@article {1441, title = {Green Synthesis and in vitro Insights of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nutmeg and Flaxseed Extracts}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {June 2025}, pages = {816-822}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {816}, abstract = {

Background: Among various nanomaterials, Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained significant attention due to their unique properties. Traditional methods for synthesizing ZnO NPs often involve hazardous chemicals and energy-intensive processes, raising environmental and health concerns. In response to these issues, green synthesis methods have been developed as an eco-friendly alternative. Nutmeg and flaxseed are 2 plant sources known for their rich phytochemical content. This study aims to assess the cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ZnO NPs synthesized with nutmeg and flaxseed. Materials and Methods: 5 mg of nutmeg and flaxseed powder were dissolved in 0.1 L of distilled water. This mixture was boiled at 60{\textordmasculine}C for 10 min and then filtered. 0.1 g of ZnO was added to 100 mL of filtered extract. After centrifugation, the concentrated nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs were reduced to 100 mL. Various extract concentrations (25 μL, 50 μL and 100 μL) were then subjected to cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant assays. Results: Nauplii lethality was assessed over 2 days. At 25 μL, no mortality was observed on either day. However, on day 2, mortality increased by 10\% at both 50 μL and 100 μL extract concentrations. The antimicrobial action of nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs against S. aureus, S. mutans and E. faecalis increased with concentrations from 25 μL to 100 μL. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the NPs also increased with higher concentrations, from 25 μL to 100 μL. Conclusion: The synthesized nutmeg and flaxseed extract-mediated ZnO NPs exhibited significant bioactivity, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and were non-cytotoxic.

}, keywords = {Green synthesis, Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology, Phytotherapy, Plant extracts}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252068}, author = {Mohamed Thaha and Johnisha Harris John Manohar and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1372, title = {Herbal Mouthwash Post-Implant Surgery: A Natural Shield against Plaque and Gingivitis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {January 2025}, pages = {251-254}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {251}, abstract = {

Background: The key aspect of preventing gingivitis and associated problems is effective plaque reduction. There are several chemical agents on the market that prevent plaque formation. Herbal remedies have been utilized in dentistry recently to counteract the adverse effects associated with chemical agents. This study compares the antiplaque and antigingivitis properties of herbal and chemical mouthwash following implant surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted among 50 patients who had undergone dental implant surgery. 50 individuals, among 20 to 50 years of age, were divided into two groups: Group A (Herbal mouthwash) and Group B (Chemical mouthwash). Silness and Loe Plaque Index (PI) and Loe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) were evaluated at baseline and after 1 month. Paired and independent t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: A statistically significant improvement in PI and GI was observed in both the groups on intragroup comparison (p\<0.05). Nevertheless, the results of the intergroup comparison showed that there was no statistically significant difference in PI and GI scores (p\>0.05). Conclusion: Following implant surgery, herbal mouthwash was equally effective to chemical mouthwash in preventing plaque formation and gingivitis.

}, keywords = {Bacterial plaque, Chemical plaque control, Gingivitis, Mouthwash, Phytotherapy}, doi = {10.5530/pres.20252038}, author = {Nivedha Nedumaran and Arvina Rajasekar} } @article {1223, title = {Formulation and Evaluation of Lip Balm Using Different Herbal Pigments}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, month = {April 2024}, pages = {367-375}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {367}, abstract = {

Background: Lip balm is one popular formulation in cosmetic field. The primary role of lip balm is to treat dry lips and prevent their dehydration. Some lip balm utilized chemical-based synthetic dyes causes side effects and has short moisturizing effect compared to the natural formulation. Aim: In current research study, the lip balm batches were prepared with natural pigments to minimize side effects and to maintain the moisturizing effects for long duration. Materials and Methods: The 10 batches of lip balm were formulated using extracted pigment from pigment of Opuntia fruit, pigment of Curcuma longa, pigment of Nyctanthes arbortristis flowers, pigment of Centaurea orientalis flowers and carotene by using fusion method. The ingredients of lip balm include a moisturizer, an emollient, and opacifying agent, antioxidant, antiseptic, SPF (UV-protection). All batches of lip balm were evaluated for pH, softening point, spreading aging stability, texture, color melting point, surface abnormality, perfume stability and skin irritability. Results: All 10 batches of lip balm showed smooth texture and no surface abnormalities. All formulations were stable, convenient, and effective to apply. The perfume was retained during and after aging stability study. Conclusion: It was concluded that the lip balm prepared using herbal pigments also bears ideal characteristic of lip balm.

}, keywords = {Cosmeceuticals, Herbal pigments., Lip balm, Moisturizing, Phytotherapy}, doi = {10.5530/pres.16.2.46}, author = {Sharad Visht and Sana Sirwan Salih and Darya Aziz Mohammed and Areej Ammar Abduljabbar and Sarmad Jabbar Hama and Ibrahim Ahmed Khudhair} } @article {200, title = {Anatomical Description and in vitro Evaluation of the Antibacterial Potential of Aristolochia esperanzae Kuntze (Aristolochiaceae) Extract on Oral Micro-organisms}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {January 2021}, pages = {424-429}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {424}, abstract = {

Background: Aristolochia esperanzae Kuntze (Aristolochiaceae) is a plant present in the Brazilian flora, with few studies in the dental area, but used in integrative therapies to treat some health problems. Objectives: The initial purpose was to make an anatomical description of A. esperanzae and then test its antibacterial activity and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on specific oral micro-organisms-Streptococcus mutans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: For the pharmacognostic study, the samples were fixed in formaldehyde, acetic acid and 70\% ethyl alcohol and stored in 70\% ethanol. For the in vitro study, to obtain the essential oil (OE) and hydrolate, the plant material was mechanically macerated and subjected to hydrodistillation in Clevenger and then frozen until the time of testing. The EO was diluted in dimethylsulfoxide and the tests performed were agar diffusion (disc-diffusion) with isolated bacteria and MIC. A 0.12\% chlorhexidine digluconate solution was used as a positive control and 0.9\% sodium chloride as a negative. Results: The anatomical study showed the presence of hook-shaped trichomes and stomatal complexes. Regarding the microbiological results, they were negative for the extracts used. Conclusion: The anatomical findings may guide future studies related to the pharmacognostic properties of A. esperanzae and both OE and hydrolate did not have an antibacterial effect against S. mutans, P. gingivalis and E. faecalis.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity, Dentistry, Essential oil, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Phytotherapy}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_52_20}, author = {Carlos Roberto Botelho-Filho and Gabriela Keiko Izumi and Juliana Campos Vieira and Fernanda Mara de Paiva Bertoli and Ant{\^o}nio Pedro Ricomini Filho and Leila Teresinha Maranho and Flares Baratto-Filho and Marilisa Carneiro Le{\~a}o Gabardo} } @article {211, title = {Antihypertensive Effect of Methanol Leaf Extract of Azadirachta indica is Mediated through Suppression of Renal Caspase 3 Expressions on Nω-Nitro-L-Arginine Methyl Ester Induced Hypertension}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {January 2021}, pages = {460-465}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {460}, abstract = {

Background: Azadirachta indica (AI) Adr Juss (Meliaceae), known as neem, has been used traditionally for the treatment of various disease conditions including obesity and hypertension. Objective: The antihypertensive effect and mechanism of action of modulatory effect of AI were investigated after the induction of hypertension using Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Materials and Methods: Five groups of ten rats divided as follows: Control; L-NAME (40 mg/kg); L-NAME + 100 mg/kg AI; L-NAME and 200 mg/kg AI; and L-NAME and Enalapril (25 mg/kg) were used. Results: following the application of L-NAME, hypertension (elevated systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressures) and increased levels of oxidative stress markers were observed in rats. Immunohistochemistry showed increased caspase-3 expressions in hypertensive rats compared to normotensive rats. Conversely, AI treatment resulted in restoration of physiological antioxidant status and normotension, comparable to the standard antihypertensive agent enalapril. Conclusion: AI leaf is a good candidate for the management of high blood pressure.

}, keywords = {Antioxidant, Apoptosis, Azadirachta indica, Hypertension, Oxidative stress, Phytotherapy}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_10_20}, author = {Temidayo Olutayo Omobowale and Ademola Adetokunbo Oyagbemi and Olumuyiwa Abiola Adejumobi and Fisayo Ugbor and Ebunoluwa Racheal Asenuga and Temitayo Olabisi Ajibade and Jeremiah Moyinoluwa Afolabi and Blessing Seun Ogunpolu and Olufunke Olubunmi Falayi and Idayat Titilayo Gbadamos and Olufunke Eunice Ola-Davies and Adebowale Bernard Saba and Anofi Ashafa and Momoh Audu Yakubu and Adeolu Alex Adedapo and Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju} } @article {70, title = {Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Oral Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil from the Leaves of Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus (Gomes) Landrum}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {12}, year = {2020}, month = {February 2020}, pages = {65-70}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {65}, abstract = {

Background: Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus is a native species from Brazil, whose leaves are used in the traditional culture as medicinal plants, being reported with antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Objectives: The aim of this study is to analyze and characterize the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) extracted from the leaves of P. pseudocaryophyllus, as well as to evaluate its potential for antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria inhabiting the human oral cavity. Materials and Methods: The extraction was performed by steam distillation and the chemical composition was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial potential of the EO against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Different dilutions of the EO (10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.312, 0.156, 0.078, and 0.039\%, v/v) were tested against the micro-organisms in disk diffusion tests to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results: The extraction yielded 0.65\% of EO in relation to fresh leaves of P. pseudocaryophyllus. GC-MS analysis identified eugenol, eucalyptol, and limonene as the major compounds of its. The material showed antimicrobial activity, especially against E. faecalis, with moderate activity against S. aureus, both at concentrations from 1.25\% to 10\%. Conclusion: The results suggested that this EO presents potential of activity against the oral micro-organisms here evaluated.

}, keywords = {Antimicrobial activity, Essential oil, eugenol, Minimum inhibitory concentration, Phytotherapy}, doi = {10.4103/pr.pr_83_19}, author = {Leila Teresinha Maranho and Elaine Cristina Rosas and Tha{\'\i}s Andrade Costa and Jo{\~a}o Luiz Coelho Ribas and Flares Baratto-Filho and Marilisa Carneiro Le{\~a}o Gabardo} } @article {283, title = {Antidiabetic Effects of Aqueous and Dichloromethane/Methanol Stem Bark Extracts of Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub (Papilionaceae) on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {9}, year = {2017}, month = {February 2017}, pages = {80-86}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {80}, abstract = {

Aim of the Study: The aim is to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effects of aqueous and CH2Cl2/CH3OH stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub in normal and diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic and normal adult Wistar rats were orally administered with aqueous and CH2Cl2/CH3OH plant extracts of P. soyauxii at various doses (38{\textendash}300 mg/kg) in a single administration. In addition, STZ-induced diabetic rats received prolonged daily administration for 14 days. Glibenclamide (GB) (10 mg/kg) was used as reference treatment. In acute test, fasting blood glucose was followed for 5 h. In subacute test, body weight, food and water intakes, and blood glucose were followed weekly and serum biochemical parameters evaluated after 14 days treatment. Results: Acute administration of aqueous and CH2Cl2/ CH3OH stem bark extracts moderately decreased fasting blood glucose compared to GB, significantly in normal rats (P \< 0.05 to P \< 0.01) but, as GB, not significantly in diabetic rats. Prolonged treatments in diabetic rats with aqueous and CH2Cl2/CH3OH extracts reduced blood glucose to an extent, respectively, superior or similar to GB. Moreover, P. soyauxii also significantly (P \< 0.01) reduced weight loss, and diabetes increased serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, and transaminases (alanine aminotransferase/ aspartate aminotransferase) elevations. Conclusion: P. soyauxii Taub stem bark extracts have possible value for antidiabetic oral medication.

}, keywords = {Antihyperglycemic, Diabetes mellitus, Phytotherapy, Pterocarpus soyauxii Taub, Rats, Streptozotocin}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.199767}, author = {Marie Claire Tchamadeu and Paul D{\'e}sir{\'e} Djomeni Dzeufiet and Nelly Blaes and Jean-Pierre Girolami and Pierre Kamtchouing and Th{\'e}ophile Dimo} }