DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNOLOG

The present study investigated the phytochemical profile and analgesic potential of the ethanolic stem extract of Sida acuta, a plant traditionally used in folk medicine for pain relief.The primary objectives were to identify and characterize the major phytochemicals present in the extract, evaluate its analgesic activity using established in vivo models, and compareitsefficacytostandardanalgesics,aspirinandpentazocine.
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, tannins, and alkaloids—bioactive constituents widely associated with therapeutic effects. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) confirmed the diversity of these metabolites across different solvent systems, with a chloroform– ethanol (9:1) mixture yielding the highest number of detectable compounds, emphasizing the role of solvent polarity in extraction efficiency. Analgesic activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate models, representing peripheral and central nociception, respectively. The extract showed a dose-dependent inhibition of abdominal constrictions, achieving 100%inhibitionat400mg/kg,comparableorsuperior to aspirin at 100 mg/Kg of mice. Similarly, in the hot plate model, the extract significantly increased reaction times to thermal stimuli, with effects at 400 mg/kg comparable to pentazocine at 0.1 mg/Kg of mice, a standard opioid analgesic. These findings suggest that the extract exerts dual analgesic effects, likely involving suppression ofprostaglandin synthesis peripherally andmodulation ofcentral nociceptive pathways possibly via opioid or serotonergic mechanisms. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of phenolic compounds, including O–H (3418.74-3571.33 broad stretch), C–O (1045.39 short C-C), and C=C bonds (1644.67 sharp long C=C conjugation), supporting the identification of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. GC-MS analysis further identified key compounds with known analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties such as Eugenol (RT:10, P.A: 0.30), Phytol (RT: 42.07, P.A: 6.13), Squalene (RT: 44.86 P.A: 10.85), and various fatty acid esters,supportingtheobserved pharmacologicalactivity.
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Overall, the study highlights Sida acuta stem extract as a promising source of natural analgesics with both peripheral and central mechanisms of action, warranting further investigation and potential pharmaceutical application.

Traditional herbal medicine refers to the use of plants or plant material, either in crude or processed form, to treat illnesses or injuries. Presently, there is ongoing investigation into the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants with ethnomedicinal properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in-vitro anti-oxidants and anti-diarrheal properties of poly herbal formulated tea.(Citrus Lemon, Curcuma Longa, Zingiber Officcinale, Allium Sativum, Moringa Deifera, Syzygium aromaticum). The formulation, consisting of multiple herbal extracts, was subjected to antioxidant assays using ascorbic acid as the standard. Additionally, its effect on GIT motility was assessed using loperamide as the standard in an anti-diarrheal model induced by castor oil, with water serving as the control. Results from the antioxidant assay revealed significant antioxidant activity of
the poly-herbal formulation, comparable to that of ascorbic acid. However, in the antidiarrheal model, the formulation did not exhibit significant antidiarrheal properties when compared to the control (water) and the standard (loperamide). Interestingly, the poly-herbal formulation demonstrated a significant effect on GIT motility, indicating its potential to modulate intestinal transit time. These findings suggest that while the poly-herbal formulation lacks antidiarrheal properties, it possesses notable antioxidant activity and influences gastrointestinal motility. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its effects on GIT motility and explore its
potential therapeutic applications in gastrointestinal disorders.

This study explores the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of four medicinal plants Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Zingiber officinale (ginger), Citrus aurantiifolia (lime), and Curcuma longa (turmeric)—to assess their potential in treating throat infections. The research aims to determine their antimicrobial effectiveness, identify bioactive compounds, establish optimal dosages, and scientifically validate traditional medicinal use. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of the plants were tested against bacterial strains, including Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acdophilus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBCs) were evaluated, showing that the extracts demonstrated significant antimicrobial effects, especially against Gram-positive bacteria. The inhibition zones increased with higher concentrations, though the extracts were less potent than ciprofloxacin, the control antibiotic. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and alkaloids, with phenolics being the most abundant. Elemental analysis identified essential macro- and microelements such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and iron, which may contribute to the therapeutic potential of these plants. The study concludes that these plant extracts exhibit notable antimicrobial properties, likely due to their rich phytochemical composition, and could serve as complimentary or alternative treatments for throat infections. However, further studies are necessary to refine formulations, elucidate mechanisms of action, and assess clinical applications. This research highlights the relevance of medicinal plants in combating antibiotic resistance and underscores their potential role in natural healthcare.