NOPR Collection:

Pharmacognostical studies of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. stem bark – A common but less known folklore herb

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Pharmacognostical studies of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. stem bark – A common but less known folklore herb Authors: Suresh, Pujare Vinay; Shraddha, Shimpi N; Gopalkrishnan, Bindu Abstract: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L., popularly known as Parijataka or Night jasmine, belongs to family Oleaceae. Nyctanthes is commonly grown as a sacred tree in Maharashtra. It is also known for its medicinal cure by the aboriginals residing in this region. Leaves and bark are said to be antibilious and expectorant. Bark in combination with arjuna sadada is considered to be useful in internal injuries and healing of wounds including fractured bones. The decoction of bark is recommended for periodic fever. In spite of these therapeutic uses and easy availability, no detailed pharmacognostic study has been done. The present investigation deals with macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the stem bark. Various physicochemical parameters were also established. Preliminary Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, etc. Such a study would serve as a useful tool in standardization of the stem bark. Page(s): 284-287

Faith herbal healer knowledge document of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, India

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Faith herbal healer knowledge document of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, India Authors: Rana, C S; Tiwari, J K; Dangwal, L R; Gairola, S Abstract: The aim of the study was to identify and document medicinal plants used by the faith herbal healers of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve along with their uses and preparation. Ethnomedicinal surveys were conducted in the remote villages of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) district Chamoli during the years 2004-2010. The study revealed uses of 90 plant species (87 Angiosperms and 3 Gymnosperms) belonging to 45 families and 80 genera. These plants were found to be used for treating diabetes, arthritis, cardiac complaints, asthma, leucorrhoea, infertility, mental disorder, flatulence, abdominal complaints and chronic fever, etc. Page(s): 308-314

Evaluation of Ayurvedic Compound Formulations 5- Katphaladi Cũrna

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Evaluation of Ayurvedic Compound Formulations 5- Katphaladi Cũrna Authors: Pandey, MM; Rastogi, Subha; Khatoon, S; Mehrotra, S; Rawat, AKS Abstract: The interest in Ayurvedic drugs/ formulations has led to an increase in their demand leading to a decline in their quality, primarily due to lack of adequate regulations pertaining to herbal drugs. Standardization is an essential tool to obtain the desired effect of any drug/ formulations. But the herbal formulations which are being prepared using traditional methods may not have the desired quality and batch to batch consistency due to lack of modern pharmacopoeial standards. Four samples of Katphaladi Cũrna, procured from different Ayurvedic pharmacies, were subjected to physicochemical analysis, HPTLC fingerprinting and botanical characterization, and compared using authentic ingredients as reference. The studies suggest that these parameters may, together, be used for quality evaluation and standardization of compound formulations and maintaining their quality, purity and efficacy. Page(s): 295-299

Hepatoprotective activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. roots

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Hepatoprotective activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. roots Authors: Panjaitan, Ruqiah ganda putri; Handharyani, Ekowati; Chairul; Manalu, Wasmen Abstract: The hepatoprotective activity of Eurycoma longifolia Jack. roots methanol-water fraction on therapeutic dose was evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced rats. Hepatic cells were still normal after three months administration of methanol-water fraction at therapeutic dose. The administration of methanol-water fraction on therapeutic dose prior to CCl₄-induced or CCl₄-induced prior to methanol-water fraction resulted in suppression of ALT and AST. Histopathological and ultrastructure studies confirmed that methanol-water fraction protected hepatic cells. It is concluded that the methanol-water fraction of pasak bumi roots has a hepatoprotective activity. Page(s): 225-230