Posted by admin on Jul 13, 2015 in |
Rapid industrialization and modernization have introduced substantial amounts of toxic heavy metals into the aquatic and terrestrial environment which possess a severe threat to flora and fauna. In recent years, considerable research work has been done and is currently underway on some natural biopolymers and their modifications to remove different kinds of heavy metal ions. Chitosan and cellulose, both naturally occurring polysaccharides are the most effective adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater. This review is aimed to provide relevant and recent information on the application of chitosan, cellulose and their respective derivatives for the removal of toxic heavy metal...
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Posted by admin on Jul 13, 2015 in |
The genus Ruellia L. is sometimes called Dipteracanthus, it comprises about 150 species native to tropical and temperate North and South America. In this review, the literature data on phytochemical and biological investigations of the genus Ruellia are compiled. The well-recognized groups of secondary metabolites were flavonoids, lignans, coumarins, alkaloids, triterpenes, sterols, phenolic glycosides, phenylethanoids, megastigmane glycosides, benzoxazinoid glucosides, and others. The extract of this genus as well as pure compounds isolated from it have been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological activities such as wound healing, cardio-vascular, anti-hyperglycemic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anticancer, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and gastro-protective activities, purgative and angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitory effects, estrogenic and cholinergic properties and anti-fertility...
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Posted by admin on Jun 3, 2015 in |
Rice bran is the cuticle existing between the rice and husk of the paddy and consists of embryo and endosperm of the seeds of Oryza sativa, family Gramineae. It is obtained as a by product in rice mill during polishing of rice obtained after dehusking of paddy. Rice bran contains about 15% of fixed oil and is obtained by the solvent extraction method. It contains oleic acid, linolenic acid as unsaturated fatty acid and palmitic acid, stearic acid as a saturated fatty acid. The minor components of the rice bran, i.e. gamma oryzanol, phytosterols, and other phytosterol conjugates are examined to have antioxidant property against the free radicals. It is believed that rice bran serves as an important functional food that has cholesterol-lowering properties, cardiovascular health benefits, and anti-tumor activity. The oryzanol component acts as a protective agent against UV light-induced lipid peroxidation and hence can be used as a potent sunscreen agent. The ferulic acid and its esters present in gamma oryzanol stimulate hair growth and prevent skin...
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Posted by admin on Jun 3, 2015 in |
Areca catechu has been in use as a social drug from the time immemorial and usually chewed by at least 10% of the world’s population. Areca catechu commonly known as supari consists of dried ripe nuts and belongs to the family Palmae which is cultivated in tropical India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, South China, the East Indies, the Philippines Islands and part of East Africa (including Zanzibar and Tanzania). Large quantities are exported from Madras, Singapore, Penang, and Sri Lanka. Areca nut (seed) contains tannin, gallic acid, gum, and alkaloids, viz. arecoline, arecaine, arecaidine, guvacoline, guvacine and choline and various minerals such as copper, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It also contains vitamin B6 and vitamin C. In Unani medicine, it is used for stomatitis, bleeding gums, gingivitis, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, leucorrhoea, antiperspirant, urinary disorders, anorexia, diarrhoea and improves foul breath. Experimental studies of A. catechu showed antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic activity, anti-depressant activity, and anti-HIV activity, etc. The present review is an attempt to compile and explore comprehensively the ethnomedicine uses, phytochemical...
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Posted by admin on Jun 3, 2015 in |
Sweet violet also known as the Viola odorata, blooms in continental climate conditions in early spring with delicate flowers of attractive scent. It has been traditionally the part of various indigenous preparations and being used to cure respiratory and inflammatory conditions. The present review article is an attempt to cover recent developments in the phytochemical and pharmacological potential of drug Viola odorata contains an alkaloid, glycoside, saponins, methyl salicylate, mucilage, and vitamin C. Traditionally V. odorata is worthwhile to cure Jaundice. V. odorata has shown anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial activity, hepatoprotective activity. Further investigations are exploring the possible use of these phytochemicals as pharmacological agents are warranted. The article reviews is an attempt to compile and documented information on a different aspect of Viola odorata pharmacological properties and highlight the need for research and their potential...
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