Anuradha Chivate

Natural remedies are more acceptable in the belief that they are safer with fewer side effects than the synthetic ones. Herbal formulations have growing demand in the world market. The present work deals with the development & evaluation of the herbal anti-acne face wash containing aqueous extract of Luffa cylindrica seed oil, neem leaves (Azadirachta indica), Pumpkin. Although various topical herbal formulations for acne are available in the market, we propose to make pure herbal formulation without using any synthetic soap . The plants have been reported in literature having good anti-microbial, anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory activity also and saponins present in the Luffa cylindrica seeds used as a base to form the soap. Prepared formulations were evaluated for various parameters like colour, appearance, consistency, washability, pH & spreadability. The formulation was compared with the marketed preparation.

Depression is a complex but treatable disorder if diagnosed appropriately. However, despite of vast research and the advances in the understanding of molecular basis of this disorder and the vast range of medication, psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy, very safe and effective drug  to treat this disease is being sought. The present study was undertaken to investigate effect of aqueous suspension of Ferula foetida on antidepressant activity of venlafaxine in rodants. First observations were taken for antidepressant activity of venlafaxine by using forced swimming test and tail suspension test model in mice by using the dose of 4mg/kg i.p. A combination of Ferula foetida suspension and venlafaxine were used in mice with the same dose and observations were taken.  In forced swim test and in tail suspension test it showed the potentiation of effect. Combination also increased the locomotor activity. Ferula foetida thus shows the antidepressant activity which potentiates the effect of venlafaxine in mice, thus supporting the folk medicinal use of this plant in nervous disorders.