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Aim: A very simple, accurate, and affordable absorption spectroscopic technique has been developed and validated for the assay of the Amlaki in the finished product and its liquid dosage form. The method validation parameters were assessed as per guidelines of International Conference on Harmonization (ICH). Materials And Methods: The estimation is based on the detection of ultraviolet-visible absorbance maxima at about 303nm wavelength using methyl alcohol as a medium. The method has been validated for linearity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Results: The response from the detector for the Amlaki was found to be linear over the set concentration range of 1 to 5 µg/mL with 0.998 as the correlation coefficient. The accuracy was found to be between 99.348% and 101.478%. The precision (% Relative standard deviation, RSD) among six analyte preparations were found to be 0.998%, 0.0080% and 0.0058% for 1 µg/mL, 3 µg/mL and 5µg/mL, respectively. Using the proposed method, the recovery of Amlaki was about 86.588%, 82.150% and 90.828% for three market preparations A, B and C respectively. Conclusion: It can be utilized for regular quality control tests of Amlaki in finished products and other preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (L-PGDS) expressed preferentially in adipocytes is responsible for the synthesis of PGD2 and its non-enzymatic dehydration products, PGJ2 series, serving as pro-adipogenic factors. However, the role of L-PGDS in the regulation of adipogenesis is complex because of the occurrence of several derivatives from PGD2 and their distinct receptor subtypes as well as other functions such as a transporter of lipophilic molecules. To manipulate the expression levels of L-PGDS in cultured adipocytes, cultured preadipogenic 3T3-L1 cells were transfected stably with a mammalian expression vector having cDNA encoding murine L-PGDS oriented in the sense direction. The isolated cloned stable transfectants with L-PGDS expressed higher levels of the transcript and protein levels of L-PGDS, and synthesized PGD2 from exogenous arachidonic acid at significantly higher levels. By contrast, the synthesis of PGE2 remained unchanged, indicating no influence on the reactions of cyclooxygenase (COX) and PGE synthase. Furthermore, the ability of those transfectants to synthesize Δ12-PGJ2 increased more greatly during the maturation phase. The sustained expression of L-PGDS in cultured stable transfectants hampered the storage of fats during the maturation phase of adipocytes, which was accompanied by the reduced gene expression of adipocyte-specific markers reflecting the down-regulation of the adipogenesis program. The suppressed adipogenesis was not rescued by either exogenous aspirin or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists including troglitazone and Δ12-PGJ2. Taken together, the results indicate the negative regulation of the adipogenesis program by the enhanced expression of L-PGDS through a cellular mechanism involving the interference of the PPARγ signaling pathway without the contribution of endogenous pro-adipogenic prostanoids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cultured preadipocytes enhance the synthesis of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2α involving the induction of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 during the growth phase upon stimulation with a mixture of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a mitogenic factor, and calcium ionophore A23187. Here, we studied the interactive effect of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) on the inducible synthesis of the endogenous PGs in cultured preadipocytes and its implication in adipogenesis program. 15d-PGJ2 interfered significantly the endogenous synthesis of those PGs in response to cell stimuli by suppressing the induction of COX-2 following the attenuation of NF-κB activation. In contrast, Δ12-PGJ2 and troglitazone had almost no inhibitory effects, indicating a mechanism independent of the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ for the action of 15-PGJ2. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC), an NF-κB inhibitor, effectively inhibited on the inducible synthesis of those PGs in preadipocytes. Endogenous PGs generated by preadipocytes only during the growth phase in response to the cell stimuli autonomously attenuated the subsequent adipogenesis program leading to the differentiation and maturation of adipocytes. These effects were prevented by additional co-incubation of preadipocytes with either 15d-PGJ2 or PDTC although 15d-PGJ2 alone has no stimulatory effect. Moreover, 15d-PGJ2 did not block the inhibitory effects of exogenous PGE2 and PGF2α on the adipogenesis program in preadipocytes. Taken together, 15d-PGJ2 can interfere the COX pathway leading to the induced synthesis of endogenous PGs that contribute to negative regulation of adipogenesis program in preadipocytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Adipocytes express preferentially lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG)D synthase (L-PGDS) that is responsible for the biosynthesis of PGD2 and other related prostanoids with pro-adipogenic or anti-adipogenic effects. To evaluate the role of L-PGDS in cultured adipocytes and the precursor cells, we attempted to interfere the intracellular expression of L-PGDS in cultured 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by stable transfection with a mammalian expression vector having the full-length cDNA of L-PGDS oriented in the antisense direction. The cloned transfectants with antisense L-PGDS exhibited the reduction in the transcript and protein levels of L-PGDS, resulting in the significant inhibition of the PGD2 synthesis from exogenous and endogenous arachidonic acid. By contrast, the synthesis of PGE2 was not influenced appreciably, indicating no interfering effects on cyclooxygenases and PGE synthases. The stable transfection with antisense L-PGDS induced markedly the stimulation of fat storage in cultured adipocytes during the maturation phase. In addition, the spontaneous accumulation of fats occurred in the transfectants with antisense L-PGDS without undergoing the stimulation with inducing factors. The gene expression studies revealed the enhanced expression of adipocyte-specific markers in the transfectants with antisense L-PGDS, indicating the up-regulation of adipogenesis program. The stimulated adipogenesis was significantly reversed by anti-adipogenic prostanoids including PGE2 and PGF2α, while the storage of fats was additionally enhanced by pro-adipogenic 15-deoxy- Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2. These results suggest that the stably reduced expression levels of L-PGDS regulates positively adipogenesis program in a cellular mechanism independent of pro-adipogenic action of PGJ2 series. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ is a well-known master regulator for the differentiation and maturation of adipocytes. Prostaglandin (PG) D2 can be produced in adipocytes and dehydrated to J2 series of PGs including 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) and Δ12-PGJ2, which serve as pro-adipogenic prostanoids through the activation of PPARγ. However, the quantitative determination of Δ12-PGJ2 has not been attempted during the life stage of adipocytes. In this study, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using mouse antiserum specific for Δ12-PGJ2. According to the standard curve, the amount of Δ12-PGJ2 can be measured from 0.5pg to 14.4ng in an assay. Our antiserum did not recognize most other prostanoids including 15d-PGJ2, while it only showed the cross-reaction of 28% with unstable PGJ2. This immunological assay was applied to the determination of the endogenous formation of Δ12-PGJ2 in cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes during the maturation phase. The ability of cultured adipocytes to form endogenous Δ12-PGJ2 increased gradually at an earlier stage of the maturation phase and detectable at higher levels than 15d-PGJ2. Treatment of cultured cells with either aspirin or indomethacin, a general cyclooxygenase inhibitor, significantly reduced the production of endogenous Δ12-PGJ2 in the maturation medium as expected. Furthermore, we evaluated individually the exogenous effects of PGJ2 series at various doses on adipogenesis during the maturation phase. Although Δ12-PGJ2 was slightly less potent than 15d-PGJ2, each of these PGJ2 series rescued effectively both the accumulation of fats and the gene expression of typical adipocyte-markers that were attenuated in the presence of aspirin. Taken together, our findings indicate that endogenous Δ12-PGJ2 contributes substantially to the up-regulation of adipogenesis program through the activation of PPARγ together with 15d-PGJ2 during the maturation phase of cultured adipocytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) has been identified as a natural ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ to promote adipogenesis. However, it remains elusive about the ability of PPARγ-expressing adipocytes to produce PGJ2 series and the role in the life cycle of adipocytes. Here, we developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for 15d-PGJ2. The analysis using this method revealed the increase in the endogenous synthesis of immunoreactive 15d-PGJ2 in cultured adipocytes during the maturation phase. Further studies using cyclooxygenase inhibitors clarified the contribution of endogeous 15d-PGJ2 produced by mature adipocytes to upregulation of fat storage in an autocrine manner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: The liver, the most important metabolic organ of the body, performs a wide variety of vital functions. Hepatic cell injury occurs by the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), xenobiotics, and other toxic substances through cytochrome P450-dependent steps resulting from the covalent bond formation with lipoproteins and nucleic acids. Observing the urgent state of hepatotoxic patients worldwide, different medicinal plants and their properties can be explored to combat such free radical damage to the liver. In vivo and in silico studies were designed and conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Gynura procumbens in rats. Materials and methods: Gynura procumbens leaves were collected and extracted using 70% ethanol. The required chemicals CCl4, standard drug (silymarin), and blood serum analysis kits were stocked. The in vivo tests were performed in 140 healthy Wister albino rats of either sex under well-controlled parameters divided into 14 groups, strictly maintaining Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IEAC) protocols. For the histopathology study, 10% buffered neutral formalin was used for organ preservation. Later the specimens were studied under a fluorescence microscope. In silico molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies were performed, and the results were analyzed statistically. Results and discussion: Gynura procumbens partially negate the deleterious effect of carbon tetrachloride on normal weight gain in rats. The elevated level of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, LDH, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation ranges, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) in CCl4 treated groups were decreased by both standard drug silymarin and G. procumbens leaf extract. We have found significant & highly significant changes statistically for different doses, here p<0.05 & p<0.01, respectively. On the other hand, G. procumbens and silymarin displayed Statistically significant (p<0.05) and high significant(p<0.01) increased levels of HDL, CAT SOD (here p<0.05 & p<0.01 for different doses) when the treatment groups were compared with the disease control group. Because the therapeutic activity imparted by plants and drugs accelerates the movement of the disturbed pathophysiological state toward the healthy state. In the molecular docking analysis, G. procumbens phytoconstituents performed poorly against transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) compared to the control drug silymarin. In contrast, 26 phytoconstituents scored better than the control bezafibrate against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). The top scoring compounds for both macromolecules were observed to form stable complexes in the molecular dynamics simulations. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds performed better than other constituents in providing hepatoprotective activity. It can, thus, be inferred that the extract of G. procumbens showed good hepatoprotective properties in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most affordable type of tablet is the immediately compressible tablet, which uses microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a popular pharmaceutical excipient, as a filler or binder. To make it compatible with different active drugs and excipients, we tried to change some physical properties of the MCC. In the current study, we used a chelating agent to pretreat the waste cotton before pulping, bleaching, and finally, hydrochloric acid degradation with a concentration of 2N at 100 °C temperature for 20 min to prepare MCC. The prepared MCC was treated with different concentrations of sodium hydroxide at room temperature or at −20 °C followed by precipitation with hydrochloric acid or ethanol with complete washing with distilled water till neutralization. Evaluation of the degree of polymerization (DP) and FT-IR spectrum confirm the identity of the microcrystalline cellulose. The DP was found to be 216. The bulk density of the unmodified MCC was 0.21 while that of modified MCC varied from 0.253 to 0.594. The modified MCC powder showed good flow properties compared to the unmodified MCC as evaluated by the Hausner index, Carr's index and the angle of repose. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the MCC revealed that the rod shape has been changed to an oval shape due to treatment with sodium hydroxide at −20 °C. The X-ray crystallographic (XRD) analysis indicated that the unmodified MCC and standard MCC showed the crystallinity index (CrI) value of 86.82% and 87.63%, respectively, while the value ranges from 80.18% to 60.7% among the modified MCC powder. The differences in properties of the MCC might be due to the variation of rearrangement of the cellulose chain among the MCC particles due to treatment with different concentrations of a base at different temperatures and precipitation environments. This has enabled us to prepare MCC with different properties which might be compatible with different drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural cellulose, a sustainable bioresource, is highly abundant in nature. Cellulosic materials, particularly those that explore and employ such materials for industrial use, have recently attracted significant global attention in the field of material science because of the unique properties of cellulose. The hydroxyl groups enable the formation of intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonding and the arrangement of cellulose chains in a highly ordered crystalline zone, with the remaining disordered structure referred to as an amorphous region. The crystalline areas of cellulose are well-known as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). In the present study, we extracted CNCs from pure cellulose isolated from waste jute fibers by sulfuric acid hydrolysis, followed by characterization. Pure cellulose was isolated from jute fibers by treating with sodium hydroxide (20% w/w) and anthraquinone (0.5%) solution at 170 °C for 2 h, followed by bleaching with chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide solution. CNCs were isolated from pure cellulose by treating with different concentrations (58% to 62%) of sulfuric acid at different time intervals (20 min to 45 min). The FTIR study of the CNCs reveals no peak at 1738 cm−1, which confirms the absence of hemicellulose in the samples. The CNCs obtained after 45 min of acid hydrolysis are rod-shaped, having an average length of 800 ± 100 nm and width of 55 ± 10 nm, with a high crystallinity index (90%). Zeta potential significantly increased due to the attachment of SO42− ions on the surface of CNC from −1.0 mV to about −30 mV, with the increment of the reaction time from 20 min to 45 min, which proved the higher stability of CNC suspension. Crystallinity increased from 80% to 90% when the reaction time was increased from 20 to 45 min, respectively, while a crystallite size from 2.705 to 4.56 nm was obtained with an increment of the acid concentration. Acid hydrolysis enhanced crystallinity but attenuated the temperature corresponding to major decomposition (Tmax) at 260 °C and the beginning of degradation (Ti) at 200 °C due to the attachment of SO42− ions on the surface, which decreased the thermal stability of CNC. The second degradation at 360 °C indicated the stable crystal structure of CNC. The endothermic peak at 255 °C in the DTA study provided evidence of sulfated nanocrystal decomposition and the recrystallization of cellulose I to cellulose II, the most stable structure among the other four celluloses. The proposed easy-to-reproduce method can successfully and efficiently produce CNCs from waste jute fibers in a straightforward way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has been one of the most dominant causes of mortality globally over the last few decades. In cancer treatment, the selective targeting of tumor cells is indispensable, making it a better replacement for conventional chemotherapies by diminishing their adverse side effects. While designing a drug to be delivered selectively in the target organ, the drug development scientists should focus on various factors such as the type of cancer they are dealing with according to which drug, targeting moieties, and pharmaceutical carriers should be targeted. All published articles have been collected regarding cancer and drug-targeting approaches from well reputed databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, and Springer. The articles published between January 2010 and December 2020 were considered. Due to the existence of various mechanisms, it is challenging to choose which one is appropriate for a specific case. Moreover, a combination of more than one approach is often utilized to achieve optimal drug effects. In this review, we have summarized and highlighted central mechanisms of how the targeted drug delivery system works in the specific diseased microenvironment, along with the strategies to make an approach more effective. We have also included some pictorial illustrations to have a precise idea about different types of drug targeting. The core contribution of this work includes providing a cancer drug development scientist with a broad preliminary idea to choose the appropriate approach among the various targeted drug delivery mechanisms. Also, the study will contribute to improving anticancer treatment approaches by providing a pathway for lesser side effects observed in conventional chemotherapeutic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has been one of the most dominant causes of mortality globally over the last few decades. In cancer treatment, the selective targeting of tumor cells is indispensable, making it a better replacement for conventional chemotherapies by diminishing their adverse side effects. While designing a drug to be delivered selectively in the target organ, the drug development scientists should focus on various factors such as the type of cancer they are dealing with according to which drug, targeting moieties, and pharmaceutical carriers should be targeted. All published articles have been collected regarding cancer and drug-targeting approaches from well reputed databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, and Springer. The articles published between January 2010 and December 2020 were considered. Due to the existence of various mechanisms, it is challenging to choose which one is appropriate for a specific case. Moreover, a combination of more than one approach is often utilized to achieve optimal drug effects. In this review, we have summarized and highlighted central mechanisms of how the targeted drug delivery system works in the specific diseased microenvironment, along with the strategies to make an approach more effective. We have also included some pictorial illustrations to have a precise idea about different types of drug targeting. The core contribution of this work includes providing a cancer drug development scientist with a broad preliminary idea to choose the appropriate approach among the various targeted drug delivery mechanisms. Also, the study will contribute to improving anticancer treatment approaches by providing a pathway for lesser side effects observed in conventional chemotherapeutic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has been one of the most dominant causes of mortality globally over the last few decades. In cancer treatment, the selective targeting of tumor cells is indispensable, making it a better replacement for conventional chemotherapies by diminishing their adverse side effects. While designing a drug to be delivered selectively in the target organ, the drug development scientists should focus on various factors such as the type of cancer they are dealing with according to which drug, targeting moieties, and pharmaceutical carriers should be targeted. All published articles have been collected regarding cancer and drug-targeting approaches from well reputed databases including MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, Wiley, and Springer. The articles published between January 2010 and December 2020 were considered. Due to the existence of various mechanisms, it is challenging to choose which one is appropriate for a specific case. Moreover, a combination of more than one approach is often utilized to achieve optimal drug effects. In this review, we have summarized and highlighted central mechanisms of how the targeted drug delivery system works in the specific diseased microenvironment, along with the strategies to make an approach more effective. We have also included some pictorial illustrations to have a precise idea about different types of drug targeting. The core contribution of this work includes providing a cancer drug development scientist with a broad preliminary idea to choose the appropriate approach among the various targeted drug delivery mechanisms. Also, the study will contribute to improving anticancer treatment approaches by providing a pathway for lesser side effects observed in conventional chemotherapeutic techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most notable health dilemmas. Analyzing plants for new antidiabetic remedies has become an impressive territory for life science researchers. Gynura procumbens has long been used to treat diabetes. Thus, we strived to ascertain the hypoglycemic potentiality of extract of leaves of G. procumbens by in vivo and in silico approaches. Methods. Fresh leaves of G. procumbens were collected and shade-dried to prepare ethanolic extracts to evaluate pharmacological parameters. Diabetes was induced in rats via injecting alloxan through the intraperitoneal route at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. Humalyzer 3000 was used to perform a biochemical assay of collected samples from rats. Anti-hyperglycemic activity study along with overdose toxicity test was performed. The pharmacological activity of this plant was also evaluated through a molecular docking study. This in silico study investigated the binding affinity of natural ligands from G. procumbens against glycoside hydrolase enzymes. Results. We detected a peak plasma concentration of G. procumbens at 3 hours 45 minutes that is roughly similar to the peak plasma concentration of metformin. Again, in OGTT and anti-hyperglycemic tests, it has been ascertained that both plant extract and metformin can exert significant P < 0.05 and highly significant P < 0.01 hypoglycemic activity in a dose-dependent manner. Metformin exhibited better therapeutic efficacy than that of plant extract, but it possessed null statistical significance. Also, our safety profile expressed that, similar to metformin, the plant extract can restore the disturbed pathological state in a dose-oriented approach with a wide safety margin. In silico study also validated the potentialities of natural constituents of G. procumbens. Conclusion. This study suggested that G. procumbens can be considered as potential antidiabetic plant. Robust and meticulous investigation regarding plant chemistry and pharmacology in the future may bring about a new dimension that will aid in discovering antidiabetic drugs from this plant in the diabetes management system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostaglandin (PG) D2 can be produced in adipocytes and dehydrated to PGs of J2 series, including Δ12-PGJ2 and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2), which serve as pro-adipogenic prostanoids through the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ. To accomplish the quantification of Δ12-PGJ2 in the cell culture system of adipocytes, the present study aimed to develop a sensitive and specific immunological assay for Δ12-PGJ2. Here, we established a cloned hybridoma cell line secreting a monoclonal antibody specifically recognizing Δ12-PGJ2 and utilized for the development of its solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The immobilized antigen using a conjugate of Δ12-PGJ2 and γ-globulin was competitively allowed to react with the monoclonal antibody in the presence of free Δ12-PGJ2. The assay provided a sensitive calibration curve for Δ12-PGJ2, allowing us to determine a range from 0.16 pg to 0.99 ng with a value of 13 pg at 50% displacement in one assay. The monoclonal antibody showed almost no cross-reactivity with other related prostanoids since PGJ2 and 15d-PGJ2 were only recognized with much lower values of 0.5% and 0.2%, respectively. The accuracy for determining Δ12-PGJ2 in the culture medium of adipocytes was confirmed by measurement after the culture medium was fortified with known amounts of authentic Δ12-PGJ2 in a range from 10 to 200 pg/mL. The application of our ELISA revealed that the formation of Δ12-PGJ2 became more pronounced after several hours of incubation of PGD2 at 37°C in fresh maturation medium of cultured adipocytes. Furthermore, we provide evidence for the increased ability of cultured adipocytes to synthesize endogenous Δ12-PGJ2 during the progression of adipogenesis. These results indicate the reliability and usefulness of our solid-phase ELISA for stable Δ12-PGJ2, reflecting the biosynthesis of unstable PGD2 in the culture system of adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The persistent increase of resistance to existing antimalarials underscores the needs for new drugs. Historically, most of the successful antimalarial are derived from plants. The leaves of the S. cymosum is one of the plant materials used by traditional healers in malariaendemic areas in Bangladesh for treatment of malaria. Here, we investigated the crude extract and its fractions against chloroquine (CQ)- sensitive 3D7, CQ-resistant Dd2, and artemisinin (ART)-resistant IPC 4912 Mondulkiri strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Methodology: The antimalarial activities were tested using HRP II based in-vitro antimalarial drug sensitivity ELISA described by WWARN and half inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were calculated by non-linear regression analysis using GraphaPad Prism. The cytotoxicity of the crude methanolic extract was assessed using the MTT assay on Vero cell line. Results: The methanolic crude extract revealed promising activity against 3D7 (IC50 6.28 µg/mL), Dd2 (IC50 13.42 µg/mL), and moderate activity against IPC 4912 Mondulkiri (IC50 17.47 µg/mL). Among the fractionated portions, the chloroform fraction revealed highest activity against IPC 4912 Mondulkiri (IC50 1.65 µg/mL) followed by Dd2 (1.73 µg/mL) and 3D7 (2.39 µg/mL). The crude methanolic extract also demonstrated good selectivity with the selectivity indices of > 15.92, > 7.45, and > 6.91 against 3D7, Dd2, and IPC 4912, respectively when tested against Vero cell line. Conclusions: This is the first report on S. cymosum for its putative antimalarial activity, and is imperative to go for further phytochemical analyses in order to investigate possible novel antimalarial drug compound(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]