The acetone extracts of Radix paeoniae  (Paeonaceae) root (100 and 200 mg/kg orally) were tested in brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats to assess their antipyretic activity. The pyrexia in rats was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) compared to that of control. These results indicate that the extracts possess antipyretic properties. The root extract showed significant reduction in normal body temperature and yeast-provoked elevated temperature comparable to that of standard antipyretic drug paracetamol. The antipyretic effect was started at 1h and extended for at least 4h after the drug administration.

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L-Dopa is the drug of choice in the treatment of Parkinson's disease but it has dose related adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, orthostatic hypotension, end of dose deterioration, on off phenomena and on chronic therapy motor complications synonymous to parkinsonism. Mucuna pruriens  (M.P) commonly known as velvet beans or cowitch are used in case of spasms associated with Parkins onism. Clinical efficacy of seeds of this plant was confirmed and the efficacy was contributed to its L-Dopa content. M.P extract showed twice the antiparkinsonism activity compared with synthetic L-Dopa. There is sufficient L-Dopa in broad bean (Vicia faba ) pods. One study proved its efficacy in Parkinsonism. Ginkgo biloba  extract showed protective effect in vivo and invitro. 50% ethanolic extract of Plumbago zeylanica  was effective in rats. The following plants were reported to have L-Dopa but their protective effect is yet to be established in animal models. Vigna aconitifolia, Vigna unguiculata, Vigna vexillata, Prosopis chilensis, Pileostigma malabarica, Phanera vahlis, Parkinsonia acculeata, Macuna urens, Canvavalia glandiata, Cassia floribanda, Casia hirsute and Dalbergia retusa  etc.

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Medicinal plants play a key role in human health care. Pterocarpus marsupium  is one of the plants used in treatment of diabetes mellitus and the present study was aimed to assess hepatoprotective effect of the plant against CQ ₄  induced hepatotoxicity. Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Group I was normal control group; Group II, the hepatotoxic group was given CC1 ₄  (2ml/kg body weight intraperitoneally); Groups III received CC1 ₄  + Plant extract (100 mg/kg b.w orally); Group IV received only the plant extract. Liver markers were assayed in serum and liver tissue. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine transminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and bilirubin were increased significantly in Group II. These enzymes were significantly decreased in Group III treated with plant extracts. The present investigation suggest that the plant had a good protective effect on CC1 ₄  induced hepatic injury.

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The effect of Achyranthes aspera  on lipid peroxidation were studied in rats fed with Sesame Oil. Increase in the levels of LPO in sesame oil treated groups returned towards normalcy in the plant extract treated groups revealing the antioxidant potential of the plant. Phytochemical studies revealed the presence of secondary metabolites. According to the results obtained Achyranthes aspera  inhibited Ferrous Ascorbate stimulated LPO.

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The aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus  Schum & Thorn, was selected for preliminary phytochemical and antibacterial activity against human pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentration was performed by broth dilution method and the zone of inhibition was studied by agar disc diffusion method at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg/ml in DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide). The results revealed the antimicrobial activity of extract against the the strains of microorganisms concentrations in ranges of 60 and 500 μg/ml. Aqueous extract of leaves and roots of Phyllanthus amarus  exhibited significant antibacterial activity against eight test bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus albus, Streptococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris.  The plant under study revealed the presence of alkaloids, phytosterols, phenolic compounds and tannins, proteins and amino acids , lignins and saponins.

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The anthelmintic activity of the Imethanolic extract of the root bark of Carissa carandas  was evaluated on adult Indian earthworm (Pheretima posthuma) using albendazole as a reference standard. The extract caused paralysis followed by the death of worm at the tested dose level. The extract at the highest tested concentration has anthelmintic activity comparable with that of standard drug albendazole.

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Traditional medicinal uses for various human diseases of 54 angiospermic species from Shegaon, Sangrampur, Jalgaon (Jamod), Malkapur, Nandura, Motala and Khamgaon tehsils of Buldhana district (Maharashtra) are reported. Of these, applications of 36 species are unknown or little known. The folk medicines consist of a sole drug or a principal drug in combination with other drugs. The recent botanical name, local plant name, recipe, mode of administration, doses etc. are communicated as collected from the tribal and rural folks of the district. It is desirable to screen these species on modern scientific lines.

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The ethanolic extract of the root of Tephrosia purpurea  was screened for in vitro antioxidant properties using standard procedures. The ethanolic extract exhibited IC50 values of 132.31±8.79 and 405.22±15.09 respectively in DPPH and nitric acid radical inhibition assay. These values were slightly more than those obtained for ascorbic acid and rutin used as standard. The findings justify the therapeutic application of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine, augmenting its therapeutic value.

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In addition to the dominance of indigenous plant species, the grasslands of Nilgiris harbour a considerable number of exotic plants with sizeable number of individuals. In the present study in four major grasslands of Nilgiris, out of 12 exotic species present, 10 are recognized as medicinally important. The family, Asteraceae contributed a higher number of 6 medicinal species to the grassland community. The density of exotics in the studied grasslands is varied between 4 and 66/ha. In order to conserve the native species, the frequent harvesting of useful parts of exotics is suggested. In addition cultivation of these exotics in the degraded grasslands and other suitable habitats in Nilgiris may also reduce the pressure upon the native species and at the same time it will also meet the demand.

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The major diagnostic characters and histological studies on the leaf, root and stem of Cressa cretica L.  has been reported in this paper. Literature survey showed the absence of any systematic authentication of this plant.

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