https://dspace.sduaher.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/9962 2026-08-17T15:23:04Z https://dspace.sduaher.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/9973 Title: Ethnomedicinal and pharmacological perspectives on Alocasia cucullata: potential in cancer and immune modulation- A review Authors: Ashok Kumar, BS; Bhargavi, S; Hema, P M; Chaithanya, A; Disha, N S Abstract: Alocasia cucullata (Lour.) G. Don, commonly known as Chinese taro or Buddha's hand, is a fast-growing herbaceous plant in the Araceae family, renowned for its large, glossy leaves and often referred to as "Elephant’s ear." Widely recognized in traditional Chinese medicine, it is valued for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Recent pharmacological studies have revealed its significant anticancer potential, particularly against melanoma, gastric cancer, and breast cancer. The 50% ethanol extract (EAC) of A. cucullata exhibits strong antiproliferative effects against cancer cell lines such as B16-F10, A375, A2058 (melanoma), MGC-803 (gastric cancer), and SiHa (cervical cancer). Further analysis of the petroleum ether extract (EAC-PE) identified 43 bioactive compounds, while the n-BuOH fraction (EAC-B) induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, confirming its anticancer efficacy. Ten steroids and iridoids were isolated from A. cucullata tubers, including new compounds alocasgenin A and alocasgenoside B-C, alongside known compounds like tenacigenin B and marsdenoside A-B. These compounds demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against MGC-803 and HT-29 tumor cell lines, with some exhibiting tyrosine kinase inhibition. Additionally, a water-soluble polysaccharide, ACP-1, isolated from the roots, showed immunostimulatory effects by enhancing RAW264.7 cell proliferation, phagocytosis, and cytokine secretion via the NF-κB pathway. Despite its therapeutic potential, A. cucullata remains understudied, necessitating further research to validate its traditional uses and explore its mechanisms of action. Its multifaceted bioactive properties position it as a promising candidate for modern therapeutic development, particularly in cancer treatment and immunomodulation. Bridging traditional knowledge with scientific investigation could unlock its full potential as a natural remedy. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://dspace.sduaher.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/9968 Title: Formulation and evaluation of microemulgel containing a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Authors: Mamatha, H S; Sowmya, Nb; Ashok Kumar, B Sc; Disha, N Sd Abstract: Capsaicin is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, and it is used widely in topical formulations for mild pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and muscle strains. Microemulgel is a novel drug delivery system combining the properties of microemulsion and gel, which can effectively encapsulate poorly soluble drugs, such as BCS Class II drugs, for localized application. This study has been designed to synthesize and evaluate the efficacy of capsaicin-loaded microemulgel for inflammation treatment. The microemulsions have been prepared based on the pseudo-ternary phase diagrams through the phase titration method by using the combination of oil phases turpentine oil, clove oil, and cinnamon oil with Tween 80 as a surfactant and n-butanol as a co-surfactant. The microemulsions have been dispersed into Aerosil and chitosan gelling agents and turned into microemulgels. Formulations are checked for physical appearance, pH, spreadability, in vitro drug release, and particle size. The microemulsion system have proven to be stable with the globule size of 31.6 nm along with high drug content. Turpentine oil acted as an efficient oil phase compared to the rest, whereas 3.5% chitosan shows greater release, spreadability, and extrudability compared to Aerosil. In conclusion, chitosan-based microemulgel containing turpentine oil has proved to be the best formulation, which provides better drug delivery properties and stability for use in topical anti-inflammatory formulations. 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z https://dspace.sduaher.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/9967 Title: EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF ADVANCED SURFACE-ENHANCED RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY (SERS) FOR ULTRA-TRACE DETECTION AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAMINANTS IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS Authors: Neha Ravishankar, Pathak; Kumar Karan, Rohan; Sarkar, Souvik; Pandey, Ekta; Anil, Kumar; Sharmila, Mondal; Ashok Kumar, B. S.; Udaybhan, Yadav; Paul, Rahit Abstract: Pharmaceutical contaminants in aquatic environments pose significant environmental and public health risks, necessitating ultra-trace detection methods for effective monitoring. This study explores the application of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for the sensitive and selective detection of pharmaceutical pollutants, including ciprofloxacin, ibuprofen, and estradiol, in water samples. Utilizing silver (AgNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticle-based substrates, SERS achieved limit of detection (LOD) values as low as 0.5 ng/L, outperforming conventional techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and standard Raman spectroscopy. The enhancement factor and molecular interactions were analyzed, highlighting nanoparticle functionalization as a key contributor to signal amplification. Additionally, comparative performance assessments revealed that SERS offers a cost-effective, rapid, and field-deployable alternative to traditional analytical methods. However, challenges such as nanoparticle aggregation, matrix interferences, and substrate reproducibility remain critical limitations. Future research should focus on machine learningassisted spectral analysis, bio-inspired hybrid SERS substrates and large-scale validation for real-world applications in water quality monitoring and environmental remediation. The findings underscore SERS as a promising tool for pharmaceutical contaminant detection, offering high sensitivity, specificity and practical feasibility for environmental surveillance. 2025-03-01T00:00:00Z https://dspace.sduaher.ac.in/jspui/handle/123456789/9963 Title: ASSESSMENT OF PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND ANTIINFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF HYDROALCOHOLIC STEM EXTRACT OF MORINGA OLEIFERA IN ANIMAL MODELS Authors: Ramasamy1, N.; Sirisha2, SNVL; Ghosh3, Tanmay; Sanmati Kumar, Jain; Anil, Kumar; Arkaprava, Biswas; Ashok Kumar, B. S.; Pandey, Ekta; Bharath, K. S. Abstract: This study aims to assess the phytochemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydroalcoholic stem extract of Moringa oleifera using animal models.The primary objectives were to identify the phytochemical components in the hydroalcoholic stem extract and to evaluate its anti-inflammatory effects in both acute and chronic inflammation animal models. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, saponins and phenolic compounds. Quantitative analysis demonstrated a high concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids. In the animal models, the extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory effects in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to diclofenac. The carrageenan-induced paw edema showed a reduction of edema by 40%, and the cotton pellet granuloma model showed a 35% decrease in granuloma weight, indicating strong anti-inflammatory potential. The hydroalcoholic stem extract of Moringa oleifera exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity, likely due to its rich phytochemical content. These findings support the use of the stem as a viable source for developing anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z