Pharmacology And Toxicology articles list

The seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris are known as common beans or kidney beans. The dry seeds are eaten as pulse and are enriched with protein, fiber, starch, B vitamins (B1, B6, B9), iron, potassium and selenium. Beans also contain about 1-2 % of fixed oil. Phaseolus vulgaris is linked to anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, hypoglycemic, and antioxidant actions. The fixed oil of Phaseolus vulgaris (PVFO) seeds is extracted with hexane and used in this study to assess acute oral toxicity, analgesic (by acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests in mice) and antiinflammatory (by carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats) actions. Four groups were made (n=6): Group-I: Normal Saline Control (2ml/kg), Group-II: PVFO (2ml/kg), Group-III: PVFO (4ml/kg) and Group-IV: Standard Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA 300 mg/kg). PVFO in 2ml/kg and 4ml/kg doses demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, but in hot plate, results were unreliable as significant activity started after 90 minutes. A 5ml/kg dose was administered orally in mice for a toxicity test, and no toxicity symptoms were observed. Therefore, PVFO is safe for oral use up to 5ml/kg and may possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc. (Papilionaceae) is commonly known as Horse gram and Kulthi. The seeds are reported as anthelmintic, diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue. It is also useful for asthma, bronchitis, and urolithiasis. The present study evaluated the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects of the methanol extract of Macrotyloma uniflorum seeds in 200 and 400mg/kg doses. Significant results were obtained in all activities.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Background: Breast cancer is a commonly found malignancy worldwide in women, and effective treatment is regarded as a substantial clinical challenge even in the presence of several options. Extensive literature is available that demonstrates polyphenols, the richly introduced phytopharmaceuticals, as anticancer agents. Among these polyphenols, resveratrol, silibinin, quercetin, genistein, and curcumin are reported to have tremendous potential against breast cancer. However, till now, no comprehensive survey has been found about the anticarcinogenic properties of luteolin against breast cancer. Scope and approach: This review targeted the available literature on luteolin in the treatment of breast cancer, its effects in combination with other anticancer drugs, and possible mechanisms. Key findings and conclusion: Lutein's outstanding therapeutic potential in the treatment of breast cancer has been recorded not just as a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent but also complemented by its synergistic effects with other anti-cancer therapies such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and NSAIDs such as celecoxib and possible underlying mechanisms. Ideally, this review will open new dimensions for luteolin as an effective and safe therapeutic agent in diminishing breast cancer.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The genus Caesalpinia belongs to the family Caesalpiniaceae and includes 280 species distributed in tropic and subtropical regions of the world. Historically, species of the genus Caesalpinia have been used to treat a wide range of ailments, such as malaria, ascariasis, dysentery, fever, rheumatism, and influenza. Phytochemical works led to the isolation of triterpenoids, diterpenes, flavonoids, steroids and phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies have shown that the extracts and compounds isolated from this genus exhibited anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, antipyretic, anti-microbial, anti-rheumatic, antiulcer and anti-diabetic activities. Therefore, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the genus Caesalpinia's ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Fragaria nubicola (Hoof. f) Linn. (Rosaceae) is a medicinally important plant commonly called Wild strawberry. Traditionally, it has been used to treat different diseases. The study was carried out to compile all the previous data in review form based on its distribution, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Cardiovascular disorders are known as one of the leading health problems which are associated with mortality worldwide. Myocardial ischemia (MI) is the improper blood supply to the myocardium, which leads to severe complications to life-threatening problems like AMI, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, as well as diabetic-associated complications such as diabetic atherosclerosis/cardiomyopathy/hypertension. Despite several efforts, the current therapeutic platforms are unrelated to significant results. Hence, it seems that developing novel therapies is required. Increasing evidence indicates that curcumin (CRC) acts as a cardioprotective agent. Given that CRC and its analogues exert their cardioprotective effects via affecting various cardiovascular disease-related mechanisms (i.e., Inflammation and oxidative stress). Herein, we have highlighted the protective impacts of CRC against MI for the first time. This review might be a stepping stone for further investigation into the clinical implications of the CRC against MI. Furthermore, it highlights a legitimate concern for the scientific community, seeking novel techniques and characteristic dynamic biopharmaceuticals against myocardial ischemia.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Anti-emetic activity Of four aromatic medicinal plants (Curcuma caesia Roxb., Piper longum Linn., Piper nigrum Linn., and Syzygiunt aromaticum (Linn.) Merr. & Perry) was studied in chicks. The ethanol extracts of these plants were administered at 150 mg/kg BW orally. All the extracts showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in retches induced by copper sulphate pentahydrate given orally at 50 mg /kg BW. Domperidone was given at 100 mg/kg as a reference drug.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study explored the anti-emetic activity of six aromatic medicinal plants viz Carissa carandus L.. Cichorium intybus Cinnamomum tamala L.. Lallemantia royleana Benth. Matricaria chamomilla L., and Piper metysticum G. Forst . Anti-emetic activity was assessed using a chick as an anti-emetic model. The ethanol extracts of these plants were administered at 150 mg/kg BW orally. Lallemantia royleana and Piper metysticum showed a significant (P <0.001 ) decrease in retches induced by copper sulphate pentahydrate given orally at 50 mg/kg BW. Domperidone was given at 100 mg/kg as a reference drug.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study was designed to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of the crude hexane and ethanol extracts of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., (sponge gourds) to validate its folk use. These extracts produced significant anti-inflammatory effects (p.o.) at doses of 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg b.w. in carrageenin-induced paw oedema in rats compared to those obtained with indomethacin. The results of the present study provide evidence for the anti-inflammatory properties of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica, which have potential therapeutic applications for inflammatory diseases.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The analgesic activity Of the crude hexane and ethanol extracts of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., (sponge gourds) was carried out at dose of 500 mg /kg b.w., (p.o.) in mechanically induced pain in rats by using analgesy-meter. These extracts produced significant analgesic effect results of the present study revealed the analgesic properties of the leaves and male flowers of Luffa cylindrica.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Analgesic activity on two Cleome scaposa and Cleome brachycarpa by applying pressure-induced pain model

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pallas. is used traditionally to treat hypertension and chronic venous insufficiency. The high prevalence of hypertension and the side effects of antihypertensive drugs potentiate us to evaluate Melilotus officinalis. The hypotensive effect of Melilotus officinalis butanol fraction (MOBF) was investigated in anaesthetised normotensive rats. The doses of 60, 80 and 100 mg/kg, i.v., produced a significant (P <0.05) decrease in blood pressure. The statistically non substantial reduction in blood pressure was shown by 20 and 40 mg/kg, i.v. These results suggest that Melilotus officinalis exhibited a hypotensive effect in normotensive rats. However, further evaluation of compound-related activity is required.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Oxalate is widely distributed in plant foods as potassium, sodium and ammonium oxalates (water-soluble form) and as insoluble calcium oxalates. Oxalate forms strong chelates with dietary calcium, thus rendering the complex unavailable for absorption and assimilation. It precipitates as insoluble salts accumulating in the renal glomeruli and contributes to the development of renal disorders. The seed flours of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn., and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. were investigated for their total, soluble and insoluble oxalate contents by HPLC. The total oxalate content of M. uniflorum, P. lunatus and P. vulgaris was 1.24, 1.77 and 1.71 mg/ g, respectively. The %age of soluble oxalate were M. uniflorum (19.50), P. lunatus (15.08) and P. vulgaris (15.88). Only soluble oxalate is responsible for oxalate absorption (bioavailability) and its excretion. Overall, the total oxalate content is high in legume flour of M. uniflorum, P. lunatus, and P. vulgaris, but the soluble oxalates are very low. Therefore, all these three legumes don't have the adverse effects of oxalate on minerals bioavailability and risk of urolithiasis.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The current study was conducted to determine the insoluble, soluble, and total dietary fiber content of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., Phaseolus lunatus Linn. , and Phaseolus vulgaris Linn. , and legume flours by using AOAC enzymatic-gravimetric analysis. The results showed that M. uniflorum, P. lunatus, and P. vulgaris legume flours contained 155.91, 120.01, and 90.80 mg/g insoluble dietary fiber, respectively. At the same time, soluble dietary fiber was not found in any tested sample.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The study was conducted on glass slides to observe the growth patterns of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and their inhibition using 5, 10 and 15% Phaseolus vulgaris seed infusion. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium metasilicate of 1.06 specific gravity and 3M acetic acid solution) at pH 5.02-5.17 was placed in the middle of the glass slide and converted into gel. A single drop of 1 M oxalic acid was dropped to the left, and 1 M calcium chloride and magnesium acetate (1:1) solution fell to the right side of the adequately formed gel. The glass slide was observed under microscope till it was completely dried. In the case of the crystal inhibition study, a drop of Phaseolus vulgaris infusion was also added on the right side just after adding calcium chloride and magnesium acetate solution. The results without infusion showed detailed morphology and aggregation patterns of observed crystals as donut, dumbbells, needles, platy, prismatic, rosette, round edges, and loose and compact aggregates. All infusions of Phaseolus vulgaris showed defective crystals. 5 % infusion inhibited crystals of all morphologies with their loose and compact aggregates except rosettes. Whereas 10 and 15 % infusion converted the rosette crystals into ineffective calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals of tetragonal bipyramidal and elongated rod shape. The microscopic study of calcium oxalate crystal growth and its inhibition is simple and provides rapid qualitative analysis of antiurolithiatic activity.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The study was conducted on glass slides to observe the growth patterns of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and their inhibition using 5, 10, 15 and 20 % Phaseolus lunatus seed infusion. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium metasilicate of 1.06 specific gravity and 3M acetic acid solution) at pH 5.02-5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 1 M oxalic acid drop was dropped to the left, and 1 M calcium chloride and magnesium acetate (1:1) solution was dropped to the right side of the properly formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. In the case of the crystal inhibition study, a drop of Phaseolus lunatus infusion was also added to the right side after adding calcium chloride and magnesium acetate solution. The results without infusion showed detailed morphology and aggregation patterns of observed crystals such as donuts, dumbbells, needles, platy, prismatic, rosette, round edges, X-shape crystals, and loose and compact aggregates. All infusions of Phaseolus lunatus showed defective crystals. 5% infusion inhibited crystals of all morphologies with their loose and compact aggregates except X-shaped crystals and rosettes. Meanwhile, 10% and 15 % infusions decreased X-shaped and rosette crystals. 20 % infusion showed defective rosettes. The microscopic study of calcium oxalate crystal growth and its inhibition is simple and provides rapid qualitative analysis of antiurolithiatic activity.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Hyperoxaluria is a metabolic disorder responsible for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. The study was conducted on glass slides to observe the growth patterns of urinary calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals and their inhibition by 5, 10, 15 and 20 % infusion of Macrotyloma uniflorum seeds. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium metasilicate of 1.06 specific gravity and 3M acetic acid solution) at pH 5.02 - 5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 1 M oxalic acid drop was dropped to the left, and 1 M calcium chloride and magnesium acetate (1:1) solution was dropped to the right side of the properly formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. In the case of the crystal inhibition study, a drop of M. uniflorum infusion was also added on the right side just after adding calcium chloride and magnesium acetate solution. The results without infusion showed detailed morphology and aggregation patterns of observed crystals such as donut, dumbbell, needles, platy, prismatic, rosette, round edges, X-shape crystals, loose and compact aggregates. All infusions of M. uniflorum affected the crystals, forming defective crystals. 5 % infusion inhibited crystals of all morphologies except donuts, X-shaped crystals, donuts, platy crystals and rosettes. Defected rosettes were observed in 10 % infusion, which was reduced gradually in the crowd by 15 and 20 %, respectively. From this study, it can be concluded that M. uniflorum seeds infusion is effective against calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Noncommunicable diseases, also known as chronic diseases, tend to last long and result from genetic, physiological, environmental, and behavioural factors. Uric acid nephrolithiasis, arthritis and gout come under noncommunicable diseases related with Monosodium urate monohydrate (MSUM ) crystals. MSUM crystals are deposited in peripheral joints, causing gout and eliciting an intense localized inflammatory attack. In contrast, in collecting ducts and medullary interstitium, it is a urinary calculi which causes dysuria, nausea and hematuria. The study aims to explore the possible morphological features of monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns of MSUM crystals. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium meta silicate solution + 0.2M sodium hydroxide + 2N acetic acid) at pH 5.02 - 5.17 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 0.07 M uric acid drop was added to the adequately formed gel. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. Monosodium urate monohydrate was formed as spherical ring banded spherulites, dumbbell and composite spherulites. The current study provides different phases of MSUM crystallization on a glass slide for the first time. It may also be used as a model to evaluate prophylactic management against gouty and renal stones through in vitro assessment of crystal growth and aggregation inhibition and modulation of developing or developed crystals by using different natural products.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

Natural products have played an essential role in treating human diseases for thousands of years. According to WHO, 80% of the world’s population relies on traditional medicines to cure and prevent ailments. Numerous plants have been reported to have antitussive activity. Our present study aimed to evaluate the antitussive effect of aerial parts of ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Caesalpiniaceae) at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses in healthy albino rats. Caesalpinia pulcherrima is an ornamental plant, usually 3.7-4.3 m in height, known as Peacock flower and is used traditionally to treat cough, bronchitis and asthma. Cough significantly affects human health and is the most common reason to visit physicians. Cough may be produced due to disease, allergens, pollutants and respiratory infections. Any mechanical or inflammatory change provokes the afferent or sensory nerves in the larynx and tracheobronchial, resulting in a cough. In this study, cough was induced by using the sulphur dioxide induction method. Animals were divided into four groups of 7 animals each, and all the drugs were administered orally. Group I was a control group, while group II was a standard taking Prospane. The extract showed highly significant results at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses compared to the control. So, it proves and supports the traditional use of Caesalpinia pulcherrima to relieve cough.

Dr. Salman Ahmed

The kidney contains mineral deposits in various phases of calcium salts, such as calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4.2H2O) / brushite is a stable form of calcium phosphate, which exists in the form of kidney and bladder stones. The study aimed to explore the possible morphological features of brushite crystals. The study was carried out on a glass slide under a microscope to observe the growth patterns of these crystals. For this purpose, a drop of gel medium (sodium meta silicate solution + 1M orthophosphoric acid solution) at pH 4.99-5.09 was placed in the middle of a glass slide and converted into a gel. A 1M calcium chloride drop was added to form the gel adequately. The glass slide was observed under a microscope till it was completely dried. Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate was formed as elementary needles, needle clusters, an assemblage of needles with platy crystals, plates with spatial branches, radiating assemblage of platy crystals, star shape crystals and tetragonal bipyramidal. The Current study provides brushite crystallisation phases on glass slides for the first time. It may also be used as a model to evaluate prophylactic management against renal stones through in vitro assessment of crystal growth and aggregation inhibition and modulation of developing or developed crystals by using different natural products. However, it was a preliminary study with no quantitative or statistical analysis.

Dr. Salman Ahmed