Biography:

Shrinivas Bumrela is currently working as the Head of Pharmaceutics Department, Sinhgad Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pune, India. He is a registered Indian Pharmacist having 14+ years of academic and research experience. He presented and published more than 35 research articles in national and international journals/conferences and received 07 best research poster awards. His research area of interest is phytopharmacology and guided 14 Post-graduate students for dissertation. His biography is included in Marquis Who’s Who in the World 28th Edition, 2011. He serves as a reviewer of various journals to name a few Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia and Asian Journal of Complementary and Alternative medicine.

Abstract:

The Dipteracanthus patulus (Jacq) nees (DP) is an undershrub belonging to the family acantheaceae. DP extracts were evaluated by reported in-vitro antioxidant methods; methanolic extract of DP leaves (MEDP) showed promising antioxidant activity (in-vitro). Bioautography on thin layer chromatography (TLC) using DPPH as a detection reagent for the identification of antioxidant compounds was also performed. MEDP extract was standardized by physicochemical properties, spectroscopy and chromatography studies. The marker compound of MEDP (β-carotene and β-sitosterol) was identified by HPTLC. Total phenolic content of MEDP was also analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteau (FC) colorimetric method and found to be 351.09±1.89 µg GAE per gram dry weight. MEDP was selected for further hepatoprotective activity evaluation against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol (PCM) induced liver damage in rat models. The hepatoprotective activity was assessed by serum biomarkers and antioxidants viz. malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSPx) and catalase (CAT) in liver homogenates along with histoarchitecture studies of rat liver. The hepatoprotective activity of MEDP observed in the present research can be correlated to their potent antioxidant property. Furthermore, the effect of MEDP (500 mg/kg) in CCl4 and PCM rat models with respect to serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and liver nitric oxide levels were determined. The elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-6 with toxicants were reduced to normal levels with MEDP treatment. In addition, MEDP (500 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) elicit anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced hind paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma rat models.

Biography:

Ian James Martins has been a reviewer for various international journals and research grant agencies and is the Chief Editor for Scientific and Academic Publishing over the past 20 years. Research Gate’s analysis of his publication stats place the RG score higher than 93% of the international researchers. He received the Richard Kuhn Research Award-2015 in Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Abstract:

In Western countries age-related diets such as obesity and diabetes have become important risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Anti-obesity drug discovery programmes have been ineffective with drug withdrawals due to adverse effects that were never predicted from clinical trials and drug development. These drugs have not reduced neurodegneration associated with obesity. Removal of drugs such as fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutamtramine and orlistat were not related to improvements in medical complications related to obesity. Cholesterol lowering drugs such as statins have not delayed the programmed cell death pathways in the brain with cholesterol and amyloid beta dyshomeostasis linked to neurodegeneration. Nutritional therapy instead of drug therapy has appeared as a novel approach by activation of nutrient sensing genes associated with appetite regulation with the delay in the diseases of the liver and brain that are connected to AD. High fibre diets that contain phytosterols and short chain fatty acids regulate hepatic membrane cholesterol and amyloid beta homeostasis with beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis and on cholesterol homeostasis. High fibre diets and their contents of bacterial lipopolysaccharides, mycotoxin and xenobiotics have become important with improvement in drug effectiveness related to the amount of fibre diet consumed associated with the intact peripheral amyloid beta clearance pathway and reversal of NAFLD. High fibre diets may improve anti-obese drug therapy in insulin resistance and AD and their reduced contents of LPS, mycotoxin and xenobiotics may improve interactions between drug molecules and membrane and nuclear receptors that elicit therapeutic effects in NAFLD and Alzheimer’s disease.

Biography:

Penduka D completed her PhD from the University of Fort Hare, South Africa and she is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Zululand, South Africa. She has published 9 papers in peer reviewed reputable journals, and currently has two papers accepted for publication in this year 2015. She is interested in Pharmacology.

Abstract:

The increase in the prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria has necessitated the search for new antimicrobials from alternative sources such as traditional medicinal plants. The agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the susceptibilities of four plant derived tritepenes namely, 3β-hydroxylanosta-9, 24-dien-21-oic acid (RA5), and methyl-3β-hydroxylanosta-9, 24-dien-21oate (RA3), a mixture of oleanolic acid and betulinic acid (SF1) and a mixture of 3β-acetonyloleanolic acid and 3β-acetonylbetulinic acid (SF2), against seven Escherichia coli, one Bacillus cereus, five Enterococcus and nine Vibrio bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined through the micro-broth dilution assay. The checkerboard method was used to determine the antibiotic-triterpene interactions while the cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase test was used to determine the membrane damaging potentials of the triterpenes. RA3, RA5, SF1 and SF2 had activities against 86.4%, 54.6%, 22.7% and 9.09% of the test bacteria respectively. SF1 had the lowest MIC values ranging 0.625-10 mg/ml with lower MIC values being noted against Gram negative bacteria in comparison to Gram positive bacteria; this trend was also noted among the activities of RA3 and RA5. MBC studies proved the triterpenes to be mostly bacteriostatic, while interactions with ciprofloxacin were ranging between indifference and antagonism. RA3 alone showed minimal membrane damaging potential with the levels of cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase released ranging from 1-36% against E.coli (DSM-8695) and V. vulnificus (AL 042).The results hereby show the potential that the test triterpenes have as antibacterial agents, especially against the Gram negative bacteria namely E.coli and Vibrio bacteria.

Biography:

Maduike , C. O. Ezeibe is a professor of Veterinary medicine in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike-Nigeria. He holds DVM, M.Sc and Ph.D degrees from University of Nigeria, Nsukka . He is also a fellow of College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria (FCVSN). Prof Ezeibe invented the Medicinal synthetic Aluminum – magnesium silicate (Nanoparticles) - a broad-spectrum antiviral medicine, a highly active antiretroviral medicine, a potential anticancer agent and a stabilizing agent for antimicrobials. For Ethnopharmacology 2016, Professor Ezeibe shall talk on : Stabilizing antimicrobials with the Medicinal synthetic Aluminum – magnesium silicate, to enhance their efficacy.

Abstract:

Development of resistance against drugs, by micro-organisms , has become a global medical challenge, both in veterinary medicine and in human practice. Antimicrobials, affected and those that can be affected, number in several thousands. To avoid drug-resistance, medications should clear, at least, 95% of infections-loads . When more than 5% of infections`-load is left after treatment, immune responses often fail to complete termination of such infections and infections that survive treatments, most times, develop resistance against drugs used for the treatment. To minimize side effects of drugs, lower doses (75%) of antimicrobials (Piparazine, Ampicillin, Chloroquine and Sulphadimidine) were used; to prolong bioavailability of the drugs in order to enhance their efficacy , they were stabilized with the Medicinal synthetic Aluminum-magnesium silicate (MSAMS) and to maximize immune responses of treated animals, the treatments were supported with immune stimulants. Recommended doses (100%) of Piparazine, Ampicillin and Chloroquine, when not stabilized with the MSAMS, cleared only 82.94%, 80.68% and 20% of Helignosomoides bakeri, Salmonella gallinarum and Plasmodium berghei infections. The 75% of doses of the MSAMS-stabilized Piparazine and the MSAMS-stabilized Ampicillin, cleared 96.82% and 97.84% of the respective infections. Supporting the lower doses of MSAMS-stabilized Chloroquine and MSAMS-stabilized Ampicillin with immune stimulants led to 100% clearance of P. berghei infection and 95.80% clearance of Ampicillin-resistant Escherichia coli infection. It has therefore been concluded that enhancing efficacy of antimicrobials by prolonging their bioavailability with the MSAMS; minimizing side effects of drugs by using 75% of doses of MSAMS-stabilized antimicrobials for treatments and maximizing immune responses of patients by supportive treatment with immune stimulants, achieve enough clearance (≥95%) of infections so that drug-resistance is prevented and drugs made to regain effects against resistant infections. By making 75% of doses of the drugs more effective than the 100%, the MSAMS also reduces cost of drug formulations.

Biography:

Girdhari Lal Gupta has completed his PhD in 2009. He is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’s NMIMS University, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He has received Young Scientist Award from DST, Government of India in the year 2012. He has been nominated as CPCSEA member by Animal Welfare Division, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Government of India. He has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals and has been a reviewer for several journals of repute.

Abstract:

India’s Queen of herbs Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn., family Labiatae) have huge medicinal uses. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of Ocimum sanctum in alcohol abstinence syndrome, developed following long–term voluntary alcohol intake in rats. The hydro–alcoholic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (HEOS) was first characterised for the presence of oleanolic acid (0.54% w/w), eugenol (0.39% w/w) and caryophyllene (0.02% w/w) and subsequently acute, sub–acute toxicity studies were also performed. For evaluation of the effects of HEOS in ethanol abstinence syndrome, healthy Wistar rats were enabled to voluntary drinking of 9% v/v alcohol for fifteen days. The behavior studies were conducted employing tail suspension test, forced swim test, light–dark model and elevated–plus maze test on day 16th, 17th & 18th and peak ethanol withdrawal syndrome were determined. HEOS (100, 300 and 500 mg/kg) and diazepam were administered orally on peak withdrawal symptoms. Expression of Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 genes for GABAA receptor and Grin1, Grin2a, Grin2b genes for NMDA–glutamate receptor in the amygdala and hippocampus of the rats were also determined. The results revealed that no observed adverse effect level was higher than 2000 mg/kg, orally. HEOS exhibited significant protective effect at doses 300 & 500 mg/kg, but 100 mg/kg showed insignificant protection against alcohol abstinence syndrome like anxiety and depression. The increased expression of NMDA–glutamate receptor and decreased expression of GABAA receptor following ethanol abstinence were also reversed by HEOS. Thus, HEOS has protective role in the ethanol abstinence syndrome.

Biography:

Abstract:

For several reasons no two individuals can be considered identical and hence individualization of therapy is the current trend in treating the patients. Influence of menstrual cycle on the pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline. Twelve healthy female volunteers have been included in the study after obtaining written informed consent. The age ranged from 16 to 25 years Experimental design: The volunteer selection and recruitment will be carried out after obtaining informed consent from each volunteer. The drug administration will be done to each volunteer at 7 a.m along with a glass of water after an overnight fasting on 3rd, 13th and 23rd day of menstrual cycle. These saliva samples will be stored under frozen conditions until HPLC analysis. Results: In the present study the changes in estrogen levelsduring ovulatory phase have not shown any influence onAUCo-t of Doxycycline. Only AUCo-t of doxycycline showed an increasing trend with increasing levels of estrogen in ovulatary phase, but not in other phases. Eventhough the FSH levels differed significantly among volunteers during different phases FSH does not seem to influence overall pharmacokinetic behavior of Doxycyline during different phases. The present study indicated only the trend that the hormone levels may influence the pharmacokinetic behavior of the Doxycycline. Conclusion : In the present study the changes in hormones have not shown any influence on pharmacokinetics significantly among volunteers during different phases.

Biography:

Hany A Omar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (1998) and a Master’s degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology (2005) from Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt. He completed his PhD degrees in Molecular Biology at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio (2010). His thesis was on preclinical investigation of novel small-molecule targeted agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. After Post-doctoral studies at The Ohio State University (2011), he led cancer cell molecular biology research in different places. He is now an Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates & Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt. He has been a regular reviewer or ad hoc reviewer for several medical journals, different funding agency and several journal Editorial Board Members and senior Editors. He has published close to 40 scientific reports, including many in the most respected professional journals on molecular oncology and anti-cancer drugs.

Abstract:

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most challenging cancers with limited therapeutic options. Angiogenesis is a key mechanism required for the progression of advanced metastatic stage of PC. Interference with angiogenesis halts prostate tumor progression and metastases. Estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) is upregulated in PC compared to normal tissues. ER-α is implicated in tumor angiogenesis through activating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcription. Pterostilbene (PT) is an active component of blueberries that exhibits anti-proliferative and antimetastatic effects in PC. The impact of PT on pro-angiogenic signals is not known. The current study tested the hypothesis that PT exhibits sensitizes prostate cancer (PC) cells to chemotherapy. We also examined the underlying mechanisms by which PT exhibits cytotoxic effects in PC with special emphasis on ER-α, Akt activity and angiogenesis signals. PT is cytotoxic against LNCaP, DU-145 and PC-3 with IC50 of 33.76, 41.17 and 58.9 µM. PT synergized doxorubicin in both LNCaP and PC-3 cells. Molecular docking indicated that PT interacts with ER-α active site with a comparable affinity to estradiol. Since, ER-α is implicated in the progression of PC. The effect of PT on PC migration and invasion was investigated and results showed significant reduction in both functions. PT suppressed ER-α expression, ER-α(Ser-167) and Akt(Ser473) phosphorylations in PC-3 cells. PT opposed the release of the pro-angiogenic growth factors VEGF, IGF-1 and TGF-β by 41.5, 36.5 and 28.8% (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that PT could serve as a promising antiangiogenic therapy/ adjuvant for the management of advanced stage PC

Biography:

Tahira Bibi has completing her PhD from Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad in Botany (Ethnobotany). She is Assistant Professor in SBK Women’s University, Quetta. She has published 7 papers in reputed journals and submitted number of papers in reputed journals

Abstract:

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. Breast cancer rates are much higher in developed nations compared to developing ones. This first report survey was commenced with an aim to document ethnic knowledge regarding the use of folk medicines for breast cancer in women among the local communities of northern Balochistan, Pakistan using quantitative ethnobotanical approaches. Materials & Methods: The information was collected through personal observations, interviews, rapid appraisal approach, open ended questionnaire, structured and semi-structured interviews were conducted to assemble information using Pre-Informed Consensus (PIC). Results were analyzed using quantitative indices of Use Value Citations (UVC) and Disease Consensus Index (DCI). Results: A total of 194 inhabitants of the northern Balochistan (80%) women, (13%) men and (7%) men traditional healers of different age groups were interviewed. The informants were divided into four different age groups. Most of the informants belonged to the age of above 55 years. The research led to the identification of 47 plant species, distributed over 30 families. The most frequently represented families are Asteraceae and Labiatae with four species each. The most common life forms of plants are trees and the most common parts of the plants used are their seeds (29%). Plants are often used as powder for the treatment of cancer (31%). The highest Use Value Citations (UVC) and Disease Consensus Index (DCI) were reported for the Ferula baluchistanica. Conclusions: This study has revealed significant information on various medicinal plants used for breast cancer of women by the local people of area. In present study 10 new species of plants and 2 animal species (Frog and Bat) and one mineral (Sulphur) have not been documented as anticancer until now. We found no references to possible chemical investigations in these species. The efficacy and safety of these new reported plants needs to be evaluated for phytochemical and pharmacological and toxicity studies.

Biography:

Luana Rossato completed her Master’s degree at the University Santa Maria- Brazil in 2013. Currently she is a PhD student at University of São Paulo-Brazil. She has experience in essential oils, plant extracts and their activity against microorganisms. She has more than 10 papers on susceptibility tests.

Abstract:

Essential oils (EO) are classified as GRAS (generally regarded as safe), show antibacterial proprieties and resistance has not been reported after prolonged exposure. Then, the investigation of their antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungi agents is justifiable. In the present study, the antifungal activity of essential oils obtained from Origanum vulgare (oregano), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon), Lippia graveolens (Mexican oregano), Thymus vulgaris (thyme), Salvia officinalis (sage), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), Ocimum basilicum (basil) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) were assessed against Candida glabrata isolates. One group contained 30 fluconazole-susceptible C. glabrata isolates, and the second group contained fluconazole-resistant isolates derived from the first group after the in vitro induction of fluconazole-resistance, for a total of 60 tested isolates. The broth microdilution methodology was used. Concentrations of 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL, 400 mg/mL, 800 mg/mL, 1600 mg/mL and 3200 mg/mL of the essential oils were used, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. Thyme, sage, rosemary, basil and ginger essential oils showed no antifungal activity at the tested concentrations. Antimicrobial activity less than or equal to 3200 mg/mL was observed for oregano, Mexican oregano and cinnamon essential oils. Both the oregano and Mexican oregano essential oils showed high levels of antifungal activity against the fluconazole-susceptible C. glabrata group, whereas the cinnamon essential oil showed the best antifungal activity against the fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata isolates.

Biography:

Konda Swathi has completed her Post-doctoral studies from Kakatiya University and PhD from the same University. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals and presented above 25 research papers in international and national conferences.

Abstract:

Isatin is an endogeneous compound isolated in 1998 and reported1 to possess a wide range of central nervous system. activities. Surendranath pandya et al. reported the synthesis and anticonvulsant activity of some novel n-methyl/acetyl, 5-(un)-substituted isatin-3-semicarbazones. In the last few years, Isatin derivatives have been discovered which show potential hypnotic, antibacterial and MAO inhibitory activity. It is evident from the literature survey that Isatin derivatives dialkylamino alkyl derivatives showing more promising central nervous system and anticonvulsant activities. In the present work, some new 5-[2(3)-dialkylamino alkoxy] Indole 2, 3-diones were prepared from 5-hydroxy isatin. The structures of the products were characterized by IR, NMR, MASS Spectral studies. All the compounds were evaluated for anticonvulsant effect by MTT Assay Method. Some of these compounds showed good Anticonvulsantr activity compared with standard compounds. The compounds were mostly synthesized by conventional methods and described in experimental selection and also by the methods established in our laboratory. A new series of five 5-[2(3)-dialkyl amino alkoxy] Indole 2,3 dione derivatives were synthesized by reacting 5-hydroxyindole 2,3 dione with 2-N,N di alkylamino alkyl halides.Evaluation of these compounds as anticonvulsant activity revealed that the compounds (IIIa,IIIb) with a dimethyl and diethyl amino ethyl chain derivatives was found to be relatively superior in anticonvulsantactivity and other compounds(IIIc, IIId, IIIe) are next in the order of activity.All the compounds showed less neurotoxicity compared to Diazepam.

Biography:

Sadaf Kayani is a PhD scholar at Plant Systematics and Biodiversity Lab, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad-Pakistan since 2013 under the supervision Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad. Her research work is focused on Ethnobotany and pharmacological study of medicinal plants of Northern Pakistan. She has completed her MPhil in Plant sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad-Pakistan. She has published 4 papers in reputed journal that is Journal of Ethnopharmology and was awarded by higher education Pakistan (HEC) with International research support initiated program (IRSIP), with which she visited Minnesota University USA for six months for her research work.

Abstract:

The alpine and sub alpine area of Northern Pakistan are the hot spots for medicinal and endemic flora. Key goal of this study has been contributed to evaluate the traditional knowledge and provide important information both qualitative and quantitative on endemic medicinal plants of Northern Pakistan. A survey was performed, total of 197 informants were interviewed by using semi structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed by quantitative ethno-botanical indices such as Informant Consensus Factor, Use Value, Relative Importance, Cultural Significance Index and some other. The traditional medicinal uses of 69 endemic plant species belonging to 49 families were reported from the indigenous people to treat 17 categories of various diseases. The most common used family was Ranunculaceae (18% species), mostly consumed plant parts were leaves (34%), dominant life form was perennial herbs (68%). Decoction (32%) was the major mode of preparation while oral (54%) was most frequently used method of administration. Relative Frequency Citation ranges between 0.06 and 0.29. Consensus Index of Potentilla curviseta and Spiraea hazarica (29), being highest. Family Balsaminaceae dominated with highest FIV (81%). According to results of Fidelity Level calculations, nine endemic plant species yielded 100% FL. The research area is not fully explored this is the first attempt on the particular subject and will serve as a baseline for future phytochemical study. The endemic plants wealth is vanishing due to overexploitation, urbanization, and unsustainable harvesting. Sustainable utilization of endemic medicinal plants and organized cultivation technique is recommended to save this endemic wealth of Northern Pakistan.

Biography:

S Takaidza is currently doing her first year of PhD in Biotechnology and works as a Research Technician at Vaal University of Technology, where she completed her MTech in Biotechnology in 2012. She graduated in 2005, with a BSc in Microbiology from University of Limpopo, South Africa. Her first degree was a BSc in Science with Education at Bindura University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe.

Abstract:

Medicinal plants are known to produce a wide variety of bioactive compounds with therapeutic properties such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Phytochemicals such as phenolics, vitamins and terpenoids are known to have free radical scavenging (antioxidant) properties. Antioxidants scavenge free radicals or reactive oxygen species and can be extremely important in inhibiting oxidative mechanisms that lead to degenerative diseases. Although almost all organisms possess antioxidant and repair systems to protect them against oxidative damage, the systems are insufficient to prevent it entirely. Therefore attention has been drawn to plant produced antioxidants which can counter free radical induced oxidative stress and overcome side effects of synthetic antioxidants. The aim of this study was to assess the phytochemicals, total content of phenolics and antioxidant activity of crude extracts from selected species in the genus Tulbaghia. Standard methods according to Harbone (1956) were used for preliminary phytochemical analysis. The total phenolic content of the plant extracts was determined using the folinciocalteu method whereas the total flavonoids were determined using the aluminium chloride colorimetric method. DPPH and ABTS assays were used to assess the antioxidant activity.Phytochemical screening of selected Tulbaghia species demonstrated the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, saponins and steroids. The amount of total phenols and flavonoids varied in the different plant extracts ranging from 63.65 to 85.45 miligrams gallic acid equivalent per gram of sample (mg GAE/g) of fresh material and 58 to 90.36 milligrams quercetin equivalent per gram of sample (mg QE/g) of fresh material respectively. The crude plant extracts exhibited low antioxidant activity. There is therefore further need to isolate and examine individual compounds from Tulbaghia species for antioxidant activity as some compounds work best as single entities.

Biography:

Samuel Eguasi Inkabi completed his Bachelor’s from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology-Ghana. Currently, he is a Master’s student at Linköping University, Sweden, studying Experimental and Medical Bioscience. He has co-authored a paper in a reputed journal and is currently on a project with a renowned Swedish Clinical disease investigator scientist at Linköping University, Sweden.

Abstract:

Cancer, a major public health issue with more than 12,000 Ghanaians dying from cancer each year as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Cancer is an abnormal growth and proliferation of cells, caused by a complex, poorly understood interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Cancer treatment is usually a combination of a number of different modalities including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. However, they produce side effects that prevent their extensive usage. Current phytochemical research on 50% aqueous ethanolic extract of Ficus pumila leaves and stem of Ghanaian cultivars has shown the presence of tannins, saponins, general glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, flavonoids (leaves) and sterols (stem), making it a potential candidate for antioxidant and anticancer analysis which serve as the objective of this study. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH scavenging activity by measuring the absorbance of the extracts of Ficus pumila Linn. and comparing it with a standard drug BHT. Total phenolic content was also determined and compared with the standard Gallic acid. The anticancer activity was also determined using MTT assay and compared with the standard drug curcumin. The extracts and the standard curcumin were also tested on normal PNT2 cells to determine its effect. The leaves [IC50 values of 130.97μg/ml, 56.31μg/ml and >1000μg/ml (Jurkat cells, HL-60 cells and CEM cells respectively)] and stem [IC50 values of 204.37μg/ml, 124.41 μg/ml and >1000 μg/ml (Jurkat cells, HL-60 cells and CEM cells respectively)] extracts of Ficus pumila Linn. all showed a positive activity with the leaves showing a higher activity. The extracts also promoted the growth of the normal cells whiles the standard curcumin damaged the normal cells. The antiproliferation activity of the Ficus pumila Linn. leave extract can be attributed to the high phenolic content and antioxidant activity

Biography:

Nolutho Mkhumbeni is a PhD candidate at the Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa. She is an accredited Medical Technologist and currently works as a Lecturer in Biomedical Technology at the Vaal University of Technology, South Africa.

Abstract:

Medicinal plants have been used to treat diseases for centuries. Africa is rich in natural medicinal resources and it has been estimated that over 60% of Africans make use of medicinal plants that they obtain from traditional healers. The genus Eucomis is endemic to southern Africa and is part of the Hyacinthaceae family. The genus is one of the most widely used ethnomedicines by the Xhosa and the Zulu people of the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal provinces of South Africa respectively. Of the ten species within the genus, Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. subspecies autumnalis, is the most commonly used herbal remedy for postoperative recovery and the treatment of bone fractures. Its vernacular name is Umathunga, literally meaning ‘to sew (bone) together’. Medicinal plants may provide a safe and cost effective alternative treatment for bone fracture, decreasing the time it takes for the patient to return to full activity. This will benefit the patient and the economy, especially in developing countries. No studies have been found investigating the potential osteoinductive activity of E. autumnalis in C2C12 cells, a mouse myoblast cell line. The main aim of this study is to scientifically investigate the effect that E. autumnalis has on bone regeneration. ELISA was used to assess the BMP-2 and ALP production and RT-PCR was used to determine expression levels of target genes involved in bone formation.

Biography:

Said Hassan is a PhD Scholar at Center of Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Peshawar Pakistan. Prior to his PhD studies he did BSc (Hon.) and MSc (Hon.) in Agriculture Chemistry. His main field of interest is natural products and has published 15 research articles.

Abstract:

Experimental based evidence suggests that most of the medicinal plants possess a wide-ranging pharmacological and biological activities that may possibly protect tissues against O2-induced damages. The objectives of the current study are: first, to investigate the effects of Monotheca buxifolia and Bosea amherstiana on H2O2 induced DNA damage in human lymphocytes and second, to determine its effect on oxidative enzymes. Cells were treated at concentration of 100 µg/mL with both plants. Alkaline Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis/comet assay were used for DNA damage analysis. Activities of antioxidant enzymes TBARS, SOD, CAT and POD were assayed on treatment with the extracts. Both plants species possess the protective role against H2O2-induced lymphocytes DNA. Significantly decrease occur in status of antioxidant enzymes. This study indicate that both plants have potential in preventing oxidative damages/stress related diseases and would be suitably used as supplements in combination with conventional drug for the treatment of cancer like diseases.

Biography:

Maryam Akram Butt is a student of PhD from Quaid I Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. She has published one paper in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Abstract:

The alpine and sub alpine area of Northern Pakistan are the hot spots for medicinal and endemic flora. Key goal of this study has been contributed to evaluate the traditional knowledge and provide important information both qualitative and quantitative on endemic medicinal plants of Northern Pakistan. A survey was performed, total of 197 informants were interviewed by using semi structured questionnaire. The data was analyzed by quantitative ethno-botanical indices such as Informant Consensus Factor, Use Value, Relative Importance, Cultural Significance Index and some other. The traditional medicinal uses of 69 endemic plant species belonging to 49 families were reported from the indigenous people to treat 17 categories of various diseases. The most common used family was Ranunculaceae (18% species), mostly consumed plant parts were leaves (34%), dominant life form was perennial herbs (68%). Decoction (32%) was the major mode of preparation while oral (54%) was most frequently used method of administration. Relative Frequency Citation ranges between 0.06 and 0.29. Consensus Index of Potentilla curviseta and Spiraea hazarica (29), being highest. Family Balsaminaceae dominated with highest FIV (81%). According to results of Fidelity Level calculations, nine endemic plant species yielded 100% FL. The research area is not fully explored this is the first attempt on the particular subject and will serve as a baseline for future phytochemical study. The endemic plants wealth is vanishing due to overexploitation, urbanization, and unsustainable harvesting. Sustainable utilization of endemic medicinal plants and organized cultivation technique is recommended to save this endemic wealth of Northern Pakistan.