Thymoquinone: A small molecule from nature with high therapeutic potential.

Thymoquinone (TQ; 2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1, 4-quinone), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has been proven to have great therapeutic properties in numerous in vivo and in vitro models. Nevertheless, this molecule is not yet in clinical trials, largely because of its poor bioavailability and hydrophobicity. This review examines the different activities of TQ, as well as various combination therapies, nanotechnologies and clinical trials involving TQ.

Herb-drug interactions: a mechanistic approach.

In India, traditional herbal medicines have been an essential part of therapy for the last centuries. However, a large portion of the general populace is using these therapies in combination with allopathy lacking a proper understanding of possible interactions (synergistic or antagonistic) between the herbal product and the allopathic drug. This is based on the assumption that herbal drugs are relatively safe, i.

Drug-glycosidation and drug development.

Ideally a drug should be administered in a form that it exerts its pharmacological action at the target site using the lowest concentration possible and without undesirable effects. Drug targeting is the approach which is followed for the purpose. Among different approaches preparation of synthetic glycosides of target drug and administering them orally is one of the most recent approaches.

Synthetic drugs with anti-ageing effects.

Although ageing is a natural wear and tear phenomenon, it can at least be postponed or prevented by certain approaches. Some chemicals that are present in the diet or in dietary supplements have been documented to have anti-ageing effects. Recently, a number of synthetic drugs used for other therapeutic indications have been shown to have anti-ageing potential.

Herbals in the control of ageing.

The significance of herbals and herbal products is gaining worldwide recognition. The concept of complementary or alternative medicine is becoming much more widely accepted, and there is an increasing belief in the efficacy of herbal remedies. Recently, the role of herbal drugs, herbal products and certain phytochemicals in the control of ageing has been documented using modern scientific approaches.

Amidine derived 1,3-diazabuta-1,3-dienes as potential antibacterial and antifungal agents.

Several 1-aryl-2-phenyl-4-piperidino-4-thioalkyl-1,3-diazabuta-1,3-dienes were prepared by the treatment of N-arylimino isothiocyanate with piperidine followed by S-alkylation with alkyl iodides in the presence of dry acetone and potassium hydroxide. The constitution of the products was supported by IR, PMR and mass spectral study. The compounds synthesized were tested in in vitro against E.

Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of 4-substituted-2-phenyl-1-p-tolyl-4-thiomethyl-1,3-diazabuta-1,3-dienes: a novel class of antibacterial agents.

A series of novel-2-phenyl-1-p-tolyl-4-thiomethyl-1,3-diazabuta-1,3-dienes compounds (5a-5e) possessing morpholino, diethyl amino, pyrrolidino, piperidino and 2-aminopyridino groups respectively at C-4 were prepared by reaction of alpha-aryliminobenzyl isothiocyanates with secondary amines and S-alklyation of the resultant thioureas with aqueous potassium hydroxide. The isothiocyanates were obtained from easily available starting materials. These 1,3-diazabuta-1,3-dienes were obtained in pure form after recrystallization and their structures were established by analytical and spectral data.