In the present study, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of different solvent extracts of bark and leaf parts of Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don were investigated. Among the different extracts studied, the ethyl acetate extract of J. mimosifolia bark showed higher level of total phenolic concentration (16.42 mg FAE/L). However, the ethanol extract of J. mimosifolia bark registered high antioxidant activity in terms of phosphomolybdate reducing power (1508 FAEA), ferric reducing power (0.99 Abs units), radical scavenging activity against DPPH (51.56%), superoxide (69.23%), hydrogen peroxide (87.47%) and hydroxyl radicals (75.41%). Between the analyzed materials of J. mimosifolia, the bark revealed high antioxidant power than leaf sample. Due to notable phenolic content and remarkable antioxidant effect, the ethanol extracts of J. mimosifolia bark could be considered for further studies on preventing oxidative stress induced diseases.
Abstract Online: 4-August-2015

Parthenium  hysterophorus  belonging   to  Asteraceae  family  is  used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of pain, rashes, inflammation, asthma. The plant Parthenium hysterophorus  possess numerous medicinal properties, so, it was decided to study the phytochemicals in the root of Parthenium hysterophorus through analytical technique. 20 compounds were identified in the ethanol extract of Parthenium hysterophorus. From the results of GC-MS/MS it was  known that highest peaks were observed with 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester, (E,E)-, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, β-Sitosterol.  The peak was lower with L-Valine, N-(3-methylbut-2-enoyl)-, heptyl ester. The phytochemicals present in the root of plant Parthenium was found to be a good antifungal agent as it showed higher zone of inhibition with Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans.
Abstract Online: 5-August-2015

Over the years, marine algae species offer a biological diversity in discovery-phase of new strategy for treatment of several diseases. Interest in seaweed has been on the rise, owing to the recognition of important bioactive molecules. The present study was constructed to explore the potential effectiveness of two species of brown marine algae Cystoseira myrica and Padina pavonica in regression of liver fibrosis in the experimental model. Treatment of liver fibrosis bearing rats with either fresh or dry methanolic extract of Cystoseira myrica and Padina pavonica revealed significant suppression of liver fibrosis. This finding was evidenced by the decreased urinary lamnine, and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, as well as hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content,  serum hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF κB) and interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels, in concomitant with the increased hepatic paraxonase-1(PON-1)  activity. Additionally, Cystoseira myrica and Padina pavonica extracts could downregulate the expression of Bcl2, KI-67 and transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β) in the liver of the treated rats as documented via immunohistochemical examination. These encouraging results provide  new concepts for the development of natural therapeutic opportunities from brown marine algae in the management of liver fibrosis through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity.
Abstract Online: 31-August-2015

Honey has been known as an ancient traditional medicine, possessing numerous health benefits and recognized for its antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiulcer property. However, this study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-microbial efficacy of the honey against infectious pathogens. The antimicrobial activity was studied on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger by agar disc diffusion method. Honey was found to effective against Staphylococcus (1.6cm), Escherichia coli (1.9cm), Aspergillus niger (1cm). However, the existing antibiotic gentamicin and antifungal Fluconazole had shown more inhibition zone than honey. Furthermore, honey was found to have 10 mM hydrogen peroxide per ml in the present study. In conclusion, honey may be used as a cheap and effective concomitant agent for treating infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger.
Abstract Online: 31-August-2015