The role of free radicals in various human ailments is well established. Still, the researchers continue to emphasize the involvement of free radicals in these disorders. Antioxidants are being used as an effective tool as a defense against disorders caused by free radicals. This review presents brief detail regarding the nature, types, and sources of free radicals that are of pharmacological interest. A summary of the antioxidants, along with possible mechanisms, has also been incorporated. The role of free radicals and antioxidants in various human disease are also presented.

Auricularia polytricha is a popular mushroom found all over the world. In this study we considered the effect of an aqueous extract of A. polytricha (AEAP) on restoring sexual performance parameters to normal, evaluated by considering observations of sexual behavior. At 0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 days, the following parameters of sexual performance were identified before and throughout the observations: mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, mounting frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, and postejaculatory interval. Treatment of rats under stress with AEAP showed promising effects on overcoming stress-induced sexual dysfunction, on sexual performance, and on accessory sexual organs and body weight. Mounting latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, and postejaculatory interval parameters were significantly decreased by AEAP, whereas mounting frequency, intromission frequency, and ejaculation frequency were significantly increased by AEAP. These properties were identified in sexually dynamic and indolent male rats. We conclude that AEAP has a potent aphrodisiac activity.

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ABSTRACT:Globally cancer is a disease which severely effects the human population. There is a constant demand for new therapies to treat and prevent this life -threatening disease. The plant kingdom produces naturally occurring secondary metabolites which are being investigated for the anticancer activities for the development of new clinical drugs. For many years herbal medicines have been used and are still used in developing countries as the primary source of medical treatment. Plants have been used in the medicine for their natural antiseptic properties. Thus, research has developed into the investigating the potential properties and uses of terrestrial plants extracts for the preparation of potential nanomaterial drugs for diseases including cancer. Many plant species are already being used to treat or prevent development of cancer. This review discusses the demand for naturally derived compounds from medicinal plants and their properties which make them targets for potential anticancer treatments.

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