NOPR Collection:

Chemical composition and biological activity of Coriandrum sativum L.: A review

2018-01-04T10:57:07Z

Title: Chemical composition and biological activity of Coriandrum sativum L.: A review Authors: Chahal, K.K.; Singh, Ravinder; Kumar, Amit; Bhardwaj, Urvashi Abstract: Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) also called as Cilantro, Arab parsley, Chinese parsley, Kasbour is cultivated for its seeds and foliage for extraction of essential oil using hydrodistillation. The GC-MS compositional analysis of coriander seed essential oil showed the presence of many compounds viz linalool, camphor, geraniol, α–pinene, γ–terpinene, geranyl acetate and limonene. Essential oil of coriander is known to exhibit wide range of biological activities like antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, insecticidal and in addition it also exibit pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antimicrobial, diuretic, cognition improvement, antidiabetic, antiseptic, antihypertensive, lipolytic, myorelaxant, anticancerous, antimutagenic, and free radical scavenging activities. Page(s): 193-203

Pharmacology and biochemistry behind the use of natural herbs to control arthritis – A review

2018-01-04T10:52:13Z

Title: Pharmacology and biochemistry behind the use of natural herbs to control arthritis – A review Authors: Mitra, Sankar P. Abstract: The article provides information regarding pharmacological and biochemical aspects of few herbs (Turmeric, Ginger, Capsicum, Devils’ claw, Meadowsweet, Willow, Evening primrose, Juniper, Nettle and Boswellia) that are commonly used in treating arthritis and associated inflammations. All of them have substantialability to reduce pain and inflammation without the side effects. Distinctively, the herbs synthesize multiple phyto-chemicals that are chemically categorized as terpenes, flavins and tannins offering irrefutable impact on the patients providing significant relief. Advantageously, due to less side effects, the presence of multiple anti-inflammatory components insists patients to rely on herbs as a viable alternative in place of commercial therapeutic drugs available to control the arthritis. Many also use herbs as a supplement for additional therapeutic measure. It is proven that naturally occurring terpenes, sterols, flavins and polyphenols exert significant immune modulatory function to inhibit the inflammatory processes normally observed owing to the eruption of arthritis. So, by preventing the actions of NF–κβ and other associated factors these herbs control the arthritic problems. The co-presence of numerous ingredients in a single species often synergize the anti-inflammatory encounter while also preventing the generations of free radicals/ ROS which normally accelerate the inflammatory process. Intermittent assistance is occasionally provided by the few fatty acids within some herbs for their metabolic conversion to PGE1 or TXA1 adding additional preventive role. So less side effects along with the traditionally proven positive records ensure many to use herbs while managing the arthritic problems. Page(s): 204-223

Variation in the active compounds among natural populations of Swertia cordata

2018-01-04T10:46:36Z

Title: Variation in the active compounds among natural populations of Swertia cordata Authors: Chauhan, Rajendra S.; Kitchlu, S.; Kumar, Arun; Dutt, Prabhu Abstract: Swertia cordata (Wall. ex G. Don) C.B. Clarke is an important medicinal plant of the family Gentianaceae and is found distributed throughout temperate regions of the Himalaya. The species is used in various ethno-medicinal systems and as an adulterant of Swertia chirayita. Plants collected during the flowering stage from four different populations were air dried and crushed to make extract. The extract was analyzed using HPLC for the presence of bioactive molecules. Quantitative variations exist in the bioactive compounds among different populations. Variations among studied populations are due to long term adaptation in particular ecological niche. As S. chirayita has been banned for collection due to rarity in natural populations, S. cordata may be used as an alternate source. Presence of amarogentin, amaroswerin, and mangiferin increases the medicinal importance along with further research on chemistry, pharmacology, domestication, and crop improvement aspects of S. cordata. Page(s): 224-229

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities of the extracts of Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Thomson rhizomes

2018-01-04T09:51:23Z

Title: In vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities of the extracts of Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Thomson rhizomes Authors: Gupta, Richa K.; Bharati, Laxman; Shakya, Kul Shobha; Regmi, Bal Mukunda; Bajracharya, Gan B.; Jha, Ram Narayan Abstract: Rheum nobile Hook. f. & Thomson (family Polygonaceae) is extraordinary, unexploited, and vulnerable Himalayan rhubarb with high ethnomedicinal values. Traditionally in Nepal, its rhizomes are used to relieve pain, swelling, and in bone fractures. In this study, several in vitro and in vivo assays of the rhizome extracts were carried out. The hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanolic extracts obtained after fractionation of 95 % ethanolic extract showed potentially cytotoxicity against Artemia salina nauplii and antibacterial effect. The 80 % ethanolic extract displayed sedative effect in mice (ED₅₀ = 100.32 mg/kg). The same extract inhibited 66.60 and 81.49 % of acetic acid-induced writhes in mice at doses 250 and 400 mg/kg, respectively (p <0.0001). The extract could increase the reaction latency up to 774.59 % in the Eddy’s hot plate assay (p <0.0001). A high anti-inflammatory effect was observed in the Albumin-induced paw edema assay. The extract also exhibited hypoglycemic activity by lowering blood glucose level in normoglycemic rats, and antifertility activity in pregnant rats. CNS depressant and antifertility activities are observed for the first time in genus Rheum. Page(s): 230-239