Journal of Innovations in Applied Pharmaceutical Science (JIAPS)

Evaluation of the Hepatoprotective Activity of Andrographis Paniculata against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Toxicity in Albino Rats

2026-10-26T04:43:12+0530

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge and are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Herbal medicines have attracted considerable attention as potential hepatoprotective agents because of their therapeutic efficacy and relatively low incidence of adverse effects. The present study was undertaken to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats.Albino rats were orally administered the ethanolic leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight for five consecutive days. Hepatic injury was induced by subcutaneous administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) on the second and third days of the experimental period. The hepatoprotective effect of the extract was compared with that of silymarin, a standard hepatoprotective drug. Liver function was evaluated by estimating serum biochemical markers, including serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin, using standard biochemical kits and a semi-automatic biochemical analyzer.Treatment with the ethanolic leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata significantly attenuated CCl₄-induced hepatic damage. The extract markedly (p < 0.01) reduced the elevated levels of SGPT, SGOT, ALP, ACP, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin when compared with the CCl₄-treated group. Histopathological examination of liver tissues further confirmed the hepatoprotective effect by demonstrating restoration of normal hepatic architecture and reduced cellular degeneration. The results of the present study indicate that the ethanolic leaf extract of Andrographis paniculata possesses significant hepatoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced liver injury in albino rats and may serve as a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of liver disorders.

Evaluation of Analgesic Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Methanolic Extract Stem Bark Extract of Dialium Guineense (Wild)

2026-10-26T04:50:33+0530

Dialium guineense stem bark is widely distributed in many tropical regions and has long been utilized in traditional medicine for the management of various infectious and degenerative disorders. This study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical constituents of the ethanolic stem bark extract of Dialium guineense and to evaluate its analgesic potential in experimental rats. Fresh stem bark was collected, dried, pulverized, and extracted using ethanol. The resulting ethanolic extract was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight to assess its analgesic activity. Analgesic effects were evaluated using the hot-plate and tail-flick methods in albino Wistar rats. Diclofenac sodium served as the standard reference drug. The findings demonstrated that the ethanolic stem bark extract of Dialium guineense produced significant analgesic effects in both experimental models, indicating its potential as a natural analgesic agent.

Antiulcer Activity of Methanolic Extract of Salvadora Indica (W.) Leaves and Its Comparison with Ranitidine in Shay Rat

2026-10-26T04:54:27+0530

Peptic ulcer is a common gastrointestinal disorder associated with an imbalance between aggressive factors, such as gastric acid and pepsin, and the protective mechanisms of the gastric mucosa. Traditional systems of medicine have long utilized medicinal plants for the management of gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcers. In view of the therapeutic potential of herbal medicines, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-ulcer activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Salvadora indica leaves (AQSI and ALSI) in experimentally induced gastric ulcer models in rats. The anti-ulcer activity of AQSI and ALSI was evaluated at a dose of 250 mg/kg using three experimental ulcer models: alcohol-induced, paracetamol-induced, and forced-immersion stress-induced gastric ulcers. Ranitidine at 50 mg/kg was used as the standard drug. Gastric lesions were assessed by determining the ulcer index, while gastric mucus content was evaluated in the alcohol-induced ulcer model. Pretreatment with both AQSI and ALSI produced a significant reduction in gastric lesion formation and ulcer index in the alcohol-induced ulcer model, along with an increase in gastric mucus content. Both extracts also demonstrated significant protection against paracetamol-induced gastric ulcers and stress-induced ulceration. The observed effects were dose dependent and were comparable with the standard anti-ulcer drug. The findings indicate that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Salvadora indica leaves possess significant anti-ulcer activity. The protective effect may be attributed to a combination of cytoprotective and antisecretory mechanisms, including enhancement of gastric mucosal defense and reduction of gastric aggressive factors. These results support the traditional use of Salvadora indica in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and suggest its potential as a source of anti-ulcer agents.

Evaluation of Antiasthmatic Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Leaves of Solanum Xanthocarpum Leaves

2026-10-26T04:58:11+0530

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder affecting nearly 300 million individuals worldwide. Despite the availability of various therapeutic agents, current treatments primarily provide symptomatic relief with limited duration of action. Solanum xanthocarpum leaves have been traditionally utilized in the management of asthma; however, their anti-asthmatic and anti-cholinergic properties have received comparatively less scientific attention. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anti-asthmatic potential of ethanolic leaf extract of Solanum xanthocarpum through experimental models. The anti-asthmatic activity of 50% aqueous ethanol extract prepared from dried and fresh leaves, along with volatile and fixed oils of Solanum xanthocarpum, was assessed against histamine- and acetylcholine-induced preconvulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. Animals were fasted for 24 hours and exposed to an aerosolized mist of 2% histamine dihydrochloride solution using a nebulizer in a histamine chamber maintained at 300 mm Hg pressure. Exposure to histamine aerosol produced progressive respiratory distress, characterized by dyspnea, convulsions, asphyxia, and eventual death. The interval between aerosol exposure and the onset of convulsive symptoms was recorded as preconvulsion time (PCT). Animals exhibiting typical histamine-induced asthma within 3 minutes were selected and habituated to the experimental chamber before the study. The animals were divided into different treatment groups. Mepyramine (8 mg/kg) and polyherbal formulation (300 mg/kg) were administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes before aerosol exposure. Animals that did not exhibit asthmatic symptoms within 6 minutes were considered protected. The percentage protection against induced bronchospasm was calculated based on the increase in preconvulsion time. The findings demonstrated significant protective effects of Solanum xanthocarpum leaf extract against experimentally induced asthma, suggesting its potential role as an anti-asthmatic and anti-cholinergic agent.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Dianthus Barbatus Leaves in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

2026-10-26T05:02:03+0530

Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing public health concern in India, with the prevalence of the disease increasing steadily. Although several conventional antidiabetic drugs are available, their long-term use is often associated with adverse effects. Consequently, there is increasing interest in the use of ethnomedicinal plants as affordable and safer alternatives for diabetes management. Dianthus barbatus, a medicinal plant traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, has not been extensively investigated for its antidiabetic potential.The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activity and phytochemical profile of the aqueous extract of Dianthus barbatus in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of alloxan at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. The animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6): Group I served as the normal control and received the vehicle; Group II served as the diabetic control; Group III received the standard antidiabetic drug glibenclamide (1 mg/kg body weight, orally); and Groups IV and V received the aqueous extract of Dianthus barbatus at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight, respectively, administered orally for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected to determine fasting blood glucose, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) levels. The aqueous extract of Dianthus barbatus produced a significant reduction in blood glucose, SGPT, and SGOT levels at both dose levels compared with the diabetic control group. In addition, treatment with the extract improved body weight in diabetic animals throughout the study period.The findings of this study demonstrate that the aqueous extract of Dianthus barbatus possesses significant antihyperglycemic activity and may offer hepatoprotective benefits in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. These results support the potential of Dianthus barbatus as a promising natural therapeutic agent for the management of diabetes mellitus, warranting further phytochemical and pharmacological investigations to identify its active constituents and elucidate its mechanism of action.

Evaluation of Antidepressant Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cissus Quadrangularis in Swiss Albino Mice

2026-10-26T05:05:43+0530

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders affecting people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in sleep and appetite, and reduced energy levels. Cissus quadrangularis is a medicinal plant widely recognized in traditional medicine for its diverse therapeutic properties and has been used for managing several health conditions. The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential antidepressant effects of ethanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis leaves in an animal model. The in vivo antidepressant activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Cissus quadrangularis was evaluated in Swiss albino mice. The methanolic extract of Cissus quadrangularis leaves (MECQ) was prepared using a Soxhlet extraction method and subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and acute oral toxicity evaluation. The extract was administered orally at doses of 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg body weight to the respective treatment groups. Imipramine hydrochloride (15 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard antidepressant drug, while the control group received normal saline (10 ml/kg body weight). The antidepressant activity was assessed using behavioral models, including the modified Forced Swimming Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST). The duration of immobility was recorded as an indicator of antidepressant-like activity. Statistical analysis was performed using appropriate methods to determine the significance of the results. The findings demonstrated a significant dose-dependent reduction in immobility time in mice treated with MECQ, indicating notable antidepressant activity in both experimental models. The extract exhibited promising antidepressant effects across all tested doses. However, further studies are required to isolate the active phytoconstituents and elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for its antidepressant action before considering potential therapeutic applications in humans.

Evaluation of Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activity of Leaf Extract and Solvent Fractions of Viscum Articulatum in Mice

2026-10-26T05:09:46+0530

Flavonoids are widely recognized for their antioxidant properties and have received considerable attention for their potential role in the prevention and management of diabetes mellitus. Their biological activities are strongly influenced by their chemical structures and mechanisms of action. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the fruit of Viscum articulatum. The antioxidant activity was investigated using dot blot analysis, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical-scavenging assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, and xanthine oxidase inhibition (XOI) assay. The antidiabetic activity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of V. articulatum was evaluated at doses of 20 and 30 mg/kg body weight using an alloxan-induced diabetic rat model. Acute oral toxicity studies demonstrated that the extracts were well tolerated and produced no observable toxic effects at doses up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of alloxan monohydrate following fasting. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days, while oral glucose tolerance was assessed on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd days. Glibenclamide was used as the standard antidiabetic drug. Both aqueous and alcoholic extracts produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose levels and improved oral glucose tolerance in diabetic rats, with the observed effects being comparable to those of glibenclamide. The extracts also demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in normal rats and considerable antioxidant potential. The findings suggest that V. articulatum fruit may exert antidiabetic effects through improvement of glycemic control and possible protection or regeneration of pancreatic insulin-secreting β-cells. Overall, the results support the traditional medicinal use of V. articulatum and indicate its potential as a natural source of antioxidant and antidiabetic agents.

Determination of Antioxidants by Dpph Radical Scavenging Activity and Quantitative Phytochemical Analysis of Dianthus Barbatus

2026-10-26T05:13:42+0530

Antioxidants play an important role in protecting biological systems from oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting oxidation processes. Medicinal plants are recognized as valuable sources of naturally occurring bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant properties. The present study was undertaken to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of Dianthus barbatus leaf extracts prepared using aqueous and alcoholic solvents. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extracts demonstrated the presence of several secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, glycosides, steroids, gums, flavonoids, saponins, reducing sugars, and tannins. The antioxidant potential of the aqueous and alcoholic extracts was evaluated using different in vitro antioxidant models, including ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), metal-chelating activity, DPPH radical-scavenging activity, superoxide radical-scavenging activity, and hydrogen peroxide-scavenging activity. The findings indicated that both extracts exhibited antioxidant activity, although the alcoholic leaf extract demonstrated comparatively greater activity across the evaluated antioxidant assays. The observed antioxidant effects may be associated with the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and other phenolic constituents capable of donating hydrogen atoms or electrons and thereby neutralizing reactive oxygen species. The results suggest that Dianthus barbatus leaves may represent a promising natural source of antioxidant phytoconstituents. Further investigations involving isolation, purification, structural characterization, and individual assessment of the bioactive constituents are warranted to establish the compounds primarily responsible for the observed antioxidant activity and to explore their potential pharmacological applications.

Evaluation of Nephroprotective Activity of Heliotropium Indicum in Experimental Animals (Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity)

2026-10-26T05:17:33+0530

Cisplatin is an effective anticancer agent; however, its clinical use is frequently limited by nephrotoxicity, primarily associated with oxidative stress and free-radical generation. Heliotropium indicum, a medicinal plant traditionally used in India, possesses several biologically active constituents and reported antioxidant properties. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Heliotropium indicum against cisplatin-induced renal injury in albino rats. Twenty-four albino rats were divided into four groups of six animals each following approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. The study was conducted for 21 days. The control group received normal saline, while nephrotoxicity was induced in the remaining groups using cisplatin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) once daily during the last five days. Two treatment groups received graded doses of aqueous Heliotropium indicum extract orally along with cisplatin treatment. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for estimation of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine. Renal tissues were also subjected to histopathological examination. Data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by an appropriate post-hoc test. Cisplatin administration produced a marked elevation in BUN and serum creatinine levels along with characteristic renal histopathological alterations. Pretreatment with Heliotropium indicum significantly attenuated these changes in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.001). Histopathological findings further supported the biochemical results, indicating preservation of renal architecture in the extract-treated groups. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Heliotropium indicum possesses significant nephroprotective activity against cisplatin-induced renal damage, which may be associated with its antioxidant and free-radical-scavenging properties. Further studies are warranted to identify the active constituents and clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Evaluation of the Nephroprotective Activity of Extract Leaves of Allium Cepa in Swiss Albino Mice with Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: In Vivo Study

2026-10-26T05:21:33+0530

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the nephroprotective potential of the ethanolic extract of Allium cepa against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Thirty healthy male Wistar rats weighing 150–200 g were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as the normal control, while Group II received gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce nephrotoxicity. Groups III–V received a standard drug and ethanolic extract of Allium cepa at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, along with gentamicin for 10 days. On day 11, blood samples were collected for biochemical estimation, and the kidneys were excised for histopathological examination. Gentamicin administration resulted in marked renal dysfunction, evidenced by significant increases in blood urea, uric acid, and serum creatinine levels, accompanied by histopathological alterations in the renal tissues. Treatment with Allium cepa extract significantly attenuated these biochemical changes and improved the histological architecture of the kidneys in a dose-dependent manner, with the higher dose showing greater protective activity. The findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of Allium cepa possesses promising nephroprotective activity against gentamicin-induced renal injury. Further investigations are required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and identify the active phytoconstituents responsible for this protective effect.

Rasmussen’s Encephalitis: A Review

2026-10-26T04:46:56+0530

Rasmussen’s encephalitis is a very rare condition that involves long term worsening inflammation (encephalitis) of one hemisphere of the brain. It is a chronic inflammatory brain disorder identified by progressive cerebral atrophy, seizures, and gradual neurological decline. This condition primarily affects children and is believed to result from an immune-mediated process involving cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and microglialactivation leading to neuronal injury. Diagnosis is established through a combination of clinical evaluation, electroencephalography, and neuroimaging findings. Current treatment strategies focus on seizure control and slowing disease progression through antiepileptic drugs, immunomodulatory therapies, and surgical procedures such as hemispherectomy. In spite of advances in understanding its immunological mechanisms, Rasmussen’s encephalitis remains a challenging disorder with limited therapeutic options. This review outline current knowledge regarding the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, and management strategies associated with Rasmussen’s encephalitis.