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BACKGROUND Blumea eriantha DC is the Indian medicinal remedy, mainly distributed in the States of India. It possesses wide array of medicinal properties. AIM To execute green synthesis approach for the preparation of silver and iron nanoparticles by using alcoholic Blumea ErianthaDC extract and to verify the biological potential of the prepared nanoparticles as a hair growth promoter. PATIENTS/METHOD Extract was mixed with silver nitrate and ferric chloride for synthesis of silver and iron nanoparticles, respectively. Prepared nanoparticles were confirmed by UV, FT-IR, SEM, X-ray diffraction, and TEM. The qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed namely hair growth initiation, hair growth completion, hair length, hair weight, histopathological studies, skin thickness, and length of the hair follicle. RESULTS The prepared nanoparticles were observed as a blend of spherical and irregular shape with an average particle size of 35nm. The transition of anagen hair follicles was observed in approximately 63.43 % of animals treated with Minoxidil, whereas 2% and 5% Blumea erianthasilver nanoparticles treated animal group exhibited 33.02% and 60.93%, respectively. The animal groups treated with 2% and 5% iron nanoparticles of Blumea Eriantha showed 44.09 and 38.89% in anagen induction, respectively, which suggest the hair growth-promoting potential of the extract of Blumea erianthaDC. CONCLUSION Thus, it can be concluded that silver nanoparticles of Blumea Eriantha exhibit promising hair growth promoting activity.

In the recent years, the interests on the herbal medicines and their utilization for the treatment for various diseases have been increasing rapidly, even in those areas where modern medicine is available. Medicinal plants are the richest source of bioactive compounds used in the traditional and modern medicine. Nowadays, demand for the plant based medicines, health products, pharmaceuticals, food supplements has been increasing due to their effectiveness. The objective of the present study was to formulate and evaluate herbal cough syrup from the petal extracts of Calendula officinalis L. The syrup formulation was designed by using petal extract, honey and required amount of distilled water. The prepared herbal cough syrup was evaluated for different parameters such as pH, color, odor, taste, thermal stability, turbidity, accelerated stability studies, HPTLC and antimicrobial activity against different microbial strains namely Aspergillus niger, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. HPTLC analysis of the prepared formulations was compared with standard marker compound namely Quercetin. The Rf of Quercetin perfectly matched with the spot observed in Formulation A and B. From the results of the study, it can be concluded that the prepared syrup formulation comprising of aqueous extract of C. officinalis exhibited good antimicrobial activity against the selected microbial strains, and it exhibited soothing effect with sweet taste because of honey.

The present work was aimed to formulate various cosmetic formulations comprising of extract of Piper betel and Acacia catechu and limestone as a coloring agent to minimize the side effect(s) associated with the use of synthetic colorants. Different natural ingredients such as bees wax, carnauba wax, white soft paraffin, castor oil, strawberry essence, rice starch and lemon juice were used to formulate herbal lipstick, rouge, and eye shadow along with the extracted color. Different evaluation tests were carried out to evaluate the prepared formulations such as color, texture, pH, perfume stability, melting point, breaking point, softening point, surface anomalies, aging stability, thixotrophy and skin irritation test. The results of the evaluation tests revealed that melting point of the prepared lipstick formulation was in the range of 61-63oC. The breaking point of all the prepared lipstick formulations was in the range of 30 – 33 g. Force of application was noted to be good for all the formulations. Thixotrophy character was observed in the range of 9.2 ±0.3 to 9.6 ±0.1. Softening point was found to be in the range 52.33 to 60.330C. Eye shadow and rouge showed good adhesion property and proper color dispersion with melting point of 480C. Patch test on the volunteers showed no signs of skin irritation. The results of the study confirmed that the color extracted from Piper betel and Acacia catechu may prove to be an attractive option and act as a substitute for synthetic colorants in various cosmetic formulations.

PurposeIn the Indian system of medicine – Ayurveda,Musa paradisiacahas been mentioned as a remedy for various diseases and ailments. Based on the folkloric use, the purpose of this paper is to verify and compare the hypoglycemic potential of unripe, ripe and overripe fruit extract ofMusa paradisiaca.Design/methodology/approachHypoglycemic activity of fruit extracts has been evaluated using variousin vitromethods, namely, determination of glucose adsorption capacity, glucose uptake in yeast cells, amylolysis kinetics and glucose diffusion.FindingsThe extracts of unripe, ripe and overripe fruits ofMusa paradisiacaadsorbed glucose, and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. In the amylolysis kinetic experimental model, the rate of glucose diffusion was found to increase with time, and all the extracts of unripe, ripe and overripe fruits ofMusa paradisiacademonstrated significant inhibitory effects on the movement of glucose into external solution across the dialysis membrane as compared to the control. The extracts under study also promoted glucose uptake by the yeast cells in all the five glucose concentrations used in the study.Practical implicationsHere, the authors have verified and compared the hypoglycemic potential ofMusa paradisiaca, its unripe fruit extract was found to show a better activity than ripe and overripe fruit extracts.Originality/valueBanana, being an all season readily available fruit, is widely consumed due to its ready availability and low cost. It acts as a complete food for even low socio-economic classes of society, owing to its rich nutritional values. Even in a processed and unprocessed manner, it is an important constituent of diet. The research suggests that instead of consuming ripe and overripe fruit, the unripe fruit will help in management of diabetes.

Introduction: The aim of the current analysis was to judge the hypoglycemic action of the phyto-extracts of Lagenaria siceraria, Cynodon dactylon and Stevia rebaudiana using suitable in vitro approaches. Methods: The hypoglycemic activity of the phyto-material extracts was evaluated by employing various in-vitro methods namely glucose diffusion, amylolysis kinetics and glucose adsorption capacity. Results: The extracts of L. siceraria, C. dactylon and S. rebaudiana exhibited glucose dialysis retardation indices (GDRI) of 48.14%, 37.03% and 29.62%, respectively at 60 minutes which were reduced to 15.78%, 10.52% and 18.42%, respectively at 120 minutes. All the plant extracts used in the study adsorbed glucose and their adsorptions markedly enhanced with increase in sugar concentration. Conclusion: From the outcome of the assay it can be concluded that the extracts of L. siceraria, C. dactylon and S. rebaudiana have hypoglycemic activity as observed in various in-vitro assays. However, the beneficial actions require to be verified by adopting various in vivo techniques along with clinical trials for their efficient use as potential remedial moiety.

The intent of the present investigation was to explore the utility of alcoholic and aqueous extract of Punica granatum L. as hair growth promoter along with anti-lice and antidandruff activity. A filter paper diffusion approach was employed for screening of the pediculocidal and ovicidal activity. Albino mice, preselected for their telogen phase of hair growth were used during the study. The prepared extracts, Minoxidil and control were applied over shaved skin surface on to the backs of mice to assess telogen to anagen transition. The qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed. The outcome of the studies revealed that Punica granatum L. alcoholic and aqueous extracts exhibited prominent anti-lice activity. The transition of telogen to anagen phase of the number of anagen hair follicle was observed in approximately 45, 27 and 51% of animals treated with alcoholic and aqueous extract of Punica granatum L., and Minoxidil, respectively, which suggest the hair growth promoting potential of the extract of Punica granatum L. Also, 3 % Punica granatum L. alcoholic extracts exhibited a potent antidandruff activity against fungal strains tested. Maltol, was identified as a principal phytoconstituent in the alcoholic extract. The findings greatly suggest anti-lice, antidandruff and hair growth promoting potential of the extract of Punica granatum L.

The present investigation was undertaken to assess the hypoglycemic potential of Caesalpinia bonducella (C.bonducella) and Myristica fragrans (M.fragrans), employing various in vitro techniques. The extracts of seeds of C. bonducella and M. fragrans were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption capacity, in vitro glucose diffusion, in vitro amylolysis kinetics and glucose transport across the yeast cells. It was observed that the plant extracts under study adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. There were no significant (p≤0.05) differences between their adsorption capacities. The results of amylolysis kinetic experimental model revealed that the rate of glucose diffusion was found to be increased with time from 30 to 180 min and both the plant extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on movement of glucose into external solution across dialysis membrane as compared to control. Also, the plant extracts promoted glucose uptake by the yeast cells. It was observed that the enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. C. bonducella extract exhibited significantly higher (p≤0.05) activity than the extract of M. fragrans at all concentrations. The results of the study verified the hypoglycemic activity of the extracts of C. bonducella and M. fragrans. However, the observed effects exhibited by the extracts of seeds of C. bonducella and M. fragrans need to be confirmed by using different in vivo models and clinical trials for their effective utilization as therapeutic agents in better management of diabetes mellitus.

Objective The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the hypoglycemic potential of Berberis aristata and Tamarindus indica using various in vitro techniques. Methods The selected plant extracts were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption capacity, in vitro glucose diffusion, in vitro amylolysis kinetics and glucose transport across the yeast cells. Results It was observed that both the plant extracts adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. No significant (p ⩽ 0.05) differences were observed between the adsorption capacities of B. aristata and T. indica. The results of amylolysis kinetic experimental model exhibited that the rate of glucose diffusion was increased with time from 30 to 180 min and both the plant extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on movement of glucose into external solution across dialysis membrane as compared to control. It was observed that the plant extracts also promoted glucose uptake by the yeast cells. Enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. B. aristata extract exhibited significantly higher (p ⩽ 0.05) activity than the extract of T. indica at all concentrations. Conclusion The results of the study verified the hypoglycemic activity of the extracts of B. aristata and T. indica. However, the observed effects need to be confirmed using different in vivo models and clinical trials for their effective utilization as therapeutic agents.

Objetivo: El objetivo del presente trabajo fue comparar y verificar la eficacia de Aloe vera (1 a 3%) con dimetilsulfoxido (1 a 3%) por su propiedad de mejora de la penetración para la administración tópica de lidocaína. Método: Carbopol 934 se usó como agente gelificante para la preparación de formulaciones de gel de lidocaína que contenían o no dimetilsulfoxido o Aloe vera (1%, 2% y 3%). Los geles se evaluaron por su aspecto físico, comportamiento reológico, contenido de fármaco, liberación de fármaco y estabilidad. Resultados: Se dedujo del resultado que la formulación del gel obtenido era adecuada en apariencia, homogeneidad y consistencia. Los perfiles de liberación de fármaco in vitro mostraron que conforme aumentaban el porcentaje de “Aloe vera” en las formulaciones, la tasa de liberación del fármaco se incrementaba sustancialmente. Se observó que la formulación F6 que contenía un 3% de Aloe vera como potenciador de la permeación exhibía un 79,18% de liberación de fármaco. De manera similar, para la formulación F3, que comprendía un 3% de DMSO como potenciador de la permeación, se encontró que la liberación del fármaco era del 84,52%. El uso de Aloe vera puede resultar beneficioso en comparación con los potenciadores de permeación sintéticos. Conclusión: Sobre la base de los resultados del estudio, se concluyó que el gel tópico de lidocaína preparado junto con Carbopol 934 mediante el uso de Aloe vera como un potenciador natural de la penetración a una concentración del 3%, se puede usar para mejorar la penetración de lidocaína en la piel.

Objective: To verify the utility of isolated fermentative microbes from Woodfordia fruticosa flowers for preparation of Arjunāriṣṭa formulation and its comparative evaluation with the same formulation prepared by traditional method. Methodology: In the present technique, isolated colonies of microorganisms from Woodfordia fruticosa (Dhātakī) flowers on Saubroad dextrose media were separated and suspended in sterile water. This suspension was aseptically added in previously sterilized mixtures containing all intended ingredients for Arjunāriṣṭa which was thereafter incubated for 20 days at 37°C to achieve optimal fermentation. The formulation thus obtained was further subjected to various evaluation tests. Result: Arjunāriṣṭa was prepared using a new approach, and in that, isolated microorganisms from the flowers of Woodfordia fruticosa (Dhātakī) were used. It was found that the new approach was successful in generating approximately same quantities of alcohol content in comparison with traditional methods which have shown varying concentration of alcoholic content. Moreover, the new process prevents the growth of unwanted microbes thus, optimizing standards for purity and safety of the formulation. Conclusion: The formulation prepared by a new procedure showed marked uniformity for different parameters such as alcohol production, total phenol content, total solid content as compared to that prepared by the traditional method. Similarly, the results of thin layer chromatography, high performance thin layer chromatography showed marked uniformity related to quality, safety, efficacy, and reproducibility of the new method as compared to the traditional one. Thus, the modern technique was found to show reproducibility and facilitate easier quality assessment.

Silver and iron nanoparticles was synthesized, characterized and investigated for biological screening using alcoholic blumea eriantha DC plant extract. Equal amount of plant extract was mixed and incubated with silver nitrate and ferric chloride to obtain silver and iron nanoparticles respectively. Formation of silver and iron nanoparticles was confirmed by using UV, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, X-ray diffraction, and TEM. The anti-oxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic activities of the synthesized nanoparticles were determined by using standard protocols. MCF-7 cells were treated with selected concentrations of extract and prepared nanoparticles. It was observed that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical in shape with an average particle size of 50 nm. The results of the studies revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles exhibited effective antioxidant, antibacterial and cytotoxic activity. The cell viability was measured for 50 hours after the addition of selected concentration of nanoparticles. The inhibition rate of silver nanoparticles was observed to be 15.45, 20.25 and 28.16 % against concentration 25, 50 and 100 μg mL-1 respectively. DPPI staining and Annexin V FITC assay results indicated that silver nanoparticle induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells as compared with control. Therefore, it may open up a new avenue for anticancer therapies that needs further research.

Objective: The study aimed to verify the hypoglycemic effect of Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii) and Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) by using various in-vitro techniques. Method: The extracts were studied for their effects on glucose adsorption capacity, in-vitro glucose diffusion, in-vitro amylolysis kinetics and glucose transport across the yeast cells. Results: It was observed that the extracts of M. koenigii and C. roseus adsorbed glucose and the adsorption of glucose increased remarkably with an increase in glucose concentration. There were no significant (p≤0.05) differences between their adsorption capacities. In the amylolysis kinetic experimental model the rate of glucose diffusion was found to be increased with time from 30 to 180 min and both the plant extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the movement of glucose into external solution across the dialysis membrane as compared to control. The extracts also promoted glucose uptake by the yeast cells and the enhancement of glucose uptake was dependent on both the sample and glucose concentration. The extract of M. koenigii exhibited significantly higher (p≤0.05) activity than the extract of C. roseus at all concentrations used in the study. Our report suggests the mechanism(s) for the hypoglycemic effect of M. koenigii and C. roseus. Conclusion: The said effect was observed to be mediated by inhibiting alpha amylase, inhibiting glucose diffusion by adsorbing glucose and by increasing glucose transport across the cell membranes as revealed by in-vitro model of yeast cells. However, these effects need to be affirmed by using different in vivo models and clinical trials. RESUMEN Objetivo: El estudio tuvo como objetivo verificar el efecto hipoglucémico de Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii) y Catharanthus roseus (C. roseus) mediante el uso de diversas técnicas in vitro. Método: Los extractos se estudiaron por sus efectos sobre la capacidad de adsorción de glucosa, la difusión de glucosa in vitro, la cinética de amilolisis in vitro y el transporte de glucosa a través de las células de levadura. Resultados: se observó que los extractos de M. koenigii y C. roseus adsorbieron glucosa y la adsorción de glucosa aumentó notablemente con un aumento en la concentración de glucosa. No hubo diferencias significativas (p≤0.05) entre sus capacidades de adsorción. En el modelo experimental cinético de amilolisis, se encontró que la velocidad de difusión de glucosa aumentaba con el tiempo de 30 a 180 min y ambos extractos de planta exhibían efectos inhibitorios significativos sobre el movimiento de la glucosa hacia la solución externa a través de la membrana de diálisis en comparación con el control. Los extractos también promovieron la absorción de glucosa por las células de levadura y la mejora de la captación de glucosa dependió tanto de la muestra como de la concentración de glucosa. El extracto de M. koenigii exhibió una actividad significativamente mayor (p≤0.05) que el extracto de C. roseus en todas las concentraciones utilizadas en el estudio. Nuestro informe sugiere el mecanismo (s) para el efecto hipoglucemiante de M. koenigii y C. roseus. Conclusión: Se observó que dicho efecto estaba mediado por la inhibición de la alfa amilasa, la inhibición de la difusión de glucosa por la adsorción de glucosa y el aumento del transporte de glucosa a través de las membranas celulares según lo revelado por el modelo in vitro de células de levadura. Sin embargo, estos efectos deben ser afirmados mediante el uso de diferentes modelos in vivo y ensayos clínicos

Summary Objective In the recent years, there has been a gradual revival of interest in the use of medicinal plants in developing countries because herbal medicines have been reported safe with minimal adverse side effect especially when compared with synthetic drugs. Method In the present study we prepared gel formulations (formulations A and B) which comprised of ethanolic extract of Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, Allium sativum, Ocimum sactum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum nees and Tamarindus indica in a concentration of 0.1 and 0.5%, respectively in a base. The base was prepared by using carbapol 940, propylene glycol-400, ethanol, methyl paraben, propylparaben, EDTA, triethanolamine and required amount of water in a quantity sufficient to prepare 50 g. The prepared formulations were screened for their antimicrobial activity by agar well diffusion technique against S. aureus, B. subtilis, A. niger and E. coli which are representative types of Gram positive and Gram negative organisms. The formulations were also evaluated for appearance and homogeneity, pH, viscosity and rheological studies, spreadability, drug content uniformity, skin irritation test (Patch test) and washability. Result The results of the studies revealed that both formulation under study viz A and B showed better zone of inhibition as compared with the base. However, formulation B exhibited maximum activity against the selected strains which may be attributed to its greater amount of herbal extracts as compared to formulation A. Conclusion Based on our research, it could be concluded that these formulations possess antimicrobial activity and can be used safely on human skin.