Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research

Role of Chemical Marker in Quality Control of Herbal Drugs

2025-09-21T04:11:14+00:00

The growing global interest in herbal medicine has heightened the demand for scientifically validated, standardized, and high-quality plant-based therapeutics. However, the intrinsic complexity of herbal drugs—characterized by multiple bioactive components, environmental variability, and traditional preparation methods—presents significant challenges in ensuring product consistency, efficacy, and safety. In this context, the application of chemical markers has emerged as a critical and scientifically sound approach for the quality control and standardization of herbal drugs.

Chemical markers are defined as phytochemical constituents that serve as qualitative and/or quantitative indicators of the identity, purity, and potency of herbal materials. They may be pharmacologically active, characteristic of the plant species, or simply analytically convenient. Their selection is based on well-defined criteria, including their presence in significant quantities, ease of detection, stability, and relevance to therapeutic action. These markers are categorized broadly into three types: active markers (directly responsible for therapeutic effects), analytical markers (easily quantifiable and indicative of quality), and synergistic markers (compounds that contribute to efficacy through interaction with other constituents).

With advancements in analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE), the identification, isolation, and quantification of chemical markers have become more accurate and reproducible. These tools enable the creation of phytochemical fingerprints and quantification protocols that are essential for batch-to-batch consistency, contamination detection, and shelf-life determination.

Keywords: Herbal drugs, Quality control, Standardization, Pharmacognosy, Marker compounds, Phytochemistry, Chromatography, HPTLC, HPLC, LC-MS, DNA barcoding, Pharmacopoeia

Mind Matters: Exploring the Vital Link Between Mental Health and Immune Resilience

2025-10-09T15:04:47+00:00

The intricate relationship between mental health and immunity is increasingly recognized as vital to overall well-being. Mental health significantly influences immune function through complex interactions, forming the foundation of psychoneuroimmunology. Mental health disorders, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, can dysregulate immune responses by altering hormone levels, cytokine production, and immune cell activity. Chronic stress, for instance, can lead to prolonged inflammation and impaired immune surveillance, increasing vulnerability to infections and delaying healing processes. Conversely, a robust immune system supports mental health by reducing inflammation in the brain and promoting neuroplasticity, which is crucial for cognitive function and emotional resilience.

Psychoneuroimmunology explores these bidirectional relationships, emphasizing how psychological factors impact immune responses and vice versa. Interventions that promote mental well-being, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, have shown promise in enhancing immune function by reducing stress-related inflammation and improving immune cell activity. Understanding these interconnected mechanisms is crucial for developing holistic health strategies that integrate mental health care with immune support, ultimately fostering resilience and optimizing overall health outcomes.

Keywords:

psychoneuroimmunology, mental health, immunity, behavioral interventions

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Immunity Booster Tablets

2025-11-02T03:50:21+00:00

The increasing global interest in natural remedies and preventive healthcare has accelerated the development of herbal formulations aimed at enhancing the immune system. This study focuses on the formulation and comprehensive evaluation of herbal immunity booster tablets, utilizing traditionally recognized medicinal plants with scientifically established immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The formulation incorporates key herbs including Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy), Emblica officinalis (Amla), and Curcuma longa (Turmeric). These herbs were selected based on Ayurvedic literature, ethnopharmacological evidence, and modern scientific data supporting their role in modulating immune responses and protecting against infections and oxidative stress.

The powdered plant materials were subjected to standardization and quality control tests before being formulated into tablets using the direct compression method. Pre-formulation studies included analysis of flow properties such as angle of repose, bulk and tapped density, and Carr’s Index. Post-compression evaluation involved tests for tablet hardness, thickness, friability, disintegration time, weight variation, and uniformity of content, all of which conformed to pharmacopeial standards.

In addition, phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, and polyphenols. The tablets were also evaluated for in-vitro antioxidant activity using the DPPH assay and for anti-inflammatory potential using protein denaturation methods. Results revealed that the tablets possessed significant biological activity, indicating their potential to reduce oxidative damage and modulate immune function.

Further work such as accelerated stability testing, clinical evaluation, and toxicological studies is recommended to validate the safety and long-term efficacy of the formulation.

Keywords: Herbal formulation, Immunity booster, Immunomodulatory activity, Antioxidant properties, Anti-inflammatory effects, Ayurvedic herbs, Phytochemical analysis

Review of Protective Role of Bacopa Monnieri Plant Extract against Ethylene Glycol–Induced Urolithiasis in Experimental Rats

2025-11-06T12:19:53+00:00

Bacopa monnieri (L.) Pennell commonly referred to as Jalabrahmi, belongs to the family Plantaginaceae. This deciduous Herb is native to the hot-temperate regions of Africa and Asia and is well recognized for its resilience in harsh climates. The plant has garnered significant attention due to its nutritional and medicinal potential, widely explored in traditional and modern pharmacology. Bacopa monnieri (L.) exhibits notable adaptability and thrives in varied ecosystems, including mountainous regions, coastal areas, and semi-arid landscapes. The plant plays an ecological role in preventing soil erosion, contributing to habitat restoration, and promoting biodiversity in challenging terrains. The genus Bacopa consists of multiple species, with Bacopa monnieri being the most extensively studied. It falls within the Plantaginaceae family, characterized by nitrogen-fixing capabilities via root nodules that engage in symbiosis with actinobacteria. Bacopa monnieri (L.) contains a series of chemical compounds including Triterpenoid,saponins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Sterols, Other compounds etc. These compounds are of interest not only from the chemical point of view, but also because many of them possess biological and therapeutic activity including Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Diuretic, Nootropic (memory enhancer), and Neuroprotective properties. Because of these effects, Bacopa monnieri (L.) containing bioactive compounds is often used in traditional medicine. We can expect many scientific evidence supporting the benefits of the Jalabrahmi to maintain health and to cure the diseases by rationalizing it in proper Ayurvedic dosages form for this plant.

Keywords: Bacopa monnieri, Pharmacognosy, Traditional medicine, Anti-Urolithiatic

A Review on the Estimation of Pesticides Residue in Human Breast Milk: India Versus China”

2025-11-12T05:47:32+00:00

The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has led to significant concerns regarding environmental contamination and public health. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of global pesticide usage, with particular emphasis on India and China—two major agricultural nations with differing regulatory frameworks and residue patterns. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as DDTs, HCHs, and HCBs are present in human breast milk, highlighting alarming exposure levels, especially among infants. The review critically examines the extent of pesticide residues, regional disparities, factors influencing contamination, and the implications on human health. It further outlines analytical methods used for detection and emphasizes the need for improved regulatory enforcement, public education, and sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate exposure risks.

Keywords: Pesticide residue, Breast milk contamination, DDT, HCH, Public health