Objective: This study investigates the potential estrogenic activity of the ethanolic extract of Flemingia vestita Benth tubers using ovariectomized rat model. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of F. vestita tubers has been standardized using validated HPLC method in terms of its genistein content (8.43 ± 0.05 mg/g of extract). Three to four week old young albino Wistar female rats were ovariectomized and treated for 14 days post ovariectomy with the standardized ethanolic extract at three different dose levels (100, 250, 500 mg/kg body weight) with a positive control of Estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg/day). The parameters evaluated were uterine weight, uterine glycogen, G6PDH, LDH, 17β-estradiol, progesterone, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and histo architecture of uterus. Results: Treatment with the ethanolic extract of F. vestita tubers showed dose dependent increase in uterine weight, glycogen levels, G6PDH levels, estrogen and progesterone levels when compared with the ovariectomized control. Amongst three dose levels, high dose of plant extract showed significant increase in the uterine weight (p < 0.001), uterine glycogen content (p < 0.001), 17-β estradiol and progesterone levels (p < 0.001), G6PDH and LDH levels (p < 0.001) as well as significant decrease in HDL and triglycerides levels (p < 0.001) compared to ovariectomized control. Histopathological evaluation of uteri sections revealed that the high dose of the plant show increase in the endometrial response as indicated by proliferation of endometrial glands and luminal epithelium of the ovariectomized rats. Conclusion: Thus, these data suggests that ethanolic extract (500 mg/kg body weight) of F. vestita tubers may exhibit good estrogenic activity in ovariectomized rat model.

Background: Jawarish-e-Amla Sada (JAS) is a traditional Unani formulation commonly used for the clinical treatment of Zof-e-Meda (weakness of the stomach), Zof-e-Kabid (weakness of the liver), Zof-e-Qalb (weakness of the heart), Khafqan (palpitation), Nafkh-e-Shikam (flatulence in the stomach) and Is-Hal-e-Safrawi (biliary diarrhoea). It is a semisolid polyherbal preparation of six medicinal plants. Aims and Objectives: In the present research work an attempt has been made to establish the physicochemical, phytochemical and safety profile of JAS which may be useful for its quality control and standardization. Materials and Methods: Standardized operating procedure for the preparation of JAS was developed in accordance with National Formulary of Unani Medicine. The formulation was also subjected to preliminary phytochemical and physicochemical evaluation. Chemical characterization of the formulation was carried out on the basis of gallic acid content using a validated high-performance thin layer chromatographic method. Safety of the formulation was affirmed by conducting acute oral toxicity in mice. Results: Preliminary phytochemical, physicochemical and chromatographic profile of the formulation was established. The formulation was found safe up to an oral dose of 2 g/kg body weight in mice. Conclusion: Findings of the present work can be used as a reference standard by quality control/assurance laboratory of a pharmaceutical firm in order to have a proper quality check over its preparation and processing.