RESEARCH DEVELOPMENTS IN IMMUNOMODULATORY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF SHILAJATU

Ayurveda focuses upon preventing and promoting health along with curing of diseases in a systematic way. Ayurvedic literature has numerous single and compound plant-based, herbo-mineral, herbo-metallic formulations for general well being and in disease-specifi c conditions relating to geriatrics. Rasayana is a specialized branch that deals with the problems related to ageing and methods to counter the same. Shilajatu is one such compound, which has been used in Ayurveda for centuries as Rasayana and as a treatment for all the ailments of body. It is composed of mainly humic acid (60-80 %), and fulvic acid, oxygenated dibenzo- -pyrones and minerals in ionic form (20-40 %). This article is aimed at analyzing and disseminating the classical concepts and available published researches inferring antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties of Shilajatu. The review reveals that Shilajatu exhibits signifi cant antioxidant, immunomodulatory, chelating, cognitive and memory enhancing activities, thus it could prove to be a panacea for mankind.

Therapeutic Journey of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees from Natural to Synthetic and Nanoformulations

: Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees (Acanthaceae) is a herbaceous plant and commonly called 'King of Bitters'. It has gained attraction as a potential hepatoprotective agent and a natural molecule with various biological activities viz. anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, neuroprotective, and so on. The andrographolide is one of the main diterpenoids responsible for the drug's bitter taste and various therapeutic activities. The poor cellular permeability, solubility and short biological half-life of its pure components limit its distribution to the target tissue. To conquer this obstacle, various researchers worldwide have been working on designing the synthetic derivatives of its active components and nanoformulations to improve the drug's efficiency and selectivity to develop more active leads for biomedical applications. This article discussed the recent research on synthetic derivatives, including their possible therapeutic applications and structure-activity relationship (SAR). Additionally, this article also presents the essential information concerning the various nanoformulations developed to increase the delivery of pure compound/plant extract to the target site, thereby improving the drug's efficacy for multiple ailments.

Polyphenol Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Instant Gruels Enriched with Lycium barbarum L. Fruit

Goji fruit (Lycium barbarum L.) has been identified as a polyphenolic compound plant source of noted richness. It also contains polysaccharides, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals, fatty and organic acids. The purpose of the presented research was to produce innovative instant corn gruels with various dry goji berry contents (1, 3 and 5%), to determine the level of included polyphenolic compounds (including individual free phenolic acids) and to assess the antioxidant properties of these functional-food products. A further objective was to identify the optimum value of one of the most important production parameter, the rotational speed of the extruder’s screw during gruel processing. The undertaken chromatographic analysis (LC-ESI-MS/MS) showed a wide variety of available phenolic acids. In the samples with 5% addition of fruit, eight phenolic acids were detected, whereas in the corn gruel without additives, only five were noted. The antioxidant activity, the content of free phenolic acids and the sum of polyphenols increased with increase of the functional additive. For all goji content, screw speeds of 100 and 120 rpm rather than 80 rpm resulted in higher polyphenol amounts and greater Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, as well as higher ability to scavenge DPPH.

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL GEL CONTAINING Allium cepa EXTRACT

Herbal medicines widely improved for primary health care because of better cultural acceptability and better compatibility with human body and lesser side effects. The aim of present study was to formulate and evaluate of herbal gel containing Allium cepa extract. Topical gel formulation was designed by using Allium cepa extract and carbopol 934 as a gelling agent and different excipients. The herbaceous plant Allium cepa (onion). It has great health significance and is consumed for nutritional and health benefits for last centuries. It contains flavonoids compound. Plant extract used for prevention of hair loss. Raw onion eaten in salad form this is play very important role in health benefits. Gel was prepared by incorporating extract of Allium cepa in gel at a particular step in order to prepare non greasy formulation. Gel Formulation F3 Batch was optimized in the concentration 1.5% of Carbopol 934. Different gel formulations were evaluated for their physical appearance; pH, Spreadability, Homogeneity in-vitro diffusion ,Viscosity and Drug Excipients comparability study are carried out.

Stabilization of soy milk using konjac glucomannan

A novel compound functional plant beverage could be formed by blending soy milk with konjac glucomannan (KGM), a beneficial polysaccharide. Both the phase behavior and the stability of KGM-soy milk blend system were studied. The phase diagram showed that the KGM-soy milk blend system could form three regions: i.e., Unstable zone, metastable zone and stable zone. The stability of the blend system was investigated by measuring turbidity, viscosity, Zeta potential, particle size and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The microstructure of the KGM-soy milk mixed system was characterized by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), which indicated that KGM and soy milk could be evenly dispersed under certain conditions. The mixtures with relatively low KGM component were unstable and easy to sedimentation. However, the blend systems with high KGM component were relatively stable and were not easy to occur phase separation. The results implied that KGM could act not only as a functional ingredient, but also as a stabilizer in the compound plant beverage.

Rainfall influences performance of insecticides on the codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in apples

Semi-field studies were used to evaluate the effects of rainfall and field ageing on the performance of insecticides from six different chemical classes used to control the codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). All insecticides were significantly more toxic to codling moth larvae than the untreated control, although seven-day field ageing reduced control for several compounds. Simulated rainfall events of 2.54 and 12.7 mm did not have negative effects on the performance of the insecticides. Simulated rainfall events of 50.8 mm of rainfall resulted in significant reductions of efficacy for thiacloprid and spinetoram. Residue profiles of apple leaves and fruit provided evidence for wash-off ranging from 13% to 93%, with patterns varying by compound, plant substrate, and rainfall level. This study will help apple growers make informed decisions on when reapplications of insecticides are needed in the field with the aim of improving integrated pest management.

Factors Affecting the Bioavailability of Soy Isoflavones in Humans

To fully evaluate the potential risks and benefits of isoflavones to human health, an understanding of the physiological behavior of these compounds following ingestion is required. Numerous researchers have investigated the kinetics and extent of polyphenol absorption by measuring plasma concentrations and/or urinary excretion among adults after the ingestion of a single dose of polyphenol, provided as either a pure compound, plant extract, or whole food/beverage. Available data suggest isoflavones are more bioavailable than other flavonoid subclasses. This review will focus on our current understanding of factors affecting isoflavone absorption and metabolism in humans.