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The knowledge of the traditional plants in India is a collection over millennia by our ancient people. The Siddha System of Medicine (Traditional Tamil System of medicine) is the foremost of all other medical systems in the world which provide service to the humanity for more than 5000 years in combating diseases and also in maintaining its physical, mental and moral health. Vitex species were used in siddha for its anti- viral activity for several years. However, the present study deals with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus because of its complexity and killing effects. FTIR analysis of Vitex altissima L and Vitex leucoxylon L revealed the presence of 21 and 17 bioactive compounds respectively. These compounds were analysed further for its binding affinity mechanism against one of the virulence causing protein, reverse transcriptase (target protein) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by using molecular docking and bioinformatics tools. Interaction rate was determined between bioactive compounds against the protein target based on binding free energy requirements. Molecular docking was also made to the commercially available drugs (Zidovudine, Stavudine, and Nevirapine) against the target protein. By comparing the results between bioactive compounds in the Vitex species and the commercially available drugs, it was clear that the bioactive compounds were much more effective than the commercially available drugs, thereby suitable for the treatment of AIDS. Hence, this study will form the basis for promoting therapeutic lead molecules from the traditional plants which restore the tradition and also eliminates the harmful side effects.

Introduction: Vitex Leucoxylon Linn. (family Verbenreae) is found commonly in India. This plant is a large deciduous tree, commonly known as Songarbhi (Marathi). It is small to large tree with a thick trunk and a spreading crown found almost throughout the Indian Deccan peninsular. The trees are generally found on river banks, streams and ponds. Recent pharmacological findings indicate that the crude alcoholic extract of its leaves possess anti-psychotic, anti-depressant, analgesic, anti-parkinsonian, anti-microbial activities, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. However, no conclusive pharmacognostic study of its leaves has been performed yet. Methods: The present investigation deals with the qualitative and quantitative microscopic evaluation of the leaf material and the establishment of quality parameters including physicochemical and phytochemical evaluation. Results: Chief macroscopic and microscopic characters include midrib, lamina, venation pattern, stomata, epidermal trichomes, sclereids, powder microscopy and phytochemical evaluation done by standard methods. Conclusion: The results would serve as a useful gauge of standardization of leaf material and ensuring quality formulations.

Problem statement: Anti-inflammatory agents, particularly steroids and cyclooxygenase inhibitors are often associated with adverse side effects including, GI irritation, ulcers, hypertension and cardiac abnormalities. A safe and effective intervention is essential for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Approach: Abstract Vitex leucoxylon L., a medicinal plant of the verbenaceae family, used in traditional medicine for relieving headache and catarrh. VL-89/185A, was obtained by bio activity-guided fractionation using 5-Lipoxygenase inhibitory activity. VL-89/185A was further tested against Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley (SD) rat. Results: Oral supplementation of VL-89/185A resulted in significant anti-inflammatory effects as indicated by reduction in paw edema both at 100 and 250 mg kg-1 doses when compared to untreated control rats. Furthermore, treatment with VL-89/185A significantly reduced circulating proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β. The safety of VL-89/185A was established (LD50 >5000 mg kg-1 body) by acute oral toxicity limit test according to OECD guidelines 425. Conclusion: The safety and efficacy profiles indicated that VL-89/185A is a safe intervention for inflammatory disorders.

Objective: Evaluating antidiabetic property of Hopea ponga and Vitex leucoxylon extracts by using in vitro assays.Methods: The exhaustive serial extraction was carried out with a series of solvents: chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol and water with increasing polarity using Soxhlet apparatus. The concentrated and dried extracts were evaluated for antidiabetic activity by employing standard in vitro techniques (α-amylase and glucose uptake assay using yeast model in which the effects of extracts on α-amylase and glucose uptake was tested by considering the percentage of inhibition of α-amylase and increase in glucose uptake in yeast cells).Results: In vitro antidiabetic studies show that in case of Hopea ponga methanol extract showed comparable antidiabetic activity with percentage of α-amylase inhibition 51.7925±0.92794 % and with IC50 value 96.53 µg and it was less on comparison with standard i.e. 71.0907±0.67796% with IC50 value 70.33 µg and in case of glucose uptake assay aqueous extract showed higher activity over all remaining extracts with percentage of inhibition 49.8100±0.62476% and with IC50 value 250.95 µg. whereas in case of Vitex leucoxylon aqueous extract exhibited significant activity in both performed assays i. e α-amylase inhibition and glucose uptake assay with percentage 54.6147±0.46397% and 57.1337±0.44201% respectively when compared to other solvent extracts.Conclusion: Results confirm that aqueous extract of Vitex leucoxylon exhibited highest antidiabetic activity among all extracts. Additional studies are needed for purification, characterization and structural elucidation of bioactive compounds from aqueous extract and also confirm its antidiabetic property by in vivo studies. The present study provides scientific evidence that the leaves of Hopea ponga and Vitex leucoxylon possess anti-diabetic efficacy. Thus, considering its relative antidiabetic potency, these extracts are the useful therapeutic agents for treating and management of diabetes.

Tiwari RKS, Mehta R, Kumar S. 2015. Effect of hormonal pre-treatment on sprouting and survival of different medicinal plant species. Nusantara Bioscience 7: 77-89. In the present study, sprouting and survival of cuttings of ethnomedicinally important shrub species i.e. Argyreia nervosa, Gardenia gummifera, Helicteres isora, Hiptage madablota, Lippia javanica, Caesalpinia bonduc, Jasminum grandiflorum, Millingtonia hortensis, Putranjiva roxburghii, Stereospermum suaveolens, Vitex negundo, Vitex leucoxylon, and Zanthoxylum armatum were recorded through propagation. In vivo, experiment was conducted comprising treatments of cutting diameters i.e. thick (D1-2.1 cm), medium (D2-1.6 cm) and thin (D3-0.8 cm) and pre-treatment of exogenous hormones viz., Rootex, α-Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) and Indole 3 Butyric Acid (IBA) maintained at 1000 ppm in talc powder formulation. Results revealed a significant effect of cutting diameter and pre-hormonal treatment on sprouting and survival of medicinal plant species under greenhouse conditions. Species i.e. L. javanica, V. negundo, V. leucoxylon, H. isora, C. bonduc, G. gummifera, and S. suaveolens had higher percent of sprouting (84.25-100.0) and survival (59.72-100.0). Effect of all three hormones on all the three diameters of plants cuttings for sprouting and survival was significant and clearly distinctive with maximum increase of 66.66 and 64.81 respectively in species C. bonduc. IBA had its more effect on sprouting and survival of most of the medicinal plant species in comparison of Rootex and NAA.