Pharmacognosy articles list

Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (Papilionaceae) is a medicinally important plant and is used for the treatment of different diseases. Alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and phytic acid have been reported in this plant. Antioxidant, antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic activities are reported by Vigna unguiculata. The present review attempts to compile all the previous data based on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology reported in the earlier articles.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal. (Papilionaceae) is a medicinally important plant used for treating different diseases, especially dermatological disorders. Alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and phytic acid have been reported in this plant. Vigna aconitifolia also exhibits antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hypocholesterolemic activities. The present review attempts to compile all the previous data based on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology reported in the earlier articles.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper belongs to the family Papilionaceae. It is an erect, hairy annual plant with long, twining branches. The flowers are small and yellow in color, while the fruits are cylindrical. The pods are hairy containing 1-4 seeds per pod. Seeds are used as a nervine tonic and in urinary reflex disorder. The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, vitamin C and steroids. Seeds possess antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. The present review provides updated information on its medicinal uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Background: Avicenna, as the Persian physician, made a significant contribution to the field of medical sciences, especially surgery, in the 10th and 11th centuries AD. Methods: In the present paper, Avicenna's translated quoted words were shared about his surgical practice. Indexing databases of PubMed and Google Scholar were searched using keywords like Avicenna, surgery, and anesthesiology to find related papers and documents. Results: The first portion comprises some of the most commonly used simple and compound herbal preparations to produce general and local anaesthetics before the surgery and as dental anaesthetic agents. In the second portion, practices regarding surgical management for skull fractures, spinal trauma, bone fractures, cataracts, incurable urinary retention, bladder calculi, haemorrhoids, cancer, as well as endotracheal intubation and tracheostomy, have also been incorporated. Finally, it ends up with practices regarding the use of natural products as postoperative dressing for traumatic and surgical wounds and after cataract surgery. Conclusion: Based on the recent investigations, the findings of this review study will provide a brief insight into Avicenna’s Canon of Medicine and the sciences of anesthesiology and surgery.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Globally, approximately 12% of the population is inflicted by various types of urolithiasis. Standard treatments are available to avert and treat urolithiasis, but with significant adverse side effects. Pentacyclic triterpenes represent a group of naturally occurring compounds with immense potential as treatments for kidney stones. This review aims to provide an integrative description of how pentacyclic triterpenes can effectively treat calcium oxalate urolithiasis through various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition mechanisms. Some pentacylic triterpenes showing promising activities include lupeol, oleanolic acid, betulin, and taraxasterol. Moreover, future perspectives on developing pentacyclic triterpenes in formulations/drugs for urinary stone prevention are highlighted. It is anticipated that compiled information would serve as a scientific baseline to advocate further investigations on the potential of pentacyclic triterpenes in urolithiasis remediation.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Cancer is one of the most extreme medical conditions in both developing and developed countries around the world, causing millions of deaths each year. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are critical treatment approaches, but both have numerous adverse health effects. Furthermore, the resistance of cancerous cells to anticancer medication leads to treatment failure. The rising burden of cancer overall requires novel, efficacious treatment modalities. Natural medications offer feasible alternative options against malignancy in contrast to western medicines. Furanocoumarins’ defensive and restorative impacts have been observed in leukemia, glioma, breast, lung, renal, liver, colon, cervical, ovarian, and prostate malignancies. Experimental findings have shown that furanocoumarins activate multiple signalling pathways, leading to apoptosis, autophagy, antioxidant, antimetastatic, and cell cycle arrest in malignant cells. Additionally, furanocoumarins have been shown to have chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic synergistic potential when used in combination with other anticancer drugs. Here, we address different pathways which are activated by furanocoumarins and their therapeutic efficacy in various tumors. Ideally, this review will trigger interest in furanocoumarins and their potential efficacy and safety as cancer-lessening agents.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Ethnopharmacology is an information exchange and understanding about people's use of plants, fungi, animals, microorganisms and minerals to discover a a wealth of helpful therapeutic agents and explore their toxic potential passed On by oral tradition or in written documented form Materia medica. This study area provides a scientific backbone for developing active therapeutics based on the traditional medicine of various ethnic groups. It is the interdisciplinary scientific exploration of biologically active agents traditionally employed or observed by man. The broad spectrum Of this domain covers social (anthropology), chemical (chemistry), biological (botany, biochemistry, microbiology) and pharmaceutical sciences (pharmacognosy, pharmacology and clinical therapeutics). Many valuable drugs of today (e.g., atropine, ephedrine, tubocurarine, digoxin and reserpine) have been used by studying indigenous remedies. Chemists continue to use plant-derived drugs (e.g., morphine, taxol, physostigmine. quinidine and emetine) as prototypes in their attempts to develop more effective and less toxic medicines. Currently, USP and BP contain many active ingredients/excipients from natural sources. Its objectives include the preservation of indigenous medical knowledge to understand the pharmacological basis Of herbal medicine; scientific study of indigenous drugs to contribute in the long run to promote or improve primary health care in regions of study; search for pharmacologically unique principles from existing indigenous remedies; finding a valid reason to guard the rainforests or to engage in conservation; establish gene banks and libraries of plant extracts for future biological evaluation: well-established germplasm banks for essential crops. Ethnopharmacology can be an innovative and powerful discovery engine for newer, safer, and more affordable medicines from the treasure house (traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples) of ancient wisdom.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Neurological sicknesses are severe, multifactorial, debilitating disorders that may cause neurodegeneration. Neuroprotection protects the structure and capacity of neurons from affronts emerging from cell injuries instigated by an assortment of specialists or neurodegenerative diseases. Various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and epilepsy, afflict many people worldwide, with increasing age representing the leading risk factor. Crocin is a natural carotenoid compound with therapeutic potential in managing neurological disease. In this review, we focused on the therapeutic capabilities of Crocin as a neuroprotective agent. The general neuroprotective impact and the various conceivable essential components identified with Crocin have been examined. In light of the substantial proof indicating the neuro-pharmacological viability of Crocin to different exploratory standards, it is concluded that Crocin exerts direct antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities by multiple signalling pathways. Besides, Crocin was found to elevate dopamine levels in the brain during the experimental model of Parkinson's disease. Thus, this compound has been demonstrated to be a promising option for treating neurodegenerative diseases with few adverse effects. It should be further considered as a potential contender for neuro-therapeutics, concentrating on the mechanistic and clinical evidence for its effects.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Medicinal plants have been known for thousands of years and are highly esteemed worldwide as a rich source of therapeutic agents for preventing and curing diseases. Nowadays, a large number of the population suffers from gallstones. The gall stones problem is increasing significantly due to changes in living styles and conditions, i.e. industrialization and malnutrition. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries due to their cultural acceptability, efficacy, safety and lesser side effects than synthetic drugs. The review aims to gather information on the plants utilized in various parts of society against gallstones. The information is useful for ordinary people and the scientific community to carry out further phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies to discover new, effective and safer molecules against gallstones.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Animals like plants are also medicinal agents for preventing and curing different health problems worldwide, practically in all human cultures. Zootherapy is ancient and has strong evidence of the medicinal use of animal resources. Different animal body parts and preparations are used in folk medicines. Zootherapy reveals that medical practitioners have always considered animals a source of surprising and numerous therapeutic effects. A high diversity of animals, their parts, and derivative products are used, and this is a heritage that could constitute a fundamental step in the discovery and isolation of natural extracts and new and low-cost alternative drugs from animals. About 12% of people worldwide are affected by different types of urolithiasis; the recurrence rate in females is 47-60%, and in males is 70-80%. According to WHO, 75% of the population relies on traditional medicines to prevent and cure diseases. Hence, there is a need to concentrate on all folk natural products effective in urolithiasis for their pharmacological evaluation and isolation of single drug molecules responsible for anti-urolithiasis activity to develop suitable formulations against urolithiasis.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

A large number of people suffer from gallstones worldwide, and this problem is now increasing significantly due to malnutrition, changes in living lifestyle, lack of exercise and conditions, i.e. industrialization. Medicinal plants have been used for centuries due to their cultural acceptability, efficacy, safety and fewer side effects than modern synthetic medicines. This review aims to gather information on the plants utilized in various parts of society against gallstones. The information provided is beneficial for ordinary people and the scientific community for further phytochemical, toxicological and pharmacological studies, which may lead to the discovery of new, more effective and safer medicines for gallstones.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Arenaria serpyllifolia L. is a medicinally important plant found in subtropical and temperate regions of the Himalayas from Nepal to Kashmir. The plant is used traditionally to treat kidney and bladder-related problems. Flavonoids and xanthone-containing compounds, such as epicatechin, japonicumone, quercetin, etc, are reported in the plants. Plants have shown Inhibitory effects on Carboxyl esterase

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek, commonly known as Mung bean, is one of the most important pulse crops grown from tropical to sub-tropical areas worldwide. Mung bean is reported to help prevent the loss of nails and hair, reduce the risk of hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease, and decrease the absorption of toxic substances. Flavonoids and phenols are reported from this plant. Antioxidant, anti-diabetic and hypocholesterolemic activities are also shown by Vigna radiata

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Bauhinia racemosa Lam. is a tall tree growing throughout Sri Lanka, China, India, and Pakistan. Various parts of the plant have great medicinal potential in folklore medicine and are used for diarrhoea, fever, skin diseases, cough, malaria, etc. Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antiulcer, cytotoxicity and hypotensive activities of Bauhinia racemosa have been reported. Different parts of this plant contain β-amyrin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, quercetin, scopoletin, scopolin and tannins

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Phaseolus vulgaris Linn commonly known as red kidney bean, is enriched in protein, carbohydrates and dietary fibres. Beans have nutritional and health benefits and possess antimicrobial, antihyperglycemic, antioxidant and anticancer activity due to bio-active chemical constituents. The following study was carried out to evaluate the anti-depressant activity of Phaseolus vulgaris fixed oil (PVFO) using a forced swim test and tail suspension test in mice. In this study, animals were assigned into four groups (n=7). Group I: Control normal saline (2 mL/Kg), Group II: PVFO I (2 mL/Kg), Group III: PVFO II (4 mL/Kg) and Group IV: standard amitriptyline (10 mg/Kg). The significant results indicated the possible anti-depressant role of Phaseolus vulgaris fixed oil.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Vigna trilobata (L.) VERDC. belongs to the family Papilionaceae, which is found throughout the tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. In folk medicine, it is used for arthritis, fever, cough, dysentery, and urinogenital disorders. Different secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and flavonoids, have been reported in Vigna trilobata. It has antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of four different colored (green, yellow, orange, and red) sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) are available at the local market in Karachi, Pakistan. Their 95% ethanol extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg were prepared and compared with commonly used analgesics (aspirin) and anti-inflammatory agents supporting its traditional use. The analgesic effects of 95% ethanol extracts of Capsicum annum L. were investigated by acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and hot plate test. The anti-inflammatory activities were observed using carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw in rats. Animals were divided into ten groups (n=7): (1) Control (2) CAG 200 (3) CAG 400 (4) CAR 200 (5) CAR 400 (6) CAO 200 (7) CAO 400 (8) CAY 200 (9) CAY 400 and (10) Standard. All the extracts were given orally. Acute toxicity was also determined by increasing the dose to 3000 mg/kg, which showed no evidence of mortality. All extracts of Capsicum significantly increased the hot plate pain threshold and remarkably reduced the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Results obtained were compared with the corresponding control group, revealing that the fresh fruit extract of all four kinds of bell pepper (200 mg/kg and 400mg/kg) possess anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing activities possibly mediated via PG synthesis inhibition

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Breast cancer is the most prevalent invasive form of cancer in females and poses a significant challenge to overcoming the disease burden. The growth in global cancer deaths mandates the discovery of new efficacious natural anti-tumor treatments. In this regard, aquatic species offer a rich supply of possible drugs. Studies have shown that several marine peptides damage cancer cells by a broad range of pathways, including apoptosis, microtubule balance disturbances, and suppression of angiogenesis. Many side effects, including immune response suppression, characterise traditional chemotherapeutic agents. The discovery of novel putative anti-cancer peptides with lesser toxicity is therefore necessary and timely, especially those able to thwart multi-drug resistance (MDR). This review addresses marine anti-cancer peptides for the treatment of breast cancer.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in humans. It is characterized by excessive cell growth, accelerated intrusion of normal brain tissue, and a poor prognosis. The current standard of treatment, including surgical removal, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, is largely ineffective, with high mortality and recurrence rates. As a result, traditional approaches have evolved to include new alternative remedies, such as natural compounds. Aquatic species provide a rich supply of possible drugs. The physiological effects of marine peptides in glioblastoma are mediated by a range of pathways, including apoptosis, microtubule balance disturbances, suppression of angiogenesis, cell migration/invasion, and cell viability; autophagy and metabolic enzymes downregulation. Herein, we address the efficacy of marine peptides as putative safe therapeutic agents for glioblastoma coupled with detailed molecular mechanisms.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Study objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the antitussive effect of aerial parts of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Caesalpiniaceae). Methods: In this study, cough was induced by the sulfur dioxide induction method. Four groups of animals were made, with six animals in each group, and all drugs were administered orally. Group I was used as a control, group II as a standard, and groups III and IV received 200 and 400 mg/kg Caesalpinia pulcherrima aerial parts extract. Results: Caesalpinia pulcherrima aerial parts (CPAP) extract suppressed cough. Doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg Caesalpinia pulcherrima aerial parts extract showed highly significant results compared to the standard at 60 and 90 min of drug administration. Conclusion: From the above results, it can be concluded that plants have significant activity in cough suppression.

Dr. Salman Ahmed