International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Medicinal Plants

Phytochemical Characterization and In Vitro Anticoagulant Potential of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.: Exploring a Traditional Medicinal Plant for Natural Antithrombotic Therapy

Sunayana Soorammagari — 2026-08-30

Background: Thromboembolic disorders are among the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although synthetic anticoagulants are effective in preventing thrombus formation, their clinical use is often limited by bleeding complications, drug interactions, and the need for continuous therapeutic monitoring. Consequently, there is growing interest in identifying plant-derived anticoagulant agents with improved safety and therapeutic efficacy. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub., commonly known as cluster bean or guar, is a medicinal plant rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and galactomannan, which have been reported to possess diverse pharmacological properties.

Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents and evaluate the in vitro anticoagulant activity of the ethanolic seed extract of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba using human plasma by measuring prothrombin time (PT).

Materials and Methods: The seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba were shade-dried, powdered, and extracted with ethanol using the Soxhlet extraction method. Preliminary phytochemical screening was performed using standard qualitative methods. Anticoagulant activity was assessed in vitro by incubating different concentrations of the ethanolic extract with plasma collected from healthy volunteers. Prothrombin time (PT) was measured to evaluate anticoagulant activity and compared with untreated control samples.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrates, and other bioactive constituents in the ethanolic extract. The extract exhibited concentration-dependent prolongation of prothrombin time, indicating significant anticoagulant activity. The observed pharmacological effect may be attributed to the synergistic action of polyphenolic compounds and galactomannan, which may interfere with the coagulation cascade and thrombin-mediated fibrin formation.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that the ethanolic extract of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba possesses promising in vitro anticoagulant activity and supports its traditional medicinal use as a potential natural anticoagulant. Further phytochemical characterization, mechanistic studies, toxicity evaluation, and clinical investigations are warranted to identify the active constituents and establish their therapeutic potential in the prevention and management of thromboembolic disorders.

Formulation and Physicochemical Evaluation of a Polyherbal Shampoo Containing Manilkara zapota Seed Oil for Natural Hair Care Applications

Sunitha Chintala — 2026-08-30

Background: Herbal cosmetics have gained considerable attention owing to increasing consumer preference for safe, eco-friendly, and plant-based personal care products. Conventional shampoos formulated with synthetic surfactants may cause scalp irritation, dryness, and hair damage following prolonged use. Manilkara zapota (Sapodilla) seed oil, an underutilized by-product of the fruit industry, is a rich source of fixed oils and phytoconstituents with potential antioxidant, conditioning, and moisturizing properties. Incorporation of sapodilla seed oil with traditional medicinal plants may provide a natural alternative for the development of effective herbal hair care formulations.

Objective: The present study aimed to extract and characterize Manilkara zapota seed oil, formulate a polyherbal shampoo containing selected herbal ingredients, and evaluate the formulation using standard physicochemical quality control parameters.

Materials and Methods: Sapodilla seed oil was extracted by Soxhlet extraction and incorporated into a polyherbal shampoo containing Aloe vera, Hibiscus petals, Shikakai, fenugreek, rose petals, lemon juice, vinegar, gelatin, and essential oils. The prepared formulation was evaluated for organoleptic characteristics, pH, foamability, foam stability, percentage solid content, surface tension, wetting time, dirt dispersion, solubility, and preliminary skin irritation using standard cosmetic evaluation procedures. The formulation and evaluation methods were based on the experimental protocol described in the study.

Results: The formulated shampoo exhibited a homogeneous reddish-brown appearance with a pleasant aromatic odour and viscous consistency. The pH of the 10% shampoo solution was 6.0, while the percentage solid content ranged from 20–25%. The formulation produced a foam volume of 25 mL with dense and stable foam, reduced surface tension to 34.70 dynes/cm, and demonstrated a wetting time of 45 s. Furthermore, the shampoo showed good solubility, satisfactory dirt dispersion, and no observable skin irritation during preliminary evaluation, indicating acceptable physicochemical quality and compatibility for topical application.

Conclusion: The developed polyherbal shampoo demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical characteristics and preliminary safety, supporting the potential use of Manilkara zapota seed oil as a functional natural ingredient in herbal hair care products. The formulation combines effective cleansing with conditioning properties while utilizing an underexploited agricultural resource. Further investigations involving phytochemical standardization, microbiological quality assessment, accelerated stability studies, and controlled clinical evaluation are recommended to establish long-term safety, efficacy, and commercial applicability.

Ulcerative Colitis and Herbal Medicine: Pathophysiological Mechanisms, Preclinical Evidence, Clinical Evidence, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Kaumudee Bodas — 2026-09-04

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that usually starts in the rectum and is caused by genetic vulnerability, poor epithelial barrier function, microbial dysbiosis, and dysregulated immunological responses. Current pharmacological treatments relieve symptoms but are commonly linked with adverse effects, incomplete remission, and relapse, driving growing interest in herbal therapy as a multi-targeted, safer therapeutic option.This review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence on plant species with anti-colitic potential, such as Vitis vinifera, Cocos nucifera, Arctium lappa, Pimpinella candolleana, Ziziphus jujuba, Juglans regia, Terminalia chebula, Cordia dichotoma, and others, focusing on their mechanisms of action and translational relevance. Most species had preclinical investigations, but only a handful had clinical data.These plants exert anti-colitic effects via regulating nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase-2, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-13, and oxidative stress pathways. Flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and polysaccharides are bioactive ingredients that repair antioxidant defenses, promote mucosal healing, and regulate the gut flora. Preliminary clinical data and commercial herbal preparations provide additional support for translational potential.Herbal interventions offer a holistic approach to UC by addressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and microbial imbalance; however, clinical validation, extract standardization, and safety testing remain essential before mainstream integration.

Phytopharmacological Approaches for Urinary Tract Infections: Bioactive Compounds & Mechanisms

Sree Mahalakshmi Pasumarthy — 2026-08-30

Urinary tract disorders (UTDs), including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, dysuria, and bladder inflammation, are common health problems affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional medicinal systems have long utilized plant-based remedies to manage these conditions. Ethno pharmacology explores the relationship between indigenous knowledge, medicinal plants, and their pharmacological effects in treating diseases. Numerous medicinal plants such as Azadirachta indica, Tribulus terrestris, Boerhavia diffusa, Phyllanthus niruri, and Crataeva nurvala have been traditionally used for their diuretic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and lithotriptic properties. These plants contain bioactive compounds including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds that contribute to their therapeutic effects on the urinary system. Scientific investigations have increasingly validated many of these traditional claims through phytochemical and pharmacological studies. However, in order to fully incorporate ethno pharmacological knowledge into contemporary healthcare, additional clinical research, standardization, and safety evaluations are required. This review highlights the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of medicinal plants employed in the treatment of urinary tract disorders, emphasizing their potential as sources for novel therapeutic agents.