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A phytopharmacological overview on Ocimum species with special emphasis on Ocimum sanctum
Abstract
Plant kingdom represents a big reservoir of phytoconstituents with therapeutic potential, many of which could also serve as lead for the development of new chemical entities for various pathological states in future. Recently, USFDA has started up a new category of herbal drugs and products which are scientifically prepared and which will be leading the market exclusively like new pharmaceutical products. This has opened up a new window of opportunity for the Asian countries like India and China, which have rich heritage of traditional systems of medicines like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Ocimum species have a high index in a variety of pharmacological activities like antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antistress, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, chemoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, cardioprotective, antioxidant, antitussive, radioprotective, memory enhancing, antiarthritic, antifertility, antihypertensive, anticoagulant, anticataract, anthelmintic and antinociceptive activities. The current review is about collation of all the available data on identified chemical constituents as well as the reported pharmacological activities of Ocimum species, with special reference to Ocimum sanctum.
... Numerous studies have suggested that O. sanctum L. possesses immunomodulatory effects. The immunomodulatory effects of O. sanctum L. seed oil, which can affect both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, are thought to occur through GABAergic pathways [79]. O. sanctum L. demonstrated increased antibody production in research. ...
... The discovered mechanism for the extracts' therapeutic benefits might be linked to an improved mixed function oxidase system (MFO), higher glutathione levels, and increased glutathione-S-transferase enzyme activity. These findings indicate that the extracts may have a role in detoxifying carcinogens, likely contributing to their capacity to postpone the formation of papillomas and carcinomas [79]. Additionally, the chemopreventive action of O. sanctum L. seed oil has been reported [93]. ...
... In comparison to the methanolic extract (35.39% cough inhibition), the aqueous extract exhibited the strongest anti-tussive effect (72.5%). O. sanctum L. anti-tussive function is assumed to be a central action, possibly mediated by both the opioid and GABAergic systems [79]. ...
Ocimum sanctum Linn (O. sanctum L.), commonly known as Holy Basil or Tulsi, is a fragrant herbaceous plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is widely cultivated and found in north-central parts of India, several Arab countries, West Africa and tropical regions of the Eastern World. Tulsi is known to be an adaptogen, aiding the body in adapting to stress by harmonizing various bodily systems. Revered in Ayurveda as the “Elixir of Life”, Tulsi is believed to enhance lifespan and foster longevity. Eugenol, the active ingredient present in Tulsi, is a l-hydroxy-2-methoxy-4-allylbenzene compound with diverse therapeutic applications. As concerns over the adverse effects of conventional antibacterial agents continue to grow, alternative therapies have gained prominence. Essential oils (EOs) containing antioxidants have a long history of utilization in traditional medicine and have gained increasing popularity over time. Numerous in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have provided compelling evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of antioxidant EOs derived from medicinal plants for promoting health. This comprehensive review aims to highlight the scientific knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of O. sanctum, focusing on its antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neurogenesis, anti-depressant and other beneficial characteristics. Also, the extracts of O. sanctum L. have the ability to reduce chronic inflammation linked to neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The information presented in this review shed light on the multifaceted potential of Tulsi and its derivatives in maintaining and promoting health. This knowledge may pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions and natural remedies that harness the immense therapeutic potential of Tulsi in combating various health conditions, while also providing valuable insights for further research and exploration in this field.
... To resolve this issue, search for efficient antimicrobial agents is required. For thousands of years, natural products of plant origin have been used in traditional medicine to cure diseases in humans (Mahajan et al., 2013). Endophytes are considered potential sources of bioactive natural products (Hagag et al., 2022). ...
... The plant targeted for the endophyte isolation in this study was Ocimum sanctum L. (holy basil, member of the family Lamiaceae), a well-known medicinal plant. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics, and is known for its religious and versatile medicinal properties (Mahajan et al., 2013). The leaves of O. sanctum are well-known for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcerogenic, antistress, anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, radioprotective, and antitumor activities (Mahajan et al., 2013;Cohen, 2014). ...
... It is native to the Indian subcontinent, is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics, and is known for its religious and versatile medicinal properties (Mahajan et al., 2013). The leaves of O. sanctum are well-known for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcerogenic, antistress, anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, radioprotective, and antitumor activities (Mahajan et al., 2013;Cohen, 2014). In India, the leaves of this plant are generally used for the treatment of fever and allergies. ...
The goal of this study was to isolate endophytic fungi from Ocimum sanctum L. and to evaluate their biological potential, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and enzymatic activities and further characterization of the bioactive compounds. Nine endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stem tissues of O. sanctum collected from the botanical garden of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. All isolates were identified based on their microscopic structures and molecular sequencing of the ITS rDNA. Aspergillus clavatonanicus (SS7) and Cochliobolus hawaiiensis (SL3) showed the highest colonization frequencies in the stem and leaves (16 and 14%, respectively). All fungal isolates were tested for extracellular enzymatic activities of amylase, cellulase, and pectinase. Of the nine fungal isolates, 60% tested positive for amylase and cellulase, whereas 50% showed pectinase activity. Using a disc diffusion assay, the extracted secondary metabolites
were checked for antibacterial activity against three human pathogenic bacteria. Two isolates, SL2 and SS7, exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against all pathogens, including Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Crude extracts of the six fungal isolates
showed positive antioxidant activity. The crude extract of Aspergillus allahabadii (isolate SL2) showed
strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities and crystallized during purification. X-ray crystallography confirmed the identity of the crystal as citrinin, which also exhibited strong anticancer activity against Dalton’s lymphoma cells. The results of this study suggest that endophytic fungi isolated from the leaf and stem tissues of Ocimum sanctum are potential sources of antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer compounds.
... To resolve this issue, search for efficient antimicrobial agents is required. For thousands of years, natural products of plant origin have been used in traditional medicine to cure diseases in humans (Mahajan et al., 2013). Endophytes are considered potential sources of bioactive natural products (Hagag et al., 2022). ...
... The plant targeted for the endophyte isolation in this study was Ocimum sanctum L. (holy basil, member of the family Lamiaceae), a well-known medicinal plant. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics, and is known for its religious and versatile medicinal properties (Mahajan et al., 2013). The leaves of O. sanctum are well-known for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcerogenic, antistress, anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, radioprotective, and antitumor activities (Mahajan et al., 2013;Cohen, 2014). ...
... It is native to the Indian subcontinent, is widely cultivated throughout the Southeast Asian tropics, and is known for its religious and versatile medicinal properties (Mahajan et al., 2013). The leaves of O. sanctum are well-known for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiulcerogenic, antistress, anticancer, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, radioprotective, and antitumor activities (Mahajan et al., 2013;Cohen, 2014). In India, the leaves of this plant are generally used for the treatment of fever and allergies. ...
The goal of this study was to isolate endophytic fungi from Ocimum sanctum L. and to evaluate their biological potential, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and enzymatic activities and further characterization of the bioactive compounds. Nine endophytic fungi were isolated from the leaves and stem tissues of O. sanctum collected from the botanical garden of Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. All isolates were identified based on their microscopic structures and molecular sequencing of the ITS rDNA. Aspergillus clavatonanicus (SS7) and Cochliobolus hawaiiensis (SL3) showed the highest colonization frequencies in the stem and leaves (16 and 14%, respectively). All fungal isolates were tested for extracellular enzymatic activities of amylase, cellulase, and pectinase. Of the nine fungal isolates, 60% tested positive for amylase and cellulase, whereas 50% showed pectinase activity. Using a disc diffusion assay, the extracted secondary metabolites were checked for antibacterial activity against three human pathogenic bacteria. Two isolates, SL2 and SS7, exhibited the highest antibacterial activity against all pathogens, including Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Crude extracts of the six fungal isolates showed positive antioxidant activity. The crude extract of Aspergillus allahabadii (isolate SL2) showed strong antibacterial and antioxidant activities and crystallized during purification. X-ray crystallography confirmed the identity of the crystal as citrinin, which also exhibited strong anticancer activity against Dalton’s lymphoma cells. The results of this study suggest that endophytic fungi isolated from the leaf and stem tissues of Ocimum sanctum are potential sources of antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer compounds.
... 29,30 Recent studies reported decrease of blood glucose in streptozotocin-induced DM rats by adding 1 % -2 % of Ocimum sanctum leaf powder. [31][32][33][34][35] As reported earlier, Ocimum sanctum Linn. and Ocimum basilicum Linn. ...
... and Ocimum basilicum Linn. possess a high level of antioxidant activity 32,36 which is attributed to the flavonoids and phenolic compounds. 37 In case of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ...
Background/Aim: Our nerves can be impacted by thousands of diseases and ailments, but diabetes-related neuropathy is the name given to the endocrine system issue that results in nerve damage. Herbal plants having antioxidant activity play an important role in managing diabetes and the associated complications. Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum plants have shown antihyperglycemic as well as neuroprotective activity but the effect of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum on diabetic neuropathy (DN) has not been studied so far. So, the given manuscript was aimed to evaluate the effect of both plants by various in vitro biochemical parameters as well as in vivo studies. Methods: The given manuscript describes the effect of methanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum, in DN induced Swiss albino mice of either sex weighing 25-35 g. Mice were divided into 6 groups viz control (I) receiving citrate buffer, diabetic (II) and test groups (III, IV, V, VI) receiving streptozotocin at a dose of 100 mg/kg to induce DN on 21st day followed by treatment of test groups (III, IV, V, VI) at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg daily for 14 days, with Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum sanctum, respectively. Results: The results showed that the methanol extracts of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum basilicum gave significant change in weight variation, tail immersion test and blood glucose in comparison to diabetic control. In brain tissue homogenate measurement of oxidative stress by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), glutathione (GSH) and serum nitrite level, the methanol extract of both plants produced significant change when compared to diabetic control. Conclusion: This study underscores the promising role of herbal adjuncts in addressing the complexities of diabetic neuropathy and warrants continued investigation into their clinical utility.
... These enzymes are crucial for the detoxification of both mutagens and carcinogens. These findings imply a possible function for leaf extract or its active ingredient in the chemoprevention of chemical carcinogenesis [76][77][78][79][80]. ...
... The primary chemical components of Tulsi include -caryophyllene, Eugenol, Carvacrol, Oleanolic acid, Ursolic acid, and Rosmarinic acid ( Table 2) [77,78] ...
The statement “prevention is better than cure” and its applications is not a new for Ayurvedic health care system. The statement defines the aim and objectives of Ayurvedic health care system in a nutshell “swasthasya swasthya rakshanam aaturasya vikara prashamanam”. The immune system is certainly considered one of our most discreet biological systems withinside the body. Immunizations may be obtained by us actively or passively. Active immunization includes stimulating with an antigen to generate immunological defenses against a destiny exposure, rather than passive vaccination, which includes administering antibodies to someone who has already been exposed to an antigen. Both plant and animal sources produce immunomodulatory effects to boost the body’s immunological reactivity against infections by engaging the non-specific immune system. Herbal immunomodulators are substances that either activate or suppress innate and adaptive immune responses in the body. Different ailments including allergies, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other infectious disorders are caused by immune system failure. Therefore, regulating the many infectious illnesses requires significant immune response modification. Global scientific study is currently focused on how various medicinal plant components might alter the immune system. Numerous Indian and “Rasayana” and medicinal plants may have immunomodulatory characteristics. Some of these plants are Tinospora cordifolia, Morus alba, Acacia catechu, Allium sativum, and Mangifera indica. There are many more that are still undiscovered and offer space for greater study.
... Studies have shown that O. sanctum extracts exhibit inhibition zones ranging from 12 to 35 mm against bacterial pathogens, depending on the extraction method and concentration. In addition to its antibacterial effects, O. sanctum possesses strong antioxidant properties, capable of neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress (Mahajan, Rawal, Verma, Poddar, & Alok, 2013). Oxidative stress plays a significant role in chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer (Rahman, Islam, Kamruzzaman, Alam, & Jamal, 2011). ...
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has increased the demand for alternative antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Ocimum sanctum (holy basil) is widely recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly its antibacterial and antioxidant potential. This study evaluates the antibacterial activity of O. sanctum extracts against Streptococcus mutans and Escherichia coli, comparing ethanol, methanol, and aqueous extractions. The study also investigates the dose-response relationship, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antioxidant potential of the extracts. O. sanctum extracts were prepared using ethanol, methanol, and aqueous solvents. The antibacterial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method at different extract concentrations (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/mL). The MIC and MBC values were determined using the broth dilution method, while a time-kill assay monitored bacterial reduction over 24 hours. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was analyzed using the DPPH radical scavenging assay to evaluate their free radical neutralization ability. The ethanol extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 28.6 ± 1.3 mm for S. mutans and 33.2 ± 1.4 mm for E. coli at 100 mg/mL. The MIC values for ethanol extract were 6 mg/mL for S. mutans and 4 mg/mL for E. coli, while MBC values were 12 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL, respectively. The time-kill assay demonstrated that 18 mg/mL ethanol extract reduced bacterial counts by 99.9% within 24 hours, whereas methanol and aqueous extracts required higher concentrations (30 mg/mL and 60 mg/mL). The antioxidant assay showed that ethanol extract had the highest free radical scavenging activity (82.5 ± 2.1%) compared to methanol (76.3 ± 1.8%) and aqueous extracts (64.7 ± 1.5%). The findings suggest that O. sanctum extract, particularly in ethanol form, possesses significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Its strong antimicrobial activity and free radical scavenging potential highlight its role as a natural therapeutic agent. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to validate its effectiveness in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.
... Additionally, OS exhibits aldose reductase inhibitory activity, which may contribute to mitigating the risk of diabetes-related complications such as cataracts and retinopathy [6] . In experimental studies, OS leaves have been reported to exhibit both hypoglycemic and antihyperglycemic properties [7,8] . The antidiabetic effects of the leaf extracts may be attributed to their stimulatory influence on physiological pathways involved in insulin secretion. ...
... Given that glucose is a primary energy reserve metabolite utilized in stress responses, an increase under such conditions was expected and indeed noted in this study as post-stress glucose elevation. Although it was hypothesized that the sedative effects of basil (Mahajan et al., 2013;Uritu et al., 2018) might positively influence glucose reduction after recovery from simulated transport stress, this trend was not observed in our study; the inclusion of basil in the diet did not mitigate the stressor. Similarly, studies conducted by Ventura et al. (2020) and Chung et al. (2020) also reported no decrease in glucose levels with the use of O. basilicum essential oil during the transport of Nile tilapia and in the diet of pirarucu, respectively. ...
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ocimum basilicum supplementation in the diet for Piaractus mesopotamicus regarding productive performance, intestinal morphology, muscle residue, and hematological changes after simulated transport stress. Juvenile (23 g±0.08, n = 180) were stocked into 300-L tanks in three treatments and six replicates each: a control diet (not supplemented), a diet with 0.5% essential oil of O. basilicum and a diet with 0.5% aqueous extract of O. basilicum. After 45 days, weight and length were measured, and the fish were submitted to a 4-hour simulated transport to assess the stress responses and the possible effects of the experimental diets on them. The main components of the essential oil were methyl chavicol (70.81%) and linalool (22.04%), while the aqueous extract contained tannin levels of 262.59±24 mg kg-1. The retention rate of the essential oil was about 50%, while the aqueous extract retention varied between 77 and 82%. The results showed no significant effect of basil on the productive performance of the fish. Fish supplemented with the aqueous extract exhibited a lower intestinal mucosal height compared to other groups. Additionally, transported fish showed increased blood glucose concentrations even higher in fish supplemented with the aqueous extract. It was concluded that supplementation with 0.5% basil, either as essential oil or aqueous extract, did not benefit productive performance, intestinal morphology, or reduce transport stress in pacu.
... Taking Tulsi on a regular basis is thought to assist with handling daily stress, warding off sickness, and improving overall health, wellness, and longevity. Additionally, Tulsi enhances complexion luster and vocal sweetness and promotes beauty, intelligence, endurance and a composed emotional state (Mahajan et al., 2013;Hussain et al., 2001). In addition to its positive effects on health, Tulsi is recommended for addressing a range of issues, including anxiety, ringworm, skin conditions, insect bites, snake bites and scorpion bites. ...
The multidimensional metabolic syndrome that includes diabetes mellitus poses a serious threat to world health. There is an increasing interest in researching herbal remedies for their possible therapeutic advantages, even as traditional allopathic treatments continue to be widely used. This work throws light on the multiple ways of metabolism and biochemical interactions of medicinal plants in the control of glucose level, highlighting their crucial role in the process. The work clarifies several herbal extracts' efficacy and safety profiles, such as Aloe vera, Garlic, Gurmar, Bitter Melon, Neem, Tulsi, and through a thorough literature review and empirical evidence. These plants, which are abundant in bioactive substances like tannins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, show promise in treating insulin resistance, improving pancreatic function, and controlling blood sugar level. A further assessment of the rising risk associated with diabetes mellitus is discussed, and a differential equation model for diabetes mellitus is developed to minimize the complications. When using medicinal plants to treat diabetes, several factors are considered, including blood sugar level, sugar intake activity, and plasma insulin concentrations. The stability criterion for the mathematical model is examined through the system of differential equations. A representation highlighting the medicinal plants that can aid individuals with diabetes mellitus is provided. The blood sugar level, insulin generalization variable and plasma insulin concentration have all been measured at different points in time. Aloe vera, Gurmar, Garlic, Tulsi, Bitter Melon and Neem are among the medicinal plants selected for their demonstrated anti-hyperglycemic properties due to their easy availability in India. Mathematical solutions were calculated for every plant and proved to be steady.
... Tulsi also supports respiratory health providing relief from coughs, colds, and asthma. Furthermore, its antiinflammatory activities make it valuable in managing inflammatory conditions and promoting general well-being 44 . ...
The North Eastern Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, India, is a significant reservoir of medicinal plants long utilized by indigenous communities. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the region's prominent medicinal flora, detailing their traditional uses, phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic applications. It underscores the ecological importance of the region as a biodiversity hotspot and the crucial role of local knowledge systems in preserving and utilizing these plants. Key species like Tinospora cordifolia, Centella asiatica, Curcuma longa, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Withania somnifera are discussed alongside their traditional uses in Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine. The phytochemical analysis reveals bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyphenols, which confer medicinal and nutraceutical properties. Scientific studies highlight their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective effects, bridging traditional and modern healthcare practices. The review stresses the importance of scientifically validating traditional knowledge and implementing sustainable conservation measures to safeguard biodiversity and ensure the availability of these plants for future generations. Integrating traditional medicine with modern scientific approaches is emphasized for drug development and responsible resource management, highlighting the interconnectedness of natural resources and healthcare. Overall, the review serves as a valuable resource for understanding and harnessing the therapeutic potential of the region's medicinal plants while advocating for their conservation and responsible utilization.
... citriodorum), and tree basil (O. gratissimum) [3,4]. ...
... [2,3] tulsi has a unique combination of actions that include: Antimicrobial (including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic), mosquito repellent, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inammatory, chemo preventive, radio protective, hepato-protective, neuro-protective, cardio-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-hypercholesterolemia, anti-hypertensive, antic a r c i n o g e n i c , a n a l g e s i c , a n t i -p y r e t i c , a n t i -a l l e r g i c , immunomodulatory, central nervous system depressant, memory enhancement, anti-asthmatic, anti-tussive, diaphoretic, anti-thyroid, anti-fertility, anti-ulcer, anti-spasmodic, anti-arthritic, adaptogenic, anti-stress, and anti-coagulant activities. [4,5] Tulsi Plant is useful in the treatment of cold, cough, malaria, dengue, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat, inuenza, heart disorders, eye diseases, mouth infections, insect bites, stress, and kidney stones etc [6] Tulsi also helps to prevent cancers caused by toxic compounds by reducing DNA damage [7] and inducing apoptosis in precancerous and cancerous cells, thereby reducing the growth of experimental tumors and enhancing survival. [8]. ...
... Essential oils effectively restore damage to both the hair scalp and shaft. Terpenoids promote the growth of hair follicles [21]. areas, encompassing places in Asia, Africa, and Australia. ...
Background- Mammals' hair has a purpose beyond its physiological function. Culturally, hair is a
blank canvas on which one can express oneself and evoke previous and present fads. Today, significant
hair loss might be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, a skin problem, or old age. Between 0.2 and
4% of the world's population has this disease, which often worsens physical and mental health. Recent
research has focused on herbal hair growth remedies. Natural and alternative medicines are gaining
popularity. Methods- Natural therapies, such as plants with therapeutic properties, are being studied to
reduce hair loss and grow hair. A comprehensive analysis of plant species researched for hair loss and
growth is provided. Result- The review uses traditional knowledge and scientific studies to describe
how these plants work, their active components, and their advantages. To determine the efficacy and
safety of these plant-based interventions, standardized research protocols, and clinical trials are needed
due to differences in study methods, plant preparations, and individual responses. Conclusion- As
interest in natural hair care grows, understanding the pros and cons of different plant species is crucial
for establishing evidence-based hair fall prevention and growth solutions
... The plant starts flowering one month after planting and a maximum number of flowers are noted during the second and third months of planting [11]. Flowering takes place throughout the year. ...
Background: Natural resources have always been the stepping stone in the advancement of modern medicine and the knowledge of the various traditional system of medicine has played a very crucial role in it. However, due to overexploitation of some drugs has led to the endangerment of them.
Objective: The present review describes the cultivation and collection techniques along with therapeutic attributes of Curculigo orchoides on various diseases and disorders.
Result and Discussion: Curculigo orchoides (C. orchoides) contains a vast number of phytoconstituents. The major class of active phytoconstituents isolated from this plant are termed as “Curculigoside”. C. orchoides has been explored for its different therapeutic attributes to prove and validate its traditional uses. The plant has been reported to have therapeutic attributes viz. anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-microbial. The optimum quality and conditions for cultivation and collection are found and discussed also.
Conclusion: C. orchoides can be used as an effective medicine for the treatment of many ailments. However, systematic studies on cultivation are required to explore its potential.
Keywords: Curculigo orchoides, Natural resources, traditional medicine, medicinal plants, Pharmacotherapy
... Withanolides-A, a major constituent significantly increased the levels of Th1 cytokines. The studies suggested that it supports predominantly Th1 immunity with increase in macrophage functions.[55,56,57] Cinnamon: A study on rats reported that the administration of the bark powder of Cinnamon for 90 days produced antioxidant activities with respect to cardiac and hepatic antioxidant enzymes, lipid conjugate dienes. ...
COVID-19 has been declared pandemic, globally, it is clear that none of food or dietary supplement is more important than social distancing and practicing good hygiene practices, to get ourselves protected from COVID-19. Natural herbal immune-boosters carrying the potential to fight viral infections in the form of herbal supplements are known for their immune-boosting potential. Some of the major herbal immune-boosters are need to be discussed at this point of time. Some herbs can act well in strengthening the immunity on prolonged and regular use. Some formulations have been found to alter some modules of immune function; their inclusion in any form in daily life can play vital role to enhance immunity to the point where we are better protected against diseases. A review has been done on the herbs carrying immune-promoter prospective.
... It has been proposed that Ocimum sanctum contain herbal medicines might reduce the duration of the disease, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers in viral hepatitis patients (Mahajan et al., 2013). ...
... It has been proposed that Ocimum sanctum contain herbal medicines might reduce the duration of the disease, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers in viral hepatitis patients (Mahajan et al., 2013). ...
... It has been proposed that Ocimum sanctum contain herbal medicines might reduce the duration of the disease, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers in viral hepatitis patients (Mahajan et al., 2013). ...
... It has been proposed that Ocimum sanctum contain herbal medicines might reduce the duration of the disease, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers in viral hepatitis patients (Mahajan et al., 2013). ...
... It has been proposed that Ocimum sanctum contain herbal medicines might reduce the duration of the disease, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers in viral hepatitis patients (Mahajan et al., 2013). ...
... Hundreds of studies revealed by our scientists with in-vitro studies on human and animal studies reveal a special nature with various therapeutic effects like antiviral, anti-diarrheal, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-protozoal, antimalarial, anthelmintic, anti-diarrheal, antipyretic, anti-allergic, anti-tussive, anti-stress activates [75,76]. ...
COVID-19, a severe global catastrophe spread by the corona-virus which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged as one of the most dangerous transmitted diseases. Natural products and their use in respiratory infections with low toxicity is seen. In the present scenario health care system is turning to medicinal plant products. Herbal medicine includes multiple active constituents for a variety of diseases, but proper information is needed for the preparation of herbal regimens; otherwise, active constituents would be negatively affected. So this keep in mind, Standardization parameter like ash value, acid insoluble value, acid value saponification value is discussed here. Ayurvedic Formulation like Aswagandha, Giloy, Tulsi, Neem, clove, pepper, Licorice is standardized for their quality, purity, inorganic content and lack of chemical constituents which causes severe problem after administration. Many preclinical and clinical trials conducted to evaluate the effect of herbal drugs which can cure and prevent the COVID-19. The herbal constituent extracted from different plant part is standardized like stem, root, leaves for their qualitative analysis which is effective against COVID-19. This review article discussing about the quality and purity and tell about the pros and cons of the herbal drug and its effect. The use of herbal drug for Ayurvedic formulation show potent effect for mild, moderate and severe effect of COVID-19 , inflammation ,respiratory distress , cough , cold and loss of senses . Some Ayurvedic formulation which is present in market is guduchi, giloy ghanvati, tulsi ghanvati, neem ghanvati, aswagandha ghanvati, yasthimadhu, laxmivilas rasa, sudarshan ghanvati etc . Which is having great effect in these type of COVID-19 symptoms.
... Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi), Ocimum gratissium (Ram Tulsi), Ocimum canum (Dulal Tulsi), Ocimum basilicum (Ban Tulsi), Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Ocimum ammericanum, Ocimum camphora and Ocimum micranthum are examples of known important species of genus Ocimum which grow in different parts of the world and are known to have medicinal properties [1,2]. Studies reveal that tulsi has a unique combination of pharmacological actions [3,4] has great reputation in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of liver disorders [5][6][7][8]. From the literature, the herbal hepatoprotective have not as much of side consequence or interaction as contrast to synthetic drug but in other hand scientific facts from experiments done to assess the safety and competence of traditional these medicine products and practices is restricted [9]. As a result, it was found advisable to observe the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective nature of lyophilized tulsi leaf powder (LTLP) in order to establish its prospective use. ...
... Ocimum sanctum L. (Tulsi), Ocimum gratissium (Ram Tulsi), Ocimum canum (Dulal Tulsi), Ocimum basilicum (Ban Tulsi), Ocimum kilimandscharicum, Ocimum ammericanum, Ocimum camphora and Ocimum micranthum are examples of known important species of genus Ocimum which grow in different parts of the world and are known to have medicinal properties [1,2]. Studies reveal that tulsi has a unique combination of pharmacological actions [3,4] has great reputation in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of liver disorders [5][6][7][8]. From the literature, the herbal hepatoprotective have not as much of side consequence or interaction as contrast to synthetic drug but in other hand scientific facts from experiments done to assess the safety and competence of traditional these medicine products and practices is restricted [9]. As a result, it was found advisable to observe the acute toxicity and hepatoprotective nature of lyophilized tulsi leaf powder (LTLP) in order to establish its prospective use. ...
... It grows around 300 meters above sea level (Pattanayak et al., 2010). Basil plants (Ocimum sanctum) are widely available plants; basil plants are a form of hermaphroditic plant that thrives in the tropics; this plant is a member of the Lamiaceae family, which is abundant in Indonesia (Mahajan et al., 2013). ...
The structure and composition of vegetation in hot spring areas of Ie Suum and Ie Jue in Seulawah Agam mountain are influenced by the temperature of hot spring zones. Given that the geology and geomorphology of the hot spring area will undoubtedly influence the structure and composition of the vegetation, it is critical to know the data that comprise the vegetation. This study aims to identify plant species, vegetation habitus, and vegetation diversity index. This research was conducted in the area of hot springs Ie Suum and Ie Jue Seulawah Agam mountain Aceh Besar district Aceh province Indonesia. The quadratic technique was employed in this study to determine the research location through purposive sampling divided into four points (stations) of observation based on wind direction. Quadrat size was determined based on plant habitus, namely 1x1 m2 (Herbsceous), 2x2 m2 (shrub) at stations dominated by Herbsceous and shrub/shrub species, 5x5 m2 (pole) and 10x10 m2 (tree). The sample plots were placed methodically, with each transect running north, south, west, and east, with the hot spring at the middle of the transect. Each observation station contained up to 5 quadrat plots. And then, plant sampling was carried out for identification. The results of the study showed that 36 plant species were discovered in the Ie Suum area, with a total of 511 plants. Most individuals are found in Herbsceous habitus plants, namely Borreria laevis (42 individuals), shrub habitus plants, specifically Chromolaena odorata (36 individuals), and tree habitus plants, specifically Phyllanthus emblica (46 individuals). While in the Ie Jue hot spring area 96 species with a total of 2918 individuals. The most species that grow in the area is the Vitex pinnata tree (14 individuals), while the most dominant herbaceous plant was Axonopus compressus (251 individuals) and the shrub habitus was dominated by Ocimum sanctum (260 individuals). The plant vegetation diversity index of the Ie Suum hot spring area is H'= 3.373. While plant vegetation in the Ie Jue hot spring area is H'= 3.651. According to Shannon-Wiener diversity index standards, the plant index of Ie Suum and Ie Jue hot spring is high, H'> 3, placing both of them in the high diversity group.Abstrak: Struktur dan komposisi vegetasi di kawasan sumber air panas Ie Suum dan Ie Jue di Gunung Seulawah Agam dipengaruhi oleh suhu zona sumber air panas. Mengingat bahwa geologi dan geomorfologi daerah sumber air panas pasti akan mempengaruhi struktur dan komposisi vegetasi, maka sangat penting untuk mengetahui data-data yang menyusun vegetasi tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi jenis-jenis tumbuhan, habitus vegetasi, dan indeks keanekaragaman vegetasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan di kawasan sumber air panas Ie Suum dan Ie Jue Seulawah Gunung Agam Kabupaten Aceh Besar, Provinsi Aceh, Indonesia. Metode kuadrat digunakan dalam penelitian ini untuk menentukan lokasi penelitian melalui purposive sampling yang dibagi menjadi empat titik (stasiun) pengamatan berdasarkan arah mata angin. Ukuran kuadrat ditentukan berdasarkan habitus tumbuhan, yaitu 1x1 m2 (herba), 2x2 m2 (perdu) pada stasiun yang didominasi oleh jenis herba dan semak/belukar, 5x5 m2 (tiang), dan 10x10 m2 (pohon). Plot-plot sampel ditempatkan pada garis setiap transek yang membujur dari utara, selatan, barat, dan timur, dengan sumber air panas berada di tengah-tengah transek. Setiap stasiun pengamatan terdiri dari 5 plot kuadrat. Kemudian dilakukan pengambilan sampel tumbuhan untuk diidentifikasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa 36 spesies tumbuhan ditemukan di kawasan Ie Suum, dengan total 511 tumbuhan. Individu terbanyak ditemukan pada tumbuhan habitus herba yaitu Borreria laevis (42 individu), tumbuhan habitus semak yaitu Chromolaena odorata (36 individu), dan tumbuhan habitus pohon yaitu Phyllanthus emblica (46 individu). Sedangkan di kawasan pemandian air panas Ie Jue ditemukan 96 spesies dengan total 2918 individu. Spesies yang paling banyak tumbuh di kawasan tersebut adalah pohon Vitex pinnata (14 individu), sedangkan tumbuhan herba yang paling dominan adalah Axonopus compressus (251 individu) dan habitus semak didominasi oleh Ocimum sanctum (260 individu). Indeks keanekaragaman vegetasi tumbuhan di kawasan air panas Ie Suum adalah H'= 3,373. Sedangkan vegetasi tumbuhan di kawasan sumber air panas Ie Jue adalah H'= 3,651. Berdasarkan standar indeks keanekaragaman Shannon-Wiener, indeks tumbuhan di kawasan air panas Ie Suum dan Ie Jue tergolong tinggi, yaitu H'>3, sehingga menempatkan keduanya dalam kelompok keanekaragaman tinggi.
... (2015) point out that significant expenditures in data centers, high-performance computer clusters, and data analysts are required. To fully realize the promise of big data in urban planning, data analytics platforms must be scalable, secure, and reliable [41]- [45]. ...
Data from a variety of sample cities was evaluated as part of a research looking into the integration of big data analytics into urban planning. The goals were to evaluate the impact of data analytics infrastructure, data volume and processing time, urban development initiatives, and data analytics efficiency. The results showed significant differences in data analytics resources across cities, indicating different levels of investment and preparedness for data-driven decision making. It was clear that cities could handle large amounts of data efficiently thanks to their strong data processing skills. Data analytics have an impact on urban development initiatives, highlighting the revolutionary potential of data-driven urban planning. The outcomes of efficiency tests demonstrated how data analytics procedures are useful for improving urban services and for making well-informed judgments. This study offers important new insights into the mechanics of data-driven urban planning and how it can influence how cities develop in the future.
... Cocculus hirsutus (Vasanvel):Cocculus hirsutus most well-liked alongwith its medicinal use in asia ,it is abandon source of various alkaloids, very few attempts have been made in terms of its antifungal and wound healing potential.Ocimum tenuiflorum (Rantulas): the medicinal use of Ocimum tenuiflorumis well known many studies carried out in vitro, on animal and human shows its unique property as Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cataract, anti-inflammatory, radio-defensive, hepato-defensive, immunomodulatory, memory improvement, opposed to-asthmatic, , diaphoretic, defiant to thyroid, useful in fertility, cure ulcer, opposed to emetic, opposed to-spasmodic, , opposed to-leukodermal and helful in blood coagulant activities. [ 6,7,8,9 ] Materials and methods: ...
In present investigation the ointment is made with Holarrhena pubescens ,Cocculushirsutus,Ocimum tenuiflorum , ;Cross streak technique shows inhibition zone greater than 10 mm in ointment C followed by B, D, A and E against all the test pathogens. By good quality of its greater inhibition zone in the cross streak method and positive antibacterial activity, ointment C (Holarrhena pubescens 3.5 %) was selected for further experiments. the test were carried up to 4 week and zone of inhibition were checked at 7th ,14th ,21st ,28th day .the greater inhibition zone found in ointment C for Enterobacter aerogenes it were shown (16.9 ±0.5) followed by ointment D (14.3 ±0.5) at 21st day. the greater inhibition zone found in ointment C for Aeromonas hydrophila it were shown (17.9 ±0.4) followed by ointment D (15.3 ±0.6) at 21st day. Ointment E which do not contain medicinal plat mix do not shows greater inhibition activity. Which clearly shows that present formulation responsible to inhibit bacterialgrowth infected to animals.
KEYWORDS:Medicinal Plants, Fish Health. Antibacterial.
... Specifically, the insecticidal, fungistatic, and antibacterial properties of the plant extracts are well-documented. 8,9 From the Ocimum genus, Ocimum kilimandscharicum, commonly known as camphor basil, is native to Eastern Africa. This species has been extensively used in traditional medicine to cure colds, coughs, malaria, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea. ...
Kenyans have long utilized Ocimum kilimandscharicum, an East African permanent evergreen plant, to treat measles, stomachaches, diarrhea, mosquito bites (anti-insect), congested chest, cough, and colds. Using conventional qualitative and quantitative techniques, this study was done to identify the secondary metabolites in O. kilimandscharicum leaf extracts. The chemical content of the crude extracts from the leaves of O. kilimandscharicum has also been investigated and characterized using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). By using a 1:20 dilution in methanol, in cold maceration, a fine powder of O. kilimandscharicum was first extracted then filtered and concentrated after 72 h utilizing a rotary evaporator. By using also a 1:20 dilution in water at 80 °C, a fine powder of O. kilimandscharicum was extracted and then filtrated and lyophilized 1 h later. Each extract underwent further gas chromatography–mass spectrometry testing. We found that both extracts contain secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. However, the overall amount of phytochemicals in each solvent varied significantly. Total phenolics contents (TPCs) were 5.6 ± 1.20 and 10.8 ± 1.00 mg, total flavonoid contents (TFCs) were 8.2 ± 0.4 and 39.6 ± 2.2 mg, total tannin contents (TTCs) were 0 ± 0.00 and 10.5 ± 0.4 mg, the total alkaloid content (TAC) was 49.2 ± 0.40%, and the total saponin content (TSC) was 38 ± 2.00%. Additionally the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealed a number of high- and low-molecular-weight bioactive molecules at various concentrations for each extract. We also found an inhibitory effect on adhP and chbR gene expression of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuius, respectively. Hence, these chemicals could potentially have a biological and pharmacological significance. Therefore, the discovery of many physiologically active chemicals in the leaf extracts of O. kilimandscharicum justifies future biological and pharmaceutical research.
Background
Urinary tract infection (UTIs) is the most common infection in women affecting approximately 75% of women worldwide during their pregnancy, and in pre and postmenopausal women. Typical symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, suprapubic discomfort, and dysuria.
Method
An introduction to the epidemiology of UTIs and detailed herbal nanoformulation treatment approach through novel intravaginal route is intended through this narrative review. UTIs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and they affect the quality of life of the affected patients. Multidrug-resistant bacteria and recurrent UTIs are becoming more common. Development of resistance, adverse effects of antibiotics, and other associated problems lead to establishing the research framework to find out the alternative approaches in controlling UTIs. Antibiotic- free treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections UTIs should be used, saving drugs for severe infections. Herbal medication might be used instead of antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs, in addition to analgesics for purely symptomatic treatment.
Conclusion
This review identifies the pathophysiology of UTI, distinguish the intravaginal route as an alternative to oral delivery route, summarizes the management of urinary tract infections and highlights the anti-uropathogenic and anti-bactericidal effects of herbal approaches to prevent or treat urinary tract infections.
Background
Oral ulcers are frequent ulcerative conditions in the oral cavity that cause pain, recur often, and negatively impact quality of life.
Aim and Objective
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of herbal extracts containing saffron, Withania somnifera, dry ginger, and tulsi as anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents for treating oral ulcers.
Materials and Methods
A blend of 1 g each of tulsi, Withania somnifera, and dry ginger powders was mixed with 100 ml of distilled water and heated at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were tested by adding 5 ml of the extract to a gel composed of 5 g of carboxylate methyl cellulose and carbopol. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs were assessed using the Membrane Stabilization Assay, BSA Assay, and EA Assay, while the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay.
Results
The Membrane Stabilization Assay at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 micrograms/ml showed values of 53, 64, 77, 79, and 85, respectively. The BSA Assay results were 42, 56, 67, 75, and 77, and the EA Assay results were 54, 61, 65, 69, and 78. The P values were 0.658 for the Membrane Stabilization Assay, 0.281 for the BSA Assay, and 0.647 for the EA Assay. These values indicate that the herbal ingredients’ cytotoxic activity is comparable to the standard.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that the natural components of medicinal herbs can effectively treat oral ulcers, improving patients’ quality of life. Thus, herbal medicines can be used alongside commercially available allopathic drugs.
Background: Mild cognitive decline, a common issue in aging, affects memory, learning, and attention. Nutrition can influence cognition, and research indicates that Ocimum sp. (holy basil and sweet basil) leaf extracts may enhance cognition in rodents and humans. However, these studies do not address whether these benefits extend to fresh or dry leaves consumed in typical human diets, along with physiological aging. Aim: To investigate the effects of sweet basil supplementation on cognition in mature and aged female mice. Methods: Female C57bl mice were divided into four groups: 8-month-old mature adults and 18-month-old aged adults, each receiving either a control or supplemented diet. The supplemented diet included a mix of standard chow and fresh basil leaves, administered for 2–8 months. Cognitive and behavioral assessments were conducted using the novel object recognition (NOR), Morris water maze (MWM), and elevated plus maze (EPM) tasks, focusing on memory, learning, and anxiety. Results: No cognitive improvement was observed in mature mice. However, aged mice receiving long-term basil supplementation showed enhanced discrimination in NOR and stayed closer to the absent platform in MWM compared to nonsupplemented controls. While aging mice exhibited reduced anxiety-like behavior in EPM, basil supplementation prevented this reduction. Conclusion: Basil supplementation appears beneficial in elderly mice, potentially preventing age-related cognitive decline and behavioral changes. These findings support the benefits of basil consumption in cognition and underscore its potential role in promoting healthy aging. Incorporating basil into the diet at a younger age may preserve memory and mitigate behavioral changes as individuals age.
Background: The antidiabetic potential of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) has been of increasing interest due to its traditional use in herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of Ocimum sanctum extracts on alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase enzymes and compare these effects to those of the standard drug, acarbose. Methods: Various concentrations of Ocimum sanctum extracts were prepared and tested for their inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes. The inhibitory effects were measured and compared to the effects of acarbose, a known antidiabetic drug. Results The extracts of Ocimum sanctum demonstrated a significant inhibitory effect on the alpha-amylase enzyme, with inhibition percentages of 9%, 16.6%, 28.5%, 41.1%, and 47.3% at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µg/ml, respectively. However, no significant inhibitory effect was observed on the alpha-glucosidase enzyme when compared to acarbose. Conclusions: Ocimum sanctum shows potential as an antidiabetic agent through its significant inhibitory effect on alpha-amylase. Further research is needed to explore its full potential and mechanism of action.
Mosquitoes transmit quite a lot of deadly diseases, including chikungunya, brain fever, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, hemorrhagic fever, malaria, filariasis, yellow fever, and Zika fever. Every year, mosquito-borne diseases affect millions of people. For that reason, mosquito control is vital for public health, especially in tropical countries. To manage mosquitoes, various synthetic chemicals are used, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Chemical management has a satisfactory effect on reducing mosquito populations, even though mosquito resistance and the presence of pesticide residues in the environment and the development of resistance in mosquito control tactics are crucial concerns. It is difficult to control whether an insecticide-resistant mosquito population causes to the reappearance of vector-borne diseases. In this emergency circumstance, we need to look for alternatives. Alternatively, plant-based phytochemicals are still more widely used for mosquito control programs, in terms of cost since they are efficient and economical, eco-friendly, safe for humans and the environment, and may be used as an effective alternative to chemical larvicides. The current state of data on phytochemical sources has variation in larvicidal activity according to mosquito species, instar specificity, the polarity of solvents used during extraction, the nature of the active ingredient, and promising advances made in biological control of mosquitoes by plant-derived reviewed in this article.
The research and analysis of bioactive components from aromatic plants, specifically Holy basil, which has demonstrated significant medicinal benefits, were conducted. To examine the existence of these therapeutic compounds, three distinct methods for solvent extraction were utilized: distillation, soxhlet extraction, and expressiveness (petrissage). A total of 56 chemicals were identified after GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) investigation, the majority of which were terpenoids and hydrocarbons. Significant components within the essential oil included estragole, licorice extract, geraniol, dimethyl citronella, luteolin, and licorice extract. The experimental outcomes suggest that Holy basil demonstrates rapid leaf growth, with each stem producing an additional four to five leaves capable of mobilizing sucrose, potentially contributing to the development of monoterpenes. The presence of oxygenated components in the oil, known for their flavoring and therapeutic properties, underscores its potential as an economically viable product, especially in the production of aromatic compounds, owing to its low proportion of oxidized constituents. These findings emphasize the significance of Holy basil's essential oil as a valuable source of medicinal compounds.
The study concludes that Ocimum sanctum has potential in
preventing the growth of the 10 sets of microorganisms which were
tested for the antimicrobial activity . It has been observed that there has
been signicant Zone of Inhibition formation in all the sets of
microorganisms tested at the concentrations of 0.6g/ml and 0.8 g/ml of
Tulsi extracts used .Thus it can be concluded that Ocimum sanctum can
be used as a potent antimicrobial agent in food industries to prevent
food contamination by the group of microorganisms
.Nisin extracts were used to increase the shelf life of the food products
to quite an extent , thus it can be concluded that nisin can be used as a
food preservative in the food industry .Thus the formulation of a
product with suitable concentrations of Ocimum sanctum extracts and
nisin extract can lead to a breakthrough in the food contamination and
preservation aspects in food industries .
In order to carefully evaluate the susceptibility of common IoT devices found in smart homes, this research made use of the IoT Security Test framework. The findings showed a significant average drop in vulnerability ratings of 45% after evaluation, clearly indicating that improving IoT device security is feasible. The research classifies vulnerabilities found, highlighting the prevalence of Firmware Problems, Weak Passwords, and Network Vulnerabilities. Moreover, it examines the efficacy of remedial initiatives. These discoveries play a crucial role in enhancing the security of Internet of Things devices, providing a strong barrier for the protection of homeowners and the privacy of their data, especially in the constantly linked world of smart homes.
This research examines how Internet of Things (IoT) technology and advanced analytics may be integrated into trash management. The results show a notable improvement in waste collection efficiency, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. Significant operational cost reductions were achieved by reducing the number of overfilled trash cans by 20% and the frequency of collections by 15% as a consequence of real-time data capture using IoT sensors. Additionally, a 25% reduction in trip distance was made possible by data-driven route optimization, which also resulted in a 10% drop in fuel use and a decrease in carbon emissions. The data-driven strategy also found areas for recycling, which increased the amount of recyclables collected by 15%. These findings highlight the promise that data-driven trash management has for improving both environmental and economic sustainability while tackling the problems associated with urban garbage.
This research carried out a thorough data-driven examination of user behaviour, adoption rates, satisfaction, and energy efficiency in the context of IoT in home automation, within the quickly changing environment of smart homes and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The study found that users interacted with various kinds of IoT devices in diverse ways. Smart security systems and thermostats, for example, were quickly adopted and received high levels of satisfaction. The potential for significant energy savings demonstrated the contribution of IoT devices to sustainability. These results highlight the significance of making well-informed decisions when using IoT technology to create smarter, more efficient, and greener living environments. They also provide useful insights for manufacturers, legislators, and homeowners.
In this paper, we report on extensive experiments conducted to evaluate Internet of Things (IoT) sensor performance in monitoring urban air quality. As certified sensors showed a considerably reduced air quality measurement error of 4.3% compared to uncalibrated sensors at 8.5%, our results highlight the crucial function of sensor calibration. The performance of sensors was impacted by environmental factors; higher temperatures produced better accuracy (3.6%), while high humidity levels caused sensors to react more quickly (2.3 seconds). The average air quality index (AQI) recorded by inside sensors was 45, but outside sensors reported an AQI of 60. This indicates that the positioning of the sensors had a substantial influence on the air quality data. Additionally, the methods of data transmission were examined, and it was found that Wi-Fi-transmitting sensors had lower latency (0.6 seconds) and data loss (1.8%) than cellular-transmitting sensors. These results emphasize the significance of environmental factors, sensor placement strategy, sensor calibration, and suitable data transmission techniques in maximizing IoT sensor performance for urban air quality monitoring, ultimately leading to more accurate and dependable air quality assessment.
This study report performed a thorough data-driven analysis to evaluate the economic sustainability of smart home investments in the quickly changing residential living scene. The research provided a comprehensive view of the financial ramifications of implementing smart home technology by taking into account initial investment costs, energy savings, maintenance and operating expenditures, and user satisfaction. The results show a considerable potential for improved user happiness and energy savings, which supports the financial viability of smart home investments. The findings highlight the multifarious significance of these technologies in establishing more practical and efficient living environments and provide insightful information for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and homeowners.
The need to cut carbon emissions in cities have become more pressing in an age of unparalleled urbanization and climate change. Using both quantitative and qualitative analysis, this study looks at how smart city efforts affect the decrease of carbon emissions. Carbon Reduction Test results and comparative studies show that smart cities with a comprehensive approach—including renewable energy use, energy-efficient buildings, public transportation upgrades, green energy projects, waste management enhancements, and energy-efficient transportation—achieved significant carbon emission reductions. These results demonstrate the transformational potential of smart cities in supporting international sustainability efforts and the efficacy of diverse techniques in reducing the urban carbon footprint.
This research examined the effectiveness of data-intensive traffic management in urban settings using real-time insights from traffic management simulation experiments. The examination of data on traffic flow revealed a noteworthy decrease in congestion, with a 25% increase in traffic velocity during peak hours. Real-time information led to a 40% drop in the severity of traffic accidents and a 50% reduction in reaction times. Improved road safety was aided by a 30% decrease in accidents during inclement weather thanks to real-time weather data. To further optimize urban traffic flow, dynamic traffic management operations based on real-time information also resulted in a 20% reduction in congestion. These results highlight the revolutionary potential of data-intensive traffic management, offering safer and more effective urban transportation solutions by incorporating real-time information into traffic control plans.
Using a mixed-methods approach, we examine the complex link between user happiness and technology adoption in the context of smart homes. Our tests show that user happiness and adoption are highly influenced by the versions of smart home technologies, with Version A producing better user satisfaction (7.2) and adoption rates (68%) than Version B (6.8, 62%). Furthermore, consumers engaging with Features A and C reported the greatest adoption rates (80%) and satisfaction (8.1), indicating that certain features, particularly when paired, have a significant influence on user pleasure. Extended training times resulted in higher user satisfaction and adoption rates of the technology; the 6-hour training group had the greatest adoption rate (84%), and the highest satisfaction (8.3%). Furthermore, user age demographics have a substantial impact on adoption and happiness; young adults have the greatest adoption rate (70%) and contentment (7.6). These results highlight the necessity of developing smart home technologies that are appropriate for various age groups, as well as the significance of feature customization, thorough training, and user-centric design in improving user satisfaction and encouraging technology adoption. Introduction
The energy efficiency of smart home technology, such as solar panels, lighting controls, thermostats, and smart appliances, was thoroughly assessed by the study. Notable energy savings were achieved by energy-efficient settings; smart ovens, washing machines, and refrigerators had average consumption reductions of 10% to 15%. When smart lights and dishwashers were configured in energy-efficient settings, their Energy Star ratings increased dramatically. During times when the thermostat is not in use, smart thermostats preserve comfort while cutting energy consumption by an average of 1°C. Consistent power generation from solar panels lessens reliance on the grid. The research promotes holistic energy efficiency techniques by highlighting cost savings, environmental advantages, and possible synergies when integrating several energy-efficient devices in smart homes. In order to improve domestic energy efficiency, future study fields include long-term evaluations, user behavior analysis, and smart grid integration.
Candy is a popular product consumed by children, young and elderly alike. The major ingredient sugar makes it an instant source of energy, mostly blended with a variety of flavors and colors for sensory and aesthetic appeal. Flavors such as caramel, chocolate, peppermint, butterscotch, and vanilla are the most popular among many, that comprises of more than 2000 kinds. Although synthetic flavors and colors are predominant, natural sources such as herbs are being increasingly used. Herbal (made from herbs) products have lesser effects, more therapeutic effects, and health benefits. The advantages of herbs used in candy manufacturing are safe, with good efficacy, lower side effect, compatibility with the human body, and wide cultural acceptability. Herbal candies are used as an efficient delivery system for vitamins, minerals, and numerous bioactive compounds like anthocyanin, lycopene, ascorbic acid, etc. They are a remedy of choice in case of cough, sore throat, digestive and stomach problems. The choice of herb often is influenced based on the target health problem, reduced side effects, availability, and preferences. Apart from sugar, these candies are also manufactured using sweetening agents. Sugar and sweeteners consumption is associated with various myths and prejudices owing to increased health concerns. The review is thus designed to justify various aspects of herbal candy like production process, ingredients, historical importance, and types of herbal candies, myths, facts and risks, consumer awareness towards herbal candies. The paper will also draw a roadmap for the future of herbal candy amongst today’s health-wary consumers.
Antimicrobial effects of essential oil of Ocimum americanum L. were studied on five bacteria and five fungi. The essential oil revealed potential antimicrobial activity.
Knowledge of patterns of genetic diversity enhances the efficiency of germplasm conservation and improvement. This study examined the organization of diversity for morphological and agronomic characteristics in 306 landraces of cultivated common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) from Latin America and its relationship with phaseolin seed protein and allozyme diversity of the landraces. Data on pigmentation, growth habit, and leaflet, pod, seed, and phenology traits, as well as reaction to four important diseases and an insect pest, obtained from field evaluations at three locations in Colombia during the 1987‐1988 cropping season, were analyzed by multivariate statistical analyses. In addition, these same 306 landraces were characterized by electrophoresis for phaseolin seed protein and nine allozymes. Results permitted separation of these landraces into Mesoamerican and Andean groups, confirming prior phaseolin and allozyme data. A marker‐based multivariate analysis, using phaseolin or allozymes as an initial classification criterion, followed by a corroborating analysis of morpho‐agronomic traits, suggested the existence of subgroups within each of the major Andean and Mesoamerican groups, with distinctive morphology, adaptation, and disease resistances. Molecular analyses in conjunction with morphological and agronomic evaluations of gene bank accessions are recommended, because these provide complementary information and increase the resolving power of genetic diversity analyses.
The antibacterial activity of different extracts from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Salmonella typhimurium, pathogenic bacteria that cause diarrhea. These extracts evaluated include cold water extract (CWE), hot water extract (HWE) and steam distillation extract (SDE). Only SDE has inhibitory effects on the selected bacteria and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranged from 0.1% for S. aureus to 0.01% for E. coli and S. typhimurium, and 0.001% for S. typhi.
Dementia is one of the age-related mental problems and a characteristic symptom of Alzheimer′s disease. Nootropic agents are used in situations where there is organic disorder in learning abilities. The present work was undertaken to assess the potential of Ocimum tenuiflorum Linn. as a nootropic and anticholinesterase agent in mice. Ethanol extract of dried whole plant of O. tenuiflorum Linn. ameliorated the amnesic effect of scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg) and aging-induced memory deficits in mice. Passive avoidance paradigm served as the exteroceptive behavioural model. O. tenuiflorum extract increased step-down latency and acetyl cholinesterase inhibition significantly. Hence, O. tenuiflorum can be employed in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer′s disease.
Two groups of fatty acids are essential to the body, the omega6 (n6) series derived from linoleic acid (18:2, n-6) and the omega3 (n3) series derived from alpha-linolenic acid (18:3, n-3). Fatty acids provide energy, are an integral part of the cell membranes and are precursors of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes collectively known as eicosanoids. Eicosanoids participate in development and synthesis of immunological and inflammatory responses. The fixed oils (1, 2, 3 ml/kg) containing alpha-linolenic acid, obtained from the seeds of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum), Soyabean (Glycine max) and Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) were screened for their antiinflammatory activity using carrageenan, leukotriene and arachidonic acid induced paw edema models in rats and the antiinflammatory effects were compared with the standard drug indomethacin. Significant inhibition of paw edema was produced by all the oils in the highest dose (3 ml/kg) in all the models. While O. sanctum oil produced the maximum percentage inhibition in leukotriene induced paw edema, L. usitatissimum oil produced maximum percentage inhibition in carrageenan and arachidonic acid induced paw edema models. The results show that oils with higher alpha-linolenic acid content (L. usitatissimum and O. sanctum) produced a greater inhibition of paw edema suggesting that modulation of the course of inflammatory disorders may be achieved by altering the eicosanoid precursor (i.e. poly unsaturated fatty acids: PUFA) availability through dietary manipulation.
The radioprotective effects of two flavonoids, orientin (Ot) and vicenin (Vc), obtained from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, and the synthetic compounds WR-2721 and MPG (2-mercaptopropionyl glycine) have been compared by examining chromosome aberration in cells of bone marrow in irradiated mice. Healthy adult Swiss mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 50 micrograms kg-1 body weight of Ot or Vc; 20 mg kg-1 of MPG; 150 mg kg-1 of WR-2721 or double distilled water (DDW). They were exposed to whole body irradiation of 2.0 Gy gamma radiation 30 min later. After 24 h, chromosomal aberrations were studied in the bone marrow of the femur by routine metaphase preparation after colchicine treatment. Radiation (2 Gy) increased the number of aberrant cells from less than 1% in controls to almost 20%. Pre-treatment with all the protective compounds resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of aberrant metaphases as well as in the different types of aberration scored. Vc produced the maximum reduction in percent aberrant cells while MPG was the least effective; Ot and WR-2721 showed an almost similar effect. However, WR-2721 was the most effective against reduction of complex an almost similar effect. However, WR-2721 was the most effective against reduction of complex aberrations, followed by Vc. Neither flavonoids had any systemic toxicity, even at 200 mg kg-1 body weight. Considering the low dose needed for protection and the high margin between the effective and toxic doses, the ocimum flavonoids may be promising for human radiation protection.
The essential oil (EO) of Ocimum gratissimum inhibited Staphylococcus aureus at a concentration of 0.75 mg/ml. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Shigella flexineri, Salmonella enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., and Proteus mirabilis were at concentrations ranging from 3 to 12 microg/ml. The endpoint was not reached for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (>=24 mg/ml). The MICs of the reference drugs used in this study were similar to those presented in other reports. The minimum bactericidal concentration of EO was within a twofold dilution of the MIC for this organism. The compound that showed antibacterial activity in the EO of O. gratissimum was identified as eugenol and structural findings were further supported by gas chromatography/mass spectra retention time data. The structure was supported by spectroscopic methods.
Objective: To study the effect of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) on experimental cataract in rates and rabbits. Methods: Two models of experimental cataract were induced: (1) Galactosaemic cataract in rats by 30% galactose, (2) Naphthalene cataract in rabbits by 1 gm/kg naphthalene. Ocimum sanctum (O.S.) was administered orally in both models at two dose levels 1 and 2 gm/kg of body weight for curative and prophylactic effects. The study was conducted for 40 days. Results: O.S. delayed the onset of cataract as well as the subsequent maturation of cataract significantly in both models. In addition to delay in reaching various stages of development of cataract. IV stage did not develop with high doses till completion of 40 days of experimental period. Conclusion: O.S. delayed the process of cataractogenesis in both models. The higher doses are more effective and have got promising prophylactic role rather than curative one. This effect is more clear in galactosaemic cataract.
Ocimum species show a high degree of variation in herbage and oil yield, and oil composition depending upon the ontogenetical stage of the plant at the time of harvest. Using various chemotypes of Ocimum basilicum var. glabratum, O. basilicum var. purpurescens, O. basilicum var. thyrsiflorum, O. basilicum var. minima, O. americanum, O. sanctum, O. viride, O. kilimandscharicum and O. gratissimum, the effect of growth stage on oil yield, herbage yield and oil composition was examined over three consecutive seasons. It was found that although the herbage yield for all Ocimum species/varieties (chemotypes) around the initiation of seed formation (180 days after planting), the maximum oil yield coincided with the maximum herbage yield for only O. basilicum var. purpurescens, O. viride and O. sanctum. For the other species/varieties (chemotypes) examined, the maximum oil yield was found to be at the 50% seed set stage (210 days) or between the 50% seed set stage and the full seed maturation stage (210–240 days). For O. basilicum var. glabratum (camphor-type), O. basilicum var. purpurescens methyl cinnamate-type), O. gratissimum (eugenol-type), O. viride (thymol-type) and O. sanctum (eugenol-type), the major component reached its maximum around 180 days after planting. For O. canum (linalool-type) the linalool content did not change throughout its complete life cycle. The maximum content of die major constituent of all over Ocimum species/varieties (chemotypes) except O. viride (thymol-type) occurred at the 50% seed set stage (210 days). Finally, for O. viride (thymol-chemotype) the phenophase for maximum content of the major constituent was between 180-240 days.
Analysis of the volatiles isolated from the leaves of Ocimum sanctum L., Lamiaceae, by capillary GC and GC/MS resulted in the identification of 25 components comprising 98.7% of the total oil. Eugenol (53.4%), β-caryophyllene (31.7%) and β-elemene (6.2%) were the major components found.
Abstract The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the volatile and fixed oils of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated against histamine- and acetylcholine-in-duced pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. The 50% ethanol extract of fresh leaves, volatile oil extracted from fresh leaves and fixed oil from the seeds significantly protected the guinea pigs against histamine- and acetylcholine-induced PCD. These extracts also inhibited hind paw edema induced in rats by treatment with carrageenan, serotonin, histamine or PGE2. However, the 50% ethanol extract of dried leaves did not protect the guinea pigs against histamine-induced PCD.
The amount and the enantiomeric composition of linalol were determined in the essential oils of seven chemotypes of Ocimum basilicum L., in the oils of O. sanctum L., O. gratissimum L. and O. canum Sims. of Thai origin, and in commercial basil oils. The linalol isolated from cultivars of O. basilicum L., of various origins, and from commercial basil oils consisted of (R)(−)-linalol and was proved to be optically pure in most cases. In essential oils of O. sanctum L. and O. canum Sims., (S)(+)-linalol was the main enantiomer. Thus, the enantiomeric differentiation of linalol may be helpful in interspecific taxonomy in the genus Ocimum. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of a methanol extract, obtained from the roots of Ocimum sanctum, on mouse swimming performance were studied using three different doses. On the basis of our findings, a high dose (400 mg/kg, i.p.) of the extracts of Ocimum sanctum increased the swimming time suggesting a central nervous system stimulant and/or antistress activity. The effect produced by the extract was comparable to that of desipramine, an antidepressant drug. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The fixed oil of O. sanctum seeds was screened for antiarthritic activity using Freund's adjuvant arthritis, formaldehyde-induced arthritis and also turpentine oil-induced joint edema in rats. The oil was administered intraperitoneally for 14 days in the case of adjuvant-induced arthritis and 10 days in formaldehyde-induced arthritis. The mean changes in diameter of paw were noted at regular intervals. X-rays of paws were taken at the end of study and SGOT & SGPT levels were also estimated. The fixed oil showed significant anti-arthritic activity in both models and anti-edema activity against turpentine oil-induced joint edema.
The radioprotective effect of the leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum (OE) in combination with WR-2721 (WR) was investigated on mouse bone marrow. Adult Swiss mice were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with OE (10 mg/kg on 5 consecutive days), or 100-400 mg/kg WR (single dose) or combination of the two or double-distilled water (DDW) and whole-body exposed to 4.5 Gy gamma-irradiation (RT). Metaphase plates were prepared from femur bone marrow on days 1, 2, 7 and 14 post-treatment and chromosomal aberrations were scored. The maximum number of aberrant cells was observed at 24 h after irradiation in all the groups. However, pretreatment with OE or WR individually resulted in a significant decrease in aberrant cells as well as different types of aberrations. The combination of the two further enhanced this effect; resulting in a 2-fold increase in the protection factor (PF = 6.68) compared to 400 mg/kg WR alone. The percent aberrant cells decreased linear-quadratically with WR dose when given individually, while in the OE + WR pretreatment animals the values showed a linear dose response. Combination of OE with WR doses above 200 mg/kg completely eliminated rings, polyploidy and pulverization of chromosomes. Percent aberrant cells decreased with time in all groups, though the values remained higher than normal even on day 14 in the RT alone as well as those treated with single agent + RT. WR doses above 200 mg/kg before RT resulted in significantly higher frequency of aberrant cells compared to RT and OE + RT groups on day 14, suggesting delayed WR toxicity; but combination of OE with WR brought down these values to normal level, indicating that OE combination, in addition to enhancing WR protection, may also act as a detoxifier. The protective effect of OE and WR is also reflected in the enhancement of bone marrow CFU survival. Both OE and WR possessed significant free radical scavenging activity in vitro. The combination of the two further enhanced this effect, suggesting that the enhanced free radical scavenging activity by combining the two protectors results in the higher bone marrow cell protection. The significant elevation in chromosome protection obtained by combining OE with WR, with reduction in the latter's toxicity at higher doses, suggests that the combination may have promise for radioprotection in humans.
Fresh leaves of Ocimum Sanctum (OS) were used to study its effect on male reproductive function (sperm count and reproductive hormones) in male albino rabbits. Animals in the test group received supplementation of 2 g of fresh leaves of OS per rabbit for 30 days, while the control group was maintained on normal diet for the same duration. Sperm count and hormonal estimation [testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH)] were done in serum samples of both groups and compared. A significant decrease was noted in the sperm count in test group rabbits. Serum testosterone levels showed marked increase while FSH and LH levels were significantly reduced in OS-treated rabbits. The results suggest the potential use of OS as an effective male contraceptive agent.
Ocimum sanctum (OS) has a lipid-lowering action in both normal and diabetic animals. Because OS leaves are rich in oil, the present study was conducted to explain the anti-hyperlipidemic and organ-protective effect of OS fixed oil in rats fed with a high fat (HF) diet. OS fixed oil was extracted by hexane and the fatty acids composition identified by GC-MS. Four groups of male Wistar rats included a normal control group, a high fat fed-diet (HF) group, a HF group treated with OS fixed oil, and a HF group treated with a reference drug simvastatin. The results show that OS fixed oil contains five kinds of fatty acids, of which alpha-linolenic acid was the major fatty acid. OS fixed oil depressed high serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-C, and AI, whereas no significant effect on HDL-C was observed. OS fixed oil also suppressed high levels of liver cholesterol and triglyceride with no significant effect on both lipids in feces. In addition, OS fixed oil normalized the high serum levels of LDH and CK-MB but no significant effect on high serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP was obtained. We conclude that treatment with OS fixed oil during the last three weeks of HF diet feeding decreased the high serum lipid profile and expressed antiartherogenic and cardioprotective actions against hyperlipidemia. The anti-hyperlipidemic action of OS fixed oil was mainly resulted from the suppression of liver lipid synthesis. Linolenic acid and linoleic acid contained in OS fixed oil were possibly responsible for both lipid-lowering and cardiac protective action against hyperlipidemia.
Oral administration to fasted rats of either absolute ethanol, 0.6 N hydrochloric acid, 0.2 N sodium hydroxide, 25% sodium chloride, or boiling water produced extensive necrosis of the gastric mucosa. Pretreatment with several prostaglandins of the A, E, or F type, either orally or subcutaneously, prevented such necrosis, and the effect was dose-dependent. This property of prostaglandins is called "cytoprotection." The protective effect against oral administration of absolute ethanol was already maximal 1 min after PGE2 given orally, and 15-30 min after PGE2 given subcutaneously. Cytoprotection by prostaglandins is unrelated to the inhibition of gastric acid secretion since, (a) it is maximal at doses that have no effect on gastric secretion, and (b) anti-secretory compounds (cimetidine, methscopolamine bromide) and antacids are not cytoprotective. Although the mechanism of gastric cytoprotection is unknown, prostaglandins appear to increase the resistance of gastric mucosal cells to the necrotizing effect of strong irritants. These results suggest that certain prostaglandins, by a mechanism other than the inhibition of gastric acid secretion, maintain the cellular integrity of the gastric mucosa, and might be beneficial in the treatment of a variety of diseases in which gastric mucosal injury is present.
The cumulative cardiotoxicity of Adriamycin (ADR) is a constraint on its pharmacological use. The generation of drug induced oxygen radicals in heart cells lead to cardiac lipid membrane peroxidation. We studied the free radical scavenging potential of two compounds Oleanolic acid (OA) isolated from Eugenia jumbolana and Ursolic acid (UA) isolated from Ocimum sanctum against ADR induced lipid peroxidation both in liver and heart microsomes in vitro. In our attempt in the management of cardiotoxicity, we have identified OA as a strong protector against ADR induced lipid peroxidation and UA as a mild protector. Protection with OA was 49% and 21% in liver and heart microsomes respectively. On combined treatment, it increased to 69%. UA showed only 13% and 17% protection in liver and heart microsomes. Two methods for the microsome preparation, Calcium aggregation (CA) and Differential centrifugation (DC) were also compared. CA seems to give a better microsomal preparation though the protection was about the same.
A continuing study of chemopreventive agents has focused on three categories of naturally-occurring compounds that inhibit carcinogen activation and are effective in preventing carcinogen-induced neoplasia when administered at short time intervals prior to carcinogen challenge. The three are: aromatic isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables, monoterpenes from citrus fruits and caraway seed oils, and organosulfur compounds occurring in Allium species. The short time-interval effects could be significant in terms of their impact on responses of humans to carcinogen exposures. The capacity of sodium cyanate, cruciferous vegetables, orange oil, benzyl isothiocyanate, and D-limonene to act as both blocking and suppressing agents has been discussed. Two possible mechanisms for this multiphase activity were presented. The first is that these inhibitory substances activate a complex integrated defense mechanism against toxic compounds which entails both blocking and suppressing components. The blocking component is the initial line of defense, and the suppressing component constitutes a "fail-safe" backup to assure that if any of the toxic material attacks cellular constituents, its effects will be nullified. The second possible mechanism considered is that the inhibitors, because of high reactivity, have multiple biological effects that are separate and not part of a single, coordinated response. Inhibitors that have both blocking and suppressing effects could be particularly useful as chemopreventive agents.
The aetiology of reserpine-induced gastric ulcer formation and the antiulcer effects of solcoseryl were studied in rats. Intraperitoneal injection of reserpine produced severe ulceration, as well as mast cell and histamine depletion, in the gastric glandular mucosa. Mepyramine and cimetidine markedly antagonized the gastric lesions, but did not influence the reduced mast cell count; atropine pretreatment significantly inhibited both parameters. Intramuscular injection of solcoseryl lessened ulcer severity and prevented the decreased mast cell counts and histamine levels in reserpine-treated rats. However, the same dose of solcoseryl injected intraperitoneally was ineffective. Solcoseryl, irrespective of the route of administration, did not influence the gastric secretory activities of reserpine. It is concluded that reserpine ulceration is both cholinergic- and histamine-mediated, and that the antiulcer effects of solcoseryl appear to be due to prevention of histamine depletion in the gastric mucosa.
The effects of dietary fish-oil fatty acids on the function of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway of peripheral-blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes were determined in seven normal subjects who supplemented their usual diet for six weeks with daily doses of triglycerides containing 3.2 g of eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.2 g of docosahexaenoic acid. The diet increased the eicosapentaenoic acid content in neutrophils and monocytes more than sevenfold, without changing the quantities of arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. When the neutrophils were activated, the release of [3H]arachidonic acid and its labeled metabolites was reduced by a mean of 37 per cent, and the maximum generation of three products of the 5-lipoxygenase pathway was reduced by more than 48 per cent. The ionophore-induced release of [3H]arachidonic acid and its labeled metabolites from monocytes in monolayers was reduced by a mean of 39 per cent, and the generation of leukotriene B4 by 58 per cent. The adherence of neutrophils to bovine endothelial-cell monolayers pretreated with leukotriene B4 was inhibited completely, and their average chemotactic response to leukotriene B4 was inhibited by 70 per cent, as compared with values determined before the diet was begun and six weeks after its discontinuation. We conclude that diets enriched with fish-oil-derived fatty acids may have antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase pathway in neutrophils and monocytes and inhibiting the leukotriene B4-mediated functions of neutrophils.
A methanol extract and an aqueous suspension of Ocimum sanctum leaves were investigated for their immunoregulatory profile to antigenic challenge of Salmonella typhosa and sheep erythrocytes by quantifying agglutinating antibodies employing the Widal agglutination and sheep erythrocyte agglutination tests and E-rosette formation in albino rats. The data of the study indicate an immunostimulation of humoral immunologic response as represented by an increase in antibody titre in both the Widal and sheep erythrocyte agglutination tests as well as by the cellular immunologic response represented by E-rosette formation and lymphocytosis. The results of the study indicate an immunostimulant capability for Ocimum sanctum which may be contributory in explaining the adaptogenic action of the plant.
A methanol extract and an aqueous suspension of Ocimum sanctum inhibited acute as well as chronic inflammation in rats as tested by carrageenan-induced pedal edema and croton oil-induced granuloma and exudate, respectively. In both test procedures, the anti-inflammatory response of 500 mg/kg of methanol extract and aqueous suspension was comparable to the response observed with 300 mg/kg of sodium salicylate. Both the extract and suspension showed analgesic activity in the mouse hotplate procedure and the methanol extract caused an increase in the tail-withdrawal reaction time of a subanalgesic dose of morphine. Both preparations reduced typhoid-paratyphoid A/B vaccine-induced pyrexia. The antipyretic action of the methanol extract and aqueous suspension was weaker and of shorter duration than that of 300 mg/kg sodium salicylate. Oral premedication with the methanol extract and the aqueous suspension delayed castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats.
Conclusions The findings presented in this report show that: (1) 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors and some leukotriene antagonists protect the gastric mucosa against lesions induced by oral or parenteral administration of most NSAIDs, with the possibility of some variation in effects with aspirin.
Two methods using commercial kits for high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol quantitation were compared with the Lipid Research Clinics (LRC) procedures. HDL cholesterol quantitations on 50 patient specimens by the Lancer HDL cholesterol Rapid Stat Kit (Lancer) with phosphotungstate-Mg2+ precipitation and enzymic cholesterol assay averaged 424 mg/L, and by a method with dextran sulfate-Mn2+-polyethylene glycol (dextran sulfate) precipitation and enzymic cholesterol assay averaged 474 mg/L. By comparison, the LRC method (heparin-Mn2+ precipitation combined with a Liebermann-Burchard reagent cholesterol assay) averaged 478 mg/L. Supernates obtained by the three precipitation methods had similar cholesterol values when analyzed by the LRC assay, suggesting that the observed differences were primarily due to differences between the cholesterol assays. Results were consistent with underestimation by the enzymic assay of cholesterol in the supernates, offset by a positive interference of Mn2+ in the dextran sulfate-produced supernates. Among-day CVs of 4-5% were observed for the Lancer method, and 6-7% for the dextran sulfate method. Sedimentation of precipitates in hypertriglyceridemic specimens was excellent by both methods.
The effect of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE2) on histologic and microcirculatory changes in alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury was studied. A histologic study confirmed that dmPGE2 does not protect the surface mucous cells against ethanol injury but does protect against the deeper necrotic lesion. Both the gross injury and the necrotic lesion were as severe after 1 min of ethanol exposure as after 60 min. A study of benzidine-stained sections and hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections revealed marked engorgement of microvessels and hemorrhage in the superficial mucosa after ethanol injury. Pretreatment with dmPGE2 prevented these. An in vivo fluorescent microscopy study revealed that there was total stasis of blood flow in the injured area. After the intravascular injection of a fluorescein-albumin conjugate, the conjugate filled microvessels in grossly normal areas of mucosa but not in grossly injured areas. Pretreatment with dmPGE2 prevented this microcirculatory change. This alcohol-induced stasis of flow in injured areas may be of pathogenetic significance and prostaglandin protection might involve prevention of this microcirculatory change.
Various preparations of dried unripe plantain banana were found to be anti‐ulcerogenic against aspirin‐induced ulceration in the rat and were effective both as a prophylactic treatment and in healing ulcers already induced by aspirin. Ripe fruit bananas were inactive.
The active factor(s) were water soluble and were concentrated by extraction to approximately three hundred times that in the dried banana powder.
The anti‐ulcerogenic action of banana preparations appears to be due to their ability to stimulate the growth of gastric mucosa.
Aluminium hydroxide, cimetidine, prostaglandin E 2 , N ⁶ , O ² ‐dibutyryl adenosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate but not 5‐hydroxytryptamine were also anti‐ulcerogenic when used prophylactically in rats but were ineffective in healing ulcers already formed by aspirin. These substances did not stimulate the growth of gastric mucosa.
Copper salicylate has been shown to be an inhibitor of gastric lesions in rats induced by aspirin, indomethacin and cold stress whereas cimetidine was only effective against those produced by cold stress. The results are in line with those reported earlier for the anti-ulcer activity of sodium salicylate and metiamide respectively. On this basis, it appears that the animal model of stress-induced gastric lesions in the rat is the most suitable for testing the activity of new-antiulcer drugs.
Water or aqueous ethanol extract of O. sanctum was given ip, either as a single dose or multiple doses, before a whole-body exposure to 11 Gy(LD100/30) of 60Co gamma radiation in albino mice. The water extract was more effective and less toxic than the aqueous ethanol extract. An optimum ip dose of 50 mg/kg (< 1/100 LD50) of the water extract, at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days, gave the maximum survival. Increasing the dose per treatment or the number of treatments did not increase protection. Intraperitoneal administration gave the best protection (70% survival). Other routes (im, iv and po) were less effective and produced 37-47% survival. The optimum dose (ip) gave a dose modifying factor of 1.28. Since the extract may contain a number of chemical compounds, it is not possible to attribute the observed protection to any particular compound at present.
Oral administration of alcoholic extract of leaves of O. sanctum led to marked lowering of blood sugar level in normal, glucose fed hyperglycemic and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Further the extract potentiated the action of exogenous insulin in normal rats. The activity of the extract was 91.55 and 70.43% of that of tolbutamide in normal and diabetic rats respectively.
The antiulcerogenic property of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) was studied in pyloric ligated and pyloric ligated & aspirin treated rats. The extract of OSL reduced the ulcer index, free & total acidity on acute and chronic administration. Seven days pretreatment with the drug increased the mucous secretion also. It may be concluded that OSL extract has antiulcerogenic property against experimental ulcers, and it is due to its ability to reduce acid secretion and increase mucous secretion.
An increased concentration of end products of lipid peroxidation is the evidence most frequently quoted for the involvement of free radicals in human disease. However, it is likely that increased oxidative damage occurs in most, if not all, human diseases and plays a significant pathological role in only some of them. For example, peroxidation appears to be important in atherosclerosis and in worsening the initial tissue injury caused by ischemic or traumatic brain damage. Oxidative stress can damage many biological molecules; indeed, proteins and DNA are often more significant targets of injury than are lipids, and lipid peroxidation often occurs late in the injury process. Many assays are available to measure lipid peroxidation, but no single assay is an accurate measure of the whole process. Application of simple diene-conjugate and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assays to human tissues and body fluids can produce artifacts. An HPLC-based TBA test can eliminate some of these artifacts.
In an experiment in which vitamin E inhibited carcinogenesis, it was found that tumour angiogenesis and tumour growth-factor alpha (TGF alpha) expression were also inhibited. Forty male golden hamsters were divided into four equal groups. Group 1 animals had the left buccal pouches painted three times weekly with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) for 14 weeks. Group 2 animals had the same procedure of DMBA applications but also received alpha tocopherol. Groups 3 and 4 were vitamin E and untreated controls. Angiogenesis was studied with factor 8-related antigen (F8-RA) which identifies endothelial cells. TGF alpha was studied with the appropriate antibody. Staining was effected by the standard avidin-biotin horseradish peroxidase system. Mean tumour volume was significantly lower in the DMBA-vitamin E group compared to the tumour control group. Angiogenesis was significantly inhibited in the DMBA-vitamin E group and TGF alpha expression was also inhibited. It is suggested that inhibition of tumour angiogenesis by vitamin E may be an additional mechanism for the anticancer action of vitamin E.
Experimental studies on albino rats reported that leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum and Ocimum album (holy basil) had hypoglycemic effect. To explore further evidence we studied the effects of treatment with holy basil leaves on fasting and postprandial blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in humans through randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover single blind trial. Results indicated a significant decrease in fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels during treatment with holy basil leaves compared to during treatment with placebo leaves. Fasting blood glucose fell by 21.0 mg/dl, confidence interval of difference -31.4 - (-)11.2 (p < 0.001), and postprandial blood glucose fell by 15.8 mg/dl, confidence interval -27.0 - (-)5.6 (p < 0.02). The lower values of glucose represented reductions of 17.6% and 7.3% in the levels of fasting and postprandial blood glucose, respectively. Urine glucose levels showed similar trend. Mean total cholesterol levels showed mild reduction during basil treatment period. The findings from this study suggest that basil leaves may be prescribed as adjunct to dietary therapy and drug treatment in mild to moderate NIDDM.
The fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum (Labiatae) was found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan- and different other mediator-induced paw edema in rats. Significant inhibitory effect was also observed in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. It also inhibited arachidonic acid and leukotriene-induced paw edema. The results of anti-inflammatory activity of Ocimum sanctum support the dual inhibition of arachidonate metabolism as indicated by its activity in inflammation models that are insensitive to selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors. On the basis of the findings it may be inferred that Ocimum sanctum may be a useful anti-inflammatory agent which blocks both the pathways, i.e. cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, or arachidonic acid metabolism.
Ocimum sanctum fixed oil and linolenic acid found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. The other species of Ocimum, viz. O. basilicum and O. americanum also containing linolenic acid in varying proportions, also showed significant inhibition of edema against carrageenan, PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. The fixed oil of O. basiliaum containing maximum percentage of linolenic acid showed higher protection. The results suggests that linolenic acid percent in the fixed oils of different species of Ocimum has the capacity to block both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism and could be responsible for the antiinflammatory activity.
The effect of a methanol extract, obtained from the roots of Ocimum sanctum, on mouse swimming performance were studied using three different doses. On the basis of our findings, a high dose (400 mg/kg, i.p.) of the extracts of Ocimum sanctum increased the swimming time suggesting a central nervous system stimulant and/or antistress activity. The effect produced by the extract was comparable to that of desipramine, an antidepressant drug.