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Aim of the study Butea superba Roxb. (Leguminosae) is a well-known Thai male potency herb with androgenic and anti-estrogenic activities. We evaluated whether oral administration of Butea superba has an androgenic or anti-estrogenic activity in female rats. Materials and methods Normal and ovariectomized adult female rats were each subdivided into five groups, DW, BS-10, BS-50, BS-250 and TP, and gavaged with 0, 10, 50 and 250 mg/kg BW/day of the crude of Butea superba and subcutaneously injected with 6 mg/kg BW/day of testosterone propionate (TP), respectively, during the treatment period. Results In intact rats, only BS-250 increased the uterine thickness and the number of uterine glands, and could induce a prolonged diestrous phase. In ovariectomized rats, treatment with BS-50 as well as BS-250 increased the uterine thickness and the number of uterine glands. However, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were also increased. TP reduced serum follicle stimulating hormone and LH levels with the appearance of anestrous cycle, and could significantly increase the relative uterine weight and thickness and the number of uterine glands in both intact and ovariectomized rats. Conclusions Orally administered Butea superba tubers have an androgenic effect on the reproductive organs of intact and ovariectomized rats, and exhibit anti-estrogenic activity on LH secretion in ovariectomized rats.

Disease burden due to lymphatic filariasis is disproportionately high despite mass drug administration with conventional drugs. Usage of herbal drugs in traditional medicine is quite well known but largely empirical. Hence the present study was designed to screen the in vitro antifilarial effect of four herbal plants on Brugia malayi.Motility of microfilariae of B. malayi after incubation for 48 h with aqueous/methanol extracts of Vitex negundo L. (roots), Butea monosperma L. (roots and leaves), Ricinus communis L. (leaves), and Aegle marmelos Corr. (leaves) was explored in the concentration range of 20 to 100 ng/ml for possible antifilarial effect by comparing with suitable solvent control.Butea monosperma leaves and roots, Vitex negundo root and Aegle marmelo leaves showed significant inhibition of motility of microfilariae as compared to controls whereas inhibitory activity demonstrated by Ricinus communis L. leaves was not significant. Antifilarial effects imparted by all these extracts were found to be a function of their relative concentrations. Inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) for the plant extracts with significant antifilarial activity against Brugia malayi microfilariae in in vitro system have been derived to be 82, 83 and 70 ng/ml for Vitex negundo L., Butea monosperma L. and Aegle marmelos Corr. respectively.The present study recorded significant antifilarial effect of all plant extracts studied except for Ricinus communis L. leaves and contributes to the development of database for novel drug candidates for human lymphatic filariasis.

Impaired neutrophil function has been associated with increased infectious diseases in ruminants. Attachment of neutrophils to endothelium and superoxide production is critical features of their immune activity. Once the infection is cleared, programmed cell death ensures the rapid resolution of inflammation. To develop new natural therapeutics for ruminants, standard extracts of Echinacea angustifolia (Polinacea), Butea frondosa and Curcuma longa (Curcuvet) were first evaluated on ovine neutrophil functions. Curcuvet strongly reduced PMA-stimulated adhesion and superoxide production. Polinacea and B. frondosa extract also reduced these functions, but with less efficacy than Curcuvet. We analyzed the effect of extracts on spontaneous apoptosis and gene expression in neutrophils aged in vitro for up to 22h. IL8 is critical for neutrophil recruitment and the immune response; Bcl2-related proteins, Bcl2A1 and Bax, are key regulators of neutrophil fate. Spontaneous apoptosis strongly increased in ovine neutrophils cultured for 22h (T22), accompanied by an upregulation of IL8 and a decreased Bcl2A1:Bax ratio. Curcuvet stimulated spontaneous apoptosis and inhibited IL8 and Bcl2A1 gene expression at T22, whereas Polinacea and B. frondosa extract inhibited spontaneous apoptosis and stimulated IL8 expression at T22. These results suggest that Curcuvet has antiinflammatory activity, whereas Polinacea and B. frondosa have an immunomodulatory action on sheep neutrophils.

Objective To evaluate the effects of the tuberous powder of Butea superba Roxb. (Leguminosae) on blood testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), and toxicity in male rats. Methods Adult male Wistar rats were orally treated with 0, 10, 100, 150 or 200 mg/kg BW/day of B. superba powder suspension in 0.7 ml distilled water for 90 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected every 30 days and submitted to testosterone and LH analysis. On the 90th day of treatment, blood and the main organs were collected for haematological and histopathological analysis, respectively. Results The adverse effects found included an increase in spleen relative weight, and increased serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in rats treated with 150 mg/kg BW/day B. superba powder. At 200 mg/kg BW/day treatment, rats showed significant decreased and increased blood levels of neutrophil and eosinophil, respectively, and a decrease in serum creatinine levels. Serum hormonal analysis revealed a dose-dependent decrease in testosterone, but not LH, in rats treated with 150 and 200 mg/kg BW/day B. superba powder. Conclusion Subchronic treatment of B. superba tuberous powder suspension at high doses in male rats exhibited adverse effects to blood chemistry, haematology, and blood testosterone level. The results of the study should initiate awareness of the possible adverse risk of over-dose consumption of B. superba products for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in mature males.

Palăśa (Butea monosperma (Lamk.) Taub.) is considered sacred both by Hindus and Buddhists. It is known to the Hindus under the Sănskrt name Palăśa as it possesses valuable medicinal properties. This sacred tree is being called the treasurer of the gods and of sacrifice. It grows throughout India except in very arid parts and is a medium sized deciduous tree. Parts used are bark, leaf, flower, seed and gum. It is mainly useful as antihelmenthic appetizer, aphrodisiac, laxative etc. Thus its medico- historical aspects are being presented in this paper.

Palas [Butea monosperma (L.) Taub.], a multipurpose leguminous tree has numerous flower variants. The genetic diversity of the flower variants (golden yellow, yellow, mustard yellow, chrome yellow, white, and scarlet) and a morphological variant, swadi palas was analyzed using RAPD marker. Thirty six RAPD primers were used to analyze their genetic diversity. Similarity coefficients of the palas variants ranged between 0.479 for yellow and swadi palas and 0.705 for mustard yellow and white variant. The cluster analysis grouped the palas variants into 2 major clusters, first comprising of golden yellow, yellow and chrome yellow variants and the second comprising of mustard yellow, white, scarlet and swadi palas variants. The unique polymorphic band of 687 bp was obtained in wild scarlet palas with OPS 02 primer. An attempt was made to develop more locus specific marker from this fragment. The newly designed locus specific primers amplified 687 bp fragment in chrome yellow, mustard yellow, white, scarlet and swadi palas variants. This marker will be helpful in identifying palas flower variants and their conservation and use in breeding programmes.

Seventy-six species representing 37 genera of the tribe Phaseoleae (Leguminosae—Papilionoideae) have been found to produce phytoalexins following inoculation of detached leaflets with the fungus Helminthosporium carbonum. Using the dropdiffusate technique, a total of 30 compounds belonging to four isoflavonoid groups (isoflavones, isoflavanones, pterocarpans and isoflavans) were isolated and purified. The structures of 29 of these phytoalexins were established by spectroscopic (UV, MS) and chromatographic (Si gel TLC) comparison with reference compounds. A minor isoflavonoid produced only by Mucuna poggei was provisionally identified as 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-2′3′-dimethoxyisoflavanone (parvisoflavanone). The survey has revealed distinct trends in phytoalexin production within the Phaseoleae and these generally support current views on evolutionary and systematic relationships at the subtribal level. Apart from occurring in two genera (Calopogonium and Pachyrrhizus) of subtribe Diocleinae, isoflavonoids possessing 3,3-dimethylallyl (prenyl) or other alkyl side-attachments were commonly found in subtribes Erythrininae (except Butea), Glycininae, Kennediinae (except Kennedia) and Phaseolinae, but were absent from the Cajaninae, Clitoriinae and Ophrestiinae. The data suggest that subtribes Glycininae and Phaseolinae are closely related to the less specialized Diocleinae, with genera such as Pachyrrhizus, Calopogonium (both Diocleinae), Neorautanenia (Phaseolinae) and Pueraria (Glycininae) possibly representing the bridging taxa. There is evidence to suggest that the mainly Australian subtribe Kennediinae also has a chemical link with the Diocleinae-related legumes. In contrast, phytoalexin surveys within the Cajaninae, Clitoriinae and Ophrestiinae indicate that these subtribes may only be distantly related to the Diocleinae, although the data do not permit their natural, perhaps extra-tribal, allies to be determined. Widely differing phytoalexin profiles were obtained for genera of the Erythrininae, thus supporting the commonly held opinion that this subtribe is an “artificial” creation in need of complete systematic revision.

In the present study, ethyl acetate, butanol and aqueous fractions derived from total methanol extract of Butea monosperma flowers were evaluated for radical scavenging activities using different in vitro models like reducing power assay, scavenging of 2,2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide radical, superoxide anion radical, hydroxyl radical and inhibition of erythrocyte hemolysis using 2, 2' azo-bis (amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH). Methanol extract along with its ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed potent free radical scavenging activity, whereas aqueous fraction was found to be devoid of any radical scavenging properties. The observed activity could be due to the higher phenolic content in the extracts (16.1, 25.29, and 17.74% w/w in methanol extract, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions respectively). HPTLC fingerprint profile of the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions were developed which would serve as reference standard for quality control of the extracts.

Fatty acid composition of seeds from the fruits of Butea monosperma, Jatropha glandulifera and Portulaca oleracea of three different families, namely Papilionaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Portulaceae were determined through Gas Liquid Chromatography to find novel natural sources of essential fatty acids for human health and of economic interest. Comparative studies were also performed to ascertain the utilization of each species for domestic as well as industrial purpose and the quality parameters developed can be utilized as marker characters for the aforesaid seeds used by the pharmaceutical industries.

In this communication, we document chemopreventive effects of Butea monosperma extract on hepatic carcinogenesis and on tumor promoter induced markers and oxidative stress in male Wistar rats. Treatment of male Wistar rats for five consecutive days with 2-AAF i.p. induced significant hepatic toxicity, oxidative stress and hyperproliferation. Pretreatment of B.monosperma extract (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) prevented oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes and also prevented toxicity at both doses. The promotion parameters induced (ornithine decarboxylase activity and DNA synthesis) by 2-AAF administration in diet with partial hepatectomy (PH) were also significantly suppressed dose dependently by B. monosperma. Thereafter, we proceeded with studies on rat liver carcinogenesis. After fourteen days of DEN treatment, dietary administration of 2-AAF with PH resulted in a 100% incidence of tumors in the animals. However, B.monosperma caused reduction in the number of tumors/ rat and percentage of tumor bearing rats at the end of the study, as confirmed histologically. Thus, our data suggest that B.monosperma extract is a potent chemopreventive agent which suppresses 2-AAF-induced hepatic carcinogenesis and oxidative damage in Wistar rats. The protective activity of the plant might be due to the two major constituents (butrin and isobutrin).

A carpin (3-hydroxy-9-methoxypterocarpan) (Medicarpin) (1) and four isoflavones, 7-hydroxy-4'-methoxy-isoflavone (Formononetin) (2); 7,4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (3); 5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-isoflavone (Prunetin) (4) and 7-hydroxy-6,4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (5) were isolated from the tuber roots of Butea superba Roxb. Compounds 2 and 4 showed moderate cytotoxic activity on KB cell lines with IC(50) (microM) values of 37.3+/-2.5 and 71.1+/-0.8 and on BC cell lines with IC(50) (microM) values of 32.7+/-1.5 and 47.3+/-0.3, respectively.

Three new species of Stenella, S. heterophragmae, S. lantanae and S. buteae occurring on Heterophragma sp., Lanana indica and Butea parviflora , respectively, have been described and illustrated.

The effects of Butea superba on the reproductive system in male Wistar rats were investigated. The animals were fed daily with the powdered crude drug suspended in distilled water by a gastric tube at the dose of 2, 25, 250 and 1250 mg/kg body weight for 8 weeks. Rats fed with 1 ml of distilled water were used as a negative control. The weights of all vital organs in all treated groups were not different from the control. The percentage weight ratios of body weights of seminal vesicles and prostate glands were not different from the control, except that the testis of the group fed with 1250 mg/kg was significantly different from the control and the other treated groups. In addition, the sperm counts in this group showed about 16% more than the control group. Hematology as well as the liver and kidney function of all treated groups showed no difference from the control. B. superba, drug at 250 mg/kg which was 100 times more than the Thai FDA recommended dose for humans appeared to be safe in rats. The crude drug has demonstrated an increase tendency on testis weight and sperm counts in rat. The information from the present study can be used to explain the Thai folklore application of this plant in Thailand.

Enterobacter sp. MR1 an endophytic plant growth promoting bacterium was isolated from the roots of Butea monosperma, a drought tolerant plant. Genome sequencing of Enterobacter spp. MR1 was carried out in Ion Torrent (PGM), Next Generation Sequencer. The data obtained revealed 640 contigs with genome size of 4.58 Mb and G+C content of 52.8 %. This bacterium may contain genes responsible for inducing drought tolerance in plant, including genes for phosphate solubilization, growth hormones and other useful genes for plant growth.

Seeds of Butea monosperma administered as crude powder (CP) at doses of 1, 2 and 3 g/kg to sheep naturally infected with mixed species of gastrointestinal nematodes exhibited a dose and a time-dependent anthelmintic effect. The maximum reduction of 78.4% in eggs per gram of feces (EPG) was recorded on day 10 after treatment with 3 g/kg. Levamisole (7.5 mg/kg), a standard anthelmintic agent, exhibited 99.1% reduction in EPG.

The anti-diarrhoeal potential of the ethanolic extract of stem bark of Butea monosperma (Lam) Kuntz has been evaluated using several experimental models in Wistar albino rats. The extract inhibited castor oil induced diarrhoea and PGE2 induced enteropooling in rats; it also reduced gastrointestinal motility after charcoal meal administration. The results obtained establish the efficacy and substantiate the use of this herbal remedy as a non-specific treatment for diarrhoea in folk medicine.

A study to determine the primary toxicological effects of Red Gwow Kreur (Butea superba, Roxb.) dry powder by micronucleus and dominant lethal tests was undertaken. Aqueous solution of Red Gwow Kreur dry powder in doses of 2, 20, 200 and 1,000 mg/kg/day were fed to male rats for 9 weeks. The results showed that 1,000 mg/kg/day of Red Gwow Kreur solution was significantly more effective in inducing the formation of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes than the control (p0.01), whereas dominant lethal test indicated that none of the doses had a toxic effect on male reproduction. There were no abnormal changes in the number of implantation sites and the number of dead fetuses produced by females that had mated with Red Gwow Kreur treated males in comparison with the controls. In addition, the Red Gwow Kreur solutions had no effect on the body weights of the treated rats.

To study the effect of Butea superba on erectile dysfunction (ED) in Thai males.A 3-month randomized double-blind clinical trial was carried out in volunteers with ED, aged 30 years approximately 70 years, to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the crude preparation of Butea superba tubers on ED.There was a significant upgrading in 4 of the 5 descriptive evaluations of the IIEF-5 questionnaire. Estimation of the sexual record indicated that 82.4% of the patients exhibited noticeable improvement. Haematology and blood chemistry analysis revealed no apparent change.The plant preparation appears to improve the erectile function in ED patients without apparent toxicity.

The differential anti-proliferation effect of white (Pueraria mirifica), red (Butea superba) and black (Mucuna collettii) Kwao Krua plant extracts on the growth of MCF-7 cells was evaluated after 4 days of incubation. The percent cell growth comparison was based on protein determination of the harvested cells in parallel with the control group and Pueraria lobata treatment group. Pueraria lobata led to no proliferation and a mild anti-proliferation effect on the growth of MCF-7 cells. Pueraria mirifica caused proliferation at 1 microg/mL and an anti-proliferative effect on the growth of MCF-7 cells at 100 and 1000 microg/mL with an ED50 value of 642.83 microg/mL. Butea superba led to no proliferation and an anti-proliferation effect on the growth of MCF-7 cells at 10, 100 and 1000 microg/mL with an ED50 value of 370.91 microg/mL. Mucuna collettii led to no proliferation and an anti-proliferation effect on the growth of MCF-7 cells at 100 and 1000 microg/mL with an ED50 value of 85.36 microg/mL. The results demonstrated that only Pueraria mirifica showed an estrogenic effect on MCF-7 cell growth and a clear antagonistic effect with E2 at high concentration. Butea superba and Mucuna collettii exhibited only anti-proliferation effects on the growth of MCF-7 cells in relation with a possible anti-estrogen mechanism or a potent cytotoxic effect.

Lac is bio-degradable in nature and is being cultivated in large amount. Total production and export of lac in 2012–13 was 19, 577 and 4, 361 tons respectively. Major lac production in India comes from conventional host trees viz., palas (Butea monosperma), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) and kusum (Schleichera oleosa). Flemingia semialata has emerged as one of the most suitable lac host plant. To demonstrate the profitability of winter season lac production on Flemingia semialata, field demonstrations were conducted in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Bihar and U.P. Broodlac inoculation was done at the mean rate of 50 g/bush during July-August and harvested in January-February and was found quite remunerative. The broodlac yield ratio varied from 1: 3.8 at Bokaro (Jharkhand) to 1: 9 at Patna (Bihar) with mean broodlac yield ratio of 1: 5.5. Lac cultivation resulted in higher net return of • 323929 compared to • 16980, • 26910 and • 43890 under rice, wheat and rice-wheat cropping system, respectively. The average B: C ratio of lac cultivation was 1.30 and that of rice, wheat and rice-wheat cropping system was 0.35, 0.81 and 0.54, respectively.

Ayurveda has abundant collection of effective formulations against diseases. The polyherbal formulation contains Vernonia anthelmintica, Curcuma longa, Piper longum, Mallotus philippinensis, Operculina turpethum, Terminalia chebula, Butea monosperma, and Red ochre. The present study deals with anthelmintic evaluation of ayurvedic formulation. Various concentrations of polyherbal formulation (10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml and 30 mg/ml) in 50 ml of normal saline were taken. The results were compared with standard albendazole (10mg/ml, 20mg/ml and 30 mg/ml) and control was taken as normal saline (0.9% NaCl). The results were expressed in terms of time in minutes for the paralysis and time of death of the worms. Paralysis and death time were analyzed using one way ANOVA analysis using Graph pad prism 2.01 Software. The study indicates that polyherbal formulation shows more potent anthelmintic activity than standard reference.

Three batches of polyherbal tablets were prepared by using the same ingredients as mentioned under Bhaisajya Ratnavali. Each tablet contains Vernonia anthelmintica, Curcuma longa, Piper longum, Mallotus philippinensis, Operculina turpethum, Terminalia chebula, Butea monosperma, and Red ochre. It was prescribed for the treatment of parasitic worms. Pharmacognostical study counting both macroscopic and powder microscopy of raw drug showed the authentication of all constituents within the standard range. Tablet has been formulated using wet granulation method. The pH of the tablet was found to be slightly acidic. The average weight was 503 mg, average thickness was 5.85 mm and hardness was 3.6. Thin layer chromatography analysis in two different mobile phases showed various prominent bands at different Rf values.

The methanol extract of Butea monosperma seeds, tested in vitro, showed significant anthelmintic activity.

Besides stigmasterol, stigmasterol-s D -glucopyranoside and nonacosanoic acid, two new compounds isolated from the stems of Butea monosperma have been characterised as 3α-hydroxyeuph-25-ene and 2,14-dihydroxy-11,12-dimethyl-8-oxo-octadec-11-enylcyclohexane by spectral data and chemical studies.

Background: Usage of herbal drugs in traditional medicine is quite well known but largely empirical. Hence the present study was designed to screen the in vitro antifilarial effect of Butea

Background: Butea frondosa Roxb. and Koen. syn . Butea monosperma Lam. (Leguminosae or Fabaceae ) is a tree grows up to the height of 8 m at the age 50 years. Its flowers are being used in traditional medicine for the treatment of ulcer, inflammation, hepatic disorder, and eye diseases. Aims: The present study was aimed at establishing the microscopic characteristics of flower B. monosperma Lam. Materials and Methods: Histological evaluation of flowers was done using standard procedures. Images of microscopic characters were taken at different magnifications using Nikon Labphoto 2 microscopic Unit. Perkin Elmer 5000 an atomic absorption spectrophotometer was employed for elemental analysis. Results: In the study, microscopic characters of floral parts were investigated in transverse section and the flower powder. The current study reveals the presence of pollen grains, ovary (OV), and trichomes in their flower powder. Different cell components were studied, and their sizes were measured. Elemental analysis showed the presence of Zn 52.2 μg/g and Cu 36.3 μg/g were major contents, whereas Cr, Mn, and Pd were minor contents in dried flower powder. Conclusion: The current study paves the way to provide standard information related to the presence of essential elements in the flower. Microscopic characters of the flower and its quantitative measurement of cell components will help to identify the plant and also help to improvise the existing monograph of B . monosperma in the Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia.

Pippali Rasayana (PR), an Indian ayurvedic drug prepared from Palash (Butea monosperma (Lamk) Kuntze; Leguminaceae) and Pippali (Piper longum L.; Piperaceae), was administered at a dose of 1 g p.o. three times daily for a period of 15 days to patients (25 treated, 25 placebo controls) suffering from giardiasis with clinical signs and symptoms, and stools positive for trophozoites/cysts of Giardia lamblia. After 15 days of drug treatment there was a complete disappearance of G. lamblia (trophozoites/cysts) from the stools of 23 out of 25 patients. General signs and symptoms of ill health and abdominal discomfort, presence of mucus, pus cells and RBCs were significantly reduced. There was a marked improvement in the clinical and haematological profile of the patients. Spontaneous recovery in 20% cases was recorded in placebo controls.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the hair growth promoting activity of Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn. (seeds) and Butea monosperma Lam. (flowers). METHODS: In the present study, it was investigated to prepare herbal hair ointment formulations of Trigonella foenum-graecum, Butea monosperma and their polyherbal formulation evaluating the formulations for their hair growth promoting activity, total serum protein level and testosterone level in chemotherapy induced alopecia model. RESULTS: The formulation showed significant increase in hair length and hair count as compared to control group. The polyherbal formulation helped to reduce the dihydro-testosterone (DHT) level. Trigonella foenum-graecum contain riched amount of protein which helped in hair growth and Butea monosperma contain riched amount of flavanoid, which has the antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and preventing hair fall. CONCLUSION: The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth-promoting capabilities of the plants.

Natural colorants are emerging globally as the safer and eco-friendly leaving synthetic colorant behind in the race. An attempt has been made to extract the dye from fresh, shade dried; field dropped and sun dried flowers of Butea monosperma (Palas). A good quantity of crude dye was recovered to the extent of 4, 18 and 9 per cent respectively on weight basis. The compounds present in the flowers were analyzed through spectral means and identified as Chalcone, butein (C15H12O5), orange yellow needles and a small quantities of colourless isomeric flavanone, butin (C15H12O5), and its glycoside, butrin. The crude dye after further purification and refining has tremendous scope as a medicine or ingredient for other medicine and can also serve as colouring material in soft drinks and other food products like ham/sausages, jam, chowmin noodles etc.

Neurogenin2 (Ngn2), an activator-type bHLH transcriptional factor, promotes differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons by transcription of pro-neural genes. To find neural stem cell accelerators from the extract library of natural resources, we used a two-step screening including a Ngn2 promoter reporter gene screening and differentiation assay screening of neural stem cells. A reporter gene assay that can detect Ngn2 promoter activity by luciferase expression was constructed using C3H10T1/2 cells. Using this primary cell-based screening, Butea superba was found to include Ngn2 promoter activators from our tropical plant extract libraries. Bioassay-guided fractionation of this plant extract led to the isolation of 18 natural products, including pterocarpans and isoflavonoids. Dehydromaackiain (1), formononetin (6), (−)-variabilin (13), (−)-medicarpin (14), rothindin (17) and ononin (18) showed 1.8–2.8 times higher Ngn2 promoter activity at 5 μM compared with control. Of active natural compounds, 3′-methoxydaidzein (3) showed promotion of neurite outgrowth of C17.2 in a secondary screen. 3′-Methoxydaidzein (3) increased mRNA expression of pro-neural transcriptional factors (Ngn2, Ngn1, NeuroD2), a mature neuron-specific enzyme GAD1 and a pro-neural neurotrophic growth factor neurotrophin 3 (NT3) in C17.2 neural stem cells.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that has significant impact on the health, quality of life and life expectancy, as well as on the health care system. Butea monosperma Lam. Kuntze (Fabaceae), commonly known as palash, is widely used in the treatment of various diseases and disorders including diabetes. Materials and Methods: The present study was planned to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extracts of B. monosperma leaves and bark in streptozotocin-induced severely diabetic rats. The animals were divided into four groups, with each consisting of six rats, viz. control, diabetic control, leaf extract-treated and bark extract-treated groups. Treatment was continued for 6 weeks. The biochemical estimations included blood glucose and serum insulin levels. Histopathology of pancreas was also performed. Results: The results indicated that both leaf and bark extracts of B. monosperma produced insignificant antihyperglycemic activity. The leaf and bark extracts reduced blood glucose to an extent of 28% and 11%, respectively. It was also evidenced that both leaf and bark extracts did not increase insulin synthesis or secretion and did not improve pancreatic architecture as reflected by the histopathologic studies. Conclusions: The findings of the study emphasize that B. monosperma does not possess significant antidiabetic activity in severe experimental diabetes at the dosage tested.

Background: There is a growing demand for the discovery of new phytoestrogens to be used as a safe and effective hormonal replacement therapy. Materials and Methods: The methanol extracts of 40 plants from the Egyptian and Thailand folk medicines were screened for their estrogen agonist and antagonist activities. The estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects of the tested extracts were carried out using the yeast two-hybrid assay system expressing ERα and ERβ. In addition, all the extracts were subjected to a naringinase treatment and retested for their estrogenic activity. Results: The methanol extracts of Derris reticulata and Dracaena lourieri showed the most potent estrogenic activity on both estrogen-receptor subtypes, while, the methanol extracts of Butea monosperma, Erythrina fusca, and Dalbergia candenatensis revealed significant estrogenic activity on ERβ only. Nigella sativa, Sophora japonica, Artabotrys harmandii, and Clitorea hanceana showed estrogenic effect only after naringinase treatment. The most potent antiestrogenic effect was revealed by Aframomum melegueta, Dalbergia candenatensis, Dracena loureiri, and Mansonia gagei.

In the present study, toxic effects of powder of seeds of Butea monosperma (Linn.) Kuntze were evaluated for a period of 3 months in albino rats. Control group received distilled water. The powder suspension was orally given to the treated group at a dose of 800 mg/kg/day for 90 days. Parameters like body weight, weight of important organs, biochemical, hematological parameters, bone marrow cytology and histopathology of vital organs were studied. Test drug administration did not affect the body weight, organ weight and bone marrow cytology to a significant extent. Among the 18 hematological parameters studied, significant changes were observed in three parameters, namely, significant decrease in hemoglobin content, red blood cell count and hematocrit. Of 16 biochemical parameters studied, significant changes were observed in 5 parameters, namely, decrease in total protein, albumin, bilirubin and significant increase in very low density lipoprotein and triglyceride. The histopathology of 18 organs revealed changes such as fatty changes, glomerular congestion and tubular hemorrhage in the kidneys, decrease in the cellularity of the spleen, epithelial disruption in jejunum, decrease in spermatogenesis in the testis, epithelial proliferation in ventral prostate and decrease in epithelial proliferation in the uterus. Thus, toxicity profile obtained from the present study shows that B. monosperma seeds are likely to produce toxic effect when administered in a powder form.

Introduction: Tropical disease research scheme of World Health Organization has duly recognized traditional medicine as alternative for antifilarial drug development. Polyphenolic compounds present in traditionally used herbal medicines are natural antioxidants; however, paradoxically they may exert pro-oxidant effect. Popular drug diethyl carbamazine citrate harnesses the innate inflammatory response and the consequent oxidative assault to combat invading microbes. Methods: With this perspective, extracts of Vitex negundo L. (roots), Butea monosperma L. (leaves), Aegle marmelos Corr. (leaves), and Ricinus communis L. (leaves) were selected to explore the possible role of oxidative rationale in the antifilarial effect in vitro . Results: Apart from the last, other three plant extracts were reported to have polyphenolic compounds. Dose-dependent increase was found in the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation for all the three plant extracts except Ricinus communis L. (leaves). Such increase in oxidative parameters also showed some degree of plant-specific predilection in terms of relatively higher level of particular oxidative parameter. High degree of correlation was observed between the antifilarial effect and the levels of corresponding oxidative stress parameters for these three plants. However, extracts of Ricinus communis L. (leaves) which is relatively deficient in polyphenolic ingredients recorded maximum 30% loss of motility and also did not show any significant difference in various stress parameters from corresponding control levels. Conclusion: These results reveal that targeted oxidative stress might be crucial in the pharmacodynamics.

An isocratic, reversed phase, high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of the marker compounds K052 (iso-formononetin), K054 (methoxy derivative) and K080 (formononetin) in NP-1, an anti-osteoporotic plant product from Butea monosperma. The separation was achieved on a C18 column with a mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 0.05M potassium dihydrogen phosphate containing 0.1% v/v triethyl amine (pH adjusted to 2.5 with phosphoric acid) buffer and acetonitrile (70:30 v/v), at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. The retention times of K054, K080 and K052 were about 13, 21 and 23 mins, respectively. The effluents were monitored at 254 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the concentration ranges of 2.7-21.3, 2.1-33.6 and 2.8-22.4 μg/mL for K054, K052 and K080, respectively. The limits of detection were 0.42, 0.53 and 0.56 μg/mL, respectively. The accuracies and precisions in all cases were less than 5% in the calibration range.

Seed size optimization theories are generally based on the assumption that seedling fitness increases at a decreasing rate with seed size. But often, offspring fitness is also influenced by other components such as dispersal efficiency, especially in wind, water and animal dispersed species. We argue that in these species where the dispersal efficiency of the seeds and fruits decreases with the seed mass, the latter is optimised in order to maximize the product of the two components of offspring fitness namely, seedling establishment and dispersal efficiency. In this paper, we show that seed mass in a wind dispersed tree, Butea monosperma is a consequence of selection in opposite directions to favour seedling establishment on one hand and wing loading (dispersal efficiency of pods) on the other hand. We also discuss the interaction of various components of the pod in optimising the seed size.

One new genus, Neocupacarus and ten new species, Calepitrimerus adinus, ex Adina cordifolia; C. terminalis, ex Terminalia tomentosa; C. woodfordis, ex Woodfordia fruticosa; Cosetacus citrifolis, ex Morinda citrifolia; Floracarus biharensis, ex Wendlandia sp.; Gammaphytoptus bengalensis, ex Litsea sp.; Neocupacarus flabelliferis, ex Borassus flabellifer; Phyllocoptes tomentosae, ex Terminalia tomentosa; Tegolophus monospermasis, ex Butea monosperma; and Tegonotus birbhumensis, ex Bassia latifolia, are described. Information is provided on the distribution, host-mite associations and the affinities of the new taxa.

Twentysix members belonging to the tribe Phaseolae (Fabaceae) have been analysed for their leaf flavanoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids and saponins. It is found, that all the subtribes within, possessed district assortment of chemical characters and therefore their elevation to tribes ist supported. Clitoria and Butea, being chemical dissimilar to other members of the Glycineae and Erythrineae, find a proper place in Euphaseoleae (Tribe Phaseoleae of Hutchinson) and Galactieae respectively. The varietel status of Teramnus labialis var. mollis ist upheld and the status of a separate species is recommended for Rhynchosia minima var. laxiflora Bak. 26 Formen des Tribus Phaseoleae (Fabaceae) wurden auf ihren Gehalt an Flavoniden, Phenolite, Sauren, Alkaloiden und Saponiden in ihren Blattern analysiert. Es wurde ermittelt, das alle eingeschlossenen Subtribus einen bestimmten chemischen Charakter aufweisen und deshalb ihre Einstufung in Tribus gerechtfertigt ist. Clitoria und Butea, die den ubrigen Gliedern der Glycineae und Erythrineae chemisch unahnlich sind, werden besser den Euphaseoleae (Tribus Phaseoleae nach Hutchinson) bzw. den Galactieae zugeordnet. Der Status von Teramnus labialis var. mollis als Varietat wird beibehalten und es wird empfohlen, Rhynchosia minima var. laxiflora Bak. im Status einer eigenen Art zu belassen.

Butin isolated from the seeds of Butea monosperma and administered orally to adult female rats at the doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/rat from day 1 to day 5 of pregnancy showed anti-implantation activity in 40%, 70% and 90% of the treated animals, respectively. At lower doses, there was a dose-dependent termination of pregnancy and reduction in the number of implantation sites. In ovariectomized young female rats, the butin exhibited estrogenic activity at comparable anticonceptive doses, but was devoid of anti-estrogenic activity. Butin is a weak estrogen in that a significant uterotrophic effect was discerned even at 1/20th the anticonceptive dose.

The experiment was set up to resolve the controversy about uniform retention of B chromosomes at various ploidy levels. This paper presents the ploidy response of B chromosome in root meristem of Butea monosperma-a tree, growing around Lucknow. The root tips had euchromatic distinguishable 1B chromosome which showed different behaviour at different ploidy levels. On treatment with 0.2% aqueous colchicine different levels of ploidy were observed. Tetraploids and mixoploids showed 2B chromosomes instead of 1B chromosome as in diploid i.e. B chromosome divides along with A chromosome showing behaviour similar to A chromosome. But in few tetraploids, mixoploid cells and one octaploid cell undivided 1B chromosome like diploids was observed.

Analyses of the phospholipids of palash(Butea monosperma), papaya(Carica papaya), jangli badam(Sterculia foetida), coriander(Coriandrum sativum) and carrot(Daucus carota) seeds are reported in the present study. Phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol were identified as major components in all the seeds. Small amounts of lysophosphatidylcholine in palash and papaya, and cardiolipin in palash, papaya and carrot also were detected. The predominant fatty acids present in the total and individual phospholipids of the seeds examined were oleic, linoleic and palmitic. In the case of palash and papaya phospholipids, the profile of fatty acid distribution was similar to that of their respective oils. However, the unusual fatty acids present predominantly in jangli badam, coriander and carrot oils were found to be significantly reduced in the respective phospholipids.

The postcoital antifertility activity of petroleum ether and benzene extracts of Leucas aspera (whole plant) Mentha arvensis (whole plant) Salvia officinalis (leaves) Ricinnus communis (seeds) Jatropha glandul ifera (seeds) Butea monosperma (seeds) and Hibiscus rosa sinensis (flowers) was studied in female albino rats. Only the benzene extract of Hibiscus rosa sinensis flowers was effective in preventing pregnancy (83.7%).

A reinvestigation of the flowers of Butea monosperma revealed the presence of seven flavonoid glucosides. Two of them are butrin and isobutrin, which have been isolated earlier from the plant. Three glucosides have been identified as coreopsin, isocoreopsin and sulphurein. The remaining two are new and have been assigned the structures IX (monospermoside) and X (isomonospermoside). The glucosides III, IV, IX, and X have been synthesized. The shift in the u.v. spectrum of 3-hydroxy-2′,4,4′-trimethoxy chalcone, on addition of alkali, is similar to what has been earlier noted with 2′-hydroxychalcones.