The aqueous extract of fruits of Tribulus terrestris was tested for its effect on cholesterol induced hyperlipidaemia in rats. The study with aqueous extract at dose of 580 mg/kg body weight showed significant reduction in various biochemical parameters (LDL, VLDL, TC, TG &AI) and increase in HDL level than aqueous extract at dose of 300 mg/kg body weight.

Diabetes, a state of improperly regulated homeostasis of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism is one of the major killers in recent times. Most prevalent form of diabetes is non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM/type II). Rapid hydrolysis of starch mediated by pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidases followed by glucose uptake at intestine results in sudden rise in blood glucose levels, causing hyperglycemia in type II diabetes patients. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors act as competitive inhibitors of enzymes needed to digest carbohydrates: specifically alpha-glucosidase enzymes in the brush border of the small intestines. Inhibition of these enzyme systems reduces the rate of digestion of carbohydrates. Less glucose is absorbed because the carbohydrates are not broken down into glucose molecules. Natural alpha-glucosidase inhibitors such as Acarbose and Miglitol used for management of diabetes widely, but they are associated with side effects, in this review search for more natural alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are discussed which are safer as compared to insulin and other oral hypoglycaemic drugs.

Trachyspermum ammi L. Sprague syn. Carum copticum Benth. & Hook, commonly known as ajwain, is an annual aromatic and herbaceous plant of the family Apiaceae. The fruits of T. ammi are native to Egypt and widely cultivated in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and distributed throughout India. Ajwain is commercially cultivated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat (Surendranagar, Saurashtra region), Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and other states also. Traditionally the plant is used in Ayurvedic and Unani formulations for the treatment of various disorders like flatulence, dyspepsia, diarrhoea, abdominal pains, piles, and bronchial problems, lack of appetite, galactogogue, asthma and amenorrhoea. It has been reported to possess many pharmacological bioactivities like antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypolipidaemic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, antiasthmatic, antitussive, and many more. This review summarizes the reported traditional benefits, phytochemical and pharmacological studies of T. ammi.

In traditional systems of medicine, different parts (leaves, stem, flower, root, seeds and even whole plant) of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (known as Tulsi in Hindi), a small herb seen throughout India, have been recommended for the treatment of bronchitis, bronchial asthma, malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, skin diseases, arthritis, painful eye diseases, chronic fever, insect bite etc. The hydro-distilled volatile oil of the O. sanctum leaves was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The fragmentation patterns of mass spectra were compared with those of the spectrometer data base using NBS 54 AL and Wiley Lbuilt libraries and also with those reported in the literature. Many constituents were identified by comparing their retention indices with those of authentic standards available in author's laboratory.

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