No abstract

SUMMARYThe methanol extract of stem barks of Careya arborea Roxb. (MECA) (Family-Myrtaceae) was evaluated for antitumor activity and antioxidant status against Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice. After 24 h of tumor inoculation the MECA was administered at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight/mice/day for 14 days. After the last dose and 18 h fasting mice were sacrificed. The effect of MECA on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing hosts, hematological profiles, serum and liver biochemical parameters were estimated. The MECA showed significant (P < 0.01) decrease in ascites volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and prolonged the life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profiles reverted to more or less normal levels in extract treated mice. The MECA also produced protective effect by decreasing the activity of serum enzymes, bilirubin and increase the protein and uric acid levels. MECA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation, while significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of glutathione content, vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase and catalase CAT. The results indicate that MECA exhibited significant antitumor and antioxidant activity in EAC bearing mice.

SUMMARYThe aim of the present study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity of petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Scutia myrtina (Family: Rhamnaceae). In antiinflammatory activity carrageenan and histamine induced paw oedema and cotton pellet induced granuloma for acute and chronic inflammatory models were studied in Wister albino rats. Based on the results of the present study it can be concluded that petroleum ether and ethanol extract of Scutia myrtina at 400 mg/kg has potential anti-inflammatory effect and they act in a dose dependent manner. Both extracts of Scutia myrtina showed antimicrobial activity against all bacterial and fungal strains tested at the concentration of 100 µg/ml. From the result, it can be concluded that the Scutia myrtina contain antibacterial and antifungal principle. Further more, besides the confirmation of the popular use; the obtained results demonstrate this herbal drug to represent a new source of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent.