@article {1178, title = {Is COVID-19 Related to the Recent Surge in Research on Houttuynia cordata (Thunb)?}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {15}, year = {2023}, month = {October 2023}, pages = {693-704}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {693}, abstract = {

Background of the Study: Houttuynia cordata is an herbal medicinal plant with a variety of ethnomedicinal properties. The plant extract has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which may help to reduce the complications associated with diabetes. Additionally, it is used as an anti-inflammation, antidote, astringent, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral. Objectives: The present study is a scientometric analysis of Houttuynia cordata during 1992-2021 as covered in the SCOPUS database to find out the citation impact, growth rate, and research output of Houttuynia cordata research during a three-decade period. Materials and Methods: SCOPUS database was used to download data for three decades. The information gathered was quantified using bibliometrics; further, VOS viewer was used for visualizing the keyword network. Results: The study revealed that from 2005 onwards, there was an increase in Houttuynia cordata research and publication. China turns out to be at the top with the maximum number of research publications on Houttuynia cordata. Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmaceutics were the top subject areas that constituted the leading publication. Keywords {\textquoteright}Traditional Medicine{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteright}Medicinal Plants{\textquoteright} were used mainly during the year 1992-2018, however, from 2019-2021 there is a tremendous shift from the keywords such as {\textquoteright}Traditional Medicine{\textquoteright}, and {\textquoteright}Medicinal Plants{\textquoteright} to keywords such as {\textquoteright}Coronavirus{\textquoteright} {\textquoteright}COVID-19{\textquoteright} and {\textquoteright}Pandemic{\textquoteright}, indicating that research on Houttuynia cordata relating to COVID-19 and Pandemic has become an extensive area of research from 2019 onwards. Conclusion: This study concludes that research on Houttuynia cordata has been slow since the early years, with a significant surge during the COVID-19 pandemic. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly reconfirmed the relevance of Houttuynia cordata as a medicinal herb. Additionally, this study will help researchers understand the current state of the Houttuynia cordata research and can act as an information road map to further explore research on its medicinal importance which may benefit humanity in the future.

}, keywords = {Coronavirus, COVID-19, Houttuynia cordata, Medicinal plants, Scientometric Analysis, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.5530/pres.15.4.074}, author = {Poonam Singh Deo and Sweety Angelirie Kharumnuid and Moses M. Naga and P. Hangsing} } @article {368, title = {Protective Effect of Ferulago angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. Hydroalcoholic Extract against Acetic Acid-induced Colitis in Rat: Role of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {10}, year = {2018}, month = {October 2018}, pages = {391-396}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {391}, abstract = {

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic recurrent inflammatory disease with unknown etiology. Ferulago angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. has been proposed as an efficacious treatment for gastrointestinal ulcers and UC in the traditional Persian medicine. Objective: In the present study, we investigated the possible protective effect of F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. hydroalcoholic extract (FAE) against acetic acid-induced UC in rats. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of FAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were administered orally after acetic acid induced-inflammatory bowel disease. On the 3rd day, animals were euthanized by an overdose of ether inhalation and the abdomen was rapidly dissected for macroscopic, histological, and biochemical (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin-1β [IL-1β]) analyses. Results: All doses of F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. extract ameliorated acetic acid-induced macroscopic and microscopic scores, except for 50 mg/kg. Furthermore, our observations were accompanied by a significant (P \< 0.05) suppression in the elevated amount of IL-1β and TNF-α. Conclusion: These findings demonstrated the beneficial effect of hydroalcoholic extract of F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. in acetic acid-induced ulcerative lesions via anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and mucosal healing properties. F. angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss. possesses promising protective function on colitis.

}, keywords = {Ferulago angulata (Schltdl.) Boiss, Herbal medicine, Inflammatory bowel disease, Inflammatory cytokines, Medicinal plant, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_9_18}, author = {Fatemeh Farzaei and Fatemeh Heydarpour and Mohammad Hosein Farzaei and Zahra Minush Siavash Haghighi and Zahra Abbasabadi and Ehsan Sadeghi} } @article {445, title = {Medicinal Plants Used by Traditional Healers in Sangurur, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {November 2017}, pages = {333-347}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {333}, abstract = {

Background: Although herbal medical products are still widely used in Kenya, many of the medicinal plants used by traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) have not been documented, despite several challenges that are now threatening the sustainability of the practice. Objective: To document the medicinal plants and healing methods used by TMPs in a region of Kenya with several recognized herbalists for potential research. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and direct observations were used to collect ethnopharmacological information. The participant{\textquoteright}s bio-data, clinical conditions treated, methods of treatment, medicinal plants used, methods of preparation and administration, and dosage forms were recorded. Results: A total of 99 medicinal plants and 12 complementary preparations employed in the treatment of 64 medical conditions were identified. The most widely used plant was Rotala tenella which was used to treat nine medicinal conditions; seven each for Aloe tweediae and Dovyalis abyssinica; and six each for Basella alba and Euclea divinorum. The plants belonged to 55 families with Fabaceae family being the most frequently used (10), followed by Apocynaceae and Solanaceae, each with six species, respectively. We identified plants used to determine the sex of an unborn baby and those used to treat several conditions including anthrax and cerebral malaria and herbs used to detoxify meat from an animal that has died from anthrax. Of special interest was R. tenella which is used to prevent muscle injury. Conclusions: We have documented several plants with potential therapeutic effects. Further research may be conducted to determine their efficacy.

}, keywords = {Ethnopharmacology, Marakwet, Medicinal plants, Research, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_42_17}, author = {Gabriel Kigen and Wilson Kipkore and Bernard Wanjohi and Boniface Haruki and Jemutai Kemboi} } @article {434, title = {A Review of Botany and Pharmacological Effect and Chemical Composition of Echinophora Species Growing in Iran}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {November 2017}, pages = {305-312}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {305}, abstract = {

This review was conducted to investigate the botany, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties of Echinophora species. The information of this review was obtained by searching for keywords Apiaceae, Echinophora, pharmacological effects, and traditional and modern medicine in scientific articles and books published in search engines Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science. The traditional uses of Echinophora and the existence of valuable phytochemicals in the plant have led to isolation and drug discovery of natural medicines such as antibiotic, analgesics, and anticancer drugs, and the beneficial effects of these plants can widely be used in healthcare.

}, keywords = {Botany, Chemical composition, Echinophora, Modern medicine, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_22_17}, author = {Zohreh Hosseini and Zahra Lorigooini and Mahmoud Rafieian-Kopaei and Hamzeh Ali Shirmardi and Kamal Solati} } @article {517, title = {Anti-Advanced Glycation End-product and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Plants from the Yucatecan Flora}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {August 2016}, pages = {276-280}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {276}, abstract = {

Background: Formation and accumulation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) is recognized as a major pathogenic process in diabetic complications, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, reactive oxygen species and free radicals have also been reported to participate in AGE formation and in cell damage. Natural products with antioxidant and antiAGE activity have great therapeutic potential in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and related complications. Objective: to test ethanolic extracts and aqueous-traditional preparations of plants used to treat diabetes, hypertension and obesity in Yucatecan traditional medicine for their anti-AGE and free radical scavenging activities. Materials and Methods: ethanolic extracts of leaves, stems and roots of nine medicinal plants, together with their traditional preparations, were prepared and tested for their anti-AGE and antioxidant activities using the inhibition of advanced glycation end products and DPPH radical scavenging assays, respectively. Results: the root extract of C. fistula (IC50= 0.1 mg/mL) and the leaf extract of P. auritum (IC50= 0.35 mg/mL) presented significant activity against vesperlysine and pentosidine-like AGE. Although none of the aqueous traditional preparations showed significant activity in the anti- AGE assay, both the traditional preparations and the ethanolic extracts of E. tinifolia, M. zapota, O. campechianum and P. auritum showed significant activity in the DPPH reduction assay. Conclusions: the results suggest that the metabolites responsible for the detected radical-scavenging activity are different to those involved in inhibiting AGE formation; however, the extracts with antioxidant activity may contain other metabolites which are able to prevent AGE formation through a different mechanism.

}, keywords = {Antioxidant activity, Diabetes, glycation-end products, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.188883}, author = {Wendy del C. Dzib-Guerra and Fabiola Escalante-Erosa and Karlina Garc{\'\i}a-Sosa and S{\'e}verine Derbr{\'e} and Patricia Blanchard and Pascal Richomme and Luis M. Pe{\~n}a-Rodr{\'\i}guez} } @article {504, title = {Evaluating the Anticancer Potential of Ethanolic Gall Extract of Terminalia chebula (Gaertn.) Retz. (Combretaceae)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {8}, year = {2016}, month = {May 2016}, pages = {209-212}, type = {Short Communication}, chapter = {209}, abstract = {

Plants have been an important source for discovery of anticancer compounds. With the current decline in the number of new molecular entities from the pharmaceutical industry, novel anticancer agents are being sought from traditional medicines; therefore the anticancer efficacy of many plants that are used in traditional medicine is yet to be verified. The objective of the study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of ethanolic leaf gall extract of Terminalia chebula are evaluated against buffalo rat liver 3A, MCF-7 (Human mammary gland adenocarcinoma) and A-549 (Human lung cancer) cell lines. The cytotoxic effect of the ethanolic extract was evaluated by MTT assay. The extract was potent and effective in inducing cytotoxic effects in all the cell lines with an IC50 value of 305.18 {\textpm} 1.7 μg/mL, 643.13 {\textpm} 4.2 μg/mL, and 208.16 {\textpm} 3.7 μg/mL, respectively. The extract was more effective against A549 cell lines when compared to others. The presences of phenolics, triterpenoids, and flavonoids were identified in the extract. The extract showed total phenolic and flavonoid content of 478 {\textpm} 2.2 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g d.w and 538 {\textpm} 1.4 mg of quercetin equivalent/g d.w, respectively. This higher content of total phenolics and flavonoids found in the ethanolic extract was directly associated to higher cytotoxicity activity. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaf gall extract of T. chebula showed effective cytotoxic activities; which might be attributed to the phenolics/flavonoids present in higher concentration. Future work will be interesting to know the chemical composition of the extract and also better understand the mechanism of action of the constituents present in the extract to develop it as drug for therapeutic application.

}, keywords = {Alternative medicine, Drugs, Indian medicinal plants, Inhibition, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.182919}, author = {B. E. Ravi Shankara and Y. L. Ramachandra and S. Sundara Rajan and P. S. Sujan Ganapathy and Nagendra Sastry Yarla and S. A. Richard and Bhadrapura Lakkappa Dhananjaya} } @article {640, title = {Isolation and Identification of Bacterial Endophytes from Pharmaceutical Agarwood-producing Aquilaria Species}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {5}, year = {2013}, month = {April 2013}, pages = {134-137}, type = {Short Communication }, chapter = {134}, abstract = {

Background:\ Resins and gums are used in traditional medicine and do have potential applications in pharmacy and medicine. Agarwood is the fragrant resinous wood, which is an important commodity from\ Aquilaria\ species and has been used as a sedative, analgesic, and digestive in traditional medicine. Endophytic bacteria are potentially important in producing pharmaceutical compounds found in the plants. Hence, it was important to understand which types of endophytic bacteria are associated with pharmaceutical agarwood-producing\ Aquilaria\ species.\ Objective:\ This study was undertaken to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria associated with agarwood-producing seven (7)\ Aquilaria\ species from Malaysia.\ Materials and Methods:\ Botanical samples of seven\ Aquilaria\ species were collected, and endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized-tissue samples. The 16S rRNA gene fragments were amplified using PCR method, and endophytic bacterial isolates (EBIs) were identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity based method.\ Results:\ Culturable, 77 EBIs were analyzed, and results of 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis suggest that 18 different types of endophytic bacteria are associated with (seven)\ Aquilaria\ species. From 77 EBIs, majority (36.4\%) of the isolates were of\ Bacillus pumilus.\ Conclusion:\ These findings indicate that agarwood-producing\ Aquilaria\ species are harboring 18 different types of culturable endophytic bacteria.

}, keywords = {16S rRNA, Biodiversity, Endophytes, Malaysia, Medicine, Natural Products, Ribosomal DNA, Traditional medicine}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.110545 }, author = {Subhash J Bhore and Jagadesan Preveena and Kodi I Kandasamy} }