stress induced free radical damage as evidenced by the decrease in LPO as well as decrease in SOD and increase in CAT level.

The genus “Viburnum” includes about 200 species under the family “Caprifoliaceae” (Viburnaceae). ... more The genus “Viburnum” includes about 200 species under the family “Caprifoliaceae” (Viburnaceae). There are nearly 17 species in India, especially, in the hill stations at an altitude of more than 1500 m. Scientific information on their pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacology are very scant. Hence, the current study describes some pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical investigations undertaken on the leaves of one of those species namely Viburnum punctatum Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don. The samples for research were collected from Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu, India and authentificated by Dr.V.Chelladurai, Ex. Prof, Botany, and then subjected for morphological, microscopical and physicochemical analysis. The parameters from the above were recorded with an objective of drawing an attention on those populations as well as a reference for further scientific investigations.

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2014

Aim: Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) is one of the perennial herb indigenous to NorthEast... more Aim: Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) is one of the perennial herb indigenous to NorthEast India and China. Despite the popular utilization of this herb as medicine, still no study has been reported so far regarding the pharmacognostical standardization. Thus, the aim of the present study was to scientifically establish a standard monograph on the basis of pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The quality control standardization of H. cordata was done as per the methods described in the World Health Organization guidelines (2002). Results: The diagnostic characters of the H. Cordata leaf and rhizome portion were evaluated based on the macroscopical and microscopical characters. Determination of various physicochemical parameters such as water soluble ash (1.12% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.02% w/w), sulphated ash (3.15% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (12.8% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.9% w/w), loss on drying (3.42% w/w) and crude fibres content (13.10% w/w) was ascertained. Heavy metal, microbial load, fluorescence drug analysis, and preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions were also carried out. Total phenols (45.74 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (33.29mg/g TAE), flavonoids (104.55 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), and flavonols (17.16mg/g RE) were quantified from the ethanolic extract of the whole plant. Quantification of quercetin in the ethanolic extract was assessed by HPTLC analysis and was found to contain 4.39%, w/w. Conclusion: The obtained qualitative and quantitative standards will provide referential information for correct identification and standardization of this medicinal plant.

The leaves,stem and the roots of Viburnum punctatum, Viburnum coriaceum and Viburnum erubescens w... more The leaves,stem and the roots of Viburnum punctatum, Viburnum coriaceum and Viburnum erubescens were collected from Nilgiri Hills and Coimbatore, Tamilnadu and taxonomically authenticated. Herbarium of the species was submitted to the museum of the place of research studies. The samples were shade dried for a week. About 500 g of powdered samples were extracted with petroleum ether (60 - 80o C), benzene, chloroform and 75 % v/v ethanol successively in a soxhletor one by one and followed by digesting the marc in boiling water in addition to the determination of percentage extractives. The extracts were qualitatively tested for their different chemical constituents employing suitable materials and methods.The results were presented comparatively in such a way that some advanced phyto chemical investigations can be progressed on these species in future.

Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 2014

ABSTRACT Pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters were evaluated and quantified for Enico... more ABSTRACT Pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters were evaluated and quantified for Enicostemma verticillatum: foreign matter (2% w/w), loss on drying (4.3% w/w), total ash (9.6% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.1% w/w), water-soluble ash (3.95% w/w), foaming index (−1); pesticide contents were within prescribed WHO limits. Phytochemicals present included phenol, tannins, flavanoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, and rutin. In vitro antioxidant studies depicted potent antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaf extract that may be due to the presence of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids.

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2017

Objective: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (Apocynaceae) has been traditionally used as an Ayurvedic ... more Objective: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (Apocynaceae) has been traditionally used as an Ayurvedic ulcer treatment and the study scientifically validates the antiulcer effect of A. dichotoma ethanol root extract (EAD).Methods: The studies included the isolation, quantification of ursolic acid through HPTLC. Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of EAD for 28 d and antiulcer effect of ursolic acid (50 mg/kg, p. o.), EAD (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p. o.) were also evaluated on both the physical (pyloric ligation, PL; cold restrain stress, CRS;) and chemical (absolute ethanol, aspirin, ASP;) induced ulcer in Charles Foster albino rats for 7 d. The various gastric-ulcer parameters, viz. gastric pH, volume, acid-pepsin output, DNA content, H+K+-ATPase activity, mucus content, microvascular permeability, antioxidant enzyme, and gastric histopathological study were performed.Results: The isolated ursolic acid was characterized by NMR and mass spectrometer and quantified through HPTLC in EAD (4.26...

Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology, Jan 15, 2017

Roots of the plant Eriosema chinense Vogel (Fabaceae) is distributed mainly over the Eastern Hima... more Roots of the plant Eriosema chinense Vogel (Fabaceae) is distributed mainly over the Eastern Himalayan region of India and China. The roots of the plant are used as a vegetable by the people of Northern Australia, China and North East India and are used traditionally by the tribal people of Meghalaya (India) for the treatment of diarrhoea. It has been reported to have significant antidiarrhoeal, cytotoxic and antimycobacterial activity. The present investigation was undertaken to isolate a lead molecule responsible for the observed antidiarrhoeal activity. Eriosematin E, a prenylated flavanone, was isolated using column chromatography and was characterized by comparing its melting point and spectroscopic data (UV, IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, Mass Spectra) from literature. Eriosematin E (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg p.o.) was then screened for normal faecal excretion rate and castor oil-induced diarrhoea models in rats. Further, it was examined for small intestinal transit, intestinal fluid accum...

Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 2016

In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, derma... more In Ayurveda, Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Hornem. (Leeaceae) is indicated in worm infestation, dermatopathies, wounds, inflammation, and in symptoms of diabetes. The present study aims to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial potential of ethanolic extract and its different fractions of Leea macrophylla root tubers using phytochemical profiling which is still unexplored. Quantitative estimations of different phytoconstituents along with characterization of ethanol extract using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were performed using chlorogenic acid as a marker compound for the first time. The extract and its successive fractions were also evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity using different models. The extract was further tested against a few Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria for its antibacterial activity. Phytochemical screening and quantitative estimations revealed the extract to be rich in alkaloid, flavonoid, phenols, and tannins, whereas chlorogenic acid quantified by HPLC in ethanol extract was 9.01% w/w. The results also indicated potential antioxidant and antibacterial activity, which was more prominent in the extract followed by its butanol fraction.

Review on Clinical Pharmacology and Medicinal Therapy, 2012

Potentilla fulgens Wall. (family: Rosaceae) is a short slender herb commonly found at higher alti... more Potentilla fulgens Wall. (family: Rosaceae) is a short slender herb commonly found at higher altitudes of the Western himalayas and is used traditionally for curing gastric problems, diabetes mellitus, pyorrhea and diarrhea. The aim of the present study is to scientifically evaluate the gastroprotective effect of the alcoholic root extract of (APf) on various experimental gastric ulcer models. The gastroprotective effect of APf graded doses after acute oral toxicity study (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, po) was studied on four experimental gastric ulcer models viz. pylorus ligation (4h Pl), ethanol (95 % EtOh, 1h), cold restrain stress (2h Abstracts. PHYTOPHARM 2012 M 76 Obzory po kliniceskoj farmacologii i lekarstvennoj terapii [Reviews of clinical pharmacology and drug therapy] ТОМ 10/2012/2

ABSTRACT Introduction and objective of the study: Controversy of crude drugs has been the main pr... more ABSTRACT Introduction and objective of the study: Controversy of crude drugs has been the main problem occurring worldwide and has increases drastically in the ayurvedic and herbal system of medicine. The present study was aimed to comparatively standardize the three commercially available crude drug of Nagakesar on the basis of pharmacognostical aspects. Mesua ferrea Linn., Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. Hook.F., and Cinnamomum wightii Meissn. are the three crude drugs commercially available in the Indian market under the common name Nagakesar. Experimental methods: Pharmacognostical studies of all the three crude drugs were done as per the experimental methods available in the W.H.O. guidelines and I.H.P. 2002. Results: All the three Nagakesar was found to have different diagnostic pharmacognostical characters. Morphologically, the flower buds of Mesua ferrea, Ochrocarpus longifolius and Cinnamomum wightii were respectively observed to possess light brown, orange-red and dark brow...

Journal of Acute Disease, 2013

To investigate glucose utilization capacity of bioactivity guided fractions of Hybanthus enneaspe... more To investigate glucose utilization capacity of bioactivity guided fractions of Hybanthus enneaspermus (H. enneaspermus) and Pedalium murex (P. murex) in isolated rat hemidiaphragm. Methods: Dried coarsely powdered plant material was extracted in ethanol using soxhlation technique, further extract was fractionated using solvents of varying polarity. Glucose utilization capacity of bioactivity guided fractions using isolated rat hemidiaphragm was performed in the present study. Results: The entire tested fraction showed increased glucose uptake capacity, and was found to be maximum in case of chloroform fraction of P. murex extract (CHPM) which was quite comparable to standard insulin (P<0.05). Conclusions: In vitro glucose uptake by hemidiaphragm study showed increased utilization of the glucose by hemidiaphragm in the presence of different fractions. From these findings we can conclude that that different fraction of both plant materials had some extra pancreatic mechanism like glucose uptake by peripheral tissues.

International journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy, 2013

Natural antioxidants present in plants have attracted interest because of their safety and potent... more Natural antioxidants present in plants have attracted interest because of their safety and potential nutritional and therapeutic effects. The plant kingdom offers a wide range of natural antioxidants. The HPTLC fingerprinting was done for methanolic extracts of Argyreia speciosa leaves and

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2014

Introduction: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (AD) is a large climber with very stout stem belonging ... more Introduction: Aganosma dichotoma K. Schum (AD) is a large climber with very stout stem belonging to the family Apocynaceae. The Plant has significant medicinal value as described in traditional system of medicine. The objective of the present study is to scientifically develop a standard monograph for AD on the basis of its pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The study includes quality control standardization as per the standard methods provided in World Health Organization for standardization of medicinal plants. Fluorescence drug analysis, preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions, quantification of some phytoconstituents and in-vitro antioxidant activity were also carried out. Quantification of Quercetin in the ethanolic extract of A. dichotoma was determined by HPTLC analysis. The ethanolic extract of root of A. dichotoma was subjected to in-vitro antioxidant activity. Results: The diagnostic characters of A.dichotoma root were evaluated on the basis of macroscopical and microscopical characters. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated such as 6.7% w/w loss on drying with; ash values (in % w/w): 13.75 total ash, 5.75 acid-insoluble ash, 3.6 water-soluble ash; Extractive values (% w/w): 12.75 water, 11.82 ethanol, 2.26 ethyl acetate, 3.13 chloroform, and 3.16 pet ether; foaming index 181.81; swelling index 3.2 ml/g; hemolytic activity 227.89 unit/gm of powder drug and crude fiber content was 19.4%. Total numbers of starch grain in 1 mg of root powder were 2,49,981. Quantification of quercetin in the ethanolic extract was assessed by HPTLC analysis and was found to contain 2.40%, w/w. Conclusion: The parameters determined in the present study may provide necessary information for identification and authentication of plant material.

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2010

The fruits of Withania coagulans Dunal.

Pharmaceutical Biology, 2010

Withania coagulans Dunal. (Solanaceae) has been shown to possess hypoglycemic, free radical scave... more Withania coagulans Dunal. (Solanaceae) has been shown to possess hypoglycemic, free radical scavenging and wound healing activity. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to study the effect of Withania coagulans in diabetic wound healing. This study included determination of rate of wound contraction and estimation of various biochemical parameters such as collagen, hexosamine, total protein, total DNA, SOD and CAT levels in the granulation tissues. The hydroalcoholic fraction of the methanolic extract (standardized by withaferin-A using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) )of Withania coagulans in the form of 10% w/w ointment topically and at a dose of 500 mg/kg per oral (p.o.) was administered to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The results obtained were compared with diabetic control and Aloe barbadensis Miller (syn. Aloe vera L.) (Liliaceae) was used as a reference drug. The amount of withaferin-A present in the methanolic extract was 3.67 mg/g of the extract. The hydroalcoholic fraction in both the forms, i.e., topical (10% w/w ointment) and oral (500 mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant increase in the rate of wound contraction (83.02% topical and 65.14% oral) topical and 93.18% oral) when compared to diabetic control (66 which was further justified with significant increase in the levels of collagen, protein, DNA, SOD, CAT, and decreased level of hexosamine. The hydroalcoholic fraction of Withania coagulans in oral form is found to be more effective than the topical form. However, further studies are in progress to find the lead molecules responsible for the wound healing effect.

The stems and their branches of V.punctatum and V.coriaceum and V.erubescens were collected from ... more The stems and their branches of V.punctatum and V.coriaceum and V.erubescens were collected from Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu, India. A primary organic analysis on these species revealed the presence of bio-active molecules such as tannins, saponins, phenolic compounds (flavonoids) and other phenolic glycosides as their principal phytoconstituents. The crude drug (Patha) was formulated in to an asava using conventional anaerobic fermentation process for about 90 days. Apart from some traditional methods of standardization of asava, a new approach was made to select about thirteen numbers of physical, physic-chemical including organoleptic and primary organic analysis and were attempted with the asava to obtain a reproducible and consistent results and the same were recorded. Since the stem asava contained phenolic compounds as principal constituents, a screening for its anthelmintic activities against piperazine citrate induced paralysis p<0.01was significant.

The present study investigates the hypolipidemic effect of aqueous extract of whole plant of Melo... more The present study investigates the hypolipidemic effect of aqueous extract of whole plant of Melothria maderaspatana (AEMM) in high fat diet fed rats. In this study three doses (0.5, 1 and 2 gm kg-1) of AEMM were used. Treatment with AEMM (2 gm kg-1 , p.o.) had shown significant reduction in the lipid level in high fat diet fed animals. The AEMM exhibited significantly hypolipidemic activity comparable with the navaka guggulu (400mg kg-1) in high fat diet induced rats. In histological evaluation of the hepatic tissue, marked degenerative and fatty changes in liver of rats (high fat diet fed) were observed. Whereas, on treatment with the aqueous extract of M. maderaspatana and Navaka guggulu illustrate, striking micro vesicular fatty changes with control and reference drug navaka guggulu in rat's liver.

Viburnum coriaceum Blume (syn. V. cylindricum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) of family Caprifoliaceae is o... more Viburnum coriaceum Blume (syn. V. cylindricum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don) of family Caprifoliaceae is of medicinal value. In the present study pharmacognostical investigations such as morphology, microscopy including leaf constant, measurements and other applicable physicochemical parameters are carried out on its leaves. The findings may provide useful information with regards to its identification and standardization in future.

Pharmacognosy Reviews, 2014

The present review is an attempt to put an insight into a medicinal plant Houttuynia cordata Thun... more The present review is an attempt to put an insight into a medicinal plant Houttuynia cordata Thunb, which is indigenous to NorthEast India and China. It is an aromatic medicinal herb belonging to family Saururaceae and is restricted to specialized moist habitats. The review provides detailed information regarding the morphology, distribution, phytochemistry, ethnopharmacological uses and also describes various pharmacological activities reported on the plant H. cordata. The review describes therapeutic efficacy of the whole plant and its extracts, fractions and isolated compounds in different diseased condition. Among the important pharmacological activities reported includes, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, adjuvanticity, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, free radical scavenging, anti-microbial, anti-allergic, anti-leukemic, chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps activities. Thus, the present review will act as a source of referential information to researchers to perform clinical studies on isolated compounds that may serve the society and will help in improving human health care system.

Gastric ulcer occurs in stomach. The ulcers are mucosal erosions which may further complicate to ... more Gastric ulcer occurs in stomach. The ulcers are mucosal erosions which may further complicate to bleeding and perforation of mucosal wall. It occurs due to imbalance between offensive (acid, pepsin & bacteria) and defensive (mucin, mucosal glycoproteins & prostaglandins) factors. Ethanolic extract of Argyreia speciosa Sweet leaves was explored for gastric- ulcer protective activity. Acute toxicity studies of ethanolic extract of Argyreia speciosa (AS) leaves were conducted by following OECD, 423 guidelines. There was no mortality or any signs of behavioral changes or toxicity observed after oral administration of AS up to the dose level of 2000mg/kg body weight in rats. Ethanol (EtOH)-induced and Cold restraint stress (CRS)-induced ulcer models were used for evaluation of gastro-protective activity. AS in the dose of 50mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg was given orally once daily for a period of five days, had shown pronounced dose dependent protective effect against gastric ulcers induced by cold restrain stress (CRS). At 200mg/kg, AS had shown maximum ulcer protective effect in ethanol induced model. The ulcer index in ethanol induced model was reduced from 52.66 ± 1.82 to 21.16 ± 1.08 and from 21.66 ± 1.86 to 10.33 ± 0.8 in CRS model. AS had not shown any significant effect on the weight of glandular portion of the stomach. AS in the dose of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg almost completely inhibited the animals against stress induced free radical damage as evidenced by the decrease in LPO as well as decrease in SOD and increase in CAT level.

The genus “Viburnum” includes about 200 species under the family “Caprifoliaceae” (Viburnaceae). ... more The genus “Viburnum” includes about 200 species under the family “Caprifoliaceae” (Viburnaceae). There are nearly 17 species in India, especially, in the hill stations at an altitude of more than 1500 m. Scientific information on their pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacology are very scant. Hence, the current study describes some pharmacognostical and preliminary phytochemical investigations undertaken on the leaves of one of those species namely Viburnum punctatum Buch.-Ham.ex D.Don. The samples for research were collected from Nilgiri hills, Tamil Nadu, India and authentificated by Dr.V.Chelladurai, Ex. Prof, Botany, and then subjected for morphological, microscopical and physicochemical analysis. The parameters from the above were recorded with an objective of drawing an attention on those populations as well as a reference for further scientific investigations.

Pharmacognosy Journal, 2014

Aim: Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) is one of the perennial herb indigenous to NorthEast... more Aim: Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) is one of the perennial herb indigenous to NorthEast India and China. Despite the popular utilization of this herb as medicine, still no study has been reported so far regarding the pharmacognostical standardization. Thus, the aim of the present study was to scientifically establish a standard monograph on the basis of pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The quality control standardization of H. cordata was done as per the methods described in the World Health Organization guidelines (2002). Results: The diagnostic characters of the H. Cordata leaf and rhizome portion were evaluated based on the macroscopical and microscopical characters. Determination of various physicochemical parameters such as water soluble ash (1.12% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.02% w/w), sulphated ash (3.15% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (12.8% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.9% w/w), loss on drying (3.42% w/w) and crude fibres content (13.10% w/w) was ascertained. Heavy metal, microbial load, fluorescence drug analysis, and preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions were also carried out. Total phenols (45.74 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (33.29mg/g TAE), flavonoids (104.55 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), and flavonols (17.16mg/g RE) were quantified from the ethanolic extract of the whole plant. Quantification of quercetin in the ethanolic extract was assessed by HPTLC analysis and was found to contain 4.39%, w/w. Conclusion: The obtained qualitative and quantitative standards will provide referential information for correct identification and standardization of this medicinal plant.

The leaves,stem and the roots of Viburnum punctatum, Viburnum coriaceum and Viburnum erubescens w... more The leaves,stem and the roots of Viburnum punctatum, Viburnum coriaceum and Viburnum erubescens were collected from Nilgiri Hills and Coimbatore, Tamilnadu and taxonomically authenticated. Herbarium of the species was submitted to the museum of the place of research studies. The samples were shade dried for a week. About 500 g of powdered samples were extracted with petroleum ether (60 - 80o C), benzene, chloroform and 75 % v/v ethanol successively in a soxhletor one by one and followed by digesting the marc in boiling water in addition to the determination of percentage extractives. The extracts were qualitatively tested for their different chemical constituents employing suitable materials and methods.The results were presented comparatively in such a way that some advanced phyto chemical investigations can be progressed on these species in future.

Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, 2014

ABSTRACT Pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters were evaluated and quantified for Enico... more ABSTRACT Pharmacognostical and physicochemical parameters were evaluated and quantified for Enicostemma verticillatum: foreign matter (2% w/w), loss on drying (4.3% w/w), total ash (9.6% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.1% w/w), water-soluble ash (3.95% w/w), foaming index (−1); pesticide contents were within prescribed WHO limits. Phytochemicals present included phenol, tannins, flavanoids, steroids, alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, and rutin. In vitro antioxidant studies depicted potent antioxidant activity of ethanolic leaf extract that may be due to the presence of phenols, tannins, and flavonoids.