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To establish a resource base of medicinal plants of Donbass, and to develop methods for their balanced use, it is necessary to conduct an inventory and analysis of the spread of wild species, that recently was not carried out in Luhansk and Donetsk region. These circumstances have served as an incentive to carry out special investigations. Test species belong to 403 genus and 108 families. List of vascular plants of Luhansk region has more than 1,200 species. We have established that in the study area, there are 718 species of medicinal plants, representing 60 % of the total flora of the region, covering so much of the taxonomic diversity of Donbass flora. The family of the Asteraceae (105 species, 50 genuses) is different in terms of the greatest number of species of medicinal plants and genus family. The families of Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae and Poaceae contain more than 40 species, the families of Apiaceae и Rosaceae — over 30 species, Caryophylaceae и Polygonaceae — more than 20 species, a total of 301 species. The remaining 99 families presented a small number of basic taxonomic units. The species Viscum album, Ajuga chia, Salvia nemorosa were found during expeditions. These species have not been previously described for the region.

Objectives In this study, it was aimed to characterize the phenolic contents of Ajuga reptans L., Ajuga salicifolia (L.) Schreber and Ajuga genevensis L. and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Materials and Methods Air dried aerial parts of A. reptans L., A. salicifolia (L.) Schreber, and A. genevensis L. collected from Turkey were extracted with methanol (70%), and the phenolic composition of the crude extracts was analyzed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. To determine the total phenolic content the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used. The radical scavenging activities of the extracts were evaluated by the photometric 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical, and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays (TEAC). Furthermore, Ajuga sp. extracts were tested against Escherichia coli NRRL B3008, Staphylococcus areus ATCC 6538, Salmonella thyphimurium ATCC 13311, Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711, Candida albicans ATCC 90028, Candida tropicalis ATCC 1369, and Candida parapsilosis ATCC 22019 using the in vitro broth dilution assay. Results The LC-MS/MS analyses identified 19 compounds. The amount of total phenolics ranged from 30.0 to 42.2 mg gallic acid equivalent/g in all extracts. According to the results of TEAC assay, the tested extracts were found to have relatively high activity at 1.2-1.5 mM concentrations. Ajuga sp. extracts inhibited all tested microorganisms; however, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis exhibited relatively more susceptibility (minimum inhibitory concentration: 156.25 µg/mL) compared to the bacteria tested. Conclusion The antioxidant activities of all extracts were determined for the first time by the TEAK method, and the in vitro antimicrobial activity of A. salicifolia was investigated for the first time against selected strains.

The main objective of this research was to study the biological characteristics in terms of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of

The Src-homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2), which is encoded by PTPN11, participates in many cellular signaling pathways and is closely related to various tumorigenesis. Inhibition of the abnormal activity of SHP2 by small molecules is an important part of cancer treatment. Here, three abietane diterpenoids, named compounds

Pollen micro-morphological features have proven to be helpful for the plant taxonomists in the identification and classification of plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the palynological features of family Asteraceae and Lamiaceae from flora of District Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscope (LM) for their taxonomic importance. Pollen of seven Asteraceous species belonging to four genera and four Lamiaceae species categorized into four genera were collected from different localities of research area. The present research work provides detailed information of diverse morpho-palynological characters both qualitatively and quantitatively including pollen shape, type, diameter, P/E ratio, exine sculpturing and thickness. Type of pollen in Asteraceae and Lamiaceae was ranged from tricolporate, tricolpate, trizonocolpate and hexazonocolpate. The maximum polar diameter (40.05 μm) and equatorial diameter (37.66 μm) was observed in the Ajuga bracteoosa while minimum polar and equatorial diameter was noted in Isodon rugosus (11.10 μm) and Erigeron canadensis (13.20 μm) respectively. Sculpturing of exine include; echinate, reticulate scabrate, aerolate, reticulate-verrucate, reticulate-scabrate, perforate and reticulate to perforate. Exine thickness was examined maximum 1.50 μm in Helianthus tuberosus, whereas minimum in Conyza Canadensis (0.16 μm). The pollen fertility was found highest in C Canadensis (83.33%) and lowest in Ajuga bracteosa (58.06%). The observed pollen morphology has many valuable qualitative and quantitative attributes for the better understanding of their taxonomy and play significant role in correct identification.

Ajuga integrifolia Buch. -Ham. ex D.Don — Habit: Herb. Habitat: LMWF, LMDF, BZ, UMF; up to 3 400 m. Distribution: II. Voucher: Naro Moru Track, Alt. 2 412 m, 25 Jul. 2014, SAJIT 002120 (HIB). References: Blundell (1987), Bussmann (1993, 1994), Agnew (2013)., Published as part of Zhou, Ya-Dong, Mwachala, Geoffrey, Hu, Guang-Wan & Wang, Qing-Feng, 2022, Annotated checklist of the vascular plants of Mount Kenya, East Africa, pp. 1-108 in Phytotaxa 546 (1) on page 85, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.546.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/6550464, {"references":["Blundell, M. (1987) Collins guide to the wild flowers of East Africa. Collins, London, 464 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1993) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): A phytosociological approach with special reference to ecological problems. Ph. D. Thesis, Eberhard Karls Universitat Tubingen, Tubingen, 119 pp.","Bussmann, R. W. (1994) The forest of Mt. Kenya (Kenya): Vegetation, ecology, destruction and management of a tropical mountain forest ecosystem. Ph. D. dissertation, Universitat Bayreuth Startseite, Bayreuth, 252 pp.","Agnew, A. D. Q. (2013) Upland Kenya wild flowers and ferns, 3 rd edn. Nature Kenya Publications, Nairobi, 733 pp."]}

Ajuga turkestanica (Rgl.) Briq. (Lamiaceae) callus cultures were obtained from a wild plant, and the morphogenesis processes in these cultures were studied. It was possible to obtain gemmogenesis or rhizogenesis in the first six to eight growth cycles, depending on the hormonal composition of the medium; the capacity for morphogenesis was lost after 10–15 growth cycles. Suspension cell cultures were initiated from some calluses with strong growth. As a result, about 100 calluses and suspension plant cell lines of A. turkestanica were obtained; a number of them were characterized in terms of growth rate and were analyzed via HPLC-MS for the presence of phytoecdysteroids. 20-Hydroxyecdysone and turkesterone were found in most of the studied lines; the content of the first compound in the most productive lines was 30–50 times higher than in the second (2.0–2.5 mg/g versus 0.04– 0.05 mg/g dry weight, respectively). An increase in the phytoecdysteroid content in plant cells cultured in vitro was observed by the end of the growing cycle. However, phytoecdysteroids were not found in many of the obtained plant cell lines. Further research is needed to clarify the causes of the presence or absence of phytoecdysteroids in A. turkestanica plant cell cultures.

The rural and cultural life style of indigenous people of Kuz Abakhel is urging them in touch to folk medicines for treatment of various ailments. Seventy-four plant species were documented that were used by the local people for the treatment of different ailments. These plants were commonly used as an ethno medicine against 49 major different disorders, out of which most commonly happened were; Anemia Anesthetics, unconsciousness, Anoxia etc. The principal medicinal plants with maximum used values were Aesculus indica (Wall.ex Comb) Hook.f (0.998), Ajuga bracteosa (0.996). RFC values; the maximum quoted medicinal plant species by the indigenous drivers are A. indica (RFCs = 0.999), A. bracteosa (0.996), Ajuga niponsis (0.994), Allium cepa (0.993) whereas maximum respondents %age was observed for the same plant species examined through consensus index, the (CI% = 90.84%) was for Aesculus indica and A. bracteosa. The medicinal plant species A. indica mentioned 100% for hepatitis. The diseases like. Anemia, Anesthetics and unconsciousness, Anoxia, Anti-dandruff, Antispasmodic, Arthritis, Body coldness and sexual tonic, Eye disease, Gonorrhea, Infertility, Mouth ulcer, Myiasis, Nerve tonic, Pain killer, Refrigerant, Rheumatism, Septicemia, Throat pain, Toothache, had highest FIC value due to depiction by only a single plant taxa/specie (Nt = 1). The current study exposed the significance to compose and offer a list of all the possible plants that are used in folk and ethnic medicinal practices against various ailments in the unexplored area of Kuz Abakhel and to demonstrate the important medicinal plants for future phytochemical and pharmacological research.

Ajuga xylorrhiza Kit Tan is a rare endemic perennial species growing in the stony habitats in Southeastern Anatolia region, Turkey. An efficient and reproducible protocol has been developed for micropropagation of endangered Ajuga xylorrhiza. Shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium, supplemented with various concentrations of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), and kinetin (Kin). The optimal shoot formation was with the medium containing 0.125 mg L−1 BAP (7.91 shoots per explant), and 0.25 mg L−1 Kin (4.9 shoots per explant) was recorded. The best result in terms of shoot length (3.43 to 3.63 cm) was obtained from the Kin treatments. Kin parameters were more effective on shoot length and multiple shoot production than BAP and TDZ. For rooting, regenerated shoots were transferred to 1/4 strength MS medium containing two different concentrations of indole acetic acid (IAA) and α-naphthalenetic acid (NAA) at 0 (control), 0.5, or 1.0 mg L−1.The best results in terms of the number of roots per shoot were obtained from the medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 IAA (3.10 roots per explant). Rooted plantlets were transferred to soil for acclimization with 100% success rate.

Recent field exploration and collections has led to the findings of several new species in Pakistan. Here we reported two new species Ajuga reptance L and Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Prusk for the first time in Pakistan flora as these species were neither listed in any other literature nor identified before in Pakistan. These species were found as a result of taxonomic studies performed in the year 2019 in District Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. Microscopic techniques were used for the confirmation of foliar epidermal and pollen micromorphological features. Detailed study (morphological, palynological, and foliar epidermal) was provided for the correct identification and delimitation of the species using both light and scanning electron microscopy. Morphological results were compared with the flora of Taiwan and China.

Eight new neo-clerodane diterpenoids (1-8) were acquired from the aerial parts of Ajuga pantantha. Spectroscopic data analysis permitted the definition of their structures, and experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism data were used to define their absolute configurations. Compounds 2 and 4-8 were found to have NO inhibitory effects with IC50 values of 20.2, 45.5, 34.0, 27.0, 45.0, and 25.8 μM, respectively. The more potent compounds 2, 6, and 8 were analyzed to establish their anti-inflammatory mechanism, including regulation of the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins as well as their binding interactions with the two proteins.

Background: Multi-drug resistance in bacterial pathogens is a major concern of today. Green synthesis technology is being used to cure infectious diseases. Objectives: The aim of the current research was to analyze the antibacterial, antioxidant, and phytochemical screening of green synthesized silver nanoparticles using Ajuga bracteosa. Methods: Extract of A. bracteosa was prepared by maceration technique. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using A. bracteosa extract and were confirmed by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The antibacterial, anti-biofilm, cell proliferation inhibition, TLC-Bioautography, TLC-Spot screening, antioxidant, and phytochemical screening were also investigated. Results: UV-Vis spectrum and Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the synthesis of green nanoparticles at 400 nm with tube-like structures. FTIR spectrum showed that functional groups of nanoparticles have a role in capping and stability of AgNP. Agar well diffusion assay represented the maximum antibacterial effect of ABAgNPs against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 0.10 g/mL concentration compared to ABaqu. Two types of interactions among nanoparticles, aqueous extract, and antibiotics (Synergistic and additive) were recorded against tested pathogens. Crystal violet, MTT, TLC-bio-autography, and spot screening supported the findings of the antibacterial assay. Highest antioxidant potential effect in ABaqu was 14.62% (DPPH) and 13.64% (ABTS) while 4.85% (DPPH) and 4.86% (ABTS) was recorded in ABAgNPs. Presence of phytochemical constituents showed pharmacological importance. Conclusion: It was concluded that green synthesis is an innovative technology in which natural products are conjugated with metallic particles and are used against infectious pathogens. The current research showed the significant use of green nanoparticles against etiological agents.

Aerial parts of Ajuga iva subsp. Pseudoiva were screened for phytochemical composition using plant powder, and aqueous and organic extracts and their antioxidant activities were evaluated by hydrog...

Background:The Himalayan region has been reported as rich accumulation of natural wealth, particularly of aromatic and medicinal plants. Indian Ajuga species (Ajuga brachystemon, Ajuga integrifolia, Ajuga macrosperma and Ajuga parviflora) belonging to Lamiaceae family have been reported from different parts of Uttarakhand. Phytochemical studies revealed presence of various bioactive compounds including neo-clerodane diterpenoids, steroids, phytoecdysteroids, sphingolipids, triterpenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, iridoids, triglycerides, withanolides, phenylethanoid glycosides and quinols. Modern pharmacological activities of Ajuga species including anti-inflammatory, anti plasmodial activity, anti-platelet activity, antioxidant activity, analgesic assay, anti diabetic activity, antifungal activity, insecticidal activity and cytotoxity have been published by various researchers.Objective:The present study is aimed at exploring chemical composition, pharmacological and biological activities of Ajuga species as worked out by researchers and scientific community. Due to the excessive use of Ajuga species it needs to be conserved and requires important measures for its conservation.Methods:The analysis of essential oils and plant extract has been reported through solvent extraction, steam distillation method, GC-MS analysis and HPLC.Results:Literature survey revealed reports of Ajuga L. to be used against various ailments such as stomach-ache, dermatitis, malaria, snake-bite, ear-ache, arthritis, bleeding, wounds, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory problems, fever, dysentery, and joint pain.Conclusion:The detailed description would be helpful in future studies. Recent biotechnological approaches have been reported useful to conserve A. bracteosa due to over exploitation for research purpose whereas A. brachystemon and A. macrosperma have been reported rarely in the wild.

Since the seeds of endemic Ajuga vestita are difficult to germinate naturally they were subjected to in vitro culture. Highest rate of germination was obtained in 1/4 MS medium supplemented with 30 g sucrose in light. Microshoots subcultured in 1/1 MS supplemented with 0.125 mg/l Kn rooted well and transferred to soil with 80% success.

The management of blood glucose level is the hallmark in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, and this may be achieved through the inhibition of the digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of this work is the investigation of phenolic compounds content, antioxidant activity and for the first time, the in vitro anti-hyperglycemic potential of aerial part of Ajuga iva Schreber extracts through the inhibition of digestive enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), responsible of the digestion of poly and oligosaccharides. Test for total phenolic content showed that the methanol extract has the highest polyphenolic and flavonoid concentrations with (65.3 mg GAEs/g extract and 132.6 mg REs/g extract). The methanol extract has also exhibited the higher antioxidant activity compared to the aqueous extract in different tests with (IC50 = 0.187 ± 0.016 mg/mL; 62.19 ± 0.45 mg TE/g extract; 89.12 ± 0.23 mg AAE/g extract) in DPPH, ABTS and FRAP tests, respectively. Ajuga iva extracts exhibited a remarkable inhibitory activity against key digestive enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes, with a more potent inhibitory effect against α-glucosidase and a considerable inhibition against α-amylase. The results indicated also that the tested extracts are non-toxic with an LD50 higher than 2 g/kg in female Swiss mice. These results suggested that the phenolic compounds in A. iva extracts maybe behind the antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. However, further investigations regarding the bioactive compounds and their mechanisms of action are required for developing new natural drugs against diabetes-related hyperglycemia.

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effect ofAjuga iva(Ai) on enzymes involved in the metabolism of cholesterol, in rat fed a cholesterol-enriched diet.Design/methodology/approachMale Wistar rats (n = 12), weighing 120 ± 5 g were fed on 1 per cent cholesterol-enriched diet [hypercholesterolemic (HC)] for 15 days (d15). After this adaptation phase, HC rats (total cholesterol = 6.5 ± 0.6 mmol/L) were divided into two groups fed the same diet and treated (Ai-HC) or not with (HC) withAifor d15.FindingsAt day 15, inAi-HC group compared to HC, serum triacylglycerol (TG) values were 1.4-fold lower (p = 0.002), whereas unesterified cholesterol (UC) contents were 1.8-fold higher (p = 0.0001). Serum phospholipids (PL) and cholesteryl esters (CE) contents and liver TG, UC, PL and CE values were not sensitive toAi. TC/HDL-C and LDL-HDL1-C/HDL-C ratios were, respectively, 1.8- and 4-fold lower (p = 0.006 andp = 0.04). HDL2-C and HDL3-C amounts were enhanced by 40 and 74 per cent, respectively (p = 0.003 andp = 0.0001). HDL3-UC was 1.6-fold higher (p = 0.006); whereas PL contents were 1.4-fold lower (p = 0.003). HDL3-apo and HDL2-CE contents were similar between groups. A decreased of hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase activities (−44 and −25 per cent;p = 0.003 andp = 0.02, respectively) were noted. Lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase activity was 1.5-fold higher (p = 0.001).Originality/valueIn HC rat,Aiis able to induce hypotriglyceridemia. However, it turns out thatAimay reduce cardiovascular risk by decreasing the reports of atherogenicity and modifying the activities of enzymes involved in the cholesterol metabolism.

The effect of dietary supplementation with a biotechnological extract of Ajuga reptans on growth performance, oxidative status and immune parameters was evaluated in post weaning piglets. At weaning, 120 piglets with an average live weight of 8.1±1.3 kg, were assigned to one of three experimental groups. The first group was fed a control diet (C). The second and third groups were fed the same diet supplemented with 5 mg (T1) and 10 mg (T2) of teupolioside/kg feed from a biotechnological plant extract. Growth performances were recorded and blood samples were collected at the beginning, at 14 days, and at the end of the trial (56 days). Serum biochemical parameters, oxidative status and immunoglobulin titres were determined. Average daily gain tended to be higher (P=0.057) and live weight was higher in piglets (PAjuga reptans containing teupolioside has an antioxidant and immunomodulant effect.

Ajuga bracteosa (A. bracteosa) is one of the critically endangered and high-valued medicinal plants worldwide. Light is one of the major factor or stimulus involved in the morphogenic responses and bioactive compounds production in various medicinal plants. In this study, unique properties of colored lights have been observed on induction of somatic embryos from non-embryonic calli cultures of A. bracteosa. The maximum callogenic response (92.32%) from leaf explants was observed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium augmented with benzyl adenine (BA; 2.0 l−1) and 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2.4-D; 1.0 mg l−1). Calli cultures with same hormonal concentrations were placed under different spectral lights for somatic embryogenesis and photochemical variations. Red lights were found effective for maximum somatic embryos induction (92.75%) with optimum biomass accumulation (152.64 g l−1) on day 40. Similarly, among all the spectral lights, red light exhibited the highest DPPH-radical scavenging activity (DRSA; 92.86%). In contrast, blue lights induced maximum biosynthesis of chemically important total phenolics content and total flavonoids content (TPC; 0.264 and TFC; 0.06 mg/g-DW), respectively. Furthermore, blue, green and red lights also enhanced phenolics and production, polyphenolics content and total polyphenolics production in somatic embryos. It is concluded that exposure of calli cultures to colored lights provides an effective and promising in vitro technique for conservation of endangered A. bracteosa species and enhancement of its bioactive compounds. Steps should be taken to adopt these strategies/ techniques at a larger scale in order to yield maximum benefits from this highly valued medicinal plant species.

Phenylpropanoids 3,4-dihydroxy-β-phenylethoxy-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-4-O-caffeoyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (1) and 3,4-dihydroxy-β-phenylethoxy-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-4-O-feruloyl-β-D-glucopyronoside (2) were isolated for the first time during studies of the chemical composition of Ajuga turkestanica (Regel) Briq. callus tissue.

Members of the mint family (Lamiaceae) accumulate a wide variety of industrially and medicinally relevant diterpenes. We recently sequenced leaf transcriptomes from 48 phylogenetically diverse Lamiaceae species. Here, we summarize the available chemotaxonomic and enzyme activity data for diterpene synthases (diTPSs) in the Lamiaceae and leverage the new transcriptomes to explore the diTPS sequence and functional space. Candidate genes were selected with an intent to evenly sample the sequence homology space and to focus on species in which diTPS transcripts were found, yet from which no diterpene structures have been previously reported. We functionally characterized nine class II diTPSs and 10 class I diTPSs from 11 distinct plant species and found five class II activities, including two novel activities, as well as a spectrum of class I activities. Among the class II diTPSs, we identified a neo-cleroda-4(18),13E-dienyl diphosphate synthase from Ajuga reptans, catalyzing the likely first step in the biosynthesis of a variety of insect-antifeedant compounds. Among the class I diTPSs was a palustradiene synthase from Origanum majorana, leading to the discovery of specialized diterpenes in that species. Our results provide insights into the diversification of diterpene biosynthesis in the mint family and establish a comprehensive foundation for continued investigation of diterpene biosynthesis in the Lamiaceae.

The present review is aimed at providing a comprehensive summary of the botanical characteristics, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological studies of the genus Ajuga L. The extensive literature survey revealed Ajuga L. species to be a group of important medicinal plants used for the ethnomedical treatment of rheumatism, fever, gout, sclerosis, analgesia, inflammation, hypertension, hyperglycemia, joint pain, palsy, amenorrhea, etc., although only a few reports address the clinical use and toxicity of these plants. Currently, more than 280 chemical constituents have been isolated and characterized from these plants. Among these constituents, neo-clerodane diterpenes and diterpenoids, phytoecdysteroids, flavonoids, and iridoids are the major bioactive compounds, possessing wide-reaching biological activities both in vivo and in vitro, including anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antitumor, anti-oxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antifeedant, antidiarrhoeal, hypolipidemic, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, immunomodulatory, vasorelaxant, larvicidal, antimutagenic, and neuroprotective activity. This review is aimed at summarizing the current knowledge of the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, biological activities, and toxicities of the genus Ajuga L. to reveal its therapeutic potentials, offering opportunities for future researches. Therefore, more focus should be paid to gathering information about their toxicology data, quality-control measures, and the clinical application of the bioactive ingredients from Ajuga L. species.

Dry extracts from the Eurasian plants, Ajuga turkestanica, Eurycoma longifolia, and Urtica dioica have been used as anabolic supplements, despite the limited scientific data on these effects. To assess their actions on early sarcopenia signs, male and female castrated mice were supplemented with lyophilized extracts of the three plants, isolated or in association (named TLU), and submitted to resistance exercise. Ovariectomy (OVX) led to body weight increase and non-high-density cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol elevation, which had been restored by exercise plus U. dioica extract, or by exercise and TLU, respectively. Orchiectomy (ORX) caused skeletal muscle weight loss, accompanied by increased adiposity, being the latter parameter reduced by exercise plus E. longifolia or U. dioica extracts. General physical activity was improved by exercise plus herbal extracts in either OVX or ORX animals. Exercise combined with TLU improved resistance to fatigue in OVX animals, though A. turkestanica enhanced the grip strength in ORX mice. E. longifolia or TLU also reduced the ladder climbing time in ORX mice. Resistance exercise plus herbal extracts partly altered gastrocnemius fiber size frequencies in OVX or ORX mice. We provide novel data that tested ergogenic extracts, when combined with resistance exercise, improved early sarcopenia alterations in castrated male and female mice.

Background Degenerative kidney diseases are mostly associated with oxidative stress. Natural products are considered as the antioxidants enrich food that can restrict the progress of oxidative stress induced disorders. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the renal protective effect of Ajuga parviflora leaf extract in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats. Methods The hydromethanolic extract of A. parviflora leaves was obtained by extracting twice in 60% methanol. The principal bioactive constituents were detected by LC/MS analysis. Toxicity of plant extract was assessed using brine shrimp lethal toxicity test and acute toxicity model on healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats. Nephroprotective effects of plant extract were also evaluated on rats by inducing CCl4 renal toxicity in comparison with positive control and naïve groups. The dose of A. parviflora administered to animal was 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. All administrations were given orally on an alternate day basis for 30 days. Urine and serum biomarkers were analyzed, along with antioxidant enzymes. Finally, the DNA damages, lipid peroxides, hydrogen peroxides and nitrites were assessed in rat’s renal tissue. The histopathology alterations in renal tissues were further studied for kidney damages. Results The LC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of different important pharmacological compounds in A. parviflora methanolic leaf extract. The key bioactive compounds include pyocyanin, zonisamide, D Saccharic acid, altretamine, carbocyclic thromboxane A2, Sinapyl alcohol, and vitamin C. The important polypeptides identified include Lys-Tyr-Lys, His-His-Lys, Met-Asp-Arg, Phe-Val-Arg, and PyroGlu-Val-Arg. The LD50 of A. parviflora was found to be > 1000 μg/mL. A. parviflora administration significantly subsides CCl4 toxicity in rats, reduced the elevated level of RBCs, pus and epithelial cells. The abnormal elevated level of specific gravity, creatinine, urobilinogen, urea and albumin were also reduced to normal physiological level. The reduced urinary protein and pH were also normalized. The serum urobilinogen, urea and total bilirubin levels were also reversed to normal levels while the diminished albumin and total protein levels also came to normal. The important phase I and II enzyme levels were also reversed in A. parviflora administered rats. The H2O2, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitrite levels were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the damaged DNA and histopathological changes in CCl4 exposed rats were also highly significantly reversed after the administration of A. parviflora. All effects were significant (P

Introduction Panama’s HIV epidemic is far from under control. One of the populations with the fastest-growing epidemic among the Indigenous peoples of the Comarca Ngäbe-Buglé (CNB). The CNB is an administratively autonomous Indigenous region in Western Panama that is home to over 200,000 individuals of Ngäbe and Buglé ethnicities. This population is unique and, in several ways, represents the early stages of the AIDS epidemics in high-income countries. The CNB is the most impoverished region in Panama and is relatively isolated from outside influences, with limited roads, electricity, and an internet connection, including medical assistance. Around 1.5% of all rapid HIV tests are positive, compared to a national prevalence of 0.9%; in CNB, diagnosis tends to be late. In CNB, 56.3% of individuals had an initial CD4 count of Methods We conducted 21 semi-structured interviews with PLHIV who reside across all three regions of the CNB and have attended an antiretroviral (ART) clinic at least once. Deductive thematic analysis was used to uncover themes related ART adherence and retention in HIV care at the individual, social and structural levels. Discussion This unique, isolated population of rural Indigenous peoples has high infection rates, late diagnosis, poor ART adherence, and high AIDS-related death rates. The CNB is an important region to examen ART adherence and retention in care. We determined that psychological health, social support, and discrimination acted as individual-level facilitators and barriers to adherence and retention. Notably, structural barriers included difficult access to ART care due to travel costs, ART shortages, and uncooperative Western/Traditional medical systems. Recommended interventions used in other Low- and Middle-Income settings include increasing peer and family-level support and community knowledge and understanding of HIV infection. Additionally, our study suggests structural interventions, including decreasing the cost and distance of traveling to the ART clinic, by decentralizing services, decreasing food scarcity, and increasing collaboration between Western and Traditional providers.

Two new diterpenoids, ajudecunoid A (1) and ajudecunoid B (14), along with thirteen known diterpenoids, were isolated from the whole plants of Ajuga nipponensis Makino. Their structures were elucidated by the extensive spectroscopic analysis (UV, IR, MS, and NMR). The absolute configurations of ajudecunoid A (1) and ajudecunoid B (14) were defined through analysis of X-ray crystallography. Fifteen compounds were evaluated for inhibition of the formation of osteoclasts in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) cells. Two neo-clerodane diterpenoids ajuganipponin B (5) and (12S)-6α,19-diacetoxy-18-chloro-4α-hydroxy-12-tigloyloxy-neo-clerod-13-en-15,16-olide (12) showed significant inhibition of osteoclastogenesis with IC50 values of 0.88 and 0.79 μM, respectively. Here we firstly reported diterpenoids with anti-osteoclastogenesis activity from A. nipponensis.

Background: Ajuga bracteosa is a traditional herb used against various diseases. Objective: Current research aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic and hepato-protective effect of green synthesized silver nanoparticles (ABAgNPs) using Ajuga bracteosa aqueous extract (ABaqu). Methods: In vitro anti-diabetic and cytotoxic effects were carried out via α- glucosidase inhibition, brine shrimp lethality, and protein kinase inhibition assays. For in vivo screening of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of both ABAgNPs and ABaqu in alloxan-induced and CCl4-induced Swiss albino mice were used. Liver and kidney functional markers, hematology, and histopathological studies were carried out after 14 days of administration. Results: In vivo antidiabetic and anti-cancerous effects showed valuable anti-hyperglycemic and hepato-protective potential when mice were treated with ABaqu and ABAgNPs. A significant reduction in the blood glucose level was recorded when ABaqu and ABAgNPs were administrated orally compared to Glibenclamide treated group. Significant reduction in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, and creatinine was recorded in ABaqu and ABAgNPs treated diabetic mice. The hepato-protective findings indicated that ALT, ALP, AST were elevated in CCl4-induced mice while declined in both ABAgNPs and ABaqu treated CCl4-induced mice. Histopathological examination revealed that ABAgNPs have hepato-protective activity. Conclusion: It was concluded that ABAgNPs and ABaqu possessed strong anti-diabetic and hepato-protective phytoconstituents, which could be used in the prevention of diseases.

The African cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis, a major crop pest worldwide, is controlled by chemical insecticides, leading to serious resistance problems. Ajuga plants contain phytoecdysteroids (analogs of arthropod steroid hormones that regulate metamorphoses) and clerodanes (diterpenoids exhibiting antifeedant activity). We analyzed phytoecdysteroids and clerodanes in leaf extracts of the Israeli Ajuga iva by LC-TOF-MS and TLC, and their efficiency at reducing S. littoralis fitness. Castor bean leaves were smeared with an aqueous suspension of dried methanolic crude extract of phytoecdysteroid and clerodanes from A. iva leaves (50, 100 and 250 µg/µl). First and third instars of S. littoralis larvae were fed with 1 treated leaf for 3 and 4 days, respectively. Mortality, larval weight gain, relative growth rate and survival were compared to feeding on control leaves. To evaluate and localize A. iva crude leaf extract activity in the insect gut, we used DAPI and phalloidin staining. Crude extract of A. iva leaves (50, 100 and 250 µg/µl) significantly increased mortality of first instar S. littoralis larvae (36%, 70% and 87%, respectively) compared to controls (6%). Third instar larval weight gain decreased significantly (by 52%, 44% and 30%, respectively), as did relative growth rate (–0.05 g/g day, compared to the relevant controls). S. littoralis larvae were further affected at later stages, with few survivors. Insect-gut staining showed that 250 µg/µl crude leaf extract reduces gut size, with relocation of nuclei and abnormal actin-filament organization. Our results demonstrate the potential of A. iva extract for alternative, environmentally safe insect-pest control. Key Message Insects cause severe damage to numerous crops and their control relies on pesticides. Green control is becoming increasingly popular due to concerns about the negative impacts of pesticides on the environment. Phytoecdysteroids are found in Ajuga plants and affect a wide range of insects at very low concentrations. Here we demonstrate that crude extract from Ajuga iva alters the development of Spodoptera littoralis. Phytoecdysteroids may therefore be beneficial in IPM programs.

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Owing to its traditional applications, the current study focuses on Ajuga parviflora (A. parviflora) leaves extract for phytochemical and pharmacological analysis. The principle constituents were identified through gas chromatography (GC), and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS), these includes phthalic acid, squalene, α-tocopherol, vitamin E, phytol, 2-methylenecholestan-3-ol, stigmasterol, cholest-22-ene-21-ol and 3,5-dehydro-6-methoxy. Hepatoprotective effect of A. parviflora was evaluated through isoniazid and rifampicin (INH and RFP) induced hepatotoxicity in rat. Animals in group A were treated with INH and RFP 50 mg/kg. Animals in group B, C, and D were pre-treated with A. parviflora extract at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg dose prior drug administration. A. parviflora extract at 200 and 300 mg/kg in group C and D significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin (p0.001) as compare to group B (100mg/kg). Total protein (TP) was also significantly (p0.01) reduced in group C and D at dose of 200 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. The extract pre-treated animals with (A. parviflora, 200, and 300 mg/kg) showed that the epithelium of the central portal vein is intact with replete glucagon. The pre-treatment with A. parviflora protected the liver from INH and RFP induced hepatotoxicity. The results of pre-treated animals with A. parviflora 200, and 300 mg/kg dose prettily revert the severely disturb parameters like, cytolysis, lymphocytic infiltration, and lymphoid aggregate in portal vein and hydropic degeneration. The decrease peroxisome proliferator-receptor activator-δ (PPAR-δ) gene expression by INH, and RFP was significantly up regulated by A. parviflora extract in pre-treated animals at 200 and 300 mg/kg dose. These findings provide baseline pharmacological uses of A. parviflora in liver disorders. Further investigations are required for identification and isolation of biologically active components responsible for pharmacological activity.

Oxidative stress was associated with several diseases. Many epidemiologic studies showed that antioxidant supplementation decreases the state of oxidative stress. The present work aims to study the in vitro antioxidant activity of different parts of Ajuga iva aqueous extract (AIE) simultaneously with a phytochemically analyze. The antioxidant activities of AIE were evaluated in terms of total antioxidant capacity evaluated by the phosphomolybdenum essay and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical method, as well as the ferric ion reducing power (FRP) and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assays. All extracts showed a potent antioxidant activity and a powerful scavenging capacity in comparison with the ascorbic acid (AA) used as reference molecule. Importantly, Ajuga iva leaves exhibited the highest activity in comparison with stems and roots.

This study investigates into the pharmacological potential of three solvent extracts (ethyl acetate, methanol, and water) of two Ajuga species (Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia var. chia and Ajuga bom...

Light is an important physical factor necessary for the growth, morphogenesis and production of bioactive compounds in plants. In this study, effects of different photoperiod regimes and hormonal elicitors were investigated on the accumulation of biomass, antioxidant potential and biosynthesis of secondary volatiles in the cell cultures of Ajuga bracteosa. Maximum accumulation of biomass (13.2 g/L) was recorded in cell cultures established at 1.0 mg/L benzylaminopurine (BA) in exposure to continuous dark. Biochemical assays showed that in the presence of 0.5 methyl jasmonate (Me-J), cell cultures grown under continuous dark had the higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD: 4.5 U/mg), peroxidase (POD: 3.1 U/mg), total phenolic content (TPC: 8.1 mg GAE/g of DW) and total flavonoid content (TFC: 5.2 mg QE/g of DW) respectively. Nonetheless, the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) was found correlated with the phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) activity in the dark grown cell cultures. Analysis through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) showed, biosynthesis of 29 compounds in the in vitro raised cell cultures. The major identified compounds consisted of monoterpene hydrocarbons such as β-pinene (2.1–9.5%), β-ocimene (1.4–8.3%), 1-terpinene-4-ol (5.8–9.6%), caryophyllene (1.3–6.2%), β-farnesene (0.82–7.8), oxygenated monoterpenes including myrtenal (2.2–8.4%), citronellyl acetate (2.1–7.3%) and sesquiterpenes such as caryophyllene oxide (1.5–5.5) and β-elemene (2.2–8.8%). This protocol has the potential for commercial production of important secondary volatiles.

Hepatitis C is a serious health issue and cause liver disorders in millions of people. Available therapeutic agents require long term administration with numerous side effects. Therefore, there is a dire need to find alternative treatment options for this disease. Since ancient times, medicinal plants are widely used to cure various diseases with no or less harmful effects. Therefore, this study was designed to find out phytochemicals and investigate antiviral activity of methanol extract of Ajuga bracteosa, Ajuga parviflora, Berberis lycium and Citrus lemon against Hepatitis C Virus (HCV infection). Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was performed using various chemical tests. Toxicity of the plant extract was determined against using trypan blue exclusion method. Antiviral activity of the selected plant extract was find out against HCV infected HepG2 cells. For this purpose, HepG2 cells were seeded with HCV positive and negative serum and nontoxic doses of plant extract for 24 and 48 h. After this RNA was extracted and viral load was determined using Real-time PCR. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids and phenols in all plant extracts while amino acids, alkaloids and tannins were present in B. lycium and saponins were detected in C. lemon. Toxicity assay showed that all plant extracts were nontoxic at maximum concentration of 200 μg/ml except B. lycium, which showed mild toxicity at 40 μg/ml and were extremely toxic at 60 μg/ml and above doses. Real-time PCR quantitation result revealed that after 24 h treatments A. parviflora showed highest antiviral activity, followed by A. bracteosa, while B. lycium extract had low (35%) and C. lemon has no antiviral effects. The 48 h treatments showed an increase antiviral activity by A. bracteosa followed by A. parviflora and B. lycium while C. lemon showed negative effect. Our results depicted that mentioned plants might be used as an alternative therapeutic regime or in combination with existing treatments against HCV., Highlights • A. bracteosa, A. parviflora, B. lycium and C. lemon methanol extract were checked for antiviral activity against HCV. • The antiviral activity was in the order of A. parviflora > A. bracteosa > B. lycium. • C. lemon has a negative effect and increase the HCV load.

Ferroptosis is a new form of cell death, and inhibition of ferroptosis is a promising strategy to treat neurological diseases. In this work, sixteen compounds were isolated from Ajuga nipponensis and assayed for anti-ferroptosis activity in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. Ajudecunoid C (1, ADC), a new neoclerodane diterpenoid, showed significant inhibitory activity against erastin and RSL3-induced ferroptosis with EC50 values of 4.1 ± 1.0 and 3.6 ± 0.3 μM, respectively. Experimental results demonstrated that ADC effectively prevented ferroptosis through scavenging free radical and activating NRF2-antioxidant response elements (AREs) pathway. This study reveals that ADC, as a new ferroptosis inhibitor, is a promising lead compound for the development of drugs against ferroptosis-related neurological diseases.

The present study investigated the protective effect of phytoecdysteroids extracted from the Ajuga iva plant on body weight changes, blood glucose, insulin total protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, pancreatic histopathology and hexokinase-I expression in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Experimental diabetes was induced following 15day intraperitoneal administration of alloxan. The rats were divided into four groups. Group I served as a sham group, and group II served as the diabetic control. Group III served as a treatment for phytoecdysteroids (10mg/kg), and group IV served as a treatment for phytoecdysteroids (20mg/kg). Phytoecdysteroids restored body weight loss to its antihyperglycemic effect. Blood glucose was reduced 19.2 and 52.9% in group III and IV respectively. Blood insulin (54.9 and 105.88%) and total protein (25 and 72.2%) was increased in group III and IV respectively. BUN, creatinine, TG, cholesterol and lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced following treatment. Catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly increased following treatment. Islet β-cells are lost in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Regeneration of islets and reduced atrophy of acinar cells were noted. The number of insulin-secreting cells was tremendously reduced in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Insulin-secreting cells were increased 48 and 61% in group III and IV respectively. Hexokinase-I mRNA (28.3 & 93.5%) and protein (27.9 and 55.3%) expression were significantly increased following treatment. Taking all these data together, it is suggested that the phytoecdysteroid could be a potential therapeutic agent against experimental diabetes.

The genus Ajuga, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is comprised of more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbaceous flowering plants mainly distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and Africa. These plants are used as folk medicines effective for rheumatic fevers, dysentery, malaria, hypertension, diabetes and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as anthelmintic, astringent, febrifuge diuretic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents. A variety of constituents has been isolated from these plants. This review summarizes the phytochemical progress of the genus Ajuga and lists the compounds isolated up to 2014.

Ajuga plants have had a long history of ethnopharmacological use worldwide. Based on the papers published so far, it seems that there has been a great interest in isolation, structural elucidation and testing of non-volatile Ajuga phytochemicals. The composition of hydrodistilled aerial part volatiles obtained from six populations of wild-growing A. laxmannii was investigated by means of GC and GC-MS analysis. The oils were screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against a panel of laboratory control strains using the broth microdilution assay. The analyses resulted in the identification of one hundred fourteen constituents, accounting for 79.6-97.3% of the total composition of the oils. The main components of the analyzed samples were (E)-phytol (5.3-26.1%), nonacosane (2.3-25.6%), coumarin (tr-22.7%), 1-octen-3-ol (0-21.2%), (Z)-3-hexen-l-ol (0-20.5%), linalool (0-13.7%) and heptacosane (0.6-10.5%), which all together contributing more than two thirds to the compounds detected. Among the microorganisms tested the most susceptible strain was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentration = 1.25/2.5 mg mL-1).

The genus Ajuga L., belonging to Lamiaceae family, is widespread. The demand for Ajuga species has risen sharply because of their medicinal, ornamental, and pharmacological properties. These wide-ranging plants are being rapidly depleted due to over-collection for ornamental and medicinal purposes, as well as by habitat destruction and deforestation. Ajuga boninsimae, A. bracteosa, A. ciliate, A. genevensis, A. incisa, A. makinoi, A. multiflora, A. pyramidalis, A. shikotanensis, A. reptans, and A. vestita are categorized and protected as endangered plants. In vitro plant culture has therefore emerged for the conservation and mass clonal propagation of rare plants. This mini-review covers the current in vitro scenario in the propagation of Ajuga species. Adventitious or axillary shoots are initiated on the leaf, petiole and internodes, as well as roots, nodes, and shoot tip explants. Shoot induction is predominantly dependent on plant growth regulators added to the culture medium. Full- or half-strength Murashige and Skoog medium with or without auxin is used for in vitro rooting. Rooted shoots need to be acclimatized in the greenhouse with an estimated 82-100% survival rate.

Background Ajuga bracteosa, a medicinal herb, is used by local community to cure a number of diseases such as inflammation, jaundice bronchial asthma, cancer and diabetes. Objectives The aim of present work was to evaluate the antioxidant potential, in vitro antidiabetic and antimicrobial effects of A. bracteosa. Methods n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts of Ajuga bracteosa roots, were prepared via maceration. Antibacterial activity was carried out by agar well diffusion method. Quantitative and qualitative phytochemical screening was done. The antioxidant activity was determined by iron (II) chelating activity, iron reducing power, DPPH, and ABTS free radical scavenging methods, Antidiabetic activity was evaluated through inhibition of α-glucosidase assay. Results Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, quinines, terpenoids, xanthoproteins, glycosides, carbohydrates, steroids, phytosterols and amino acids. DPPH and ABTS potential values were recorded as 61.92% to 88.84% and 0.11% to 38.82%, respectively. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were expressed as gallic acid and rutin equivalents. Total iron content was expressed as FeSO4 equivalents. Chloroform and n-hexane extracts showed significant enzyme inhibition potential with IC50 values of 29.92 μg/ml and 131.7 μg/ml respectively. Aqueous extract showed maximum inhibition of E. coli, S. typhimurium, E. amnigenus, S. pyogenes, and S. aureus, (18.0±1.0 mm, 12.5±0.7 mm, 17.0±0.0 mm, 11.0±0.0 mm and 15.3±2.0 mm mm), respectively. Similarly, n-hexane extract showed maximum inhibition of E. coli, E. amnigenus, S. aureus (11.6±1.5 mm; 11.3±1.5 mm; 13.3±0.5 mm). This study also shows that n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of A. bracteosa root possess α-glucosidase inhibitory activities and therefore it may be used as hypoglycemic agents in the management of postprandial hyperglycemia. Conclusion Ajuga bracteosa root extracts may provide a basis for development of antioxidant, antimicrobial and antidiabetic drugs.

The leaf essential oil of Ajuga iva growing wild in Mascara region situated in the North West of Algeria, has been obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. We proposed to determine the physicochemical, organoleptic and chemical identification of these components. Twenty two volatile compounds were identified which included: dienestrol (54.04%), eucalyptol (27%), o-xylene (7.98 %), 1-octadecanol (5.80%); 3-carene (4.46%), (E)-2,3,6- trimethoxypentafulvene-1-carbonitrile (4.34%), (-)-spathulenol (1.77%), nonanal (1.24%). The oil from Ajuga iva showed activities against Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus,Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas aeroginosa.

Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex. Benth. (Lamiaceae) commonly known as Bungle Weed has been in use since ancient times and is mentioned Ayurvedic literature. The upper ground parts of the plant are used for treatment of various diseases. The weed is credited with astringent, febrifugal, stimulant, aperient, tonic, diuretic and depurative properties and is used for the treatment of gout and rheumatism, palsy and amenorrhoea. Two compounds 1) 14, 15-dihydroajugapitin and 2) 8-o-acetylharpagide were isolated from the aerial parts of the plant and tested for antibacterial activity against various pathogenic bacteria by agar well diffusion method. Compound 1 and 2 showed maximum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli with zone of inhibitions of 25. 0 ± 1.4 mm and 22.6 ± 0.9 mm respectively. The MIC value of compound 1 and 2 ranged between 500 and 1000 μg/ml. It could be concluded that both compounds isolated from the aerial parts of Ajuga bracteosa possess antibacterial activity against pathogens.

The leaves of Ajuga remota benth have been utilized traditionally for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus. However, its use has not been scientifically validated. The present study was therefore, aimed to assess the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanol extract of A. remota leaves in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activities of ethanol extract of A. remota leaves (AREt) were studied in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The effect of extract on fasting blood glucose, body weight, lipid profile, serum, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine and total protein were analyzed. Glibenclamide was used as standard drug. Ethanol extract of A. remota leaves has showed significant blood glucose lowering effect as compared to the diabetic control group. After diabetic rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg ethanol extract of A. remota leaves for 28 days, there were a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, and significant increase in body weight, serum total protein, high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as compared to untreated control diabetic rats. The results of the present study showed that ethanol extract of A. remota leaves might be useful for management of diabetes mellitus and other associated abnormalities. The present study might support the traditional use of A. remota for diabetes mellitus treatment. Key words: Ajuga remota benth, diabetes mellitus, streptozotocin.