Dr Wicks is the product of Whitney M. Young High School in Chicago, Illinois, where she was a Science major, Dance (Jazz, Modern, Tap) and Music (Mixed Chorus)major. She received her Bachelors in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Chemistry at University of Illinois in Chicago, Graduate and Doctoral work at University of Illinois in Natural Products, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, While working in the Health Food Industry as an Education Specialist for Sherwyns Health Foods, Whole Food Markets, Fresh Fields, and other Nutrition Markets, Sheila received a Masters in Science in Biological Sciences at Chicago State University. This Masters degree emphasized Molecular Biology and Microbial Genetics. She later pursued a Masters in Acupuncture from Midwest College of Oriental Medicine, in Wisconsin, and later obtained a Medical Diploma from Guangzhou Medical University, in the Peoples Republic of China. While working as a Biotechnology Consultant for Clients such as Abbott, Pfizer, Neopharm and other Biopharmaceutical Corporations, she completed a MBA with a concentration in Health Services and Policy from Keller Graduate School of Management. In between this time she was selected as an NBC Health & Medical Intern, producing, reporting and writing health stories. , She then became an Active Participant in Oprah Winfrey’s Course on Leadership, at Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Dr Wicks worked and trained under the auspices of Dr Joel Shepherd, MD from 1992 until 2001. and trained in Natural Products & Nutrition Assessment in Oncology, Neurology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Surgery and others.She was appointed as a Volunteer Attending and Faculty at John Stroger Hospital in the Department of Anesthesia & Pain Management and worked diligently at, using Natural Products with Medical Acupuncture and Medical Nutrition Assessment. At the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Department of Pharmacognosy from 1998 to 2011, she was under the mentorship of the late Dr Norman Farnsworth, world expert in Natural Products. and worked with the coding, pharmacology, and review of Natural compounds from such countries as America, Africa, Asia, India, Europe and Iran. Additionally, she also trained at University of Chicago in Clinical & Medical research, where she is still an active Research member in Natural Products

This study investigated the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of Boswellia serrata and Ocimum sanctum in HL-60 cells and in OVA- induced inflammatory lung disease in BALB/Cmice. The plant materials were collected from India The Extract and fractions were tested for their effects on leukotriene C4 synthase leukotriene A4 hydrolase and cyclooxygenase 2 in HL-60 cells . The results showed significant inhibition in in vivo and in vitro inflammation suggesting a plausible mechanism of action for the management of asthma.

Samreen Ahmed has completed her MBBS at the age of 24 years from Dow Medical College, Pakistan, and currently volunteering as a Research Assistant at University of Illinois at chicago. Dr. Ahmed has written 3 case reports as a first author that were published in the IJBCP.

Elderly patients, over 65 years of age, most commonly suffer from dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease. In 1907, Alois Alzheimer first described this disease. Alzheimer’s disease, is clinically diagnosed, after ruling out other possible causes of dementia which makes it a diagnosis of exclusion. Its etiology is based on certain genetic, neurobiochemical, and other factors. Radiographically, diffuse atrophy of the brain is seen in patients with AD. Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor, increases the level of acetylcholine by reducing its inactivation hence leads to improvement in memory. To evaluate the effectiveness of Donepezil in declining the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. A review of literature related to the effects of Donepezil in reducing Alzheimer’s Disease progression was conducted on MEDLINE, PSYCH Info, and PUBMED. Commonly used cholinesterase inhibitors, donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine help with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, however, in terms of efficacy, there is no clear evidence of difference among them. According to a research in 2015, its suggested to monitor the serum levels of donepezil for improving its effectiveness, and a serum level of at least 50ng/mL is may be the recommended level for donepezil to produce its maximal clinical effect. A systematic review in 2015, revealed that ChEIs are effective for cognition, although their effects for neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with mild to moderate AD is controversial. In spite of the fact that the side effects of ACEIs are mild, although they can be serious in advanced cases of AD hence require proper monitoring for the serious side effects, particularly, syncope and bradycardia. Cases relevant to the side effects of donepezil reported increased libido, myoclonus, and cervical dystonia. Interestingly, improved gait in patients of AD with mild nature, was reported by a clinical trial. Beneficial effects of donepezil in memory improvement, seen in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, is revealed by literature review of previous researches. We recommend administering donepezil to patients with Alzheimer’s disease thereby improving their memory, and quality of life. We hope that future research in this area will help patients with dementia and improving their ADLs.

Yu Zepu graduated from Kunming Medical University at 1986. He is the dean of school of basic medical sciences of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has published more than 50 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute

Yajieshaba(YJSB), prepared by Xishuangbanna Hospital of Dai Indigenous Medicine(Xishuangbanna, China), has a long history of clinical use. YJSB is commonly used in clinical detoxification by Dai doctors, but the detoxification mechanism is not clear. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the mechanistic effects of Yajieshaba(YJSB) on enhanced liver detoxification, which provide the pharmacological experimental basis for clinically safe use. The effects of YJSB on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assayed in five acute chemical liver injury models [ carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), D-galactorsamine(D-Glan), 4-acetamidophenol (AAP), thioacetamide (TAA) and 1-naphthyl isothiocyanate(ANIT)]. Sleep latency and sleep time of pentobarbital sodium were tested in control mice and CCl4 model mice after oral YJSB administration. The effects of YJSB on drug metabolism enzymes of liver microsomes were tested in control rats and CCl4 model rats. The levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and Cyt b5 in liver microsomes were assyed using the method by Omura and Sato, and activities of erythromycin N-demethylase (ERD) and aminopyrine N-demethyl (ADM) were evaluated by Nash colorimetry. Probe substrate-based high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were established for CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. The results showed that the level of serum ALT was reduced by YJSB at 3.51g/kg in the five models as follows: CCl4>D-Glan, AAP, ANIT>TAA. YJSB treatment did not reduce the level of serum AST. YJSB at 3.51g/kg prolonged the sleep latency in control mice and shortened the sleep time of control mice and CCl4 model mice. For control rats, YJSB at 2.43g/kg increased the levels of CYP450 and Cyt b5 and induced the activities of ERD and ADM; for liver injuries induced by CCl4 in rats, YJSB at 2.43g/kg increase the levels of CYP450 and Cyt b5. These results suggest that YJSB at 2.43 g/kg induces CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. In summary, these results demonstrate that YJSB enhances liver detoxification and the mechanisms may be partially related to CYP3A4 and CYP1A2 induction.

Nagwa Nour Eldin has completed her PhD from Alexandria University. She works as an assistant Professor at the Clinical Pharmacology department in Alexandria Faculty of Medicine. She has published more than 23 papers in national and international journals. She is responsible for several pharmacology courses in the master and undergraduate programs. She is a member of The Egyptian Society of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics and The Egyptian Association of Advancement of Medical Basic Sciences.

Osteoporosis is a growing public health problem in both developed and developing countries, particularly among postmenopausal women. The seriousness of the disease comes from the increased risk of fracture, increasing with age. Most of established osteoporosis pharmacological treatments are associated with risky side effects, for example ulcer and renal toxicity with bisphosphonates, and cardiovascular complications with hormone replacement therapy. Therefore, development of safer prophylactic and treatment strategies is needed. This study aims at assessing the effect of methionine on ovariectomized rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Female albino rats were divided into four groups: (I) sham rats (normal control), (II) ovariectomized (osteoporosis control), (III) ovariectomized+alendronate 0.1 mg/kg orally daily for 8 weeks, (IV) ovariectomized+methionine 250 mg/kg orally daily for 8 weeks. Serum osteocalcin and Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase 5b (TRAP5b) were determined. Histo-morphometric measurement of trabecular and cortical bone thickness was done and analyzed. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with methionine produced both anabolic and antiresorptive effects on bone. The anabolic effect was evidenced by histological signs of bone formation and histomorphometric analysis revealing increased bone thickness compared to group II and III. The significantly lower serum TRAP5b compared to group II and histo-morphometric analysis evidenced the antiresorptive effect. The results of our study suggested potential anabolic and anti-resorptive effects of methionine in post-menopausal osteopororsis. However, further studies on the efficacy as well as safety of methionine treatment in post-menopausal osteopororsis in human and comparing it with the only approved, until now, bone anabolic drug, teriparatide, is recommended.

Mohamed M. Amin has completed his PhD at the age of 31 years from faculty of pharmacy, Cairo University. He is, a researcher at Department of Pharmacology, Medical Division, National Research Centre. He has published 3 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member in many international journals

Isouramil (IU) is the aglycon of the glycoside convicine isolated from Faba beans (Vicia Faba L.) which cause a hemolytic crisis called favism in patients deficient in glucusr-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). In the present study, the experiments were carried out in male Sprague dewely rats (150-160gm) to determine if administration of melatonin and/or silymarin (as a free radical scavenging compounds) affected the toxicity of IU. Intraperitoneal injection of IU (240 mg/kg b.wt) alone resulted in 100% mortalities within 24 hr. accompanied with rapid decrease in the concentration of glutathione (GSH) in the red blood cells and disturbances in liver and kidney functions. Administration of both doses of melatonin (1&2 mg/kg b.wt) and silymarin (50 mg/kg b.wt) for 1 month with IU greatly reduced mortalities, elevates the concentration of GSH. Also, red blood cells and hemoglobin almost nearly returned to normal values. Liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin) and kidney function (blood urea and creatinine) also returned nearly to the normal values if compared with normal control group.

Juliana Alves Uzuelli concluded the Doctorate in the Area of Pharmacology through the Faculty of Medicine of USP, São Paulo University, in 2010, and studied pharmacological and biochemical aspects in pulmonary embolism. Currently she is a Post Doctorate and she is studying the biochemical mechanisms involved in the cytotoxicity and cell death of cells tumor lines tested with phthalocyanine ruthenium II complex and associated with the photodynamic therapy under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Roberto Santana da Silva, in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty, São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto city, Brazil.

There is an expanding use of the photodynamic therapy, an alternative treatment in which a photosensitive substance, such as ruthenium phthalocyanines (pc), is activated by visible light, for tumor treatment. However, in some cases, the free photosensitive does not work very well. Therefore, the use of liposomes as drug delivery systems is the most promising technique for improving the drug delivery especially for anticancer therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential, according MTT assay, of a monocarboxylated (mc) ruthenium (II) phthalocyanines complex either with or without photo stimulation, free and in the liposome, in a murine melanoma (B16/F10) cell line. The cytotoxicity resulting from the exposure of B16/F10 cell line to the complex [Ru(Cl2)mcpc] was greater when encapsulated in the liposome, with and without photo stimulation, compared to the free photosensitizer. Fluorescence microscopy techniques showed the internalization of the liposome and also the free complex, however higher accumulation of the liposome is visualized in the images. The preliminary results suggest that the liposomes encapsulating with the complex [Ru(Cl2)mcpc] improve the penetrability of the complex inside the cells, and it immediately increases the cytotoxicity and favors the treatment of cancer in photodynamic therapy, in this model. Other assays are being conducted to better understand the mechanism involved and stability of liposome. The drug delivery system in liposomes may be successfully employed as an alternative treatment strategy for cancer therapeutics in the near future

Melania F. MUNTEANU has completed his PhD at the age of 34 years from University of Medicine and Pharmacy Targu Mures (Romania). She is a lecturer of “Vasile Goldis” West University Arad (Romania), Clinical laboratory and Health Chem. discipline – Pharmacy Dept. She has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals.

Occupational lung disease includes the professional asthma, pneumoconiosis, and different allergies determined by long exposure to different chemical agents. Unfortunately, untreated lung disease leads to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective activity of some herbal extracts (such as chamomile - Matricaria chamomilla, elder flowers - Sambucus nigra, yarrow - Achillea millefolium, marigold - Calendula officinalis, and three faces in a hood – Viola tricolor) and to assessed the dependency between the amount consumed weekly by the workers from regional coal industry (the West-side of Romania) and the determined parameters. All the patients which were exposed to coal dust and crystalline silica for prolonged periods present modified spirometry parameters (FVC, FEV1 and FEV1%) and biochemical variables (creatinine, albumin, urea, GSH, ALT and AST). Data was compiled using: (i) a semi-structured questionnaire via face-to-face interviews with patients of Occupational Medicine Department between 2013 and 2015 (n=31); (ii) their spirometry parameters and (iii) their biochemical variables. The obtained results indicate that chamomile and yarrow are both effective against the changes of spirometry parameters when the amount consumed weekly was more than 0.25 g dried herb/kg and the three faces in a hood is effective against the modification of biochemical variables when the amount consumed weekly was more than 0.10 g dried herb/kg

Sekhoacha completed a PhD in Pharmacology in 2008. She over 12 years’ experience in drug discovery from medicinal plants for treatment of infectious diseases and cancer. She has been awarded research grants, and has international collaborations.

The Instituto Superior Politécnico de Benguela (ISPB) developed a project in Angola in the field of ethnopharmacology, which allows identification of several plants with pharmacological activity. From these plants, extensive studies were performed on Cymbompongus citratus L. leading to the identification and validation of antifungal, anti-laschemanial, antiplasmodial and potent antibacterial, activity against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains, bringing a new hope for the treatment of multi-resistant bacterial infections in humans. With this range of pharmacological activity, it is crucial to evaluate the toxicity of C. citratus on mammalian cells to determine its selectivity for pathogens. The research evaluated the effect of essential oil of C. citrus on human cells using different assays to elucidate its mode of action. The essential oil samples of C. citratus were obtained through hydro-distillation. In the assays, the samples were tested at six concentrations ranging from 1mg/ml to 0.031mg/ml and at a lower concentration range of 100µg/ml-0.001µg/ml. The cytostatic and cytotoxic effects were evaluated against Vero cell line using the MTT and Sulforhodamine B assays, while the cell membrane integrity was evaluated using the LDH assay. Standard drugs were used in each assay as positive controls. C. citratus exhibited 10% LDH release at concentrations of 1µg/ml and below while the activity was comparable to positive control at concentration ranges of 250-1000µg/ml/. When evaluated using MTT and SRB assays, C.citratus exhibited varying degrees of cytostatic and cytotoxic effects which led to the determination of TGI, GI50 LDL0, LD100, LC50, and IC50 values against Vero cells.

Eiman has completed her BSc in pharmaceutical science at the age of 23 years from Assuit University, Egypt and MSc degree in clinical pharmacy from Queen University, UK She is in charge pharmacist in Obs / Gyn pharmacy at Alkhor Hospital which is a member of Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar

Most studies used clotrimazole as the main imidazole agents in management of VVC. (Vulvovaginal candidiasis) .Other agents such as econazole are used infrequently. In Alkhor Hospital similarly, clotrimazole has been used extensively for VVC treatment in both pregnant and non-pregnant patient. This extensive use may lead to develop resistance and reduce the response for the treatment which will lead to either failure of treatment or recurrent of VVC that affect safety of mother and fetus Our local data showed that (70%) of patients developed recurrent infections and (30 %) showed treatment failure after treatment with clotrimazole. Finding other agents with less resistance pattern is required to overcome the resistance issue. Several studies showed that econazole treats VVC effectively. In pregnancy, Up to 40% of pregnant women have vaginal colonization by Candida species, a two-fold increase from the prevalence rate in non-pregnant women. Frequent recurrences of symptomatic vulvovaginitis result in considerable suffering, cost and have a markedly negative effect on sexual relations and affect the health of both mother and fetus. Aim Therefore, we decided to conduct Cohort observational Retrospective study to compare the effectiveness of both agents in terms of eradication response among pregnant patients in Obs / Gyn outpatient department at AKH Results Table 1: Efficacy evaluation of the two treatment groups Characteristics Clotrimazole Econazole P value Clinical response Clinical cure at week 2 — no. / total no. (%) 47/64 (73.4%) 58/65 (89.2%) 0.04 Clinical cure at week 4 — no. / total no. (%) 42/64 (65.6%) 54/65 (83.1%) 0.038 Mycological eradication at follow-up — no. / total no. (%) 4/9 (44.4%) 6/12 (50%) 0.801 Conclusion: Econazole showed a significantly higher clinical cure rate and may be considered an effective alternative to clotrimazole, which used to be used extensively in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis. Conclusion: Econazole showed a significantly higher clinical cure rate and may be considered an effective alternative to clotrimazole, which used to be used extensively in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Dr. Aymn T. Abbas has has completed his PhD at the age of 34 years from Zagazig University. He is the associate professor of veterinary medicine, Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals

The increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli is one of the intractable health obstacles of 21st century. Being a part of intestinal microbiota, E. coli could potentially contribute to increasing antimicrobial resistance of gut microbiota (GM). In this study, we aimed to determine the contributing effects of MDR E. coli on antimicrobial resistance of GM in rat model. Ten rats, divided in two groups (group–A and group–B), were orally administered (1 × 105 CFU) with MDR E. coli. The ingested strain was susceptible to amoxicillin. Group–B was treated with amoxicillin to observe MDR E. coli persistence in gut and antimicrobial resistance diversity in GM. The stool samples were aerobically cultured at 37°C. The isolates were screened for resistance against ten different antibiotics and finally identified through MALDI TOF MS and 16S RNA sequencing. Around 8020 colonies were processed. Rat’s GM possessed resistance against amoxicillin, D-cycloserin, gentamycin, carbenicillin and kanamycin. The genus Enterococcus dominantly inhabited rats’s gut. The ingested MDR E. coli significantly (p=0.01) increase CFU in antibiotics supplemented plates and rose diversity of resistant species. However, the E. coli and resistant CFU count declined seven days after administration. E. coli could not root permanently and found absent 14 days post-treatment. Amoxicillin successfully treated out ingested MDR E. coli and reduced the bacterial load however, the number of resistant species increased in comparison to control. In conclusion, both E. coli ingestion and amoxicillin treatment increased resistance in rat’s GM. The ingestion of MDR E. coli followed by amoxicillin treatment increased resistant CFU and leaded to emergence of new antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

Ashutosh Sharma has completed his PhD at the age of 29 years from State University of Morelos, Mexico and postdoctoral studies from National Autonomus University of Mexico (UNAM). Currently he is the Biotechnology Program Director and Full Time Research Professor at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Queretaro, Mexico, a world class university. He has published more than 16 papers in international reputed journals and is reviewer of several international journals as well. He is inventor of 1 patent, co-author of 1 book and co-author of 2 book chapter. He is the youngest high level professor of the university. He has presented more than 30 scientific work in various countries like USA, Holland, Chile, Brazil, India, Canada, China and Mexico. He is member of various scientific organizations and comitees. He has organized and co-organized several international conferences in the field of biotechnology. He enjoys writing on scientific issues that have been published in national and local news papers in Mexico. He has participated as a speaker in more than 70 symposiums, conferences, scientific events, science fairs and scientific discussions. He is co-founder and scientific director of a Startup ¨Nucleus¨ that focuses on the development of Phytomedicine and nuraceuticals. He is national coordinator of Cancerquest project in Mexico and founder of CancerCom student group that works on the prevention and awareness on cancer. He has recieved various awards, national and international scholarships during his career. He has fellowship of the prestigious national research system of Mexico, where he also serve as acredited evaluator for revising scientific project funded by National science and technology foundation of Mexico. Currently he directs thesis for 2 master student and 1 PhD student.

Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to provide an extensive summary of the in vitro antibacterial activities of medicinal plants popularly used in Mexico to treat infections, and to provide the ethnomedical information that has been published for these species. Materials and methods: Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing local and international peer-reviewed papers selected by consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from 1995 to 2014. Specific information on the evaluated plant parts, type of extracts, tested bacterial strains, and inhibitory concentrations for each one of the species is provided. The ethnomedical information for the active species was recorded, as well as their popular names and local distribution. Information about the compounds that have been isolated and purified, is included. This review also incorporates an extensive search of the available toxicological reports on the recorded species, as well as worldwide registries of plant patents used in the treatment of bacterial infections. Results: In vitro demonstrated antibacterial activities of 345 plant species pertaining to 95 botanical families have been recorded. Extracts were studied against 74 bacteria species focusing especially on Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The plant families Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae and Euphorbiaceae were the ones with the highest number of active species. Information related to popular uses indicates that most of the plants are employed to treat other conditions in addition to infections. Distribution of Mexican plants extended from those that were reported to grow in just one state to those that include all 32 states of the country. From 78 plant species, 225 compounds have been isolated. From the total plant species, only 140 (40.57%) had at least one report on toxic effects. From 1994 to July 2014 a total of 11,836 world-wide antibacterial patents prepared from different sources were recorded, while only 36 antibacterial patents from plants were registered. Conclusion: Studies on the antibacterial in vitro activity of medicinal plants popularly used in Mexico to treat infections indicate that both the selection of plant material and the investigation methodologies vary. Standardized experimental procedures as well as in vivo pharmacokinetic studies to document the effectiveness of plant extracts and compounds are necessary. For the vast majority of the plant extracts the mechanisms of action by which plant materials exert antibacterial activity remains to be determined

Rubi Orbe Briones ungraduated student of Biotechnology Engineering at Monterrey Institute of Technology, recipient of High Academic Achievement Program Award, have a specialization in Molecular biology. Recently obtained Diploma of Six Sigma from the Arizona State University. She is an International member of Cancer Prevention and Support Association, Australia and founding member of CancerCom in Mexico. Her research interest lies in agrobiotechnology and phytopharmacology. She has received ¨Outstanding Achievements¨ award from our Biotech department this semester.

A procedure for rapid rooting and micropropagation of Galphimia glauca has been developed in this study. Galphimia glauca is a traditionally used plant in Mexico since decades for the treatment of nervous system disorders. Our study showed an improved rooting system and overall micropropgation procedures. During micropropagation of Galphimia, four different media combinations were employed such as 1) MS and IAA- indolaceticacid, 2) IBA- Indole-3-butyric acid, 3) ANA 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid and 4) KN- kinetin. The combination of MS + IBA and MS + ANA showed the best results with plantlets of 1.5 cm long in 14 days. To grow roots, four different media combinations were tested with different phyto-regulators, where two combinations showed significant root formation. They were IBA+NAA with 45% of root formation and the other one was IBA + ANA with 30% root formation. These plantlets were transplanted to small pots with a mixture of Peat Moss, Tezontle ortoperlita and Vermiculite for better aeration and root growth. Furthermore, plantlets were kept in a small incubation chamber with 50% of humidity and 24oC of temperature for 4 weeks and then were transferred to a commercial size green house. As per our knowledge, this the first report of complete Micropropagation and acclimatization of this important medicinal plant species of Mexico.

Rocio Rubio López is an undergraduated student of Biotechnology Engineering at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, specializes in the field of molecular biology. She has interned at the Institute of Neurobiology in the Department of functional neuroanatomy and neuroendocrinology at the Universidad Autónoma de México. She has an interest in phytopharmacology neurobiology, oncology and tissue culture research. She is credited with outstanding achievements by the biotechnology department.

The numbers of cancer cases has significantly increased in last years. As reported by the National Cancer Institute in the United States, 35% of tumors diagnosed were related to dietary habits. The present study proves the antiproliferative effect of Allium sativum compounds on HepG2 cancer cell line. To investigate the effect of garlic extract in cancer cells, garlic tincture were prepared by the addition of crude garlic to ethanol as organic solvent. The tincture was applied to the hepatic carcinoma cell line for a period of 9 hours at a concentration of 5, 10 and 15 µl, fixed during three periods of time intervals of 3, 6 and 9 hours. The results showed that garlic tincture treatment induced significant apoptosis in cancer cell line. These results demonstrate that garlic tincture is effective in killing cancer cells

Annia Hernandez, aged 24, is currently studying her masters in Biotechnology at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in Monterrey. She majored in Biotechnology Engineering.

Induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer cells by isorhamnetin glycosides from Opuntia ficus-indica: The aim of this investigation was to study how different glycosilation patterns of isorhamnetin derived from Opuntia ficus-indica affect their potential as a natural chemotherapeutic compounds. Isorhamnetin glycosides were isolated by semi-preparative chromatography and identified with LC/MSD TOF and were chosen by their abundance in O. ficus-indica. It has already been reported that the isorhamnetin aglycone induced caspase dependent apoptosis on cancerous lung cells. On the other hand, it has been established that biological activities of flavonoids differ between aglycones and glycosides, and that monosaccharides type, number and position also exert an important effect. Therefore, in this study we tested four isorhamnetin glycosides to validate the apoptotic effect on colon cancer cells using annexin V and propidium iodide staining for flow cytometry. Significant differences between glycosides were evident in a dose-dependent manner and the greatest induction of apoptosis was observed for isorhamnetin-3-O-glucosyl-pentoside at 100 µg/mL. Afterwards, mitochondrial membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined via tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester (TMRE) and 2,7-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA), respectively. It was found that the highest membrane potential loss was generated by the same isorhamnetin glycoside with the strongest apoptotic effect while isorhamnetin-3-O-glucosyl-rhamnsoyl-rhamnoside and isorhamnetin showed the lowest. In contrast with this, the highest ROS concentration was obtained with isorhamnetin. Results demonstrated that differences in the profile of sugars moieties of isorhmanetin affected apoptosis induction.

Gabriela Carrasco Torres completed his Engineering at the age of 22 years. Currently she is studying Master of Science in Pharmacology at the School of Medicine of the Instituto Politécnico Nacional. She has attended to national and international conferences, as well as scientific research Summers. In 2015 she carried out the publication of his first article in an indexed journal. Which has honorable recognition in the academic field and scientific.

The effect of co-administration of α- β unsaturated compounds derivaties of benzoic acid and the flavonoid Quercetin, were evaluated in a variety of established human cancer cell lines. The synergic effect of these two chemicals showed anti-proliferative activity in cancer liver cells of 90% and in cancer cervical cells of 60% at 48 h post-treatment. Adittionally significant events of apoptosis were observed in 90% of the cell population, when benzoic acid and quercetin were administered together. Independent treatments, quercetin or α- β unsaturated compounds decrease the migratory ability of HepG2, HuH7 and HeLa, however the coadministration of both, exerted a higher effect. It is suggested by in silico studies of α- β unsaturated compounds, that through 1,4-addition reactions Michael type, they can selectively react with glutathione (GSH). High levels of GSH participate as a defense mechanism characteristic of cancer cells, thereby, inhibiting free radical induced cell death. Summarizing the co-administration of these compounds induce programmed cell death, probably by disrupting the cellular redox homeostasis, so further studies of the effect of independent or co-administration of these compounds, will give us the best way to use them as chemotherapeutic agents

Rigoberto Villanueva Guerrero completed a degree in Chemical Pharmaceutical biologist at the Autonomous University of Guerrero, Currently the Masters course in Molecular Medicine at the Autonomous University of Morelos state, working in a research group on the pharmacological activity of Bougainvillea xbuttiana

Bougainvillea is extensively used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat several diseases including painful disorders. This study was designed to investigate the analgesic activities of the B.xbuttiana ethanolic extract to support its use in folk medicine. The total extract (BxbEE) and bipartition named as phase: aqueous (BxbEEa) and organic (BxbEEo) to evaluate their analgesic activity. Extracts were subjected to phytochemical screening for the total flavonoids and total phenolic contents were estimated according to standard protocols. BxbEEo was subjected to gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the identification and characterization of major compounds. To determine the analgesic activity at doses of 0.04, 0.4, 4 and 40 mg/kg of different extracts was evaluated using: a) acetic acid induced writhing test, b) formalin test with an early and late phase, and c) tail immersion test. Elevated levels of total flavonoids and total phenolic contents were detected in all extracts. In the GC-MS the BxbEEo showed the presence of six compounds. BxbEE and BxbEEa showed significant analgesic activity (p < 0.01) in the acetic acid induced writhing on the mice at doses of 0.4 to 40 mg/kg, formalin model on the animals at dose of 40 mg/kg (both phase) and tail immersion test on the mice at doses of 4 and 40 mg/kg. For groups of animals treated with BxbEEo the highest percentage of analgesia in all methods used was observed in the groups of mice treated with 4 mg/kg. The results obtained suggest that BxbEE acts peripherally and centrally to relieve pain.

Rodolfo Abarca-Vargas, complete his doctoral studies at the Autonomous Metropolitan University, is currently studying a postdoctoral fellow at Postdoctoral Medicine at the Laboratory of Inflammation and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine of the University Autonomous of Estate of Morelos, he has published three articles in prestigious journals and has participated in International Conference

Natural products used by folklore traditions for treating several diseases represent a source of chemical entities for the determination of pure compounds or as standardized extracts, provide unlimited opportunities for new drug leads because of the unmatched availability of chemical diversity. Bougainvillea xbuttiana is extensively used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat several diseases including painful disorders. This study was aimed to determine the effect of extraction conditions on cytotoxic activity and the concentration of total phenols content and flavonoids from B. xbuttiana. Extraction solvents: ethanol (50 to 100%, v/v), methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane (100%) and extraction temperatures (26, 45 and 64°C) were used. Results showed that the highest yield was observed in the extraction with methanol 100%, the maximum amounts of the total phenol content was obtained in extraction with ethanol 100%, while the greater amounts of flavonoids were obtained in the extraction with dichloromethane 100%. In all extractions with solvents; methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane show the percentage cytotoxicity between 35 to 50%. The ethanolic extraction no cytotoxic effect is observed. For ethanol extractions the higher yields were found with 70% ethanol at temperatures 26 and 45°C. The maximum concentration of total phenol content were observed in extraction with ethanol 60, 70, 80 and 90% at a temperature of 64°C. While the highest flavonoids concentration was observed in extraction with 50% ethanol at 26°C. Extract yield, chemical composition (total phenol content and flavonoids) and cytotoxic activity varied with the extraction process as well as solvent composition

The oxidative damage and pharmacokinetics of pendimethalin were studied in male rat. Rats were divided into four groups. To conduct the pharmacokinetic study, the 1st group received a single oral dose of 109 mg pendimethalin /kg body weight and the 2nd group received a single oral dose of corn oil and served as control. To conduct the oxidative damage study, the 3rd group received four oral doses of 109.4 mg/kg b.wt every other day and the 4th group received corn oil as the same manner and served as control. Rats of 1st and 2nd groups were killed after 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, and 168 h. Pendimethalin was readily absorbed and subsequently distributed throughout the body. The peak concentrations of the herbicide were reached in serum, liver and kidney at 12 h and in brain at 24 h following administration. The compound begins to decline in all tissues as time passed. Pendimethalin was disappeared biexponentially from serum, liver, kidneys and brain. The terminal half-life t½ of pendimethalin was 14.0, 15.0, 2.5, and 29.0 h for the serum, liver, brain and kidneys, respectively. At termination of 168 h, the urinary and fecal cumulative excretion rose to 23.81 and 71.21%, respectively. Rats of 3rd and 4th groups were killed 24 h after the last dose. Exposure of rats to pendimethalin caused a significant increase in tissue MDA, LDH and ALP levels as compared to controls. The activities of catalase (CAT) in serum, liver and kidney were significantly increased, while brain CAT activity was significantly decreased due to pendimethalin treatment. Our results indicated that there was no tendency for pendimethalin to retain in rat tissue. The results also showed that pendimethalin exposure had profound influence on the oxidative stress markers and enzyme activities of the exposed male rat and these enzymes can be used as biomarkers in determining pendimethalin toxicity.

Prof. dr Mirjana Bogavac, M.D., M.A., Ph.D. is Gynaecology/Obstetrics and Perinatology Specialist. She completed Masters' Thesis and PhD at the Medical Faculty, Belgrade University. She is Head of the Department for Coincidental Diseases During Pregnancy at the Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Novi Sad. She is engaged as Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine in Novi Sad, doing practical demonstrations and theoretical teaching. She was the leader and investigator of domestic and international projects and author and a co-author of research papers published in leading international, domestic journals and magazines

Peppermint Essential Oil – an Alternative Drug for Vaginal Infections (PEO-DV): Due to the wide use of antibiotics over past decades, the increase of resistant bacterial strains have happened, affecting more research on antimicrobial effects of natural products. The aim of the study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of commercial peppermint (Mentha piperita L., Lamiaceae) essential oil (Probotanic, Serbia) against clinical strains: two vaginal isolates of Candida albicans (I and II) and six vaginal isolates of bacteria (Escherichia coli I, E. coli II, Staphyloccocus aureus I, S.aureus II, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The antimicrobial activities of essential oil and common antibiotics (tetracycline, ampicillin and streptomycin) and antimycotics (nystatin and fluconasol) were determined using microdilution assay according to CLSI procedures, while the chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Tested peppermint essential oil contained 26 components (95,66%), with menthol (31,86%), L-menthone (20.86%) and dl-menthone (10.14%) as main compounds. The highest antibacterial activity was exhibited against S. aureus II, with MIC and MBC at 6.25 μL/mL, respectively, which is 50 fold higher conc. compared to the test antibiotics. The lowest MIC and MFC were recorded at the same concentration (0.625 µL/mL) against C. albicans I. Nystatin expressed ten-fold lower MIC value than peppermint, while the tested Candida strains exhibited resistance on fluconasol. Obtained results could be a pointer for further investigations and development of new substances with antimicrobial effects, which could be used as basis for vaginaletes for regular application in gynecology after toxic investigation

Tariro Mawoza is a Pharmacist and PhD student at the University of Zimbabwe. Her PhD is in ethnopharmacology. She has published 6 papers in reputable journals and is trying to establish herself as a Researcher.

Sclerocarya birrea is used as a traditional remedy for allegedly treating dysmenorrhoea and a host of other ailments. This study investigated the pharmacological effects of S. birrea extract (SBE) uterine horns from Wistar rats. One kilogram of S. birrea fresh stem bark was air-dried at room temperature (26±1 °C) for two weeks, milled and macerated in 2.5 litres of distilled water for 48 hours and filtered. A rotary evaporator was used to concentrate the aqueous extract and freeze-drying gave 6.13% yield of the extract. Rat isolated uterine horns were mounted in 25 ml Iworx tissue organ-baths containing De Jalon’s physiological solution, and exposed to SBE (25, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 mg/ml/kg). The effects of SBE and atropine, oxytocin, verapamil indomethacin, acetylcholine, serotonin, cimetidine and histamine on the isolated uterine horns were recorded using LabScribe2 software. S. birrea produced significant (p<0.05) concentration-dependent contractions of the uterine muscles reaching a maximum at the 300 mg/ml dose. SBE mimicked and potentiated the contractile effects of oxytocin (0.5-5 μU/ml) and acetylcholine (0.1-3 μg/ml). Pre-incubation of tissues with atropine (1-3 μg/ml) non-significantly (p>0.05) inhibited SBE-induced contractions on uterine muscles. Verapamil (2 μg/ml), indomethacin and -p-tosyl-l-phenylalanine-chloromethyl-ketone (TPCK) inhibited the contractile effects of SBE suggesting possible calcium mediated mechanism of action for SBE and possible COX-enzyme inhibition. Pre-incubating tissues with histamine (10-8-10-5 M) resulted in relaxation of the uterus, while cimetidine potentiated the contractile effects of SBE. Serotonin potentiated the contractile effects of SBE. These results indicate that SBE causes contraction on uterine smooth muscles possibly through its effects on oxytocin, acetylcholine and serotonin receptors. As a result SBE should not be used by patients suffering from dysmenorrhoea as it can worsen it or pregnant patients as it can result in miscarriage/abortion

Olubunmi Adebiyi has completed Medical Training from Obafemi Awolowo University and he is currently completing a PhD at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban South Africa. He has published 5 papers in peer-reviwed journals with three others currently in-press.

Hyperglycemia promotes myocardial fibrotic changes through upregulation of PKC and p38 in response to redox changes. The effects of naringin on hyperglycemia-induced myocardial fibrotic changes and its putative effects on PKC-β and p38 protein expression in type 1 model of diabetes were investigated. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups I-VI (n=7), groups I and II, were treated with distilled water (3.0 ml/kg body weight (BW)) and naringin (50 mg/kg BW), respectively. Groups III, IV, V and VI were rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, BW) and were treated daily with subcutaneous insulin (8 IU/kg BW/), naringin (50 mg/kg BW), distilled water (3.0 ml/Kg BW) and ramipril (3.0 mg/kg/BW), respectively. The animals were sacrificed after 56 days by halothane overdose; blood and heart samples removed for further analysis. The untreated diabetic rats exhibited significantly (p<0.05) increased oxidative stress, NADPH oxidase activity, increased fibrotic areas, PKC-β and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase expression compared to controls. Naringin treatment significantly (p<0.05) ameliorated these changes in diabetic rats compared to the untreated diabetic controls. Naringin’s amelioration of myocardial fibrotic changes appears to involve modulation of p38 and PKC-β protein expression possibly through its known antioxidant actions and may therefore be useful in retarding the progression of fibrosis in a diabetic heart.

Omale James completed his PhD from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria. He is currently the Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria. He has published over 50 papers in reputed journals and is serving as Editorial Board Member for five (5) international journals

The proximate composition; nutritional potential; bioactive phytochemical components; antioxidant capacity; and toxic potential of different parts of grape plant Cissus multistriata were investigated using chemical, biochemical and toxicological methods, and water, methanol, and chloroform as the extraction solvents. Phytochemical screening and proximate analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrate, protein, vitamins, fats, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, minerals as well as glycol-nutrients such as xylose, galactose, fucose, mannose and glucose were also detected. Assessment of the nutritional potential of the plant’s leaf by administering doses of 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 mg/kg body weight to albino rats for 21 days resulted in statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in body weight. The lipoprotein profiles decreased with increase in the dosage of the extract, except for high-density lipoprotein –cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) which increased with increasing dosage of the extract. The protein profiles and glucose level were also increased when compared with the control. The determination of the antioxidant capacity of the methanol extract using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as well as nitric oxide radical scavenging activities and activities of antioxidant enzymes (Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) showed the unripe fruit as exhibiting the highest DPPH scavenging effect with IC50 0.69 µg/ml in comparison with the standard quercetin used (IC50=166.50 µg/ml) . Administration of the plant extract together with carbon tetrachloride toxicant resulted in an increase in activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Cytotoxicity to brine shrimps (Artemia salina ) of the aqueous and chloroform extracts of the leaf, stem, ripe and unripe fruit caused low toxic effect on brine shrimps (Artemia salina) . The study indicates that Cissus multistriata could be a safe dietary source of natural antioxidant and nutrients. These results are discussed from the anti-oxidant, nutritional and toxicological view-points.

Line Edwige MENGOME holds PhD in Physiology from the University of Rouen in 2013. She is a researcher at the Pharmacopeia and Traditional Medicine Institute (IPHAMETRA) in phytochemistry and pharmacology department since 2000. Currently, she count seven papers and several national communications and internationally. Our institute aim was to study chemistry and biology of the medicinal plants from the Gabon. This study is done in collaboration with traditional therapists.

Polysaccharides were extracted from seven plants endemic to Gabon to study their potential immunological activities. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) (5 × 105 cells/mL) proliferation, cytokine and immunoglobulin G (IgG) assays were performed after stimulation with different concentrations of polysaccharide fractions compared with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and concanavalin A (ConA) from healthy volunteers. The culture supernatants were used for cytokine and IgG detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results show that pectin and hemicellulose extracts from Uvaria klainei, Petersianthus macrocarpus, Trichoscypha addonii, Aphanocalyx microphyllus, Librevillea klaineana, Neochevalierodendron stephanii and Scorodophloeus zenkeri induced production levels that were variable from one individual to another for IL-12 (3–40 pg/mL), IL-10 (6–443 pg/mL), IL-6 (7–370 pg/mL), GM-CSF (3–170 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (5–80 pg/mL). Only hemicelluloses from Aphanocalyx microphyllus produce a small amount of IgG (OD = 0.034), while the proliferation of cells stimulated with these polysaccharides increased up to 318% above the proliferation of unstimulated cells. However, this proliferation of PBMCs was abolished when the pectin of some of these plants was treated with endopolygalacturonase (p < 0.05), but the trend of cytokine synthesis remained the same, both before and after enzymatic treatment or saponification. This study suggests that these polysaccharides stimulate cells in a structure-dependent manner. The rhamnogalacturonan-I (RGI) fragment alone was not able to induce the proliferation of PBMC.

Ephraim Michael Kidane has completed his BSc in Pharmacy (5 year program) from School of Pharmacy, University of Asmara. Currently, he is working as Teaching Assistant and Researcher in School of Pharmacy, Asmara College of Health Science in Eritrea. He has one publication and two research papers.

This experimental based study is aimed to validate the traditionally used plants viz. Meriandra bengalensis, Urtica urens L. and Sida schimperiana for antimicrobial potential against different strains of bacteria and fungi (Escherichia coli, Staphylococi aureus and Candida albicans). Among these plants, Meriandra bengalensis and Sida Schimperiana showed positive results. Meriandra bengalensis and Sida schimperiana showed mild activity against S. aureus and C. albicans while Urtica urens L. was not showing any activity against all the tested microorganisms. TLC analysis was also carried out for all the extracts. Rf value of the respective spots (major constituents) were determined which may help in further separation and isolation investigations. The results lend scientific credence to justify the use of these plants against bacterial infections

Eruca sativa Mill., (Cruciferae) commonly known as “Rocket” (roquette) or “Arugula” and locally as “Taramera”. Traditionally, Eruca sativa has nutritional values due to the isothiocyanates (eg., euricin) and also been used as a traditional medicine for the management of cardiovascular disorders, particularly hypertension. The aim of the study was to investigate the blood pressure lowering effect of and potential vascular mechanisms of the extract and fractions of Eurca sativa and euricin in hypertensive and normotensive rats and isolated aorta. In in-vivo blood pressure study in normotensive and hypertensive rats under anaesthesia, crude extract of Eruca sativa (Es.Cr) and its nHexane (Es.nHexane), chloroform (Es.Chlor), ethyl acetate (Es.EtAc) and aqueous (Es.Aq) fractions caused a fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) with more potency in hypertensive rats than normotensive rats. Erucin also caused a fall in MAP in both hypertensive and normotensive rats. In isolated rat aortic rings, crude extract and all fractions induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated by L-NAME sensitive nitric oxide (NO) pathway, while erucin also caused a partial endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation mediated by nitric oxide. When tested against high K+-induced contractions in rat aorta preparations, crude extract and all fractions caused inhibition of the induced contractions. In isolated rabbit aorta, crude extract and all fractions exhibited phentolamine sensitive contractile effect on basal tension, except Es.Chlor. Es.Cr caused relaxation of high K+ (80 mM)-induced and phenylephrine (1 µM) pre-contractions, similar to verapamil, with EC50 values of 5.52 (3.8-7.2) and 7.4 mg/mL (5.8-9), respectively. Erucin also inhibited high K+ (80 mM) and phenylephrine (1 µM) pre-contractions, with EC50 values of 1.1 (0.3–2.0) and 1.8 µg/mL (1.0-2.8), respectively. Among the fractions tested, Es.nHexane, Es.EtAc, and Es.Aq were found more potent against high K+ than PE precontractions except Es.Chlor was equipotent against both PE and high K+. Es.Cr, erucin and all fractions shifted Ca++ concentration–response curves (CRCs) to the right similar to verapamil confirming calcium channel blocking (CCB) activity. The results of this study indicated that crude extract and its fractions possess antihypertensive, vasorelaxant and vasocontractile effects. Vasorelaxant effect mediated by calcium channel blocking and L-NAME sensitive NO mediated endothelium dependent effects. The vasoconstractile effects are mediated partially by α-adrenoceptor stimulation. This combination may provide pharmacological basis of medicinal use of Eruca sativain the treatment of hypertension. This study provides an evidence that medicinal plant extracts posses combination of constituents and collectively they act as regulator of body functions while a single compound isolated from same plant may not necessarily represent the pharmacological/biological activities of the parent plant.

He is studing pharmd (Doctor of pharmacy) final year in sri ramachandera university. Poster presentation at herbotec 2013 in sri ramachandera university

Marine natural products have attracted the attention of biologists and chemists the world over for the last five decades. To date approximately 16,000 marine natural products have been isolated from marine organisms. The macro algae occupy a potentially important place as a source of biomedical compounds. Gelidiella acerosa a marine red algae is an abundantly growing seaweed in the inter tidal region of Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India. Gelidiella acerosa has been used as gelling agent to make jellies, calorie free cookery ingredient, valuable antioxidant for treating ROS mediated diseases and useful post-coital contraceptive. In the present study, invitro anti-arthritic activity of the ethyl acetate extract of the seaweed Gelidiella acerosa was investigated by protein denaturation method. Anti- denaturation study is performed by using bovine serum albumin (BSA). When BSA is heated it undergoes denaturation and express antigens associated with type- III hypersensitivity reaction and that is related to disease such as serum sickness, rheumatoid arthritis and system lupus erythrematosus The production of auto antigen in certain arthritic disease may be due to denaturation of protein. Phytochemical profiling was carried out for the ethyl acetate extract using Gas chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (Agilent-7890A GC instrument coupled with MS-5975) and NIST-MS library . The investigation is based on the need for newer anti-inflammatory agents from natural source with potent activity and lesser side effects as substitutes for chemical therapeutics. The red algae Gelidiella acerosa was collected from Mandapam area ,Rameshwaram. Authenticated by Dr. V. Krishnamurthy , Krishanamurthy Institute of algalogy, Chennai, TamilNadu. They were washed, shade dried and crushed in to powder. The powdered samples was subjected to exhaustive successive extraction with solvents of increasing polarity (Petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate) by maceration. The filtrate was concentrated and dried under reduced pressure in a rotary evaporator and stored in a desicator and the ethyl acetate extract was used to test Anti-arthritic activity. The principle involved in the present study is the ability of ethyl acetate extract of Gelidiella acerosa to prevent the production of auto antigen. From the results, it can be stated that ethyl acetate extract are capable of controlling and inhibiting denaturation of protein in comparable with that of the standard Diclofenac sodium. Nearly twenty nine bioactive chemical compounds were identified in the ethyl acetate extract by GC-MS Analysis. Out of which n-Hexadecanoic acid, reported to have antiinflammatory property was found to be present. Therefore, our study support the use of active constituents from Gelidiella acerosa in treating inflammation and it might be helpful in preventing or slowing the progress of various inflammatory disease.

Edwin Rajkumar is currently receiving his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Sri Ramachandra University. Has recently presented a poster at the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress held in Mysore India.

The polyphenolic flavones and anthocyanis are present in various parts of the plants. These secondary metabolites have been ascribed with many important functions in plants. Various therapeutic effects have been investigated in flavones which include anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, anxiolytic, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor activities. The dihydroxy flavones used in this study (2’,3’-dihyroxy flavone, 2’,4’–dihydroxy flavone) were synthesized adopting standard procedure at the Research Organics, Chennai. Melting point, Thin layer chromatography, U.V spectra and I.V spectra of the synthesized compound were compared with the standard samples and were found to be similar. Male swiss albino mice (25-30g) were housed at animal house Sri Ramachandra University. The influence of opioid system in the antinociceptive action of dihydroxy flavones were investigated by employing acetic acid induced abdominal constriction assay. Based upon the results of a previous experiment conducted indicates that involvement of opioid system in the antinociceptive action of dihydroxy flavone. This observation prompts the investigator to study the possible development of tolerance to the antinociceptive effect of these compounds. Both acute (three injections at four hour intervals) and chronic (five days treatment) tolerance study were conducted using the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction assay for the both dihydroxy flavones. Dihyroxy flavone derivatives were prepared as a uniform suspension in 1% carboxy methyl cellulose and injected by the subcutaneous route. The results of the experiment of the acute and chronic tolerance levels that the antinociceptive activity of the 2’,3’-dihyroxy flavone, 2’,4’–dihydroxy flavone were not altered after repeated administration either in the acute or the chronic study.