Pharmacological activity of Mentha longifolia and its phytoconstituents

Current paper reviews the pharmacological activities, therapeutic indications and phytochemicals of M. longifolia. This herb has been consumed traditionally for the treatment of various diseases, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory disorders, infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, as well as menstrual disorders. In the modern era, various pharmacological activities have been confirmed for M. longifolia, such as anti-parasitic, antimicrobial, anti-insect, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, keratoprotective, hepatoprotective, anti-diarrhea, and spasmolytic effects. The plant showed therapeutic benefits in irritable bowel syndrome, amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea, and oxidative stress-associated diseases as well. A vast variety of natural components such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, cinnamates, ceramides, sesquiterpenes, terpenes, and terpenoids have been suggested to be responsible for the pharmacological action of M. longifolia. These natural products can be considered as novel medicinal sources for developing new drugs. Further investigations to explore therapeutic efficacy, tolerability, and pharmaceutical properties of M. longifolia phytochemical agents are recommended.     

Coriander(Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil: chemistry and biological activity

Coriandrum sativum L.(C. sativum) is one of the most useful essential oil bearing spices as well as medicinal plants, belonging to the family Umbelliferae/Apiaceae. The leaves and seeds of the plant are widely used in folk medicine in addition to its use as a seasoning in food preparation. The C. sativum essential oil and extracts possess promising antibacterial, antifungal and anti-oxidative activities as various chemical components in dif erent parts of the plant, which thus play a great role in maintaining the shelf-life of foods by preventing their spoilage. This edible plant is non-toxic to humans, and the C. sativum essential oil is thus used in dif erent ways, viz., in foods(like l avoring and preservatives) and in pharmaceutical products(therapeutic action) as well as in perfumes(fragancias and lotions). The current updates on the usefulness of the plant C. sativum are due to scientii c research published in dif erent web-based journals.     

Biological activities and medicinal properties of Gokhru (Pedalium murex L.)

Bada Gokhru (Pedalium murex L.) is perhaps the most useful traditional medicinal plant in India. Each part of the neem tree has some medicinal property and is thus commercially exploitable. During the last five decades, apart from the chemistry of the Pedalium murex compounds, considerable progress has been achieved regarding the biological activity and medicinal applications of this plant. It is now considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products. This review gives a bird''s eye view mainly on the biological activities of some of this compounds isolated, pharmacological actions of the extracts, clinical studies and plausible medicinal applications of gokharu along with their safety evaluation.     

我国植物提取物行业科技发展现状、问题及建议

我国植物提取物产业目前发展非常迅速,概念和内容都已不只限于使用传统中药材为原料,目前的植物提取物行业已经是一个以中药提取物为核心,并包容了源自于世界各地植物提取物的现代产业,中国是国际上一个重要的提取物生产国。主要从植物提取物的行业科技发展现状,存在的问题及原因以及发展对策和建议进行了论述。着重阐述了植物提取物的行业现状,主要包括生产现状、应用现状、技术现状、标准现状以及政策现状;指出了存在的问题及原因,由于我国的植物提取物行业受一些来自于植物提取物企业自身发展阶段和所处国内、国际环境的影响;并从7个方面提出了发展对策及建议。     

Phytopharmacological Profile of Jasminum Grandiflorum Linn. (Oleaceae)

Plants are the real basis towards animal life and are also central to people’s livelihood. The contributions of the plants in performing varied religious celebrations and in other multiple beneficiaries like medicine, human happiness as well as in treating deadly diseases can never be neglected. In treating diseases, the plants and their constituents are better choice than any other synthetic chemical. The nature has been kind enough to provide the human beings with various types of medicinal plants and in the real sense these form the storehouse of curing almost all the ailments. Consequently, most of the drugs which are being used in preparing formulations have their origin and roots in the plants which form the chief natural source of medicines. Even in modern era, the plant-derived drugs are being extensively used, either in their original or semi-synthetic form. It is because their natural phytoconstituents are highly innocuous posing relatively fewer or no side effects. Based upon their observations, analysis and experience, our ancestors used many plants for medicinal purposes and thus their efforts need to be supported by scientific evidence. Jasminum grandiflorum Linn. is one of such important plants. It has been extensively used by the tribes all over India to treat different diseases which mainly include body pains, toothache, stomach ache, ulcers, and sexual impotency. Chemistry of the plant revealed the presence of mainly secoiridoids, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Not much scientific support was given to the folklore claims for this plant but some of its traditional uses were investigated like spasmolytic, wound healing, antimicrobial, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, antiulcer and antioxidant activities. This article is the review of research works done on the plant Jasminum grandiflorum Linn. to date. As a part of it the local names, morphology, traditional claims, chemistry and pharmacological activities have been discussed.     

小檗碱对消化道疾病治疗的进展

小檗碱是中药黄连的主要成分,具有不良反应小,价格低廉等优点。长期以来,小檗碱作为广谱抗生素被用于治疗各类感染性疾病。目前,越来越多的研究发现小檗碱在治疗消化道疾病方面仍有巨大的潜力。该作者就小檗碱治疗消化道疾病的临床和基础研究进展作一综述。     

浅谈中药黄芩的药理作用

黄芩为多年生草本植物,入药部位为根,具有清热燥湿,泻火解毒,凉血活血,安胎的功效。近年来随着对其活性成分的深入研究,发现黄芩根提取物具有抗菌、抗病毒、抗肿瘤、解热镇痛、抗氧化及清除氧自由基和治疗心血管疾病等作用。     

Ethno botanical and Phytophrmacological potential of Abrus precatorius L.: A review

Medicinal plants are being widely used, either as a single drug or in combination in health care delivery system. Medicinal plants can be important source of previously unknown chemical substances with potential therapeutic effects. Abrus precatorius L. is commonly known as Gunja or Jequirity and abundantly found all throughout the plains of India, from Himalaya down to Southern India and Ceylon. This plant is having medicinal potential to cure various diseases. The roots, leaves and seeds of this plant are used for different medicinal purpose. It principally contains flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, abrin and alkaloids. The plant have been reported for neuromuscular effects, neuro-protective, abortifacient, antiepileptic, anti-viral, anti-malarial, antifertility, nephroprotective, immunomodulator, immunostimulatory properties, anti-inflammatory activity, antidiabetic effect, etc. As this is a potential medicinal plant, present review reveals chemical constituents of leaf, root and seeds of Abrus precatorius. The plant is considered as a valuable source of unique natural products for development of medicines against various diseases and also for the development of industrial products.     

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa:A miracle herb

Nigella sativa(N.sativa)(Family Ranunculaceae)is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world.It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb,Ayurveda and Siddha.Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food.The seeds of N.saliva have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments.In Islamic literature,it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine.It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi(Prophetic Medicine).It has been widely used as antihypertensive,liver tonics,diuretics,digestive,anti-diarrheal,appetite stimulant,analgesics,anti-bacterial and in skin disorders.Extensive studies on N.sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic,anticancer,immunomodulator,analgesic,antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,spasmolytic,bronchodilator,hepato-protective,renal protective,gaslro-prolective,antioxidant properties,etc.Due to its miraculous power of healing,N.sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines.This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic,properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil.The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics,chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.     

玻璃体腔注射抗血管内皮生长因子药物相关并发症分析

自从抗血管内皮生长因子(vascular endothelial growth factor,VEGF)的药物问世后,其在眼病中的应用日益增多,疗效也得到广泛认可。但随着该药物的广泛使用,相应的并发症和不良反应包括眼部不良反应和全身不良反应也逐渐被发现和报道。随着抗VEGF药物进入国家医保目录,其临床使用量必将大幅度增加。为了更好的使用药物以及处理并发症,我们复习近年相关文献,分析玻璃体腔内注射抗VEGF药物的相关并发症,供临床参考。     

Medicinal Properties of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill. in Traditional Iranian Medicine and Modern Phytotherapy

Foeniculum vulgare Mill.(F.vulgare),commonly known as Fennel,is a popular medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities mentioned in traditional Iranian medicine(TIM) and modern phytotherapy such as antioxidant,cytotoxic,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,bronchodilatory,estrogenic,diuretic,lithontripic, galactogogue,emmenagogue,antithrombotic,hypotensive,gastroprotective,hepatoprotective,memory enhancing,and antimutagenic activities.No serious adverse events were recorded after ingestion of F.vulgare except some cases of allergic reactions.The estrogenic activity of F.vulgare brings some side effects such as decrease in protein concentration and acid and alkaline phosphatase in male genital organs,increase in weight of mammary glands and reproductive organs in women and premature thelarche in girls.However,no evidence of teratogenicity was recorded,it is better not to use F.vulgare during pregnancy due to its estrogenic activity.Because of inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4(CYP3A4),the pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs mainly metabolized by this isozyme may be affected by F.vulgare.In addition,a significant interaction between cyprofloxacin and F.vulgare was demonstrated.The aim of current paper is to review pharmacological properties,toxicity and adverse events,and drug interactions of F.vulgare and brings conclusive results about the use of this plant in men,women and during pregnancy.     

Medicinal plants used by tribal population of Coochbehar district,West Bengal,India–an ethnobotanical survey

ObjectiveTo explore traditional ethnomedicinal knowledge of different tribes of Coochbehar district of West Bengal, India, and its present status.MethodsWith the help of standardized questionnaires, traditional healers and resource persons were interviewed on medicinal use of local flora in all the tribal villages of Coochbehar district during July, 2007 to December, 2009 and some of the places were revisited for this purpose again during July to December of 2012.ResultsA total of 46 plant species belonging to 42 genera and 27 families were reported to be used for treating 33 various physical ailments. In terms of the number of medicinal plant species, Fabaceae (5 species) and Euphorbiaceae (4 species) are dominant families. Among different plant parts used for the preparation of medicine, leaves were most frequently used for the treatment of diseases.ConclusionsIn all tribal villages we found the use of medicinal plants, particularly to treat common physical problems like smaller injuries, stomachache and abdominal disorder. However, non-availability of such plants in close vicinity is imposing restriction on using medicinal plants. Further research on these species may lead to the discovery of novel bioactive molecules in one hand and also it may open up a new horizon of sustainable development.     

补肾平喘膏方对支气管哮喘大鼠肺组织糖皮质激素受体的影响

目的：观察支气管哮喘大鼠肺组织中糖皮质激素受体（glucocorticoid receptor,GR）的变化情况以及补肾平喘膏方对其的影响,以探讨补肾平喘膏方防治支气管哮喘的作用机制。方法：60只SD大鼠随机分为正常对照组、模型组、地塞米松组、膏方预防组、膏方治疗组和膏方防治（预防加治疗）组,每组10只。除正常对照组外,各组大鼠以卵白蛋白致敏并诱发哮喘模型。采用地塞米松或膏方治疗后,HE染色法检测大鼠肺组织病理学改变,免疫组织化学法检测肺组织中GR的表达情况。结果：模型组肺组织GR表达低于正常对照组（P〈0.05）,膏方预防组、治疗组、防治组肺组织GR的表达较模型组明显上调（P〈0.05）,与正常对照组比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。其中膏方预防组GR的表达显著上升（P〈0.01）,膏方各组与地塞米松组相比亦明显上升（P〈0.01）。结论：补肾平喘膏方可能通过上调哮喘大鼠肺组织中GR的水平治疗哮喘。     

Natural products: A safest approach for obesity

Obesity is recognized as a social problem,associated with serious health risks and increased mortality.Numerous trials have been conducted to find and develop new anti-obesity drugs through herbal sources to minimize adverse reactions associated with the present anti-obesity drugs.The use of natural products as medicine has been documented for hundreds of years in various traditional systems of medicines throughout the world.This review focuses on the medicinal plants such as Achyranthus aspera, Camellia sinensis,Emblica officinalis,Garcinia cambogia,Terminalia arjuna,etc.,being used traditionally in Ayurvedic,Unani,Siddha and Chinese,etc.,systems of medicine.The review also highlights recent reported phytochemicals such as escins,perennisosides,dioscin,gracillin,etc.,and the various extracts of the plants like Nelumbo nucifera,Panax japonicas,Cichorium intybus,Cyperus rotundus,Paeonia suffruticosa,etc.,which have been successfully identified for the treatment of obesity.     

半枝莲化学成分及药理作用研究进展

半枝莲（Scutellaria barbarta D.Don）植物中的化学成分因具有清热解毒及抗肿瘤等药理作用,而受到科研人员的关注。本文通过对国内外文献研究与分析,对半枝莲植物中黄酮类、二萜类、多糖类等结构类型化学成分以及药理作用研究进展等方面进行了较全面的综述,为进一步合理利用半枝莲植物提供了有价值的参考。     

大蒜及大蒜素在防治肾脏疾病中的运用

大蒜为药食同源食物,中医文献记载大蒜可用治关格病症(慢性肾脏病的临床表现之一)。大蒜素为大蒜的提取物,在防治心血管疾病、肿瘤、细菌感染性疾病、内分泌疾病等方面具有广泛药理学作用。近年来,大蒜素在肾脏疾病中的药理学作用也被挖掘。大蒜素可多途径、多靶点保护肾脏,对慢性肾脏病、急性肾损伤、肾纤维化、肾肿瘤等均有一定作用。今后有关大蒜素的研究应在中医理论的指导下,深入系统研究大蒜素防治肾脏疾病及其并发症的作用机制和作用环节,研制适合临床长期使用的新剂型,发挥中医药优势,提高中医药防治疾病的疗效。     

Ethnopharmacological Survey of Medicinal Plants in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China

Objective To document the knowledge and the use of indigenous medicinal plants by traditional healers in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China. Methods Data were collected from 112 randomly-selected interviewees using semi- structured interviews in wild herbal plant collected from 2007 to 2010. The data from the interviewees were analyzed with two quantitative tools. With the informant consensus factor, the information homology was evaluated and with the fidelity level the most important species from the categories were found. Results One hundred and fifty-two species belonging to 112 genera in 48 families with medicinal values were recorded. The reported medicinal plants species were used to treat 63 kinds of diseases. And the medicinal plants in this district possessed significant potentials for their pharmacological activities in the context of ethnopharmacological knowledge, especially in the treatments of gastrointestinal, dermatological, and cardiovascular diseases. Conclusion In this work, 152 medicinal plants with their ethnopharmacological information are reported. This study demonstrates that many species play an important role in healing practices among inhabitants from Baotou. More ethnopharmacological information of Mongolian medicinal plants should be gathered and documented in further studies, which is a fundamental step toward developing efficacious natural drugs for various diseases.     

来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎的疗效观察

目的探讨来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎的临床效果及其安全性。方法选取80例类风湿关节炎患者并随机分为两组,40例患者采用甲氨蝶呤加来氟米特治疗作为观察组,40例患者采用甲氨蝶呤加柳氮磺胺吡啶治疗作为对照组,在治疗6个月时对患者关节情况包括关节肿胀,关节压痛及晨僵时间等进行检测进详细记录,观察比较两组患者临床疗效,同时对两组患者治疗期间不良反应发生情况进行统计分析。结果观察组治疗总有效率为82.50%,对照组治疗总有效率为52.50%,观察组疗效明显优于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。两组患者不良反应主要表现为胃肠不适,皮肤瘙痒等,其中观察组3例发生不良反应,对照组4例发生不良反应,两组不良反应发生率无显著差异（P〉0.05）。结论采用来氟米特联合甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎,疗效显著,且不良反应少,值得临床推广使用.     

归榆膏安全性实验研究

采用不同剂量的归榆膏对大鼠完整皮肤及破损皮肤进行急、慢性毒性试验，结果表明，无论用药1天或连续用药40天，均未见局部皮肤损伤及四肢活动异常，心率、呼吸、饮水、进食量、体重、血象及转氨酶、尿素氮等生化指标也无异常表现。动物实验也表明该制品对皮肤无刺激性及过敏反应。     

Recent Advance in Studies on Angelica sinensis

Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) is the root of Angelica sinensis which is a fragrant and perennial herb native to China, Japan, and Korea. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the plant is useful for replenishing and invigorating blood, relieving pain, and moistening the intestines, resulting in its application for the treatment of menstrual disorders, and as an emollient and laxative for chronic constipation of the aged and debilitated. An in-depth review of the literature brings to light a great number of chemical constituents that have been isolated from ASR as well as both preclinical (in vivo and in vitro) and clinical studies, which over the years, have sought to investigate the medicinal relevance of some of these phytoconstituents and/or extract(s) prepared from ASR. The purpose of this review is therefore to present some major pharmacological and pharmacokinetic research findings on some selected phytoconstituents of ASR with emphasis on the current trends in terms of research techniques or design. This review would also provide a wealth of information for users/practitioners of TCM regarding the use of ASR or its products for maximum efficiency and minimal toxicity or side effects.