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The kidney plays an essential role in removing waste products and drugs from the body and maintaining balanced body fluids. It gets affected due to many factors, notably, diabetes and high blood pressure. Nowadays, naturally, derived products are essential in curing various ailments and are safe and cost-effective. The purpose of this study is to assess the toxicity profile and nephroprotective effect of a proprietary polyherbal formulation in Wistar albino rats for gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The Polyherbal formulation was procured from Rumi Herbals Private Limited. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted in Wistar rats using the Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity model as per OECD standards 423, and the efficacy was assessed using the Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity model. The formulation was proven safe up to 2000mg/kg orally in an acute toxicity study, with no behavioral abnormalities and no fatality. The gentamicin 80 mg/kg i.p for 7 days induced nephrotoxicity in rats showed a significant (P

The present research article proposes a conservative approach for the Desmodium gangeticum by using small branches instead of roots because the plant has many important chemical constituents that show different medicinal activity, so the plant's consumption is high. We studied here comparative preliminary phytochemical screening test and physicochemical analysis. The successive soxhlet extraction method was used for the successive extraction of roots and small branches with different solvents for comparative chemical profile study by HPLC and GC-MS. It was observed that many peaks in roots and small branches of the plant sample were almost similar, and the retention time of each peak in roots coincided with the retention of small branches of the sample. Therefore, the similarity was observed in roots and small branches of the Desmodium gangeticum plant in HPLC and GC-MS. The results obtained from HPLC analysis show that roots contain 0.00116% and small branches have 0.00026% of caffeic acid in Desmodium gangeticum. The small branches may have almost similar active chemical constituents like roots. In silico molecular docking study revealed that this plant's principal chemical constituents, pterocarpans, could be inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphate kinase.

BackgroundTrigonella foenum-graecum(Methi) is a leguminous plant and botanically known asTrigonella foenum-graecumLinn, belong to the family Fabaceae.Trigonella foenum-graecumis used for a variety of health conditions, including digestive problems, bronchitis, tuberculosis, fevers, sore throats, wounds, arthritis, abscesses, swollen glands, skin irritations, diabetes, loss of appetite, ulcers, and menopausal symptoms, as well as in the treatment of cancer.Trigonella foenum-graecumseeds mainly contain Diosgenin [(3β,25R)-spirost-5-en3-ol], a plant-derived steroid sapogenin.ResultsThe identification and quantification results by HPTLC and HPLC studies ofTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds, coded formulation, hydrolysed coded formulation extract with standard Diosgenin biomarker showed a significant highest peak in hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and hydrolysed coded formulation. The standard Diosgenin is observed in the hydrolysed form of hydrolysedTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and hydrolysed coded formulation. The literature onTrigonella foenum-graecumconfirms its activity as antidiabetic, and the peak of standard biomarker Diosgenin is seen after derivatization with anisaldehyde sulphuric agent, which possesses medicinal phytoconstituents value. Further related to future scientific aspects, more studies on its potent antidiabetic activity and multipurpose action need to be carried out with medicinal composition and its effects on the human body.ConclusionThis study aims to establish the qualitative and quantitative estimation of standard Diosgenin in reliable with coded ayurvedic formulation andTrigonella foenum-graecumseeds and its activity as antidiabetic by HPTLC and HPLC.

Background: Vitex negundo plants beautiful gift of Nature to humankind, and we must conserve for the future. This plant has many uses in Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Allopathy to treat several diseases like venereal diseases, Urinary problems, cough and fever, asthmatic pain, female reproductive problems. Purpose: This study aimed to perform the comparative phytochemical analysis, chromatographic profiling, and quantification of Negundoside in Vitex negundo root and small branches. We also did in-silico evaluation of Negundoside. Methods: Using cold maceration extraction, Successful soxhlet extraction processes were used to prepare hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and alcoholic extracts. Preliminary phytochemicals perimeters were carried out in both plant parts extract. We performed chromatographic profiling of Vitex negundo by using HPLC, LC-MS and GC-MS. Negundoside in Vitex negundo plant root and small branches were identified and quantified by using HPLC. Results: LC-MS showed similarities in the compounds in ethanol extracts of Vitex negundo root and small branches extracts. Similarlry, GC–MS identified many similar volatile compounds of Vitex negundo root and small branches. The results obtained from HPLC analysis show that root contains 0.0696%, and small branches had 0.3818% of negundoside in Vitex negundo. In molecular docking study of negundoside with cox-2 we found binding energy of −7.2 kcal/mol. Conclusion: As per present study, Vitex negundo plant roots could be replaced by small branches. We found in the comparative study there is very close similarity between roots and small branches suggested the further uses of small branches in place of roots.

The Aim of the present research article is to proposing a conservative approach for theThe pH of the small branches was found slightly higher as compared to stem bark and the percentage of other parameters like total ash content, acid insoluble ash, loss on drying at 105 °C, water soluble extractive and alcohol soluble extractive values were found fewer in the small branches as compare to stem bark of the plant. It was observed that the number of peaks in stem bark and small branches of the plant sample were almost similar and the retention time of each peak in stem bark was coincide with the retention of small branches of the sample. Therefore, similarity was observed in stem bark and small branches of theThe small branches have more active chemical constituents than stem bark against particular target proteins.

Background Anu Taila is an ancient medicated oil Ayurvedic preparation that is commonly used for nasya karma. It contains more than 25 herbs and goat milk as per the Ayurvedic Formulary of India (AFI). It strengthens the neck, shoulder, and chest muscles and improves the capacity of sense organs. It delays the aging process and reduces hair fall. Recent studies showed that it is also useful in COVID-19. In the current study, an attempt to develop quality control protocols and evaluate the standardization parameters like refractive index, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, acid value, rancidity, HPTLC fingerprint profile along with major bioactive compound and quantification of Berberine chloride, Negundoside, and Marmelosin by HPLC. Establishing quality protocol and standard parameters like physicochemical parameters and estimation of bioactive compounds of this preparation is significant for quality control. Results In this study, HPTLC identifies bioactive chemical compounds like Berberine chloride, Marmelosin, Negundoside, glycyrrhizin, and para hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA), Lupeol, Embelin, and Solasodine, which were present in the Anu Taila formulation. HPLC was used to estimate the bioactive marker compounds Negundoside, Berberine chloride, and Marmelosin were present in the Anu Taila formulation. The quantitative evaluation of Berberine chloride (0.0013%), Marmelosin (0.0366%), Negundoside (0.0086%) is present in Anu Taila formulation. Conclusion The study reveals that sufficient quality control parameters were followed during the preparation of the formulation. Physicochemical analysis was carried out as per the guidelines of Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. HPTLC and HPLC profiles generated in this particular study can be considered as a preliminary tool ascertaining the authenticity of Anu Taila.

Background: Stereospermum chelonoides DC, also known as padhri, is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and is commonly used in herbal medicine. Natural materials separated from a variety of traditional herbal plants have been claimed to have had a significant impact on the development of numerous lead compounds used in the treatment of health issues in communities all over the world. The plant stem bark and small branches is used in traditional and folklore medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The aim of this study is to assess the pharmacognostic and physicochemical analysis of Stereospermum chelonoides stem bark and small branches. The stem is used for the study of characters; whereas physicochemical parameters such as pH, total ash content, acid insoluble ash, water soluble extractive, alcohol soluble extractive, loss on drying are determined. Results: Preliminary phytochemical studies of ethanolic and aqueous extract of Stereospermum chelonoides DC ascertained the presence of flavonoids, saponins, Coumarins, Alkaloids, Furanoids, phenolic, Quinones, Reducing sugars, Sugars (Carbohydrate), triterpenoids, and tannins. The findings of the present study lay down standards which could be useful to detect the authenticity and for detailed evaluation and investigation of this plant. Lapachol which is indicated in the High Performance Liquid Chromatography, further studies may be conducted on the method validation by High Performance Liquid Chromatography to quantify in formulations, extracts and raw materials for quality control purpose. Conclusion: The stem bark and small branches of this plant useful in the future as it will not have any harmful effect to the plant so its small branches are more important than stem bark in the formulation of drugs which will derive from Stereospermum chelonoides DC.

The present research article proposes a conservative approach for the Desmodium gangeticum by using small branches instead of roots because the plant has many important chemical constituents that show different medicinal activity, so the plant's consumption is high. We studied here comparative preliminary phytochemical screening test and physicochemical analysis. The successive soxhlet extraction method was used for the successive extraction of roots and small branches with different solvents for comparative chemical profile study by HPLC and GC-MS. It was observed that many peaks in roots and small branches of the plant sample were almost similar, and the retention time of each peak in roots coincided with the retention of small branches of the sample. Therefore, the similarity was observed in roots and small branches of the Desmodium gangeticum plant in HPLC and GC-MS. The results obtained from HPLC analysis show that roots contain 0.00116% and small branches have 0.00026% of caffeic acid in Desmodium gangeticum. The small branches may have almost similar active chemical constituents like roots. In silico molecular docking study revealed that this plant's principal chemical constituents, pterocarpans, could be inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphate kinase.

Standardization is an important measurement for ensuring the quality control of herbal drugs. It has become essential to develop reliable, specific and sensitive quality control methods. Ashwagandhadi lehyam is an important Ayurvedic formulation containing Withania somnifera L., as one of the prime ingredient of formulation. The present study was undertaken to develop standardization parameters for Ashwagandhadi lehyam. Evaluation of various standardization parameters like organoleptic characters, Physico-chemical evaluation, HPTLC finger print profiling along with dominant bioactive markers and estimation of bioactive markers Withaferin-A by HPLC. The Rf value of Withaferin-A 0.35 and Withanolide-A 0.45 is in formulation and reference standards were found comparable under UV light at 254 nm and 540 nm. The HPLC chromatogram of Ashwagandhadi lehyam and standard Withaferin-A showed at Rt of 5.015 and 5.050 min. The percentage of Withaferin-A was 0.092% present in Ashwagandhadi lehyam formulation. Bioactive markers are characteristic to the ingredients or botanicals to identify the presence of ingredients in formulation easily. The presence of bioactive markers is possible and its verification through the HPTLC fingerprint profile and quantification of biomarker by HPLC are the best ways to identify evaluate the quality of the finished formulation in the course of development of a standardization protocol for quality control of Ayurvedic formulation., Lehyam; Withaferin- A; Standardization; Ayurvedic; Bioactive markers and HPLC.

Herbal medicines mainly based on plants enjoy a respective position today, especially in the developing countries, where modern health services are limited. Popularity of herbal drugs is increasing all over the world because of lesser side effects as compared to synthetic drugs besides it cost effectiveness and easy availability to poor people particularly in developing countries. The present study aimed to estimation of four heavy metals namely Iron, Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Vitex negundo leaves. In study we observed the road side sample contain more heavy metals compared to two other site samples. Lead, cadmium, mercury and iron accumulation 6.05, 0.29, 0.07 & 4.75 mg/kg, was found in road side sample S3 respectively. All the sample heavy metals concentrations are below the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) permissible limits. The estimation of heavy metals is highly essential for raw drugs used for the preparation of herbal products. The periodic assessment is essential for quality control/ quality assurance and safer use of herbal products. Keywords: Vitex negundo, Leaves, heavy metals, Quality control, Herbal products, Contamination.

Avipattikara churna is an Ayurvedic medicine, it is a mixture of 14 herbal and mineral materials in powder form. It is used in Ayurvedic treatment of agnimandya (digestive impairment), malabandha (constipation), amlapitta (dyspepsia), arsa (haemorrhoids), mutrabandha (retention of urine), prameha (urinary disorders) and piles. Avipattikara churna is a totally polyherbal classical medicine without any side effects. In this study attempts to evaluate the main parameters of drug standardization and HPTLC finger print profile of avipattikara churna based on organoleptic evaluation, physical characteristics, physicochemical studies like pH, total ash, acid insoluble ash, loss on drying at 105°C, extractive values etc.and microbial load were carried out as per the API, IP, WHO and AOAC guidelines to substantiate the adulteration for quality control of herbal drugs. The set parameters were found to be sufficient to evaluate the churna formulation and can be used as reference standards for the quality control/quality assurance for Ayurvedic formulations.

The objective of this study was to evaluate influence of age on the meat quality attributes and nutritional composition of three way synthetic pig (25% Large White Yorkshire x 25% Landrace x 50% Duroc). The meat quality attributes and nutritional composition of two different age groups (six months and one year) were studied. The results obtained in this study indicated that the meat of young pigs had higher water holding capacity, Lightness (L*), moisture, essential amino acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ecosapentaenoic acid, docosohexanoic acid, total poly unsaturated fatty acids (P less than 0.01), total unsaturated fatty acids, poly unsaturated/ saturated fatty acids P/S ratio (P less than 0.01) and lesser fibre diameter (P less than 0.01), myofibrillar fragmentation index (P less tha 0.01), fat (P less than 0.01), total saturated fatty acids and cholesterol content (P less than 0.01) than adult. Based on the results it was concluded that meat of young animals (six months) had superior meat quality than the meat of adult animals (one year).

The present study was carried out for evaluation of TLC fingerprint profiles of volatile oils/essential oils of the each ingredient of the polyherbal formulation of Trikatu churna and comparison of the volatile oil of the finished product or formulation as such. Essential oils/volatile oil contents are characteristic to the ingredients or raw botanicals to identify them easily. In the raw botanicals, where ever its presence is possible and its verification through the TLC/HPTLC fingerprint profile is the one of the best ways to identify and evaluate the quality of the finished formulation in the course of development of a standardization protocol as a quality control tool.

Background and purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) promotes angiogenesis by activating endothelial cells. Thalidomide arrests angiogenesis by interacting with the NO pathway, but its putative targets are not known. Here, we have attempted to identify these targets. Experimental approach: Cell-based angiogenesis assays (wound healing of monolayers and tube formation in ECV304, EAhy926 and bovine arterial endothelial cells), along with ex vivo and in vivo angiogenesis assays, were used to explore interactions between thalidomide and NO. We also carried out in silico homology modelling and docking studies to elucidate possible molecular interactions of thalidomide and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC). Key results: Thalidomide inhibited pro-angiogenic functions in endothelial cell cultures, whereas 8-bromo-cGMP, sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) or a NO donor [sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] increased these functions. The inhibitory effects of thalidomide were reversed by adding 8-bromo-cGMP or sildenafil, but not by SNP. Immunoassays showed a concentration-dependent decrease of cGMP in endothelial cells with thalidomide, without affecting the expression level of sGC protein. These results suggested that thalidomide inhibited the activity of sGC. Molecular modelling and docking experiments revealed that thalidomide could interact with the catalytic domain of sGC, which would explain the inhibitory effects of thalidomide on NO-dependent angiogenesis. Conclusion and implications: Our results showed that thalidomide interacted with sGC, suppressing cGMP levels in endothelial cells, thus exerting its anti-angiogenic effects. These results could lead to the formulation of thalidomide-based drugs to curb angiogenesis by targeting sGC.

Antioxidant activity of the aqueous (AET) and methanolic extracts (MET) of the Thespesia populnea bark was investigated in rats by inducing liver injury with carbon tetrachloride:olive oil (1:1). The extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity showing increased levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GRD), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and decreased level of lipid peroxidation (LPO). Thespesia populnea bark extracts, AET and MET, at a dose level of 500 mg/kg showed significant antioxidant activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats.

Objective :To carry out the preliminary pharmacological screening of methanolic extract of fruit of Benincasa hispida Cogn. Materials and methods: The extract was tested for effect on general pharmacological effects like spontaneous motor activity, muscle relaxant activity, antihistaminic effect and effect on barbiturate induced hypnosis. Results: The extract caused reduction in spontaneous motor activity with no muscle relaxant activity. The extract significantly potentiated the barbiturate induced hypnosis, and showed significant antihistaminic activity. Conclusion: The methanolic extract of fruit of Benincasa hispida has antihistaminic activity and could be further explored.

In the present study, a new series of 2,6-diaryl-3-methyl-4-piperidones was synthesized by Mannich reaction (condensation) of ethyl-methyl ketone, substituted aromatic aldehydes and ammonium acetate. Oximes and thiosemicarbazone derivatives of 2,6-diaryl-3-methyl-4-piperidones were synthesized by reaction with hydroxylamine hydrochloride and thiosemicarbazide respectively. The chemical structures were confirmed by means of IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. The compounds were screened for acute toxicity, analgesic, local anaesthetic and antifungal activity. 2-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-methyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-piperidin-4-one 2 exhibited the highest analgesic and local anaesthetic activity. The oximes and thiosemicarbazones were completely devoid of analgesic and local anaesthetic activity. 2-(4-Methylphenyl)-3-methyl-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-piperidin-4-oxime 21 and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-piperidin-4-oxime 17 exhibited potent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. Antifungal activity against Candida albicans was observed only with 2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-3-methyl-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-piperidin-4-oxime 20. 2,6-Diaryl-3-methyl-4-piperidones did not exhibit antifungal property.

Objective: The plant of Epaltes divaricata (L.) Cass. Traditionally used for jaundice. The present work aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of alcohol and aqueous extract of the whole plant against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats to substantiate its traditional use.Methods: The alcohol and aqueous (200 and 400 mg/kg) extract of Epaltes divaricata prepared by cold maceration were administered orally to the animals with hepatotoxicity induced by paracetamol (1000 mg/kg). Silymarine (40 mg/k) was given as reference standard. Hepatoprotective activity was assessed by estimating marker enzymes and by histopathological studies.Results: Both alcohol and aqueous (200 and 400 mg/kg) extract treatment significantly restored the paracetamol-induced elevations in levels of serum enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP) and total bilirubin in a dose-dependent manner. Histopathological examination revealed that the treatment attenuated the paracetamol-induced damage to the liver. The hepatoprotective effect of both extracts was comparable to that of the standard hepatoprotective agent, silymarin.Conclusion: The alcohol and aqueous extract of E. divaricata exhibited hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. This study also validated their traditional medicinal use in jaundice.

2 Abstract: The developing countries mostly rely on traditional medicines. This traditional medicine involves the use of different plant extracts or the bioactive constituents. This type of study provides the health application at affordable cost. This study such as ethnomedicine keenly represents one of the best avenues in searching new economic plants for medicine. In keeping this view in mind the present investigation is carried out in Syzygium cumini seed of Kattuppalayam, Erode District, Tamil Nadu, South India. The results suggest that the phytochemical properties of the seed for curing various ailments.

In recent years, Japanese quail meat has gained much popularity among consumers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the meat quality characteristics and nutritional composition of Nandanam Quail-III (Coturnix coturnix japonica) meat as influenced by age at slaughter. Totally twelve birds were divided into two different age groups. The birds were slaughtered and breast muscle was obtained. The meat quality characters, proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid content of meat of two age groups were analysed. The significant difference (P < 0.01) was observed in muscle fibre diameter, myofibrillar fragmentation index, moisture, protein, fat, major amino acids, total saturated fatty acids, total P/S, cholesterol content between two age groups. Based on the results it was concluded that the meat of young Nandanam Quail-III had the superior meat quality characters in terms of less fibre diameter, lesser myofibrillar fragmentation index and nutritional composition like less fat, saturated fatty acids, higher poly unsaturated fatty acids and amino acids.

Hyperglycemia induced over production of free radicals in the mitochondrial electron transport chain is now considered as one of the central mechanisms in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Allium sativum and Lagerstroemia speciosa contains active principles possessing anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties. This study is aimed at evaluating the evidence that supports this traditional claim and investigates the possible synergistic effect on these herbs when given as a herbal mixture in vitro.The present study investigates the cytotoxic, antioxidant and a-glucosidase inhibitory potential of Allium sativum (ASE), Lagerstroemia speciosa (LSE) and their combinations using in vitro methods.The total phenol, total flavonoid and total tannin content were determined in ASE and LSE. The cytotoxic effects of ASE, LSE and their combination in the ratio of 1:2, 1:1 w/w were evaluated using 3T3 L1 preadipocyte cells. Effect of ASE, LSE and its mixture on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were determined by 2', 7'dichlorfluorescein diacetate (DCF DA) staining technique in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The ability of the herbal extracts and their combination to scavenge super oxide radicals and to inhibit alpha-glucosidase enzyme (a carbohydrate metabolising enzyme) were measured using in vitro methods.The total phenols and tannins were expressed as microgram (microg) of gallic acid equivalents/mg of extract (GAE/mg), flavonoids as microg of quercetin equivalents/mg of extract (QE/mg). LSE had significant higher total phenol (300.11 +/- 1.99), flavonoid (53.12 +/- 0.48) and tannin content (118.90 +/- 0.15) compared to ASE which possessed total phenol (159.93 +/- 0.87); flavonoid (9.37 +/- 0.73) and tannin content (80.5 +/- 0.19). The IC50 value, the concentration of the extracts that cause 50% inhibition or cell death was measured as an index of cytotoxicity. The IC50 value was found to be in the following decreasing order: 1:2 mixture (98 microg/ml)ASE (323.6 microg/ml)1:1 mixture (428.1 microg/ml)LSE (2154 microg/ml). The 1:1 mixture was comparatively less cytotoxic under the tested concentration range (1 x 10(0) pg - 1 x 10(8) pg) than 1:2 combinations. The results observed with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were similar to that of cell viability assay. The 1:1 mixture (DIA-2 hereafter) was considered for further investigations. DIA-2 inhibited the ROS levels, which is evidenced by the decreased DCF fluorescence. DIA-2 could also efficiently scavenge the super oxide radical generated from PMS/NADH-NBT system showing an IC50 value 69.99 microg/ml, the IC50 value of ASE (157.7 microg/ml), LSE (20.43 microg/ml), and ascorbic acid (49.64 microg/ml) used as positive control. The results of in vitro a-glucosidase inhibitory assay showed highest IC50 value with LSE (0.3 microg/ml) and DIA-2 (0.7 microg/ml) than ASE (136.3 microg/ml) and positive control miglitol (651.8 microg/ml).DIA-2 exerts synergistic effect in scavenging the ROS and inhibiting the enzyme alpha-glucosidase in vitro compared to its individual extracts. The possible synergistic therapeutic effects may be due the presence of the antioxidant rich flavonoids, phenols and tannins present in LSE and ASE.

Ricinus communis Linn (Euphorbiaceae) plant parts are claimed to be used as carminative, asthma, bronchitis, leprosy, anti-inflammatory, cathartic, and aphrodisiac. The toxicological study was carried out in the root part of the plant. The collected root was extracted with methanol and water. The extracts were vacuum-dried to yield the respective aqueous (AE) and methanol (ME) extracts. Toxicological assessment sought to determine the safety of Ricinus communis root extracts. The extracts were evaluated in the acute toxicity study (OECD-423 guidelines) and 90 days repeated dose toxicological assessment in Wistar albino rats. The acute oral toxicity of the aqueous (AE) and methanol (ME) extracts did not produce any toxic symptoms or mortality at the dose level of 2000 mg/kg in rats. In the 90 days (sub-chronic toxicity) repeated dose toxicity study the extracts (AE and ME) were administered 1000 mg/kg daily through oral route. The sub-chronic toxicity study demonstrated no significant changes in body weight, food, and water intake. Hematology parameters RBC, WBC, DLC, Hb, blood clotting time, and the biochemical parameters glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, total cholesterol, total protein, total bilirubin AST, ALT, and ALP were estimated. Histopathology observation of the major vital organs (liver, kidney, heart, spleen, lungs, ovary, testis, and brain) were tested. The hematology, biochemical and histopathology evaluations did not show any adverse effects in any of the organs tested. These results demonstrate the non-toxic nature of the root extracts AE and ME can be used for long-term usage in clinical practice.

Nitric oxide (NO) promotes angiogenesis by activating endothelial cells. Thalidomide arrests angiogenesis by interacting with the NO pathway, but its putative targets are not known. Here, we have attempted to identify these targets.Cell-based angiogenesis assays (wound healing of monolayers and tube formation in ECV304, EAhy926 and bovine arterial endothelial cells), along with ex vivo and in vivo angiogenesis assays, were used to explore interactions between thalidomide and NO. We also carried out in silico homology modelling and docking studies to elucidate possible molecular interactions of thalidomide and soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC).Thalidomide inhibited pro-angiogenic functions in endothelial cell cultures, whereas 8-bromo-cGMP, sildenafil (a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) or a NO donor [sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] increased these functions. The inhibitory effects of thalidomide were reversed by adding 8-bromo-cGMP or sildenafil, but not by SNP. Immunoassays showed a concentration-dependent decrease of cGMP in endothelial cells with thalidomide, without affecting the expression level of sGC protein. These results suggested that thalidomide inhibited the activity of sGC. Molecular modelling and docking experiments revealed that thalidomide could interact with the catalytic domain of sGC, which would explain the inhibitory effects of thalidomide on NO-dependent angiogenesis.Our results showed that thalidomide interacted with sGC, suppressing cGMP levels in endothelial cells, thus exerting its anti-angiogenic effects. These results could lead to the formulation of thalidomide-based drugs to curb angiogenesis by targeting sGC.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nasal absorption of progesterone from carbopol-based nasal gels in rabbits. Progesterone nasal gels were prepared by dispersing carbopol 974 (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) in distilled water followed by addition of progesterone/progesterone-beta cyclodextrin complex dissolved in propylene glycol then neutralization. The potential use of beta cyclodextrin (CD) as nasal absorption enhancer by simple addition, as a physical mixture and as a complex with progesterone was investigated. The absolute bioavailability of progesterone from nasal gels in rabbits was studied by estimating the serum progesterone level by competitive solid-phase enzyme immunoassay in comparison to intravenous injection. The carbopol gel formulations produced a significant increase in bioavailability. CD complex promotes the nasal absorption of progesterone from carbopol gels as compared with gels where the CD is added by simple addition and gels which do not contain CD. This method of addition of CD as an inclusion complex in the gels could be considered as a preferred platform in nasal drug administration.

The study was conducted to study the effect of age viz., young (6–9 months) and adult (2 years) on physico-chemical characteristics, proximate composition, amino acid, fatty acid and cholesterol content of Kodiadu goat meat. The Longissimus dorsi muscle was collected from these animals and the physico-chemical characteristics viz., pH, water holding capacity, instrumental colour, muscle fibre diameter, myofibrillar fragmentation index and nutritional composition viz., proximate composition, amino acid, fatty acid and cholesterol content of two different age groups were studied. The results obtained in this study indicated that the meat of young goat had higher water holding capacity, Lightness (L*), moisture, threonine, glutamic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, ecosapentaenoic acid, docosohexanoic acid, total poly unsaturated fatty acids and total P/S than adult. Based on the quality and nutritional composition it was concluded that meat of young animal (6–9 months) had superior meat quality than the meat of adult animals.

Anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging activities of the methanolic extract of Ricinus communis (RCM) (Euphorbiaceae) Linn. root was studied in Wistar albino rats. The methanolic extract at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. exhibited significant (P

Ethanolic extracts from the leaves of Adenanthera pavonina were assessed at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg for anti-ins ammatory effects using both acute and chronic ins ammatory models. The anti-diarrheal activity was also evaluated to support any possible evidence of prostaglandin synthesis inhibition. It was found that the doses possessed inhibitory effects on the acute phase of ins ammation as seen in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema as well as in a subacute study of cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. The anti-ins ammatory activity elicited by the leaf extracts may be due to the ins uence of the active constituents such as beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. A possible mechanism may also be due to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis which is also evidenced by the delay in the formation of wet faeces. Further study is required to postulate the exact molecular mechanism involved in this process of inhibition of ins ammation by these leaf extracts. Key words: Adenanthera, anti-ins ammatory, cotton pellet, paw edema.