GB Alaka Kar

In the present review, an attempt has been  made to gather the information about Influenza virus, specifically H3N2 virus. Influenza a H3N2 is a seasonal virus and the occurrence of influenza infections normally peaks during season changes. In this paper an attempt also been taken to collect the anti- influenza drugs with special reference to a list of medicinal herbs. The influenza virus causes a highly infectious, acute febrile respiratory illness that is extremely contagious. In humans, it is caused by influenza A (genus influenza virus A) and influenza B (genus influenza virus B)  Drug-resistant variants of human and avian influenza viruses are becoming more common, the greatest novel synthetic medicines are neuraminidase agents’ oseltamivir and zanamivir. Though there are several ways to reducing the negative effects of influenza and its subsequent problems, herbal medicines are favored due to their less adverse effects and inexpensive cost. A list of medicinal herbs with anti-influenza and other therapeutic properties and  herbal medicines used to treat colds and influenza has been prepared. This study highlights anti- influenza compounds and other therapeutic properties and herbal medicines used to treat colds and influenza in rural areas of India. This review will definitely help for the researchers as well as clinicians to develop drugs or compounds against the virus, further it may be used to conduct experimental and clinical trials to study the underlying mechanisms and efficacy of antiviral properties of Indian medicinal plants.

To investigate the antidepressant Activity of the methanolic extract of the leaves of Musa x paradisiaca Linn This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible antidepressant effect of Musa x paradisiaca Linn leaf extract (MPLE) on different extracts like chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts using Tail Suspension Test (TST) & Forced Swim Test (FST). 48 albino rats of either sex weighing between 180-220gm were randomly selected and divided into 8 equal groups. Group-I (control) received normal saline (1ml/100gm), Group- IV , V, VI, VII, VIII and IX received CEMPL (Chloroform Extract Musa x paradisiaca Linn) , MEMPL (Methanol  Extract Musa x paradisiaca Linn) and AEMPL (Aqueous Extract Musa x paradisiaca Linn) in doses of   200 and 400 mg/kg orally (P.O.) respectively. Group II & III (positive control) received Fluoxetine & Imipramine at doses of 20mg/kg & 15mg/kg P. O. respectively. Drug treatment was given for seven & fourteen successive day. 60 minutes after last dose of drug or standard the immobility period was recorded. The test compounds like crude methanolic extract at 200, 400 and 500 mg/ kg produced significant antidepressant like effect.  The efficacy of EALE at 200mg/kg was found to be comparable to that of Fluoxetine & Imipramine at doses of 20mg/kg & 15mg/kg.. The results revealed that the crude methanolic extract produces remarkable antidepressant activity by possessing the active compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids and saponins.