Liver plays vital role in detoxification of exogenous and endogenous chemicals. These chemicals as well as oxidative stress may cause liver disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various fractions of Aconogonon alpinum methanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver toxicity in mice. First, hepatoprotective potential of various fractions of A. alpinum was assessed and then antioxidant activity and profiling of polyphenolic compounds were assessed. A total of 78 male albino mice (BALB/c) were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 6); Group I (normal control), Group II (CCl₄ only), Group III (CCl₄ + silymarin 100 mg/kg) and Groups IV–XIII (CCl₄ + various fractions [200 and 400 mg/kg]). Hepatic biochemistry and liver injury were assessed by analysis of serum levels of hepatic enzymes and histopathological analysis, respectively. Results showed that polar fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction in increased level of liver biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner with consistent histopathological findings. Likewise, these fractions revealed strong antioxidant potential and polyphenolic compound contents. In conclusion, the present work has revealed promising antioxidant activity, polyphenolic profiling and potential hepatoprotective efficacy. Thus, the significant results unveil the study as a step forward towards evidence-based phytomedicine.

Medicinal plants are used as an important source of medicines in pharmaceutical industry. Rubia cordifolia is widely used to cure diabetes mellitus. Present study was aimed to investigate the antihyperglycemic effects of different fractions of R. cordifolia leaves and to analyze its antioxidant effect and phytochemical composition. Male albino mice were randomly distributed into seven groups (n = 7). Group-I was normal control, group-II was Alloxan (100 mg/kg)-induced diabetic control, and group-III was standard drug (Glibenclamide 0.5 mg/kg)-treated group. Animals in groups IV–VII were treated with n-hexane fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, n-butanol fraction and aqueous fraction of R. cordifolia, orally administered (100 mg/kg) once daily up to 28 days after Alloxan induction, respectively. Methanolic extract (ME) and fractions of R. cordifilia were analyzed for antioxidant activity and quantification of total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. HPLC of ME and most active fractions were performed. The results showed that RCEF (G-V) and RCBF (G-VI) have significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the increased level of glucose as compared to toxicant control group. It was further revealed that EF and BF have higher antioxidant activity (having IC₅₀ 34.9, 36.86 (µg/mL)) owing to phenolic and flavonoid identified by HPLC.

Background: Bronchial asthma is a common chronic respiratory disorder in children, and there is growing interest in exploring herbal therapies such as ivy leaf extract for symptom relief. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of dry extract of ivy leaves in children aged 7 to 12 years diagnosed with mild to moderate bronchial asthma. Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Medicine, Pakistan Institute of Medical Science (PIMS), Islamabad, in collaboration with the International Islamic University, Islamabad, from August 2023 to July 2024. A total of 120 children with clinically stable bronchial asthma were enrolled using convenience sampling. All participants received a standardized dry ivy leaf extract syrup at a total daily dose of 105 mg, administered in age-appropriate doses for four weeks. Asthma symptoms were assessed using a standardized pediatric asthma control scoring tool at baseline and post-treatment. Adverse effects were monitored using structured checklists and open-ended questionnaires completed by caregivers. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with paired t-tests to assess symptom changes. Results: The mean weekly frequency of daytime symptoms decreased from 4.58 ± 1.42 to 2.01 ± 1.18 (p<0.001), nocturnal awakenings reduced from 2.77 ± 1.11 to 1.05 ± 0.84 (p<0.001), and limitation in physical activity improved from 3.20 ± 1.03 to 1.35 ± 0.76 (p<0.001). Full compliance was observed in 108 (90.00%) patients. Adverse effects were minimal, with 84.17% reporting no issues. Conclusion: Dry ivy leaf extract appears to be an effective and well-tolerated adjunct treatment for symptom relief in pediatric bronchial asthma.