Inflammation is the response of an organism's immune system to the damage caused to its cells and vascularized tissues by microbial pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, as well as by injurious chemicals or physical insults. Although painful, inflammation is usually a healing response, but in some instances inflammation proceeds to a chronic state, associated with debilitating diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or even cancer. Although several anti-inflammatory drugs are available, the treatment of inflammation is still far from adequate. The current therapy of inflammation with modern anti-inflammatory drugs is associated with side effects and drug interactions. Several plants used for the treatment of inflammation in different systems of traditional medicine have shown anti-inflammatory activity in experimental animal models and many such plants claimed in the traditional system still remain to be scientifically investigated. In this review, we have compiled the newer reported herbal anti-inflammatory constituents with their research advancements.

Background: Lantana montevidensis (L. montevidensis) is native to Brazil, the tea and infusions of the dried leaves have been used in folk medicine. Previous study of L. montevidensis leaves has resulted in the isolation of ten anti-proliferative flavones. Also, the essential oil of the Brazilian L. montevidensis leaves was investigated for its chemical composition and antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the ethanolic extracts of the leaves and roots demonstrated anti-bacterial activity. Materials and Methods: The essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from the Egyptian L. montevidensis leaves and flowers were investigated for their chemical composition. Also, a qualitative phytochemical analysis of 70% aqueous methanolic extract of L. montevidensis leaves was performed for the detection of alkaloids, tannins, triterpenoids, steroids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, saponins, iridoids, carbohydrates and/or glycosides. Furthermore, the extracts from the leaves were assessed for their anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Results: The composition of the essential oils included large amount of sesquiterpenes, mainly caryophyllene (33.74%), ß-selinene (43.95%), germacrene-D (3.79%) and nerolidol (6.32%) in the oil of the leaves, while caryophyllene (42.38%), γ-terpinene (22.64%), D-germacrene (9.10 %) and nerolidol (7.09%) are major in the oil of the flowers. Phytochemical screening of 70% aqueous methanolic extract of L. montevidensis leaves revealed the presence of carbohydrates and/or glycosides, unsaturated sterols, triterpenoids and flavonoids in addition to traces of saponins and iridoids. Furthermore, the extracts from the leaves exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Conclusion: The obtained results may provide a support to explore the plant for isolation of the active constituents accountable for these activities.

Introduction: Artocarpus lakoocha, Roxb. is found to be a good plant source of natural squalene - an alternative to marine animals. Squalene is found in small quantities in some vegetable oils, but its richest source is the shark liver oil leading to intense shark hunting. Objective: From ecological perspectives, we are motivated for its extraction from plant sources. Materials and Methods: The purified compounds from hexane fraction of the shedded Artocarpus leaves were subjected to mass spectra, infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance (both ¹ H and ¹³ C) for complete structural elucidation. Inhibition zone tests were used for detecting antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activities were determined using the free radical, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Result: Spectral analysis revealed the presence of squalene (10-12% dry weight with 99.9% purity) from the hexane fraction of the shedded Artocarpus leaves. This natural squalene exhibited potent anti-oxidative and anti-microbial activity. It inhibited the growth of Sarcina lutea and Escherichia coli and also retarded the growth of fungi causing aspergillosis. It showed significant antioxidant activity with IC ₅₀ value of 15.0 μg/ml, whereas tert-butyl-1-hydroxytoluene and ascorbic acid revealed 26.0 μg/ml and 5.0 μg/ml, respectively. It is the key precursor in the sterol biosynthesis and its superior antioxidant effect relates to its potential antitumor activity. Lately, the terpene has been used as adjuvant for vaccines and also in cosmetics. Conclusion: So, shedded Artocarpus leaves would serve as alternative renewable plant sources of squalene without disturbing the ecological niche.

Introduction: Herbal products are often used as combinations of some herbs for the treatment of diseases in traditional medicine. The anti-diabetic activities of polyherbal combinations of Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina), Gongronema latifolium (G. latifolium), and Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) used in folkloric management of diabetes. Materials and Methods: The various polyherbal combinations of V. amygdalina, G. latifolium, and O. gratissimum (100 mg/kg each) were evaluated for anti-diabetic activity in alloxan induced diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic activities during acute and prolonged studies were investigated. Glibenclamide, 10 mg/kg, was used as positive control. Blood glucose level (BGL) was measured at intervals by using glucometer. Results: Treatment of alloxan diabetic rats with the various herbal combinations caused significant (P < 0.001) reductions in the BGL of the diabetic rats both in acute and prolonged treatment (2 weeks). The activities of various combined extracts were comparable and more pronounced than that of glibenclamide and compared to that of glibenclamide in the prolonged study. Conclusion: The anti-diabetic activities of the various herbal combinations confirm the folkloric use of these polyherbal remedies.

Natural products isolated from plants may be an alternative source of larvicidal and insecticide activity. Khellin is a natural furanochromone isolated from fruits of Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. (Umbelliferae family), which grows extensively in the Mediterranean region. This substance shows several types of biological activity, such as in vitro cytotoxicity, antispasmodic action, and phototherapeutic potential. Dengue is a tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes aegypti; the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus, is a phytophagous Hemiptera and a Phytomonas vector. Our main goal was to evaluate the toxicity of khellin in relation to the nymphs of O. fasciatus (Hemiptera) and larvae of A. aegypti (Diptera). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report concerning furanochromone bioactivity against insect vectors for human disease.

Introduction: The present study was aimed at formulating and evaluating tablets and topical gel using natural products and natural excipients. In this study the anti-infl ammatory effect and anti-microbial effect of immediate release tablets was studied. The anti-microbial activity of the fast acting topical gel was also evaluated. Materials: The active ingredients in both the formulations are Tinospora cordifolia and Aloe vera. Potato starch, maize starch, xanthan gum and sandalwood oil. Methods: T. cordifolia immediate release tablets of 800 mg and 600 mgw/w were prepared by wet granulation technique using T. cordifolia extract of whole plant. Potato starch and maize starch were used as binder and diluents, respectively. As Aloe vera gel extracted from the leaves also shows binding properties, the tablets formulated using Aloe vera alone as binder were also evaluated. The efficiency of the various binders used in different concentrations was tested by determining the flow properties of the granules apart from physical attributes. The optimized T. cordifolia immediate release tablets were subjected to microbiological studies and in vivo studies. The gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilus organisms were selected for microbiological studies. Albino rats of either sex were used for anti-infl ammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw edema method. T. cordifolia -Aloe vera topical gel 10 mgw/v was prepared using Tinospora cordifolia, Aloe vera gel, xanthan gum and sandalwood oil. Different concentrations of the topical gel were evaluated for entrapment efficiency and release. The optimized gel was subjected to microbiological studies and in vivo studies. Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative E. coli and B. subtilus organisms were selected for microbiological studies. Albino rats of either sex were used for evaluating the anti-infl ammatory activity of the gel applied topically using carrageenan induced paw edema method. Results: Of the various tablet formulations studied, F3 and F5 have shown a 61-69% drug release at 5 min. The percentage drug release for the topical gel formulation G1, G3 and G5 was found to be 79.4%, 69.23% and 71.79%. Conclusion: The developed formulations were found to be stable as there were no drug excipient interactions and found effective for anti-infl amatory and anti-microbial activities at the optimized concentrations.

Objective: Wrightia tinctoria commonly known as "Mitha indrajao" (family Apocynaceae) has reported to have wound healing, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anabolic effects. This study was aimed to explore anti-anemic activity of W. tinctoria focusing flavonoids as anti-oxidant phyto-constituents. Materials and Methods: Flavonoid fraction of W. tinctoria bark methanolic extract (FWT) was separated, quantitative polyphenol estimation, and qualitative identification was performed. LD ₅₀ was determined according to the guidelines of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Phenyl hydrazine (PHZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.) and butadione (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was used to induce anemia in albino mice. Hemoglobin (Hb), total red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), packed cell volume (PCV), iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and ferritin were measured. Results: FWT showed presence of quercetin and ferulic acid on thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) confirmed by matching Rf. FWT 60 days treatment resulted in significant rise in RBC, WBC (P < 0.05), along with Hb and PCV (P < 0.001). FWT treatment showed significant decrease in MCV, iron and TIBC, and increase in MCHC and ferritin (P < 0.001) level. FWT showed significant rise in RBC, Hb, and PCV and decrease in serum iron and ferritin level significantly (P < 0.001) signifying potent anti-anemic activity against butadione. FWT treatment on PHZ and butadione induced anemic rat showed slightly hypochromic RBCs with very few irregularly-shaped cells. Conclusion: The flavonoid fraction of W. tinctoria bark methanolic extract showed good anti-anemic and hematopoietic activity with rich presence of flavonoid and polyphenolic compounds.

Background: Curcumin, believed to be the main bioactive component of turmeric is well-known for its antioxidant, radio-protective, radical-scavenging, and anticancer properties. Commercially available curcumin, found to be composed of at least three different compounds have been employed for their individual biological activity vis-a-vis curcumin as a whole in a bacterial system. Materials and Methods: Commercially available curcumin has been subjected to a round of High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis and their biological activities have been monitored by survival studies in Escherichia coli cells. Results: Curcumin as well as the individual components in it has been found to impart some sort of protection against the toxicity imparted by its delivering solvent namely DMSO. Conclusions: The degree of protection induced by curcumin and all the individual components in it has been discussed in relation to the relative proportions of the individual components present in curcumin.

Background: Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the key enzyme in the breakdown of acetylcholine, is considered as a promising strategy for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia, ataxia, and myasthenia gravis. A potential source of AChE inhibitors is certainly provided by the abundance of plants in nature. Several methods for screening of AChE inhibitory activity from natural sources has been reported based on Ellman's reactions. Methods: This study was undertaken for the first time to evaluate the anticholinesterase activity of Pancratium maritimum L., aiming to discover new candidates for anticholinesterase compounds. The second part of the study deals with a comparison of chromatographic screening of the bulbs and roots of the plant at pre-flowering stage of growth for the alkaloidal content and a previous phytochemical investigation of the same plant at flowering stage of growth using high performance thin layer chromatography technique. Results and Conclusion: The results of the preliminary chromatographic screening showed that the stage of growth has a remarkable effect on the type of alkaloids present.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Efforts on finding potential sources from daily consumed foods that inhibit prostate cancer development are becoming important objective for scientists. Previous epidemiologic studies have consistently shown that consumption of fruit and vegetables was found to have significant contribution in the prevention of cancer. Thus in this study, we investigated the anticancer potency of popular vegetables consumed in Indonesia, namely, Amaranthus spinosus, Ipomoea aquatica Forsk., Apium graveolens L., and Manihot utilisima to Lymph Node Carcinoma of the Prostate (LNCaP) human prostate cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The extracts were tested for Brine shrimp lethality test to guide their cytotoxic potencies, and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay to LNCaP cells for their anticancer properties. Results: The results showed that I. aquatica Forsk has the most potential anticancer sources, with LC ₅₀ against Artemia salina and Inhibition Concentation (IC) ₅₀ against LNCaP being 266 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Our preliminary result suggest that I. aquatica Forsk. has the potential to be further investigated and developed as anticancer sources.

Gmelina arborea is an important medicinal plant in the traditional system of medicine in India. The present study was designed to evaluate toxicity and analgesic activity of the alcoholic extract (AlcE) of G. arborea stem bark and its various fractions. The AlcE was prepared by the Soxhlet extraction technique. AlcE was fractionated with petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The acute toxicity of AlcE and its fractions was studied in female Swiss albino mice using the OECD guidelines. In the acute toxicity test, mice were treated with AlcE and its fractions (2000 mg/kg), orally. Animals were observed periodically during the first 24 h after administration and daily thereafter for 14 days. The analgesic activity was studied in Swiss albino mice by using acetic acid-induced writhing method. The AlcE (250 and 500 mg/kg) and its fractions (200 mg/kg) were administered to animals before 45 minutes of administration of acetic acid. The number of muscular contractions was counted over a period of 10 minutes after acetic acid injection. AlcE and its fractions did not produce mortality, changes in behavior or any other physiological activities in mice, at selected dose. The AlcE at 250 and 500 mg/kg showed a significant decrease in writhes -13.4 ± 0.16 and 12.2 ± 0.22, respectively when compared with control (19.2 ± 0.58). The n-butanol fraction showed maximum inhibition of writhes (57.37%) as compared to other fractions. These findings suggested that AlcE and its fractions are safe after oral administration and have significant analgesic activity.

Most cytotoxic drugs cause a relatively high toxicity and a narrow therapeutic index (ratio of toxic dose :0 effective dose (LD ₅₀ /ED ₅₀ ), thus resulting in several side effects during the course of treatment. In the present study, a number of naturally occurring methylated phenolic compounds were evaluated for their selective anticancer activity on two different cancer cell lines, alveolar A-549 and pancreatic INS383/12, and a normal mouse fibroblast cell lines, (NIH 3T3). Compounds chosen for the study were among different classes of simple phenolics, phenyl propanoids, coumarins and flavonoids with previously known bioavailability and biological activities. Thirteen compounds showed anticancer activity with no noticeable toxicity against the normal cell lines. Ferulic acid (1) and trimethyltricetin (13) exhibited the highest selective anticancer activity against pancreatic INS383/12 and alveolar A-549, with mortality of 71% and 94%, respectively. Overall, the present work provides a screening model that aims to enrich the natural products data platform with new promising leads compounds that could serve in the future as anticancer agents. These compounds are in need for further studies to enable their prospective use.