Cnicus wallichi DC belonging to the family Asteraceae (Compositae) commonly known as Indian thistle and cirsium wallichi. It is an important medicinal plant indigenous to Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, South India. Since the related species Cnicus benedictus was reported for its anti cancer activities, In vitro screening studies for antitumour activities were carried out for different extracts of Cnicus wallichi DC. Seven different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of the whole plant by successive solvent extraction and maceration process and subjected for In vitro screening studies. Antitumour study was carried out by short term toxicity studies using Dalton's 'Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells. The ethyl acetate extract of Cnicus wallichi DC showed significant antioxidant activity in all the methods.

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The oleoresin of the Shorea robusta Gaertn is called as Shala niryasa, Kala, Sarja rasa which has the chemical constituents such as nor-triterpene, dammarenolic acid, asiatic acid, dipterocarpol, triterpenic acid, tannic acid and phenolic content and possesses antibacterial, analgesic and wound healing effect. The medicinal property of the plant is highly influenced by the the season in which it is cultivated and collected. The classical texts of Ayurveda provide guidelines on the time of collection of raw drugs. Hence following these indications the oleoresin was collected in two seasons as per reference of Acharya Charaka and Susrutha in Hemantha rutu (Dec-Jan) and Vasantha rutu (April-May) respectively. Analytical studies revealed that the oleoresin collected in Vasantha rutu contained more tannin, resin, volatile matter, phenolic content, which are the active ingredients of the drug as compared to the oleoresin collected in Hemantha rutu .This is a preclinical work and further clinical study has to be done to prove efficacy of the seasonally collected samples.

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Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) is about 2-3.5 mt heighted plant of Burceraceae family. The plant grows wild in the arid, rocky tracts, also in low rainy and hot areas. The part used in medicinal preparation is resin, collected by tapping the barks. Guggulu deserves high values in Ayurvedic medicines. Guggulu is Rasayana, Vatakaphaghna, and used in various diseases. Due to high values and excessive demands, improper methods of collection, uncontrolled forest destruction and poor knowledge of cultivation; number of plants highly decreased. Now it categorized as threatened plant. Hence cultivation and conservation of this plant is necessary. Guggulu can be propagated by seed and vegetative method. Germination through seed is very poor. Vegetative propagation through stem cutting is most common and successful method. Farming care is also necessary f or proper growth. Conservation can be effected by knowledge of collection methods and awareness.

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The aqueous and ethanolic extract of leaves of Coleus aromaticus was evaluated for diuretic activity. Both extracts were evaluated by determination of urine volume and electrolyte concentration in albino rats. Results revealed that both the aqueous and ethanolic extract at dose 500mgl kg showed significant diuretic activity by increasing the total volume of urine and concentration electrolyte. Furosamide (10 mg/kg) was used as reference drug while normal saline (0.9%) solution was used as control.

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Studies on the antibacterial activities of the leaf extract of Citrullus colocynthis (Cucurbitaceae), a medicinal plant used for the treatment of various ailments was carried out using agar disc diffusion technique. The results revealed that the crude acetone extract exhibited antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with zones of inhibition measuring 14.0mm. The chloroform leaf extract exhibited no antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration for the chloroform extract was 4.0mm for Escherichia coli.

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Diabetes mellitus is one of the leading causes of death and ranks third among the chronic diseases. Recent studies have shown that up to 10 % of India's urban population and 2 % of the rural population above the age of 15 years have diabetes and WHO had declared India as the diabetic capital of the world. India has wealth of medicinalplants, and these plants have credited to the development of therapeutic agents for various ailments and diseases. Hark of Salacia Reticulata was screened for its hypoglycemic and hypo-lipidaemic effect. A- total of 60 type II diabetics were enrolled, consisting of experimental group 30 and control group 30. Experimental group received 2 grams of Kadalazhinjil powder daily for a period of 90 days and control group did not receive any supplements. Blood glucose levels before and after medications were estimated in both groups at baseline and at 90 days. There was insignificant reduction in fasting blood glucose, HbA ₁ c and lipid levels at the end of 90 days in the supplemented group. The experimental group showed encouraging results which call for long term supplementation in Diabetes Mellitus.

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Full text not available  [PDF]  [PubMed]

Full text not available  [PDF]  [PubMed]