Bassia indica (Wight) A.J. Scott is an Indian origin plant with documented medicinal and nutritional value, but has not been fully characterized yet. The present study was designed to establish pharmacognostic standards for the proper identification of the B. indica plant and its chemical characterization. The plant was standardized with World Health Organization (WHO) standardization tools and chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis. Antibacterial potential was assessed by the zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and molecular docking studies were also performed. Pharmacognostic evaluation established the macroscopic and microscopic parameters for the identification of whole plant and its powder. Physicochemical parameters were also set forth while quantitative phytochemical analysis showed that the ethyl acetate fraction had the highest quantity of phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. FTIR analysis showed several functional groups such as phenols, alkanes, and alcohols while 55 phytochemicals were identified in the GC-MS analysis of the crude fraction. The crude extract and other fractions showed marked antibacterial activity, while the ethyl acetate fraction showed the least MIC (1.95–31.25 mg/mL). Phytochemicals identified in the GC-MS showed good molecular docking interactions against the DNA gyrase subunit B of bacteria with binding energies ranging from −4.2 to −9.4 kcal/mol. The current study describes the pharmacognostic characterization and phytochemical profiling of B. indica and provides scientific evidence to support its use in infections.

Euphorbia nivulia-Ham (EN) is a neglected medicinal plant traditionally used for a number of pathologies, but it has not been explored scientifically. In the current study, its various fractions were assessed for their phenolic and flavonoid content, radical scavenging, as well as its enzyme inhibitory potential. The hydro-alcoholic crude extract (ENCr) was subjected to a fractionation scheme to obtain different fractions, namely n-hexane (ENHF), chloroform (ENCF), n-butanol (ENBF), and aqueous fraction (ENAF). The obtained results revealed that the highest phenolic and flavonoid content, maximum radical scavenging potential (91 ± 0.55%), urease inhibition (54.36 ± 1.47%), and α-glucosidase inhibition (97.84 ± 1.87%) were exhibited by ENCr, while the ENBF fraction exhibited the highest acetylcholinestrase inhibition (57.32 ± 0.43%). Contrary to these, hydro-alcoholic crude as well as the other fractions showed no significant butyrylcholinestrases (BChE) and carbonic anhydrase inhibition activity. Conclusively, it was found that EN possesses a significant radical scavenging and enzyme inhibitory potential. Thus, the study may be regarded a step forward towards evidence-based phyto-medicine.

This study investigates the phytochemical profile, cytotoxic effects, and lactogenic activity of Oxystelma esculentum, a plant renowned for its traditional medicinal uses. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed a rich array of secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and tannins, predominantly in polar solvents such as methanol and ethanol. Spectroscopic analysis further identified key functional groups, suggesting significant bioactivity. The cytotoxic potential was evaluated against ovarian (OVCAR3), breast (T47D), and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, demonstrating a concentration-dependent increase in cytotoxicity, with T47D cells exhibiting the highest sensitivity (IC50 = 42.82 μg/ml). Additionally, the brine shrimp lethality assay indicated low toxicity, while in vivo studies highlighted the extract's ability to enhance milk yield and pup growth in lactating rats, correlating with increased prolactin levels. These findings underscore Oxystelma esculentum as a promising candidate for natural anticancer therapies and lactation enhancement, warranting further exploration of its bioactive compounds and mechanisms of action.

Echinops echinatus Linn. (Fam. Asteraceae) possesses medicinal value a good deal. The plant is a nerve tonic that stimulates liver and increases appetite, and is effective as anti-inflammatory and in jaundice. Objective of the current study was to standardize  Echinops echinatus (E. echinatus), both macroscopically and microscopically. Pharmacognostic standardization with the help of different physicochemical parameters and fluorescence analysis was performed according to the WHO guidelines. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of crude methanolic extract (EME) and various fractions was done. TLC and column chromatographic techniques were employed for presence of various phytoconstituents. Five compounds were isolated from EME using column chromatography, which were characterized by techniques like FTIR and UV. The isolated purified compounds showed different hRf values ranging from 67 to 94. Results of this study may serve as biochemical markers for this medicinally important plant in the pharma industry and plant systematic studies. The current work will help in identification of the species pharmacognostically and anatomically; and phytochemical analysis may help in screening of active constituents responsible for the activity. The study will serve as a reference for correct identification and in checking any type of adulteration. This may also help in differentiating this species from closely related species of the same genus and family.

Euphorbia nivulia (EN) one of the members of Euphorbiaceae family, is a medicinal plant of Cholistan Desert (Punjab, Pakistan) that is traditionally used for a number of diseases. The plant is enriched with many phyto-constituents including flavonoids, triterpenes and polyphenols. In present study, crude extract as well as various fractions were assessed for phytochemical analysis, HPLC profiling, radical scavenging property and total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Hydro-alcoholic (70%) crude extract of EN was subjected to fractionation using different solvents including n-hexane, chloroform, butanol and aqueous. After performing the phytochemical screening and HPLC profiling, antioxidant activity was estimated by using DPPH and FRAP assays. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents were also estimated. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols like quercitin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and ferulic acid in crude extract as well as butanol and aqueous fractions. Results revealed that butanol fraction showed maximum phenolic (143.26±2.65 mg/g GA/g) and crude extract showed maximum flavonoid (69.80±1.212 mg/g Q) contents. Maximum antioxidant potential was displaced by butanol fraction which was IC₅₀₌0.04±0.02 by DPPH and 1193.77±12.4 μmol TE/ml by FRAP respectively. Current study is the first information about the HPLC profiling of phenolic compounds in EN and its antioxidant potential that could be a step forward towards ethno-pharmacological based phyto-medicine.