Advanced Botany

  Turmeric is a spice and has been used as a medicine for centuries. It is a major source of polyphenol curcumin that aids in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome arthritis anxiety, and hyperlipidemia. Curcuma is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Major active ingredients of turmeric include three curcuminoids: curcumin, the primary constituent responsible for yellow color of turmeric, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin. In addition, volatile oils (tumerone, atlantone and zingiberene) also have pharmacological activity. Turmeric also helps in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness. Although, turmeric has been used as a medicine for centuries but modern research showed that curcumin, the main constituent in turmeric by itself does not lead to the associated health benefits due to its poor bioavailability because of poor absorption, rapid metabolism and also rapid elimination. ...

  Skin, the human body’s largest organ is always under the influence of internal and external factors and reacts to those factors by modifying the constitutive pigmentation pattern. It is well documented that darker skin is dramatically more resistant to the damaging effects of UV, such as photocarcinogenesis and photoaging, still people often express a desire to “lighten” skin tone and reduction in the appearance of hyperpigmented spots. Both physicians and dermatology patients are searching for long-term topical skin care solutions to address the problem of hyperpigmentation. Depigmenting agents such as hydroquinone, corticosteroids, kojic acid, although are highly effective but can raise several safety concerns for example, ochronosis, atrophy, carcinogenesis, and other side effects with long-term exposure. Depigmenting agents function by means of antioxidant or anti-inflammatory activities. An understanding of the benefits of natural and botanical extracts provid...

Only, plants have ability to combine solar energy with air and water to create nutritive and plethora of other products for living beings. Plants not only provide us with food, clothing, shelter and oxygen to live but also play a key role in improving mood and reduce the likelihood of stress-related depression. Some therapists use gardening to help treat depression and other psychiatric conditions. A number of studies have proven that plants keep us healthier and happier, offering both physical as well as mental health benefits that include: Reduced anxiety and stress Research studies have shown that, increased access to the land covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation reduces psychological distress, depression symptoms, clinical anxiety, and mood disorders. In addition, plants also decrease anxiety, lower heart rates, skin conductance recovery, lower concentrates of cortisol, and positive changes in nerve activity. Stress reduction and mental restoration occur when indi...

  Mint (Pudina) is a leafy plant belongs to Lamiaceae family. Its scientific name is Mentha. Mint is a calming herb that people have used for thousands of years to help soothe an upset stomach or indigestion. It is distributed wildly and can be seen in almost all environmental conditions especially wet and moist soil. In traditional medicine, it is reported that Mentha species have cooling sensation properties, strengthen the stomach and are effective to relieve digestive symptoms, respiratory tract problems and hemorrhoids. Besides the traditional use of mint for culinary purposes and home remedies; it has the promising potential as a medicinal herb for treating complex medical ailments due to the presence of plethora of heath-enhancing phytochemicals. Phytochemical Composition and health benefits of Mentha Mentha species are characterized by a great chemical diversity and were reported to contain a number of chemical compounds which are responsible for various pharmacologica...

  Hair plays a vital role in enhancing the personality of a human as they are the first noticeable part of beauty for both men and women. Even minor changes in hairs like greying of hair, early hair fall affect the self-confidence and self-esteem of an individual. Premature grey hair, hair loss, dandruff, fungal infections are the common hair problems.  Dandruff is a common scalp disorder affecting almost half of the population at the pre-pubertal age and it is mainly  due to exposure towards microbes, chemical agents and biological toxin present in the environment.  Although the dandruff may be non-threatening, it can negatively affect person’s self-esteem and body image. The hair beauty of individuals to a great degree depends on the health, habits, diet, routine job, climatic conditions and maintenance. Scientists revealed  several etiopathologic pathways with complex mechanisms responsible for dandruff but it is widely accepted that  Malassezia  (l...

Green and black tea Tea ( Camellia sinensis ) is commonly used as a home remedy for sunburn. The Chinese recommend applying cooled black tea to the skin to soothe sunburn. Tea is an excellent source of tannic acid, catechins and theobromine that helps in removing heat from sunburns and also prevents and repair skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiations from sun. The complex polyphenolic compounds in tea have been shown to modulate biochemical pathways that are important in cell proliferation, inflammatory responses, and responses of tumor promoters. Green tea has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Researchers have found that tea polyphenols, when applied orally or topically, ameliorate adverse skin reactions following UV exposure, including skin damage, erythema, and lipid peroxidation. Since inflammation and oxidative stress appear to play a significant role in the aging process, green tea may also have antiaging effects by decreasing inflammation and scav...

Green tea is well known for its anti-ageing and antioxidant activities due to the presence of polyphenolic compounds including (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and (−)-epicatechin (EC). In addition, flavonols such as quercetin, kaempferol and myricitin are also present in green tea. All these phytochemicals are considered as important for anti-aging processes. The anti-wrinkle properties of green and black tea ( Camellia sinensis)  have been studied by many researchers and it is proved that tea remarkably inhibited wrinkle formation, improved fine lines, pigmentation, and overall appearance. The flavonoid components of tea have also been associated with a decreased risk of cardiovascular diseases. In order to reap its maximum health benefits, we should drink three to five cups of green tea in a day.  Do’s and Don’ts of drinking green tea:  1) Never drink tea on empty stomach as tea contains tannins tha...