http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/3762 Search the Channel search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/simple-search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/3777 Title: Ficus racemosa Linn.–An overview <br/> <br/>Authors: Paarakh, Padmaa M <br/> <br/>Abstract: Ficus racemosa Linn. is a moderate-sized avenue tree found throughout India either wild or cultivated for its fruits eaten by villagers. It is popular in Indigenous System of Medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy. In the Traditional System of Medicine, various plant parts such as bark, root, leaves, fruits and latex are used in dysentery, diarrhoea, diabetes, bilious affections, stomachache, menorrhage, haemoptysis, piles and as carminative and astringent. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, traditional and pharmacological uses. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 84-90 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/3776 Title: Folk medicines used by the Moran of Brahmaputra valley, Tinsukia district, Assam, India <br/> <br/>Authors: Kalita, Dilip; Bonoranjan, Phukan <br/> <br/>Abstract: It is well known that from the time immemorial large numbers of plant species are used by the mankind for the treatment of different kinds of diseases. The herbal folklore of the Moran of Tinsukia District of Assam is very rich hence, an attempt has been made to study and document uses and methods of applications of various plants for different diseases. During present study treatment of 10 diseases namely acidity, anemia, blood poisoning, constipation, diabetes, gout, rheumatism, piles, stomach pain and tetanus were paid attention and noted medicines applied to cure them. A total number of 19 such medicinally important plant species are reported in this paper. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 73-76 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/3775 Title: Antilithiatic activity of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. on ethylene glycol-induced lithiasis in rats <br/> <br/>Authors: Betanabhatla, Kalyan S; Christina, AJM; Sundar, B Syama; Selvakumar, S; Saravanan, K Sundara <br/> <br/>Abstract: The ethanolic extract of leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (EEHS) was evaluated for its antilithiatic activity in rats. Lithiasis was induced by oral administration of ethylene glycolated water (0.75 %) in adult male albino Wistar rats for 28 days. The ionic chemistry of urine was altered by ethylene glycol (EG), which elevated the urinary concentration of crucial ions, viz. calcium, phosphate, uric acid and oxalate thereby contributing to renal stone formation. The EEHS, however, significantly (P< 0.05) reduced the elevated level of these ions in urine. Also, it elevated concentration of urinary magnesium, which is considered as one of the inhibitors of crystallization. All these observations revealed that EEHS has curative effect on stone formation induced by ethylene glycol. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 43-47 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/3774 Title: Phytotherapy–Safety aspects <br/> <br/>Authors: Shirwaikar, Annie; Verma, Renu; Lobo, Richard; Shirwaikar, Arun <br/> <br/>Abstract: Plants have been used since ancient times as medicines for the treatment of a range of diseases. In spite of the great advances observed in modern medicine in recent decades, plants still make an important contribution to health care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), because of poverty and lack of access to modern medicine, about 65-80% of the world’s population that are living in developing countries depend essentially on plants for primary health care. Phytotherapeutic agents are herbal preparations consisting of complex mixtures of one or more plants which contain active ingredients, plant parts or plant material in the crude or processed state. The data existing for most plants to guarantee their quality, efficacy and safety is insufficient. The concept that herbal drugs are safe and free from side effects is not always. Plants contain hundreds of constituents, some of which are very toxic namely the most cytotoxic anti-cancer plant-derived drugs is pyrrolizidine alkaloids, etc. However, the adverse effects of phytotherapeutic agents are less as compared with synthetic drugs. Several regulatory models for herbal medicines are currently available including prescription drugs, over-the-counter substances, traditional medicines and dietary supplements. Harmonization and improvement in the processes of regulation is needed for safety aspects related to phytotherapy. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 55-63 Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:58:59 GMT