Introduction:The rhizomes of Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd (Zingiberaceae) commonly known as greater galangal, a ginger substitute for food and was traditionally used as nervine tonic and stimulant. The present study was designed to screen the neuroprotective role of hydroalcoholic extract of rhizome of Alpinia galanga (HAAG) in transient forebrain ischemia induced neuronal damage and oxidative injury in the rat brain. Materials and Method: The transient forebrain ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in anesthetized rats for 60 min, followed by reperfusion injury. The transient forebrain ischemia induced neuronal damage and oxidative stress was assessed by estimating the percentage survival neurons in the Cornu ammonis CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus, MDA levels and antioxidant enzymes activities in the brain homogenate. Open field, actophotometer and grip strength tests were used for behavioral assessment. Recovery in spontaneous motor activity in actophotometer test and number of squares crossed and rearing behavior in the open field test are indicators of cognitive enhancement after treatment with Alpinia galanga. Results and Discussion: Treatment with Alpinia galanga attenuated the delayed neuronal death in the CA1 and CA3 regions of hippocampus. Reduced post-ischemic brain tissue MDA levels at both the drug doses and increased antioxidant enzyme such as glutathione peroxidase at a higher dose was also noted, which indicates Alpinia galanga is neuroprotective against ischemic hippocampal injury. The present study demonstrated that treatment with HAAG attenuated forebrain ischemic reperfusion induced neuronal injury and oxidative stress in hippocampus. Conclusion: Treatment with Alpinia galanga may have the potential to be used as a protective agent in forebrain ischemic injury.

Introduction: C. pictus, known as spiral ginger, an ornamental plant which has its origin in Mexico, but cultivated in Indian state of Kerala. C. speciosus could be collected from its natural habitat, but due to ruthless and indiscriminate collection it is endangered. These species are used in many of the indigenous preparation, mainly known for anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidaemic properties. The current study is an attempt to compare the phytochemical and antioxidant potential of the two species. Methods: Phytochemical test was carried out in order to figure out the constituents present in the two species of Costus. Further antioxidant activity was carried out in ethanolic extracts by DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay in vitro by standardised chemical methods using ascorbic acid as standard. Preliminary phytochemical tests and WHO recommended parameters of standardisation were performed. HPTLC fingerprinting profile of the leaf was also been carried out. Results: Antioxidant potential of C. speciosus and C. pictus is attributed to mainly phytoconstituents such as tannins, phenols, flavonoids. Both the species showed equally good antioxidant potential, C. speciosus was better radical scavenger in DPPH assay while C. pictus had a better reducing power. Conclusion: The study has provided evidence of good antioxidant in the species of Costus investigated.

Introduction: Kamala(Nelumbo nuciferaGaertn.) is an emergent perennial acquatic plant, having diverse medicinal properties. Many parts of this plant like petals, stamens, seeds are used in medicine. Materials and methods: Fresh flowers of Kamala(N. nucifera Gaertn.) were procured from their natural habitat macro-microscopy, physicochemicsl standards, phytochemical study, HPTLC were carried out as per standard protocol. Results: Histological study on drug shows air sacs and pollen grains of varied shape and size. The drug found to contain high amounts of carbohydrates, flavanoids, tannins. HPTLC, has given different peaks at short and long UV.  Conclusion: Pharmacognostic standards of test drug recorded represent quality out prints of this drug. (Key words: Kamala( Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.), Pharmacognosy, Standardisation)

Objective: The study is undertaken with the intention to document the pharmacognostic characters in order to ascertain identity, quality and authenticity of the crude drug. Further the Phytochemical class predomi-nantly to which the plant belongs will be of great importance contributing to its biological activity and ther-apeutic use. The tender leaves of Combretum latifolium(C. latifolium)Blume. are used to render the immune system strong. Combretum species are extensively used in traditional medicinal system from inflammation to diuretic. The present study is a step to unleash its phytochemical characterization which may be respon-sible for its biological activity. Pharmacognostic characters will serve the drugs identity and authentication. Materials and methods: Sample of crude plant material were collected around Udupi area and its identity was thus confirmed by botanist. Macro-microscopic study of the preserved specimen in the fixative was conducted in the department of Pharmacognosy and preliminary phytochemical test and HPTLC fingerprint of the leaf extract was carried out as per testing protocols. Results and Discussion: The unique microscopic characters of this leaf is arc shaped collateral vascular bundle which is encircled by pericylicfibre. Tri-chomes were found to be absent. Standardization parameters such as moisture content (8.97±0.01), total ash (5.83±0.16), acid insoluble ash (0.10±0.00), water soluble ash (3.19±0.01), alcohol soluble extractive value (7.79±0.01), water soluble extractive value (27.06±0.00) are conducted as a part to prove quality standards proposed by the guidelines. Conclusion: Microscopic characters, standardization parameters, HPTLC will serve as a fingerprint revealing various phytoconstituents pertaining to this plant material. Phy-toconstituents belonging to chemical groups such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols, coumarins, resins were found to be present through qualitative screening tests. Proximate analysis involving total fat, fibre, protein, carbohydrates will appraise the total calorific value calculated by the formula (Carbohydrate ˟ 4) + (Fat ˟ 9) + (Protein ˟ 4).

Ayurveda opines that the plants which are grown in one's own vicinity should be used for food and medicinal needs. Rare knowledge on folklore plants is passed on from generations to generations traditionally. One such plant is Dioscorea oppositifolia L. (Dioscoreaceae) found frequently in Udupi locally known as Kaadu genasu. The plant is large climber with numerous cylindrical tubers which are consumed as food as it is very nutritive and used as food during famine. On account of these utilities of this less explored plant material, a detailed pharmacognostical study including macro and microscopy HPTLC, nutritional values were conducted. Results of this study can be utilized for identification and purity standards this extra pharmacopoeial drug. Sagri et al.