Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology vol 6 issue 3

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STM JOURNALS

1. The Globe's Healthiest Food with Numerous Medicinal Properties— Solanum tuberosum
Afreen Usmani, Anuradha Mishra, Badruddeen 1
2. “Progen” Herbo-Mineral Formulation Modulates Spermatogenesis in Experimentally
Induced Infertile Rats
Nayeem A. Khatib, Suvarna S. Barve, Srinivas M. Patil, Ira C.S. Caiado 11
3. Majoon Falasfa: A Boon from Unani Medicine for Elderly
Basharat Rashid, Malik Itrat, Zoheb Alam Khan 24
4. Structural Characterization of Flavonoids Using Mass Spectrometry
Kalay Hagazy, Haile Nega Mulata 29
5. Evaluation of Chale Neem (Azadirachta Indica) As an Immunomodulator in Elderly Persons:
A Single Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled Study
Mohd. Akmal, Zarnigar, Basharat Rashid 48
ContentsResearch & Reviews : Journal of Pharmacology

RRJoP (2016) 1-10 © STM Journals 2016. All Rights Reserved Page 1
Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology
Volume 6, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
The Globe’s Healthiest Food with Numerous Medicinal
Properties—Solanum tuberosum
Afreen Usmani*, Anuradha Mishra, Badruddeen
Department of Pharmacy, Integral University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract
Solanum tuberosum, commonly known as potato, belongs to the Solanaceae family. The whole
part of potato plant including leaves, tuber, peels and their juice are used in traditional
medicine. Several pharmacological activities of potato have been reported, i.e. antioxidant,
antidiabetic, anticancer, antiallergy, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiobesity, antisepsis,
anticonvulsant, fibrinolytic and antiplatelets activity. Potato contains vitamin B6, vitamin C,
vitamin B3, pantothenic acid, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, copper, and fibers. The
medicinal properties, traditional uses, nutritional value, phytochemical constituents,
distribution, dosage, drug interaction, and side effects of potatoes have been discussed in this
present review to provide collective data for multipurpose benefits.
Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, pharmacological, traditional, phytochemical
INTRODUCTION
Potatoes are tubers first cultivated in the
Andes region of South America. The English
word ‘potato’ comes from Spanish patata [1].
Spanish explorers brought the potato back to
Europe from their South American voyage in
the early 16th century [2]. Potato (Solanum
tuberosum) Family: Solanaceae is the fourth
most important food annual production in the
universe after rice, wheat and maize, and is the
only major food crop that is a tuber [3]. Over
200 million metric tons of potatoes are
harvested annually worldwide [4]. Regardless,
the local importance of potato is unstable. It
remains an important crop in Europe
(especially eastern and central Europe) where
per capita output is still the highest in the
globe; but the most rapid extension over the
past few decades has been found in the
southern and eastern Asia.
As of 2007 China called the world in potato
production, and nearly a 3rd
of the world's
potatoes were harvested in China and India
[5]. The United Nations officially announced
2008 as the International Year of the Potato,
to increase its profile in developing nations,
denoting the crop as a “hidden treasure” [6, 7].
The two-thirds of the global production of
potato is consumed directly by humans, fed to
animals and used for production of starch [8].
Potato is the best source of carbohydrate
(approximately 26 g in a medium potato). The
predominant form of this carbohydrate is
starch [9]. The storage and cooking method
used can significantly affect the nutrient
availability of potato [10]. Cooking and then
cooling potatoes significantly enhances
resistant starch (cooked potato starch contains
about 7% resistant starch, which increases to
about 13% upon cooling) [11]. A medium-
sized, 150 g potato with the peel provides
vitamin C 27 mg (45% of the daily value
[DV]), potassium- 620 mg (18% of DV),
vitamin B6 0.2 mg (10% of DV) and trace
amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, iron,
magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and zinc [12].
The storage area of potatoes is dark, well
ventilated and for long time storage
maintained at temperature near 4°C (39°F).
For short time storage before cooking,
temperature of about 7–10°C is preferred [13].
Temperature below 4°C (39°F) converts
potatoes’ starch into sugar, which affects their
taste and cooking qualities and causes to
higher acrylamide levels in the cooked product
(especially in deep-fried dishes). Acrylamides
are believed to be possible carcinogens and
their presence in cooked foods is currently
under research as a possible influence in
potential health problems [14, 15] (Table 1).

Volume 6, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
“Progen” Herbo-Mineral Formulation Modulates
Spermatogenesis in Experimentally Induced Infertile Rats
Nayeem A. Khatib*, Suvarna S. Barve, Srinivas M. Patil, Ira C.S. Caiado
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, KLE University’s College of Pharmacy, Belagavi,
Karnataka, India
Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the fertility potential of Ayurvedic proprietary
medicine ‘progen’—a herbo-mineral formulation—in experimental rats. A total of 24 male
wistar rats were rendered infertile by administration of tetracycline (22.5 mg/kg p.o) and
restraining stress (2 h a day) for 7 weeks. At the end of 7th week, six animals were sacrificed.
Blood serum was analysed for triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), follicle
stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone. Epididymal semen
was examined for sperm count, %motility and %viability. Testes were dissected out and anti-
oxidant as well as histopathological studies were performed. The results obtained showed
chronic abnormalities in sperm parameters, serum hormonal level, antioxidant profile, and
histopathology in untreated infertile rats when compared with normal control rats which
confirmed successful induction of infertility. Infertile rats were further divided into three
groups (six rats in each) and treated with progen 45 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg as well as Clomifene
Citrate 2.5 mg/kg for 4 weeks in continuation with tetracycline and restraining stress. At the
end of 11th week, all the animals were sacrificed and analysed for various parameters
mentioned above. Treatment with progen at the dose of 45 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg showed
significant (p<0.0001) dose-dependent improvement in sperm parameters, serum hormonal
level, anti-oxidant profile as well as significant (p<0.0001) decrease in elevated fasting blood
glucose level (BGL) and TG level when compared with untreated infertile control rats.
Histopathological studies showed normal architecture of testis. It was concluded that
progen—herbo-mineral formulation—exhibits significant potential to revert chronic male
infertility which can be attributed to the various phytochemical constituents present in it.
However, further study is required to establish its exact mechanism of action and responsible
phytoconstituents.
Keywords: “Progen” formulation, tetracycline, restraining stress, male infertility
INTRODUCTION
Infertility is “a disease of the reproductive
system defined by the failure to achieve a
clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of
regular unprotected sexual intercourse” [1].
The need to have children is of great priority
in families hence treatment of infertility has
become a global concern. The couple not able
to reproduce, experiences the feeling of
frustration and disappointment which increases
oxidative stress levels thereby worsening the
condition [2]. It is reported that about 15% of
couples of reproductive age are infertile; of
which, ˜20% is entirely due to a male factor,
with an additional 30–40% involving male as
well as female factors. A male factor therefore
plays 50% role in the etiology of infertility [3].
It is therefore counted among one of the most
important issues in married couples.
Hypotheses about deteriorating male
reproductive capabilities are still controversial
and may be charged to any of the reason given
below. The sexual maturation is sensitive to
the action of toxic chemicals since they have
negative impact on production and transport of
gametes, spermatogenic cycle, sexual behavior
as well as fertility [3]. The use of some of the
established toxicants such as polychlorinated
biphenyls or polybrominated diphenyl ethers
has been restricted or even banned in the
foreign countries because of their adverse
effect on fertility [4]. In the past two decades it
was reported that, increasing exposure to toxic

Volume 6, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Majoon Falasfa: A Boon from Unani Medicine for Elderly
Basharat Rashid1,
*, Malik Itrat1
, Zoheb Alam Khan2
1
Department of Tahafuziwa Samaji Tib (PSM), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya,
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2
Department of Ilaj bit Tadbeer (Regimenal Therapy), National Institute of Unani Medicine,
Kottigepalya, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Abstract
Geriatric medicine or clinical gerontology, as a branch of medical sciences specifically deals
with health problems as well as care and treatment of older people. Old age can’t be healed
but it can be promoted, prevented and extended which is in fact a basic principle of preventive
medicine. There is clear consensus that elderly population comprises a collection of
biomedical factors which influence an individual’s physiological state in a way that reduces
his or her capacity to withstand environmental stresses. The outcome of this contributes to an
increased demand for medical and social care and is associated with increased economic
costs. Hence, it has become a matter of increasing urgency to look for ways to maintain and
improve the functional abilities of ageing people, to help them cope independently in the
community and ultimately, to raise the quality of their lives. Unani medicine counts a number
of single and compound drugs like Asgand (Withenia somnifera), Amla (Emblica officinalis),
Zanjabeel (Zingiber officinale), Garlic (Allium sativa), Zafraan (Crocus sativa), Kalonji
(Nigella sativa), Elva (Aloe barbadensis), Tiryaq Wabai, Majoon Lana, Majoon Falasfa, etc.
for the preservation and promotion of health of elderly persons. Some of the drugs studied in
recent years demonstrate promising effect. Majoon Falasfa, a polyherbal sugar based
semisolid preparation of Unani system of medicine, is one with beneficial effects in
neurological, digestive, urinary and various chronic and debilitating disorders, especially in
geriatric population and has such a reputation that it has been called as Madaat-ul Hayat,
i.e., elixir of life. This paper is an attempt to highlight the role of this ancient compound
formulation in geriatric population.
Keywords: Geriatric medicine, elderly, Unani medicine, majoon falasfa
INTRODUCTION
Ageing is an inevitable phenomenon of living
being which is hallmarked with involution of
the organism manifesting with a set of
biological features and incapacities [1].
Ageing is a natural process which is inevitable
biological phenomenon and it is not known
when the old age begins. As it has been said
that ageing is a physiological process that
starts from birth, continues throughout life and
ends with death. The process of ageing of an
individual is assessed by comparing biological
age with chronological age, if biological age
corresponds to chronological age, the ageing
process is normal [2]. The study of the
physical and psychological changes which are
incident to old age is called gerontology and
the care of the aged is called clinical
gerontology/geriatric medicine or geriatrics.
United Nations (1980) considers 60 years as
the age of transition to the elderly age group.
In India, people aged 60 years and above are
treated as old. Old age is often classified into
‘early old age’ up to 75 years (elderly) and
‘late old age’(very elderly) for those above
75 years, however in developed countries,
people at 65 years and beyond are treated as
elderly [2]. Discoveries in the medical science
and improved social conditions during past
few decades have increased the life span of
man. As the life expectancy is rising, the
population of the aged people is also
increasing steadily. The world population
prospectus released by United Nations in 1998
reveals that the population of the aged at
global level is 9% (6.7% in less developed
countries and 15% in developed countries).
Though the proportion is more in developed

Volume 6, Issue 3
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Structural Characterization of Flavonoids Using Mass
Spectrometry
Kalay Hagazy1
, Haile Nega Mulata2,
*
1
Department of Pharmacy, Pharmacognocy Course and Research Unit, College of Health Sciences,
Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
2
Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle,
Ethiopia
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to review the fragmentation pattern of commonly known
flavonoids in mass spectrometry (MS) along with brief examples. In the current review,
literature search was conducted using Elsevier, Science Direct, Springer Link (Springer),
PubMed and Google Scholar. The search included the keywords “flavonoids”, “C-, O-
glycoside flavonoids”, “aglycan flavonoids‟‟ cross-referenced with the keywords
“characterization”, “elucidation”, ”fragmentation”. Several authors reported that the main
fragmentation paths of flavonoids are apparently independent of the actual ionization mode or
the types of analyzers applied. The most useful fragmentations of flavonoids, in terms of
structural elucidation, were found those that involve breaking the C-ring bonds. These
fragmentations give rise to product ions containing the A or B ring and part of the C ring. It
was also found that each class of flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides are characterized by
specific fragmentation patterns. From the available literature it has been found that the
diversity and sensitivity of mass spectrometry is a useful technique for the analysis and
structural characterization of different types of flavonoids.
Keywords: flavonoids, C-glycoside flavonoids, O-glycoside flavonoids, aglycan flavonoid,
characterization, elucidation
INTRODUCTION
Flavonoids are among the most ubiquitous
groups of plant secondary metabolites
distributed in various foods and medicinal
plants. There are three main types of
flavonoid-containing matrices— plants, food
and liquid samples such as biological fluids
and drinks [1, 2]. They are a large group of
structurally-related compounds with a
chromane-type skeleton, with a phenyl
substituent in the C2 or C3 position [2]. They
can occur both in the free form (aglycones)
and as glycosides, and differ in their
substituents (type, number and position) and in
their unsaturation [3].
Flavonoids are largely planar molecules, often
hydroxylated in positions 3, 5, 7, 3', 4' and/or
5' (Figure 1). Frequently, one or more of these
hydroxyl groups are methoxelated, prenylated,
sulphated or glycosylated [1, 2]. All
flavonoids share a basic C6-C3-C6 phenyl-
benzopyran backbone which, arises from the
shikimate (C6-C3) and mivalunate (C6)
biosynthetic pathways [4]. The position of the
phenyl ring relative to the benzopyran moiety
allows a broad separation of these compounds
into flavonoids (2-phenyl-benzopyrans),
isoflavonoids (3-phenyl-benzopyrans) and
neoflavonoids (4-phenyl-benzopyrans).
Division into further groups is made on the
basis of the central ring oxidation and on the
presence of specific hydroxyl groups.
Most common flavonoids are flavones (with a
C2-C3 double bond and a C4-oxo function),
flavonols (flavones with a 3-OH group) and
flavanones (flavone analogues but with a C2-C3
single bond), and abundant isoflavonoids
include isoflavones (the analogue of flavones).
4-arylcoumarin (a neoflavonoid with a C3-C4
double bond) and its reduced form, 3,4-

Volume 6, Issue 3
www.stmjournals.com
Evaluation of Chale Neem (Azadirachta Indica) As an
Immunomodulator in Elderly Persons: A Single Blind
Randomized Placebo Controlled Study
Mohd. Akmal, Zarnigar*, Basharat Rashid
Department of Tahafuzi wa Samaji Tibb, National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bangalore, Karnataka,
India
Abstract
Elderly subjects have loss of functionality and dysregulation of immune system.
Immunosenescence is associated with deleterious changes, primarily in adaptive immunity
and particularly in T cell subset. It includes reduced production of T cells in bone marrow and
thymus and diminished function of mature lymphoid tissues. As a result, elderly individuals do
not respond to immune challenge and are at increased risk of infection and related
complications. Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) is reported to be muhafize fasade
akhlat (prevent humoral disturbances) and dafe taffun (anti sepsis) in Unani literature, but it
is not scientifically explored so far. The objective of the study is to evaluate the
immunomodulator effect of Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) in elderly. A single blind
randomized placebo controlled study was conducted at national institute of Unani medicine
hospital, Bangalore. 60 immunocompromised elderly persons were selected on the basis of
clinical examination and history they were randomly assigned into two groups, 30 in test and
30 in control group. Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) powder was given to test group,
6 gm, orally filled in capsules in the morning and same dose in the evening for two months
while control group was given placebo for the same period of time as that of test drug.
Response was measured by the assessment of TLC, DLC, ESR and T cell count (CD4 and
CD8) before and after treatment. The results were analysed statistically using appropriate
tests. Test drug showed significant increase in CD4 count (P<0.05) at 60th day in comparison
to baseline, but increase in CD8 count was not statistically significant. TLC remains
unchanged in test group and significantly reduced in control group. The findings outlined
above indicate immunomodulator activity of Chale Neem (Azadirachta indica bark) and
suggests its use in conditions where immune-modulation is required and thus is suggestive of
therapeutic usefulness.
Keywords: Unani medicine, aging, Chale Neem, immunity, immunosenescence
INTRODUCTION
Aging is a universal biological process that
leads to progressive and deleterious changes in
human beings, and all the bodily systems,
especially immune system is severely
compromised. A decline in immunity as well
as age related physiologic changes lead to an
increased burden of both communicable as
well as non-communicable diseases. This is
further compounded by impairment of special
sensory functions like vision and hearing later
in life. Other morbidities are: hypertension
(14%), diarrhoea (12%), chronic cough (12%),
skin diseases (12%), heart disease (9%),
diabetes (8.1%), asthma (6%), and urinary
complaints (5.6%) [1]. Of the global
population of over six billion, almost 10% are
elderly; it is projected that the older population
in developing countries will rise much faster
than the developed countries [2]. According to
the United Nation’s projected age structure of
population for 2010 (UN, 2008 revision), India
is expected to have a total of over 91.6 million
persons in 60+ age groups, the second largest
population of older adults in the world after
China [3]. India is in a phase of demographic
transition and trends reveal that population of
elderly is growing faster than general
population [4]. According to Unani classical
literature, individuals more than 60 years of

Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology vol 6 issue 3

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Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmacology vol 6 issue 3