@article {863, title = {Clinical Uses and Toxicity of Aloe vera: An Evidence-Based Comprehensive Retrospective Review (2007-2017)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {February 2019}, pages = {424-428}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {424}, abstract = {

Background: Aloe vera (AV), mostly known as succulents, or the healing plant of the genus Aloe of Liliaceae family. It contains large range of vitamins, amino acids, antiseptic, antiinflammatory, and sulfur compounds to control and eliminate mold, bacteria, viruses; however, AV toxicity is most of the times described poorly among AV consumers. Aim of the Study: To report and highlight AV clinical uses and toxicity cases to compare and highlight its therapeutic as well toxic profile. Materials and Methods: AV cases were gathered from databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and E-Resource Portal of Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University using the keywords, i.e., AV case report, AV toxicity, hepatitis, clinical trials about AV, interactions, the current uses of AV, etc. Results: Ten cases met the eligibility criteria where the toxicities were mostly associated with the usage of AV except the intended use, i.e., to be administered topically or AV capsules ingestion or as a drinkable solutions. Major symptoms observed in these cases were related to hepatocytes inflammation (hepatitis), fatigue, nausea, vomiting, thyroid dysfunction, abdominal discomfort, and diarrhea along with severe weight loss. These results were not associated with a specific age; however they were more predominant in female gender. Conclusion: AV should be taken within normal/specified dose range which can only be achieved through asking an herbal specialist, and in approved suitable dosage form which is topical.

}, keywords = {Acemannan, Aloe vera, Cosmetics, Hepatitis, Toxicity}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.11.66}, author = {Ahmed Muhammad Ibrahim and Hussain Al Sadah and Rizwan Ahmad and Niyaz Ahmad and Atta Abbas Naqvi} } @article {866, title = {Clinical uses and Toxicity of Ephedra sinica: An Evidence-Based Comprehensive Retrospective Review (2004-2017)}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {February 2019}, pages = {439-444}, type = {Review Article}, chapter = {439}, abstract = {

Background: Ephedra sinica (ES) (Ma-huang) is a well-known plant due to its widespread therapeutic uses. However, many adverse effects such as hepatitis, nephritises, and cardiovascular toxicity have been reported for this plant. Few of these side effects are reversible whereas others are irreversible and may even lead to death. Aim of the Study: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical uses and toxicity cases/consequences associated with the use of ES. The review will compare and evaluate the cases reported for ES and identify the causes which make the plant a poisonous one. Materials and Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted from 2004 to 2017, and research literature regarding the clinical cases were collected using databases and books such as Google Scholar, Science Direct, Research gate, PubMed, and Web of Science/Thomson Reuters whereas the keywords searched were {\textquotedblleft}Ephedra sinica,{\textquotedblright} clinical cases of Ephedra sinica, {\textquotedblleft}Ma-hung poisonous,{\textquotedblright} {\textquotedblleft}Ma-hung toxicity reported cases and treatment,{\textquotedblright} and {\textquotedblleft}Ephedra Sinica toxicity reported cases and treatment.{\textquotedblright} Results: eleven different cases were identified which met the eligibility criteria and were studied in detail to extract out the findings. It turned out that most of the patients and participants developed adverse side effects following the use of ES, and after a proper course of treatment or trail, some of the side effects were reversible, whereas others were found irreversible. The most common adverse effects and toxicity observed in patients were liver problems, renal failures, and cardiac toxicity which resulted in two mortalities whereas the other two got recovered. On an in-depth study, it was revealed that most of the toxicities in such cases were associated with the use of ES in combination with other conventional drugs, long-term use, or use in patients with cardiac and renal problems without a medical supervision. Conclusion: Hence, it is concluded that ES may have reversible as well as irreversible adverse effects and may even result in death; however, the use of a plant with the proper knowledge and under sound medical supervision may reduce such exaggerations

}, keywords = {Cardiac problems, Clinical cases, Ephedra sinica, Liver problems, Toxicity}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.11.68}, author = {Walaa Al saeed and Marwa Al Dhamen and Rizwan Ahmad and Niyaz Ahmad and Atta Abbas Naqvi} } @article {826, title = {Pharmacognostical, Physicochemical Standardization and In vitro Antioxidant Activity of Punica granatum Linn fruit}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {11}, year = {2019}, month = {February 2019}, pages = {272-277}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {272}, abstract = {

Introduction: Punica granatum Linn. fruit (Family: Punicacea), known as Pomegranate is ethno-medicinally prescribed in various part of world for treatment of different diseases it is used as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anticancer and antiparasitic agent. Method: The present study was thus undertaken to find out the necessary pharmacognostical standards for evaluating the fruit of P. granatum. Different assessment such as macroscopical characters, microscopical studies, physicochemical evaluations (loss on drying, moisture content by Karl Fischer titration, ash values, extractive values) and TLC/HPTLC finger print profiling were performed and the relevant quantitative and qualitative parameters were reported. Invitro antioxidant activity is also performed by HPLC-DPPH method. Results: Fruit of P. granatum are Reddish brown in color, Globular and Oval, smooth, 5.0 o 12.0 cm in diameter. Powdered fruit confirmed the presence of Stone cell, Endospermic cell, Group of stone cells, Nonlignified fiber, Starch grain and Lignified fibers and vessels. TLC of the extracts was also carried out in the current study. Physicochemical standards quantified include loss on drying (36.62 {\textpm} 4.17 \%), moisture content (32.15 {\textpm} 3.64 \%) total ash (8.58\% {\textpm} 1.06 \%), water soluble ash (7.15 {\textpm} 0.97 \%), acid insoluble ash (0.45 {\textpm} 0.03 \%). Safety profile of plant part was recognized by quantify microbial limit test, pesticide residue and heavy metals (Cd, As, Hg and Pb) evaluation. Here is no visible microbial growths were seen in sample. Pesticide residue and heavy metals were observed to be present within the acceptable limits. Conclusion: Scientific investigations do not yet exist to identify the exact plant part and to determine its quality and purity. These studies provided referential information for accurate identification and standardization of this herbal material. These analyses will also be useful to distinguish P. granatum from the closely associated to other species of Punica.

}, keywords = {DPPH, HPLC, Pharmacognostical, Punica granatum, Quality control}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2019.11.42}, author = {Mohd Amir and Niyaz Ahmad and Md Sarfaroz and Wasim Ahmad and Sayeed Ahmad and Mohd Mujeeb} }