@article {1548, title = {Pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of Houttuynia cordata Thunb.: A potent medicinal herb of North{\textendash}Eastern India and China}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {18th Feb,2014}, pages = {34-42}, type = {Original Article}, abstract = {

Aim:Houttuynia cordata Thunb. (Saururaceae) is one of the perennial herb indigenous to North-East India and China. Despite the popular utilization of this herb as medicine, still no study has been reported so far regarding the pharmacognostical standardization. Thus, the aim of the present study was to scientifically establish a standard monograph on the basis of pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: The quality control standardization of H. cordata was done as per the methods described in the World Health Organization guidelines (2002). Results: The diagnostic characters of the H. Cordata leaf and rhizome portion were evaluated based on the macroscopical and microscopical characters. Determination of various physicochemical parameters such as water soluble ash (1.12\% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.02\% w/w), sulphated ash (3.15\% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (12.8\% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.9\% w/w), loss on drying (3.42\% w/w) and crude fibres content (13.10\% w/w) was ascertained. Heavy metal, microbial load, fluorescence drug analysis, and preliminary phytochemical screening of different fractions were also carried out. Total phenols (45.74 mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (33.29mg/g TAE), flavonoids (104.55 mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), and flavonols (17.16mg/g RE) were quantified from the ethanolic extract of the whole plant. Quantification of quercetin in the ethanolic extract was assessed by HPTLC analysis and was found to contain 4.39\%, w/w. Conclusion: The obtained qualitative and quantitative standards will provide referential information for correct identification and standardization of this medicinal plant.

Key Words: Houttuynia cordata, pharmacognosy, quercetin, HPTL.

}, keywords = {Houttuynia cordata, HPTLC, Pharmacognosy, Quercetin}, author = {Manish Kumar, and Satyendra K. Prasad, and Damiki Laloo, and Apurva Joshi, and Siva Hemalatha} } @article {1549, title = {Pharmacognostical and phytochemical standardization of the roots of Potentilla mooniana Wight}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {18th Feb,2014}, pages = {70-79}, type = {Original Article}, abstract = {

Background:Potentilla mooniana Wight. (PM) (Family: Rosaceae) is a plant commonly grown at the higher altitudes (1500\–3660 meter) of the lower Asian continent and is traditionally used to treat gastric and mouth disorders. The present study was aimed to scientifically develop a standard monograph for PM on the basis of pharmacognostical and phytochemical aspects. Methods: Pharmacognostically the roots were analyzed following the standard parameters prescribed under WHO guidelines and Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia. Results: Morphologically, the roots are cylindrical, dark brown and astringent to bitter in taste. Histologically, the root section showed the formation of secondary growth with wood formation and central lignified xylem vessels. Physicochemical standards quantified includes foreign organic matter (1.20\% w/w), loss on drying (9.66\% w/w), total ash (12.65\% w/w), acid insoluble ash (4.65\% w/w), water soluble ash (0.5\% w/w), alcohol soluble extractive (21.3\% w/w), water soluble extractive (14.6\% w/w), foaming index (142.85), swelling index (6.5), haemolytic index (37.77). Quantification of pesticide residue content and heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn and Hg was analyzed and were found to be present within the permissible limits. Powdered drug showed the presence of lignified xylem vessels with scalariform and spiral thickenings, tracheids, starch grains and fibres. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, sugars, and amino acids. Quantification of phytoconstituents were also investigated such as phenolics (84.15mg/g tannic acid equivalent, TAE), tannins (65.31mg/g TAE), flavonoids (9.53mg/g rutin equivalent, RE), flavonols (2.01mg/g RE), saponins (20.75mg/g diosgenin equivalent, DE), sapogenins (15.4mg/g DE) and carbohydrates (56.8mg/g D\–fructose equivalent). TLC of the root extract was also analyzed in the present study. Conclusion: In conclusion, the diagnostic characters obtained from the roots of P. mooniana will provide beneficial information in identifying and comparing this plant from other closely related Potentilla species.

Key words:Potentilla mooniana, Pharmacognosy, phytochemical, polyphenolics, heavy metal.

}, keywords = {Heavy metals, Pharmacognosy, Phytochemical, Polyphenolics, Potentilla mooniana}, author = {Damiki Laloo, and Satyendra K. Prasad, and Manish Kumar, and Siva Hemalatha} } @article {1494, title = {Pharmacological Evaluation of Cucumber for Cognition Enhancing Effect on Brain of Mice}, journal = {Pharmacognosy journal}, volume = {6}, year = {2014}, month = {8th April 2014}, pages = {100-107}, type = {Original Article}, abstract = {

Introduction: Cucumber is fruit of Cucumis sativus var. sativus L. which has been used traditionally in gastrointestinal problems, skin problems and as coolant in salad for body and brain. Cucumber is a great folk medicine used to reduce heat and inflammation. Cognitive effects of cucumber are assessed in this study. Methods: Fresh fruits of Cucumis sativus L. were ground and a paste was prepared which consisted of different concentrations of cucumber (10, 20, 30 \% w/w). The three doses were given ad libitum to mice for 15 successive days. Animal models utilized were sodium nitrite induced hypoxia and object recognition task. Biochemical analysis employed estimation of acetylcholinesterase activity in brain, serum glucose levels, cholesterol levels, brain lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and reduced glutathione levels in brain of mice. Results: 6g/kg and 9g/kg doses of cucumber significantly (P\< 0.05, P\< 0.01) increased frequency of entry, number of entry and duration of entry in small compartment in sodium nitrite induced hypoxia model and depicted significantly (P\< 0.05, P\< 0.001) enhanced exploratory activity in object recognition task model. Further, biochemical analysis indicated good potential of cucumber in cognition enhancement. 9 g/kg dose (P\< 0.001) reduced brain AchE activity along with blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels. 6 g/kg dose (P\< 0.01) replenished brain GSH levels and reduced lipid peroxides. Conclusion: Cucumber increased cognition in rodents.

Key words: Hypoxia, object recognition task, acetylcholinesterase, glucose, cholesterol, dementia.

}, keywords = {Acetylcholinesterase, Cholesterol, Dementia, Glucose, Hypoxia, object recognition task}, author = {Manish Kumar, and Milind Parle} }