Biological applications and secondary metabolites of Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch.

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch. (Compositae), popularly known as Kuth in Ayurveda, is useful for gastrointestinal disorders in the form of a digestive agent, anti-gastric agent or an appetizer. Its roots have been used in respiratory problems like cough and asthma. The plant is also used in various other traditional medicinal systems including Unani. A number of scientific reports have proved its therapeutic importance as anti-gastric, anti-asthmatic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. A variety of secondary metabolites including sesquiterpenoid lactones, lignins, and phytosterols have been identified as bioactive principles from the roots of this plant. Today, many healthcare products are available in the market those contain S. costus roots as single or in the form of a polyherbal formulation. According to the IUCN Red List, S. lappa is under the threatened category and due to its high demand in the market, it is becoming extinct very fast from its natural habitat. Hence, there is an urgent need to protect the plant by promoting its cultivation on a large scale.

Tea flavonoid theaflavin induces apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through improving ROS level

Flavonoids, a class of normal polyphenolic mixes, restrain cell cycle movement and instigate apoptosis. This examination was performed to explore the anticancer effect of theaflavin, a natural flavonoid found in the leaves of tea plant Camellia sinensis. Although this molecule was found to inhibit several cancer cells, the specific anticancer action in liver cancer remains unexplored, especially in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Henceforth, the present study was designed to elucidate the anticancer activity in HepG2 cells, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cancer cells and tumour cell apoptosis. The action of theaflavin in provocation apoptosis was explored through the improved ROS by MTT assay and 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method. As per the results obtained from the MTT assay, theaflavin had cell hindrance effect on HepG2 cells. The IC50 estimation of theaflavin to hindered cell development at 25, 50 and 75 μM concentration and instigating apoptosis through ROS improvement. The progressions in mitochondrial morphology, portion conditionally that diminished cell expansion, were seen in various concentrations of the drug treatment. In this manner, theaflavin might be useful as a chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of liver cancer.

Covid-19 and Iraq: The exponential epidemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) epidemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, has now extended to more than 200 countries and administrative regions infecting nearly 36,792,906 individuals of all ages as of 9 October 2020. Many of these articles pursue to investigate the epidemiological parameters of the disease at different locations to disseminate critical information among both modellers and policymakers for a timely control response to be implemented. Iraq has had 394,566 confirmed cases with 9,683 deaths according to the last update registration of Iraq Ministry of Health. In the infected region, despite unusual efforts to limit the movement of people at the expense of the Iraqi economy, we are dealing with an even greater fear that the number of patients who present to the emergency room will become much greater than the system can cope with. Finally, our analysis tends to suggest that measures to reduce transmission should certainly be implemented, as our government did on March 9, by inhibiting people’s movement and social activities, unless strictly required. The most effective way to contain this viral outbreak in Iraq is probably to avoid close contact at the individual level and social meetings.

A comparative clinical study of khakhasa beeja lepa and nimba patra churna lepa in the management of darunaka (dandruff)

Dandruff, a scalp disorder, affects the population of worldwide which is although not a transmitted disease but caused a social or self-esteem problem. Itching and flakiness are the common causes of dandruff which can also affect the facial skin if not treated in time. As per Ayurveda texts, dandruff can be correlated with Darunaka and vata and kapha doshas might be responsible for its development. This study used a paste of khakasa beeja (Papaver somniferum) and godugdha (cow milk) to treat dandruff which is also mentioned in Ayurvedic Samhitas for the treatment of darunaka condition. A total of 60 patients have been enrolled for this study in which 30 patients were given above treatment while the rest of the 30 patients were treated with neem paste. The study suggested that the khakasa beej and godugdha paste has the potential to treat dandruff.

Preliminary phytochemical analysis and antibacterial study of crude extract from Hamelia patens stems

The present study aimed to analyse the phytochemical and antibacterial activity of different extracts of the tropical plant Hamelia patens Jacq. (Rubiaceae). The antimicrobial activity was carried out using agar well diffusion method. Hexane, petroleum ether, ethanol and chloroform stem extracts (100 μL of 50 mg/mL each) were introduced into the wells separately and allowed it to undergo incubation. After the incubation time was over, the plates were observed for zones of inhibition and compared with positive control ciprofloxacin at a concentration of 30 μM. These results provided evidence that the tested plant extracts possess antimicrobial properties which can be tested further in the development of novel antimicrobial agents.

Development and challenges of herbal injectables – a possible emerging area of drug delivery

Herbal drugs have been employed in the treatment of diseases since ancient time. People have confidence in their efficacy and safety even today. The main reason for the popularity of these drugs is their limited side-effects when consumed in the prescribed quantity. Despite their comparatively safe nature, their bioavailability and long gestation period remain challenging. This can be remedied by administering these drugs through parenteral routes in the form of herbal injectables. This article aims to draw the attention of the researcher toward the formulation and development of herbal injectables. Besides, the emphasis has given to the current scenario, challenges and perspectives of herbal injectables.

Therapeutic and culinary uses of Benincasa hispida (Alupuhul)

Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn. (Cucurbitaceae) is commonly called as winter melon or ash melon. It is a popular vegetable crop, especially among Asian communities both for nutritional and medicinal purposes. It has been used as a medicinal plant by Ayurvedic and Sri Lankan traditional physicians since antiquity. It is used singly or in various formulations in combination with different medicaments in Ayurveda and traditional medicine. The literature for the present review was gathered from Ayurvedic texts, traditional medical texts, books on plant science, modern medicinal texts, journals and online scientific tools. The fruits, pericarp, seeds, stems, roots and leaves of this plant are used in various preparations. It is used in internal treatment for urinary disorders including calculi, dysuria, pain in pelvis and genitals, disorders like gastritis, gastric ulcers, worm infestation, hiccough, hyperdipsea, anaemia, jaundice, diabetes mellitus, piles, fever, internal haemorrhages, hemoptysis, general debility, epilepsy, cough, hoarseness, all kinds of asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, ulceration of lungs, heart diseases, testosterone-induced prostatic hypertrophy and especially in the vitiated condition of Pitta Dosha. Externally, it showed anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic and antimicrobial effects. Rejuvenate, antioxidant, anti-ageing, nutritive, tonic, diuretic, aphrodisiac, nephron protective, styptic, vermin fugue, antidiabetic, hyperlipidemic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, antidepressant and antimicrobial in properties of Benincasa hispida are scientifically proven. It is concluded that Benincasa hispida is with multi-faceted medicinal values.

Treatment of a case of Fournier’s gangrene after a perianal abscess debridement

Fournier’s gangrene is rapidly progressive and potentially fatal infective necrotising fasciitis affecting the external genitalia, perineal or perianal regions. Among many sources of infection, perianal surgical manipulation is one of the major contributing factors. A 45-years diabetic patient who had recently undergone surgical debridement elsewhere to treat a perianal abscess visited SDM Ayurvedic hospital with mild scrotal pain and an unhealthy surgical wound. He was treated surgically with broad-spectrum antibiotics, strict control of hyperglycemia, regular minimum debridement of wound and dressing with a Yashtimadhu taila (an herbal oil with Glycyrrhiza glabra, Emblica officinalis, Sesamum indicum and cow milk as active ingredients) famous for its wound healing property. The patient gradually recovered and the wound was gradually healed with secondary intention.

Reserpine subdued non-small cell lung cancer cells via ROS-mediated apoptosis

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the prevailing kind of lung cancer. Molecular target has exceptionally improved the treatment viability of lung cancer, however, new difficulties have developed, for example, drug resistance and cancer repeat. Along these lines, new chemotherapeutic operators and treatment techniques are earnestly required. Reserpine, a natural indole alkaloid, is the fundamental dynamic piece of Indian restorative plant which has been appeared to show ground-breaking hostile to cancer action in specific kinds of cancer; be that as it may, its movement in drug-safe lung cancer has never been tended to. In this investigation, we utilized 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) measure and 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) test to examine reserpine anticancer movement. The cytotoxicity of reserpine in NSCLC cell lines was profoundly investigated. Reserpine displayed specific cytotoxicity among NSCLC at 15, 25 and 35 μM concentrations. Reserpine essentially expanded the action of ROS, which are profoundly expanded apoptosis. Improved ROS, altogether initiated customized cell passing in human NSCLC cells. The upgrade of ROS age in drug-safe NSCLC cells prompts impedance of development and acceptance of apoptosis. In this way, reserpine-prompted cell apoptosis is firmly connected with ROS rise in the cells. These discoveries show that reserpine can be a powerful mix of treating drug-safe NSCLC.

Coronil – What is dispute if it is developed from time-tested Ayurvedic Science?

The discussion about Coronil, a new COVID-19 herbal medicine of Patanjali Ayurved, Ltd. (Times of India, 2020) is on all over the world. Some groups are challenging its efficacy and some its process of development (Business Standard, 2020). However, we need to understand the actual facts about the product, Coronil (Fig. 1) and its effectiveness before participating in any of the arguments related to this drug.