POLYHERBAL

Polyherbal formulations have long been utilized in traditional medicine for their synergistic therapeutic benefits. This study evaluated the comparative antimicrobial activities of Macedar a polyherbal formulation composed of Carica papaya leaves, Veronica amygdalina leaves, and Croton hirtus leaves and Carica papaya leaves alone. Methanol extracts were prepared using cold maceration and tested against selected Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria through agar well diffusion at varying concentrations (62.5–500 mg/ml). The results revealed that both extracts exhibited significant, dose-dependent antibacterial activity, with Macedar demonstrating stronger inhibitory effects across all test organisms. The highest inhibition zones were observed at 500 mg/ml, with Staphylococcus aureus showing the greatest susceptibility. These findings indicate that the synergistic interaction of the three plants in Macedar enhances antimicrobial potency beyond that of single-plant extracts. The study provides scientific validation for the ethno medicinal use of these plants and highlights the potential of polyherbal formulations Macedar as effective alternatives in combating resistant bacterial infections.

The immune system plays a vital role in protecting the body from infections, toxin, and oxidative damage. However, it can be weaken or impaired by chronic infections, autoimmune diseases, malnutrition, exposure to chemical agents, or certain medications. In recent years, plant-based immunomodulators have gained global attention as promising alternatives to synthetic drugs such as Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis and Justica carnea,, being utilised as immunoprotecive agents. The aim is to assess the Immunoprotective effects of the aqueous polyherbal leaf extract of equal amount of Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis, and Justica carnea, in phenylhydrazine induced immunosuppressed Wistar rats. The method used for this analysis were evaluated using standard and established method. Oral administration of polyherbal extract at doses 25, 50, 100 mg/kg significantly increase blood levels compared to untreated group. CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were monitored for 24 hours(1 day), 7 days, and 14 days. Results showed a dose dependent restoration of immune cell counts, with 50 mg/kg group exhibiting the most significant improvement in (CD4+ = 7.95 ± 0.12 cells/mm3 ; CD8+ = 3.11 ± 0.0 cells/mm3) when compared to the untreated group. This study demonstrates the efficacy of the polyherbal leaf extract of equal amount of Ipomoea batatas, Ficus carpensis, and Justica carnea as an immunoprotective agent at 50 mg/kg of the extract as the best. This validates its traditional use and such insights as a promising alternative for the development of innovative treatments for metabolic disorders.

Hypertension is a major public health challenge globally and has contributed significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is caused by oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and lifestyle factors. Increasing interest in plant based alternatives has led to the use of polyherbal formulations, which provide synergistic antihypertensive and antioxidant effects. This study evaluated the antioxidant potential of six selected leaves which are, Justicia carnea (blood leaf), Moringa oleifera (miracle leaf), Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf), Gongronema latifolium (utazi leaf), Hibiscus sabdariffa (Zobo leaf) and Telfairia occidentalis (fluted pumpkin). Previous studies shows that these plants contain important bioactive constituents like flavonoids, phenols, and vitamins which promote vasodilation, reduce oxidative stress, and support cardiovascular health. A polyherbal tea was formulated from the six leaves to evaluate its antioxidant capacity. The leaves were collected, authenticated, washed, shade-dried, pulverized, and stored in an airtight container. 50g of each of the leaves was measured and mixed in 1L of hot distilled water
in a ratio 5:1 to obtain aqueous extracts and then freeze-dried. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed using FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl) assays to measure to scavenge free radicals (DPPH assay) and to reduce ferricions (FRAP assay). The result showed that the polyherbal extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity, with DPPH inhibition values of 71–85% and an IC₅₀ of 0.428 mg/mL, indicating good radical-scavenging ability. FRAP values (80–88%) confirmed high reducing power. Overall, this research confirms that the polyherbal tea possesses strong antioxidant compounds that can neutralize free radicals, support vascular health, and helps in the prevention and management of hypertension.