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The use of plant or plant-based products to stimulate sexual desire and to enhance performance and enjoyment is almost as old as the human race itself. The present paper reviews the active, natural principles, and crude extracts of plants, which have been useful in sexual disorders, have potential for improving sexual behaviour and performance, and are helpful in spermatogenesis and reproduction. Review of refereed journals and scientific literature available in electronic databases and traditional literature available in India was extensively performed. The work reviews correlation of the evidence with traditional claims, elucidation, and evaluation of a plausible concept governing the usage of plants as aphrodisiac in total. Phytoconstituents with known structures have been classified in appropriate chemical groups and the active crude extracts have been tabulated. Data on their pharmacological activity, mechanism of action, and toxicity are reported. The present review provides an overview of the herbs and their active molecule with claims for improvement of sexual behaviour. A number of herbal drugs have been validated for their effect on sexual behavior and fertility and can therefore serve as basis for the identification of new chemical leads useful in sexual and erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: Acorus calamus L. (Sweet Flag), known in India as \"Vacha,\" is widely used in traditional medicine, particularly for cognitive enhancement in infants. While traditionally considered safe, β-asarone - a key constituent - has shown potential genotoxicity in some in vitro studies. This study aimed to evaluate the mutagenic potential of Indian A. calamus rhizome, its extracts, and pure β-asarone using the Ames test in accordance with Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples tested included pure β-asarone, dried rhizome powder, and extracts prepared in acidic and alkaline aqueous media. Marker compounds (β-asarone, α-asarone, and shyobunone) were quantified. The Ames test was conducted under GLP using Salmonella typhimurium strains TA97a, TA98, TA100, TA102, and TA1535 (Moltox Inc., USA). Each strain was tested with and without metabolic activation using Aroclor 1254-induced rat liver S9 homogenate. Positive controls included 2-aminoanthracene, sodium azide, mitomycin C, 9-aminoacridine, and 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine. The vehicle was used as a negative control. Doses tested ranged from 39.06 to 5000 µg/plate. RESULTS: No mutagenic response was observed in any of the tested samples across all five strains under either condition (±S9). Positive controls showed expected increases in revertant colonies. Revertant counts for test samples did not reach the threshold for a positive response (≥3 × control for TA1535, TA97a; ≥2× for TA98, TA100, and TA102). CONCLUSIONS: Under the test conditions, A. calamus rhizome and β-asarone did not exhibit mutagenicity. Further studies, including chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity evaluations, are recommended to confirm safety across formulations.

Background To compare the efficacy and safety of bioavailable turmeric extract versus paracetamol in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods In this randomized, non-inferiority, controlled clinical study, patients of knee OA were randomized to receive bioavailable turmeric extract (BCM-95®) 500 mg capsule two times daily or paracetamol 650 mg tablet three times daily for 6 weeks. The primary outcome measure was Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. The secondary outcome measures were WOMAC total, WOMAC stiffness, and WOMAC physical function scores. Responder analysis of individual patients at different levels (≥ 20%, ≥ 50%, and ≥ 70%) for WOMAC score was calculated. TNF alpha and CRP levels were evaluated and adverse events (AE) were also recorded. Results Seventy-one and seventy-three knee OA patients, respectively in bioavailable turmeric extract and paracetamol groups, completed the study. Non-inferiority (equivalence) test showed that WOMAC scores were equivalent in both the groups ( p value < 0.05) in all the domains within the equivalence limit defined by effect size (Cohen’s d ) of 0.5 whereas CRP and TNF-α were better reduced with turmeric extract than paracetamol. After 6 weeks of treatment, WOMAC total score, pain, stiffness, and function scores got a significant improvement of 23.59, 32.09, 28.5, and 20.25% respectively with turmeric extract. In the turmeric extract group, 18% of patients got more than 50% improvement and 3% of patients got more than 70% improvement in WOMAC pain and function/stiffness score and none of the patients in the paracetamol group met the criteria. CRP and TNF-α got significantly reduced (37.21 and 74.81% respectively) in the turmeric extract group. Adverse events reported were mild and comparatively less in the turmeric extract group (5.48%) than in the paracetamol group (12.68%). Conclusion The results of the study suggest that bioavailable turmeric extract is as effective as paracetamol in reducing pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and found to be safe and more effective in reducing CRP and TNF-α. Trial registration Clinical Trials Registry – India CTRI/2017/02/007962 . Registered on 27 February 2017

This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a combined green and synthetic solution for the sustainable treatment of wastewater from the paint industry. Effluent was treated with a natural plant extract (Azadarachta indica) and a silver nitrate solution (AgNO[sub.3] ). Three composite samples of wastewater were collected from the paint industry, transferred to the laboratory for analysis, and three case studies were applied for treatment. The parameters of the treated water were compared with the Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS). Case 1 was a control treatment in which discharged industrial effluent was collected and analyzed for various pollutants (pH, COD, TDS, TSS, and BOD). All the target parameters were higher than the limits in the PEQS. In Case 2, the wastewater was treated by reaction with an A. indica solution for a 4 to 72 h retention time. Some pollutants were remediated as a result of the reaction, while the majority of pollutants required a longer retention time and a higher concentration of A. indica extract, making this case applicable for the treatment of wastewater. In Case 3, the discharged industrial effluent was reacted with A. indica solution combined with AgNO[sub.3] solution for wastewater treatment with a 4 to 72 h retention time; after reaction, all the pollutants were remediated at high pH of 12 at a retention time of 24 h. However, a longer retention time and a better solution are required for the treatment of priority pollutants. However, Case 3 treated more pollutants, so was far superior to Cases 1 and 2. As a result, this instance is suitable for the treatment of wastewater from the paint industry.

The present study was conducted to treat textile industrial wastewater through the combination of green and synthetic solutions. Two case studies were applied for the treatment of wastewater. In the first case, discharged industrial effluent was reacted with Azadirachta Indica leaf extract solution for a 4 to 72 h retention time. After the reaction, some pollutants were treated but most required higher retention time and concentration of A. indica extract, which could be a potential adsorbent for wastewater treatment. In the second case, the discharged industrial effluent was reacted with A. indica solution with silver nitrate AgNO[sub.3] solution and was used as a treating agent for wastewater with a 4 to 72 h retention time. The second case was found to be better than the first case as it treated a greater number of pollutants. Moreover, treatment plant design feasibilities will be required for the application of findings of the present study on an industrial scale. This study can be useful to improve industrial estate’s environmental conditions for reducing pollution by industrial wastewater. There is also a need to raise environmental awareness regarding wastewater’s health effects in local communities.

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a most prevalent potentially malignant disorder associated with betel quid chewing frequently observed in the Indian population. The present study conducted is much of a keen interest because there is much new information, both in the press and the medical literature, about the benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables and antioxidants (such as lycopene and curcumin) for both prevention and treatment of diseases. As clinicians, we often prescribe medications with significant adverse effects, and certainly, if armed with evidence to support using such antioxidants as safer therapeutic alternatives for treatment of OSMF. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of lycopene and curcumin given orally in clinically diagnosed OSMF patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were divided randomly into two groups Group A and Group B. After fulfilling the eligibility criteria, sixty patients were randomly allotted based on fishbowl method into thirty each. This technique eliminated the selection bias arising in the study. Group A individuals were treated with 4 mg of lycopene and Group B individuals were given 300 mg of curcumin thrice daily for 3 months. Both the groups were assessed in terms of mouth opening and burning sensation. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 16.0 statistical Analysis Software. Results: In Group A, the initial burning sensation was 65.83 ± 3.98%, and in Group B, it was 62.33 ± 5.22% (visual analog scale). After 3 months, there was complete cessation of burning sensation in both the groups. Burning sensation between the groups was statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05). In Group A, mean mouth opening at baseline (1st visit) observed was 3.17 ± 0.08 cm which improved to 3.52 ± 0.07 cm after 3 months of the treatment period. In Group B, mean mouth opening at baseline (1st visit) observed was 3.32 ± 0.07 cm which improved to 3.52 ± 0.08 cm after 3 months of the treatment period. On comparing intergroup, the difference was statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05). However, on comparing intergroup, average percent change in mean mouth opening from 1st visit to subsequent time intervals across the time period was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). Group A showed 11.1 ± 1.0% improvement in mean mouth opening and Group B showed 6.2 ± 0.4% improvement in the mean mouth opening from the 1st visit till the posttreatment period. The change in the mean mouth opening from 1st visit till posttreatment in Group A was 0.35 ± 0.14, and in Group B, it was 0.20 ± 0.09. Conclusion: Lycopene showed better results than curcumin in improving mouth opening; both the drugs were equally effective in decreasing burning sensation in OSMF patients.

The crude methanolic extract of Datura stramonium, Azadirachta indica, and Calotropis procera leaves, Allium sativum (AS) cloves, and Carica papaya (CP) seeds collected from Banaskanta, Gujarat (India) was tested for its acaricidal properties against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. The percent adult mortality within 15 days, reproductive index, percentage inhibition of oviposition, hatching of laid ova, and percentage larval mortality were studied at concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/ml. At the highest concentration (100 mg/ml), the adult tick mortality was 66.67, 73.33, 80.00, and 93.33 % for C. procera, D. stramonium, A. sativum, and C. papaya extracts, respectively, and it was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, for A. indica, mortality was low and estimated to be 33.33 %. Inhibition of oviposition at the highest concentration of A. indica, C. procera, D. stramonium, A. sativum, and C. papaya extract-treated ticks was 20.73, 71.34, 77.17, 85.83, and 100.00 %, respectively. Inhibition of fecundity of treated groups differed significantly from the control and was concentration dependent. Larvae treated with all the tested concentrations of A. indica, C. procera, D. stramonium, A. sativum, and C. papaya extracts by larval packet test showed significant mortality (P < 0.001) than that of control tick larvae, and at the highest concentration, it was 55.2, 63.2, 71.8, 69.0, and 82.2 %, respectively. Garlic cloves and papaya seed extract produced complete failure of eclosion of eggs from the treated ticks even at lower concentrations; however, neem, calotropis, and datura was capable of reducing hatchability by 20, 50, and 70 %, respectively. The results pointed that the crude extracts of A. sativum cloves and C. papaya seeds have very good acaricidal properties and could be a potential component of alternative R. (B.) microplus tick control strategy.

The essential oil obtained from the fresh leaves of Zanthoxylum alatum was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Fourteen components were identified, and linalool (30.58%), 2-decanone (20.85%), β-fenchol (9.43%), 2-tridecanone (8.86%), β-phellandrene (5.99%), Sabinene (4.82%), and α-pinene (4.11%) were the main components. The EO and methanolic extract of Z. alatum exhibited potent antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata, Alternaria brassicae, and Curvularia lunata. The EO also showed significant antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Further, antimicrobial constituents of the EO were isolated by bioautography and preparative thin layer chromatography (PTLC) and identified as β-fenchol and linalool using GC/MS analysis. In addition to this, the free radical scavenging activity and antioxidant potential of EO and methanolic extract/fractions of Z. alatum were also investigated using in vitro assays including scavenging ability against DPPH•, reducing power and chelating ability on Fe2+ ions. Our results demonstrate that Z. alatum could be used as a resource of antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds which may find applications in food and pesticide industries.

Detection of resistance levels against cypermethrin and deltamethrin, the most commonly used synthetic pyrethroids (SPs) against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus collected from Moga, Punjab (India) was carried out using larval packet test. Results indicated the presence of resistance of level I and III against cypermethrin (resistance factors (RF) = 4.67) and deltamethrin (RF = 34.2), respectively. Adult immersion test was used to assess the acaricidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of leaves of Cymbopogon winterianus, Vitex negundo, and Withania somnifera along with roots of V. negundo against the SP resistant engorged females of R. (B.) microplus. The efficacy of various extracts was assessed by estimation of percent adult mortality, reproductive index (RI), percent inhibition of oviposition (%IO), and hatching rate. A concentration dependent increase in tick mortality was recorded which was more marked with various ethanolic extracts, and highest mortality was recorded in ticks treated with ethanolic extract of leaves of C. winterianus. The LC50 values were determined by applying regression equation analysis to the probit transformed data of mortality for various aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Acaricidal property was recorded to be higher in ethanolic extracts, and high activity was found with the ethanolic extract of leaves of C. winterianus with LC50 (95 % CL) values of 0.46 % (0.35–0.59 %), followed by W. somnifera as 5.21 % (4.45–6.09 %) and V. negundo as 7.02 % (4.58–10.74 %). The egg mass weight of the live ticks treated with different concentrations of the various extract was significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that of control ticks; consequently, the RI and the %IO value of the treated ticks were reduced. Further, complete inhibition of hatching was recorded in eggs laid by ticks treated with ethanolic extracts of leaves of V. negundo and aqueous extracts of leaves of W. somnifera. The results of the current study indicate that extracts of C. winterianus, V. negundo, and W. somnifera can be used for the control of SP resistant ticks.