Family Asteraceae is considered one of the largest medicinally important families which includes valuable members economically and therapeutically. Secondary metabolites mainly flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenoids besides volatile oils are among the active principles reported in this family. Concerning the genus Felicia, no enough data is available in literature about it's phytoconstituents, in spite of its common traditional use in several areas of the world especially South Africa. The aim of the review is to provide collective and updated information about this genus including its taxonomy, description, active principles, ethno-pharmacology and pharmacological uses. We mainly aim to encourage researchers to discover this genus, particularly those species whose phytoconstituents and biological activities have not been explored until now.
Ahmed M. Elshorbagy, Marwa A. A. Fayed, Amal Sallam, Farid A. Badria*.
Introduction: Pain is a main problem among osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is a common treatment in OA patients. The use of NSAID was limited du to many side effects. Previous studies of Biocurpain extract (combination of Boswellia serrata and Curcuma longa) showed promising alternative pain medication in OA. Objective: Measure the effectiveness of Biocurpain extract for reducing pain in patients with osteoarthritis. Method: This was a randomized controlled trial study for 4 weeks. Subjects divided into 3 groups randomly; group I: combination of BC extract (150mg Boswellia serrata and 350mg of Curcuma longa) and NSAID (400 mg of ibuprofen or 50mg of diclofenac sodium), group II: BC extract alone, and group III: NSAID alone. The pain severity was measured using visual analogue scale (VAS). Any adverse event would be monitored. The analysis is intention to treat based. Result: Total of 105 subjects were enrolled the study. The mean aged 63 years. Seven subjects were lost to follow up and three subjects were excluded from the study due to medication side effect. There were 95 subjects remained for complete analysis. The greatest reduction of VAS score was seen in group I, whereas the least reduction was seen in group III. All VAS score reduction was statistically significant in all groups (p <0.001).). The most frequent AE were reported from subjects in group III. Conclusion: Combination of 150mg Boswellia serrata and 350mg of Curcuma longa proved to be effective for pain treatment in OA patients and has a good safety profile.
Cancer, a family of diseases increasing at an alarming rate and have been found to exist in the every region of world today. Cancer kills almost every individual it affects and rarely gets treated by conventional ways. There are number of reasons and risk factors by which people get likely affected by this dreaded disease. The main reasons of cancer are smoking, dietary factors, lack of exercise, occupation, genetics, pollution, radiation, and even prescription drugs. Out of all the main causes of cancer, obesity and smoking are the leading causes. The person gets affected when the cells lose their control over normal cell cycle and proliferate uncontrollably in a manner to form an abnormal mass of cells. Since many types of cancers exist, anyone at any age has a risk of being diagnosed. In an effort for people to speed up the process of finding a cure for cancer, people came up with urban legends and myths to prevent or get rid of cancer. Many people began to believe that antiperspirants and sometimes the Canola oil, which is said by scientists to be one of the healthier food oils, was also once rumored to be toxic and cancer causing. Currently, various therapies including chemotherapy and radiotherapy are in vogue, but neither of them had been proved promising with subtle side effects. Scientists are in rush to find out and assessing new strategies in eradicating cancer. In this context, several studies have been conducted, exploring the innovative innovations and new strategies in combating cancer. The main emphasis is laid on the treatment by vaccines, which makes them potential candidate in the development of new anti-cancer therapy.
The process of programmed cell death or apoptosis is an integral part of various processes. It plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular activities which includes, proper embryonic development, normal cell turnover, normal functioning of bodies defense mechanism, chemical induced cell death and also in the removal of cancer cells. Inappropriate apoptosis may lead to genesis of many life threatening human conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic damage, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancers. The regulation of the cell death and cell survival is important for normal functioning of the body and is controlled by many apoptotic key factors. Any abnormality in the factors may have grave consequences and make apoptosis an unusual process. Researchers across the globe continue to focus on cell cycle machinery and signaling pathways that control cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. To that end, the field of apoptosis research is increasing at an alarming rate and heads a way in the elucidation of many diseases their treatment and eradication including dreaded cancer. In this review an approach has been made to provide an overall view of apoptosis and its pivotal role in the formulation of new drugs in cancer therapy.