No abstract

Nowadays, Tolbutamide, Metformin, Gliclazideetc that are highly preferred as anti-diabetic drugs are mainly sulfonylureas and biguanides which are known to cause various adverse effects [4]. Hence in the recent years medicinal plants have become a subject of interest for drug development owing to their phytochemical constituents and their therapeutic potential. In particular, the angiosperms are given more emphasis but the pteridophytes which are significant group of plant kingdom with 12000 species are not much studied for their antidiabetic activity. Adiantum philippense Linn is commonly known as 'Hanspadi' or 'Walking Maiden hair fern'. It is widely distributed in many parts of India and used as an ornamental plant. It is ethnomedicinally used in bleeding diseases, burning sensation, erysipelas, epileptic fits, dysentery, and elephantiasis [5]. It has been reported that the dried whole plant has been used as a medicine for bronchitis and cough [6]. Adiantum philippense is also reported to have anti-bacterial [7] and anti-fungal activity [8]. Adiantum capillus veneries, a fern of the same genus as that of Adiantum philippense Linn possess antidiabetic potential which is marketed with brand name "Avenca TM ". Belonging to the same genus and family of Pteridophytes, insufficient information was available regarding anti diabetic potential of Adiantum philippense Linn (Adiantum lunulatum Burm f.) which led us to investigate its antihyperglycemic potential on alloxan induced diabetic rats. Materials and Methods Collection and authentication The fern Adiantum philippense Linn (AP) was collected from ChandraprabhaVanrai, Dapoli in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra in the end of monsoon and was authenticated by Dr. P.

No abstract

Background In hyperglycemic conditions like diabetes, impaired wound healing occurs due to endothelial damage, dysfunction of leukocyte, decreased phagocytosis and secondary infection which may lead to amputation and debility. Ethnomedicinally, Pteris vittata L. (PV) is used for wound healing. This fern is arsenic hyper-accumulator but its therapeutic aspect is still unexplored. Hence, the present study was put forth to study its aqueous extract and ethanolic extract in diabetic wound healing. Methods Rats were divided into diabetic control, povidine iodine (PI) treated, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of PV treated groups (n = 6). Circular excision wound closure was observed for 15 days with and without treatment. After study completion, skin was divided into four sections wherein first section was homogenized for collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine assay. Second, third and fourth sections were used for antioxidant assay, gene expression and histopathology. Column purified fraction of ethanolic extract of PV was subjected to High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass spectroscopy. Data obtained were analyzed using one way analysis of variance and expressed as Mean ± SD. Results The percentage difference in wound area of day 15 to day 0 showed 65% wound contraction in diabetic control rats. The percentage reduction in wound area showed by PI and extracts of PV were 79% and 85% respectively. Statistical significant increase in collagen, hydroxyproline and hexosamine was observed in the test groups as compared to disease control and PI treated rats. Similarly, statistical significant increases in antioxidant enzymes were observed in the treated groups with decrease in lipid peroxidation. Treatment of rats with PI and two extracts of PV up-regulated Matrix Metalloprotein-9, Collagenase-2 and VEGF-1 and down regulated Tumor Necrosis Factor- α and Interleukin-6. Histopathology in diabetic rats showed incomplete scab formation with haemorrhages which were absent in treated rats. Spectral data showed presence of polyphenolic compounds, fatty acids and ascorbic acid. Conclusion Alternative and complimentary management based on herbal biotherapy which can promote angiogenesis, increase collagen and lower the levels of reactive oxygen species are warranted for healing of wounds in hyperglycaemic conditions which were achieved by two extracts of PV.

<em>Ficus religiosa</em> L. (FR) and <em>Morus alba</em> L. (ML) belonging to the family Moraceae have been tested as novel herbal agents for hair growth promotion and Hair Follicles (HFs) regeneration in BALB/c athymic nude mouse model. Current study tested different mixtures of 5% aqueous fractions: Test 1 (ML2+ML3+ML4+FR4), Test 2 (FR1+FR2+FR4), or Test 3 (ML2+ML3+ML4+FR1+FR2+FR4) from leaves of both plants including standard of care 2% minoxidil. Control mice were untreated. Animals were treated for 33 days by topical application on the back skin and changes in hair growth patterns were evaluated. Histology was performed to assess the HFs morphology, and modulation of hair cycle phases. Gene expression analysis was performed to understand potential mechanisms of action. All treatment groups had significantly higher anagen phase HFs compared with untreated control group based on histology analysis. Also, expressions of CD34, CD200R and Oct4 genes were upregulated in all treatment groups compared with untreated control. Present study demonstrated that a combinatorial therapy using either fractions of FR or FR and ML promoted hair growth and HFs regeneration through induction of anagen phase in conjunction with stem cells associated genes upregulation in BALB/c athymic nude mouse model of hair loss.