NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: NPR Vol.6(4) [July-August 2007]

Phyto-pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Lam. — An overview

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Phyto-pharmacology of Moringa oleifera Lam. — An overview

Authors: Goyal, Bhoomika R; Agrawal, Babita B; Goyal, Ramesh K; Mehta, Anita A

Abstract: Moringa oleifera Lam. is a small or medium-sized tree, about 10 m high, cultivated throughout India. It is a multipurpose tree, used as vegetable, spice, a source of cooking and cosmetic oil and as a medicinal plant. It is reported to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and cinnamates. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidaemic, antifertility, anticancer, antihepatotoxic and antiulcer activities. Further, activity guided phytochemical and phytoanalytical studies may lead to development of novel agents to be used in various disorders. An overview of chemical constituents present in the plant and their pharmacological actions are given in the present paper.

Page(s): 347-353

Ethnomedicinal uses of barks in Jalgaon district

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Ethnomedicinal uses of barks in Jalgaon district

Authors: Pawar, Shubhangi; Patil, D A

Abstract: The ethnobotanical surveys were conducted during June 1997 to 2004 in Jalgaon district of Maharashtra. The tribes such as Bhil, Pawara, Tadvi and Vanjara inhabit in the district, apart from other rural people. Information on 37 angiospermic species belonging to 31 genera of 22 families was gathered on ethnomedicinal uses of barks. This paper reports their botanical identity, family, local names, parts used, preparations and doses, if any. It was observed that tribal people use barks of various trees in the form of decoction, infusion, extract, paste, poultice, powder, etc. Various human diseases treated were verified from the local tribal medicine men, elder ladies, head of hamlets and other rural informants. Further research on scientific line is, however, desirable to improvise their authenticity which would lead to discovery of new molecules and potential sources of drugs.

Page(s): 341-346

**Anti-inflammatory plants used by the Khamti tribe of Lohit district in eastern Arunachal Pradesh India**

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Anti-inflammatory plants used by the Khamti tribe of Lohit district in eastern Arunachal Pradesh India

Authors: Tag, Hui; Das, A K; Loyi, Hari

Abstract: The pristine forest of Lohit valley, about 500 km journey towards east from Arunachal’s capital city Itanagar fall within Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot is mainly characterized by its rich wealth of medicinal plant diversity. This valuable medicinal plant wealth in wilderness is mostly guarded by the traditional wisdom of four ethnic communities inhabited in the valley such as Tai Kamti, Singpho, Mishmi and Chakma. The Tai Khamtis are originally belonging to the Royal Tai family of Southeast Asia and have acquired a high degree of knowledge on herbal medicines in comparison to rest of areas in the valley. The present paper contains 26 species of plants exclusively based on first hand ethnobotanical field reports and have been critically screened out as anti-inflammatory and wound healing agents.

Page(s): 334-340

**Comparative chemical study of two varieties of attractive medicinal plant Kaempferia galanga Linn.**

Sun, 29 Jul 2007 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Comparative chemical study of two varieties of attractive medicinal plant Kaempferia galanga Linn.

Authors: Indrayan, A K; Kurian, Alice; Tyagi, P K; Shatru, Ajat; Rathi, Anuj K

Abstract: ‘Kasthuri’ and ‘Rajani’ varieties of medicinal and ornamental plant Kaempferia galanga Linn. differ morphologically. The essential oils from their rhizomes have remarkably different specific gravities, refractive indices, saponification and iodine values. These oils also differ sufficiently in their chemical compositions. A total no. of 58 and 56 compounds have been identified in ‘Kasthuri’ and ‘Rajani’, respectively. Thirteen compounds are identified in the rhizome oil of ‘Kasthuri’ that are not present in the rhizome oil of ‘Rajani’ and another 11 compounds identified in ‘Rajani’ oil are not present in ‘Kasthuri’ oil. Forty-five compounds have been found common in both oils but their percentages differ in the two varieties. Similarly major component, ethyl-trans- p-methoxycinnamate is present in both the varieties, its percentage varies (39 and 35%, respectively).

Page(s): 327-333