Papers by Majeedul H . Chowdhury, PhD, MRSB, FLS
Journal of Phytomedicine and Therapeutics, 2011
The bark of Alstonia scholaris when administered to diet of rats for 30 days caused a dose-depend... more The bark of Alstonia scholaris when administered to diet of rats for 30 days caused a dose-dependent and significant lowering of serum glucose in rats. There were no significant changes in concentrations of triglycerides and HDL levels. However, cholesterol and LDL levels were significantly elevated compared to control when bark powder was administered at 0.1% w/w diet. The results indicate that regular monitoring of sugar and lipid profile in serum need to be maintained when the bark is taken for considerable lengths of time.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013
Background Xanthium indicum stem is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh to control sugar in diabe... more Background Xanthium indicum stem is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh to control sugar in diabetic patients and to alleviate pain. The objective of the study was to evaluate antihyperglycemic and antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of Xanthium indicum stems (XISE) in mice. Methods Antihyperglycemic activity was measured by oral glucose tolerance tests in glucose-loaded Swiss albino mice. Antinociceptive activity was determined by observed decreases in abdominal constrictions in acetic acid-induced gastric pain model in mice. Results The methanol extract of stems showed dose-dependent and statistically significant antihyperglycemic activity at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight (p values, respectively, < than 0.01, 0.01, 0.005, and 0.01). Highest reduction in blood glucose level (31.2%) was observed with the highest dose (400 mg) of the extract. A standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, reduced blood glucose levels by 46.2%, when administered ...
A Pharmacological Study on Antinociceptive and Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of Methanol Extract of Leaves of Phyllanthus Reticulatus Poir. In Swiss Albino Mice
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Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 4(3): 229-232, 2010 ISSN 1995-0748 ... This is a refere... more Advances in Natural and Applied Sciences, 4(3): 229-232, 2010 ISSN 1995-0748 ... This is a refereed journal and all articles are professionally screened and reviewed ... A Pharmacological Study on Antinociceptive and Anti-hyperglycemic Effects of Methanol Extract of Leaves of ...
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The bark of Saraca asoca is widely used in the folk medicinal system of Bangladesh for treatment ... more The bark of Saraca asoca is widely used in the folk medicinal system of Bangladesh for treatment of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual disorders. As such, the bark powder is prescribed by the folk medicinal practitioners to be taken for considerable stretches of time. It was therefore of importance to evaluate the effect of administration of methanol extract of bark powder in rats on their serum lipid profiles, as any adverse effect on such lipid profiles can lead to serious consequences in diseases like diabetes. The administration of methanol extract of Saraca asoca bark powder to rats at daily doses of 100 and 500 mg per kg body weight for 14 days did not cause any significant changes in the serum total cholesterol or triglyceride levels. However, administration of the bark powder extract led to significant and dose-dependent decreases in the levels of serum high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. Since HDL-cholesterol is considered as 'good cholesterol', and can be beneficial for protection against coronary disorders, our results suggest that intake of bark powder for prolonged time periods in diseases like diabetes must be re-evaluated for the possibility of causing adverse effects on the heart.
… -Eurasian Journal of …, 2010
American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 4(3): 326-333, 2010 ISSN 1995-0748 This is ... more American-Eurasian Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 4(3): 326-333, 2010 ISSN 1995-0748 This is a refereed journal and all articles are professionally screened and reviewed ... A Survey of Medicinal Plant Usage by Folk Medicinal Practitioners in Seven Villages of Ishwardi ...
Replacement of Propylene Glycol with Water from Desloratadine Syrup and Co-trimoxazole Suspension and its Impact on Their Stability
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... Al Arif, 1Paritosh Chakma, 1Shuvagata Kahali, 2Majeedul H. Chowdhury, 3Muhammad Tazul Islam, ... more ... Al Arif, 1Paritosh Chakma, 1Shuvagata Kahali, 2Majeedul H. Chowdhury, 3Muhammad Tazul Islam, 3Mohammed Rahmatullah 1Department of Pharmacy, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh. 2Present address: New York City College of Technology ...
A Survey on the Use of Medicinal Plants by Folk Medicinal Practitioners in Three Areas of Pirojpur District, Bangladesh
… -Eurasian Journal of …, 2010
... Mohammed Rahmatullah, Md. Rezwanul Haque, Sarder Kamrul Islam, Farhana Jamal, ABM Anwarul Bas... more ... Mohammed Rahmatullah, Md. Rezwanul Haque, Sarder Kamrul Islam, Farhana Jamal, ABM Anwarul Bashar, Rasheda Ahmed, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Rownak Jahan, Shamima Ahsan, Majeedul H. Chowdhury: A Survey on the Use of Medicinal Plants by Folk Medicinal Practitioners ...
… Eurasian Journal of …, 2009
Dinajpur is one of the northernmost districts of Bangladesh. The predominantly rural population o... more Dinajpur is one of the northernmost districts of Bangladesh. The predominantly rural population of this district is served by traditional medicinal practitioners (Kavirajes), who utilize medicinal plants for treatment of various ailments. Since the medicinal plants used by the Kavirajes can vary from region to region depending on the availability of plant species and the background training of the Kavirajes, it was the objective of the present study to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among the Kavirajes of Dinajpur district, Bangladesh to gather information on the medicinal plants used by the Kavirajes of this district. A secondary objective of the present survey was to determine which medicinal plants can also serve as functional foods and can be taken on a regular basis for general well-being as well as treatment for ailments. A number of plants were found that could serve this dual purpose. The plants included
Advances in Natural …, 2009
The Garos form the largest tribal group of people of north-central Bangladesh residing mainly in ... more The Garos form the largest tribal group of people of north-central Bangladesh residing mainly in Mymensingh, Netrakona, Gazipur, Sherpur and Tangail districts. Although a number of Garos have recently adopted Christianity, they basically follow their own religion with its associated customs and rituals. The Garos also have their own traditional healers known as khamal or kamal, who serve as their primary health-care providers. In the absence of their own alphabet and because of their settlement in a number of districts, traditional medicinal uses of plants differ between the khamals, who besides arranging festivals also treat patients and are considered experts on medicinal plants. It was the objective of the present study to conduct an ethnobotanical survey of the Garos residing in Netrakona district, Bangladesh because such information is lacking for the Garo community in this district. After obtaining informed consent from the healers, a semistructured questionnaire was used to interview the various healers practicing within the community. Ethnobotanical methods like guided field walks were undertaken, where the informants showed the medicinal plants used by them from areas where they usually collected them and at the same time mentioned their names and described their uses. Plant specimens were collected and dried on the field and later brought back and identified at the Bangladesh National Herbarium. The names and uses of 74 plant species distributed into 45 families were obtained in the present survey. The Fabaceae family provided the largest number of plant species (eight), followed by the Araceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Solanaceae, and Verbenaceae families (three plants each). Leaves formed the major plant part used (33.6%), followed by whole plant (15.9%) and fruits (15.0%). The various ailments treated by the plants included respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal disorders, sprains and fractures, skin ailments, malaria, mental disorders, hepatic disorders, diabetes, influenza, urinary tract infections, hypertension, debility, measles, chicken pox, toothache, gynecological problems, sexual disorders, and helminthiasis. Some plants were also used as antidote to poison, diuretic, and abortifacient. Reported pharmacological studies validate the use of a number of medicinal plants by the khamals. Taken together, the medicinal plants used by the Garos form a rich source of indigenous knowledge and through proper scientific studies can form the basis for discovery of lead compounds, which can play a role for various therapeutic purposes.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2012
Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Ficus hispida L.f. (Moraceae), and Syzygium samarangense (Bl... more Averrhoa carambola L. (Oxalidaceae), Ficus hispida L.f. (Moraceae), and Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merr. & L.M. Perry (Myrtaceae) are three common plants in Bangladesh, the fruits of which are edible. The leaves and fruits of A. carambola and F. hispida are used by folk medicinal practitioners for treatment of diabetes, while the leaves of S. samarangense are used for treatment of cold, itches, and waist pain. Since scientific studies are absent on the antihyperglycemic effects of the leaves of the three plants, it was the objective of the present study to evaluate the antihyperglycemic potential of methanolic extract of leaves of the plants in oral glucose tolerance tests carried out with glucose-loaded mice. The extracts at different doses were administered one hour prior to glucose administration and blood glucose level was measured after two hours of glucose administration (p.o.) using glucose oxidase method. Significant oral hypoglycemic activity was found with the extracts of leaves of all three plants tested. The fall in serum glucose levels were dose-dependent for every individual plant, being highest at the highest dose tested of 400 mg extract per kg body weight. At this dose, the extracts of A. carambola, F. hispida, and S. samarangense caused, respectively, 34.1, 22.7, and 59.3% reductions in serum glucose levels when compared to control animals. The standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, caused a 57.3% reduction in serum glucose levels versus control. Among the three plants evaluated, the methanolic extract of leaves of S. samarangense proved to be the most potent in demonstrating antihyperglycemic effects. The result validates the folk medicinal uses of A. carambola and F. hispida in the treatment of diabetes, and indicates that the leaves of S. samarangense can also possibly be used for amelioration of diabetes-induced hyperglycemia.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2013
The Kanda tribe is one of the lesser known small tribes of Bangladesh with an estimated populatio... more The Kanda tribe is one of the lesser known small tribes of Bangladesh with an estimated population of about 1700 people (according to them), and on the verge of extinction as a separate entity. To some extent, they have assimilated with the surrounding mainstream Bengali-speaking population, but they still maintain their cultural practices including traditional medicinal practices, for which they have their own tribal healers. Nothing at all has been documented thus far about their traditional medicinal practices and formulations, which are on the verge of disappearance. The Kanda tribe can be found only in scattered tea gardens of Sreemangal in Sylhet district of Bangladesh; dispersion of the tribe into small separated communities is also contributing to the fast losing of traditional medicinal practices. The objective of the present study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey among the traditional healers of the Kanda tribe (in fact, only one such healer was found after extensive searches). Information was collected from the healer with the help of a semi-structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk method. A total of 24 formulations were obtained from the healer containing 34 plants including two plants, which could not be identified. Besides medicinal plants, the Kanda healer also used the body hairs of the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and bats (Pteropus giganteus giganteus) in one of his formulation for treatment of fever with shivering. The ailments treated by the Kanda healer were fairly common ailments like cuts and wounds, skin diseases, helminthiasis, fever, respiratory problems (coughs, asthma), gastrointestinal disorders (stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea), burning sensations during urination, various types of pain (headache, body ache, toothache, ear ache), conjunctivitis, poisonous snake, insect or reptile bites, jaundice, and bone fractures. A number of important drugs in allopathic medicine like quinine, artemisinin, and morphine (to name only a few) have been discovered from observing indigenous medicinal practices. From that view point, the formulations used by the Kanda healer merit scientific studies for their potential in the discovery of cheap and effective new drugs. Scientific validation of the medicinal formulations of the Kanda healer can also be effective for treatment of ailments among this tribe, which does not have or does not want to have any contact with modern medicine.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2010
Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant) and Calotropis procera (leaves) are used in folk medicine of Bangla... more Cuscuta reflexa (whole plant) and Calotropis procera (leaves) are used in folk medicine of Bangladesh to control blood sugar in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic effects of methanol and chloroform extracts of whole plants of Cuscuta reflexa, and methanol extract of leaves of Calotropis procera were investigated in oral glucose tolerance tests in Long Evans rats and Swiss albino mice, respectively. Both methanol and chloroform extracts of Cuscuta reflexa whole plant demonstrated significant oral hypoglycemic activity in glucose-loaded rats at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The methanol extract of leaves of Calotropis procera, when tested at doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight did not demonstrate any oral hypoglycemic effect when tested in glucose-loaded mice.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2010
Kavirajes or traditional medicinal practitioners form the primary healthcare providers of the pre... more Kavirajes or traditional medicinal practitioners form the primary healthcare providers of the predominantly rural population of Bangladesh. Kavirajes use a variety of medicinal plants for treatment of different ailments. The formulations prepared from medicinal plants vary considerably between Kavirajes of different regions of the country. The objective of this study was to conduct an ethnomedicinal survey amongst the Kavirajes of Chalna area, Khulna district, Bangladesh. That area is known to contain a diversity of medicinal plants. Information on 50 plant species was obtained. These medicinal plants belonged to 49 genera and 33 families. Twenty five plants were used to treat skin diseases and twenty three plants for treatment of intestinal tract disorders, which included constipation, indigestion, stomachache, diarrhea, and dysentery. Fourteen plants were also used by the Kavirajes to treat cancer or tumor. Nine plants were used as insecticide, eight for rheumatoid arthritis, and seven for wounds. Five plants were used to treat jaundice. Five plants were also utilized to treat animal and snake bites, which included tiger bites. Six plants were used to treat diabetes, and two each for the treatment of leprosy, and sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea. Five plants were used to treat impotency, while one plant was used as an abortifacient. Three plants were used to treat helminthiasis, which we found to be quite common amongst the population, while four plants were used to treat heart disorders. Taken together, these plant species offer considerable potential for discovery of novel compounds of pharmacological interest.
African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 2010
Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) leaf is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh for the treatment of... more Neolamarckia cadamba (Rubiaceae) leaf is used in folk medicine of Bangladesh for the treatment of diabetes, but so far no scientific study has been done which may support its use in traditional medicine. The present study was carried out to evaluate the possible glucose tolerance efficacy of methanolic extract of Neolamarckia cadamba leaf using glucose-induced hyperglycemic mice. The extract at different doses was administered one hour prior to glucose administration and blood glucose level was measured after two hours of glucose administration (p.o.) using glucose oxidase method. The statistical data indicated significant oral hypoglycemic activity on glucose-loaded mice at the two highest doses of 200 and 400 mg extract per kg body weight. Maximum anti-hyperglycemic activity was shown at 400 mg per kg body weight, which was comparable to that of , glibenclamide (10 mg/kg). The methanolic extract of leaf of Neolamarckia cadamba had beneficial effects in reducing the elevated blood glucose level of hyperglycemic mice.
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Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (Fabaceae, local name: orhor, English name: pigeon pea) is widely cult... more Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (Fabaceae, local name: orhor, English name: pigeon pea) is widely cultivated in Bangladesh for its edible seeds. The leaves are also consumed during times of food scarcity. In the folk medicinal system of Bangladesh, the leaves and stems of the plant are predominantly used for treatment of jaundice and diabetes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and cytotoxic potential of methanol extract of leaves and roots of the plant. Antihyperglycemic activity was studied by oral glucose tolerance tests in glucose-loaded Swiss albino mice. The methanol extract of leaves showed dosedependent and significant reductions of serum glucose levels in mice. At doses of 200 and 400 mg leaf extract/kg body weight, the reductions in glucose levels were comparable to that of the standard antihyperglycemic drug, glibenclamide, administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. In contrast, the methanol extract of roots showed a dose-dependent increase in serum glucose levels, which was statistically significant at the highest dose of 400 mg extract/kg body weight. The cytotoxic potential of methanol extracts of leaves and roots were measured with the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. Both leaf and root extracts showed a high degree of toxicity to brine shrimp with LC 50 values, respectively, of 0.0264 and 1.849 mg/ml. The results obtained with antihyperglycemic tests with leaves of the plant validate its folk medicinal use for diabetes. The brine shrimp lethality assay results suggest that the plant can be a promising source of anticancer compounds.
Background: The study sought to establish environmental and social factors that influenced the tr... more Background: The study sought to establish environmental and social factors that influenced the transmission and mortalities of COVID-19 in developing and developed nations. The factors that were assessed included temperature, average age of the population, urbanization, population density, and percentage of old-aged people in the population. The dependent variables were COVID-19 transmission and COV-ID-19-related deaths. Methods: The study employed a pragmatism research philosophy. It also relied on a deductive research approach and a descriptive research design. It adopted a mixed-method approach as it used both qualitative and quantitative data. It was a cross-sectional study, given its data measurement at a particular point in time. Data was analyzed and presented using descriptive techniques. Results: Statistical analyses were conducted to quantify the relationships between various factors and COVID-19 outcomes. A Kendall's Tau test revealed a robust negative correlation between COVID-19 cases and temperature (Tb =-0.560, p<0.005). This result was further confirmed by Spearman's rank correlation, showing a strong negative correlation with r(13) =-0.684, p<0.007. Similarly, a strong negative correlation was observed between COVID-19 deaths and average annual temperature using both Kendall's Tau (Tb =-0.495, p<0.014) and Spearman's rank correlation (r(13) =-0.648, p<0.012). Age emerged as a significant factor, with a strong positive correlation found between age and both COVID-19 infections (Tb = 0.516, p<0.010; r(13) = 0.670, p<0.009) and COVID-19-related mortalities (r(13) = 0.516, p<0.029). Urbanization was also positively correlated with COVID-19 infections (Tb = 0.530, p<0.008; r(13) = 0.640, p<0.014) and COVID-19 deaths (Tb = 0.398, p<0.048; r(13) = 0.561, p<0.037). Interestingly, no significant correlation was found between population density and COVID-19 infections or deaths in both developed and developing countries, as evidenced by Kendall's Tau (TB = 0.331, p<0.1; Tb = 0.133, p<0.511) and Spearman's rank correlation (r(13) = 0.425, p<0.130; r(13) = 0.161, p<0.583), respectively. Moreover, the percentage of elderly individuals in a country exhibited a strong positive correlation with both COVID-19 infections (Tb = 0.464, p<0.021; r(13) = 0.642, p<0.013) and COVID-19-related deaths (r(13) = 0.541, p<0.046). Conclusion: The study focused on social, demographic, and environmental factors influencing COVID-19 incidence and mortality in developing and developed nations. The study highlights significant COVID-19 transmission and mortality disparities between developed and developing countries. Developed countries exhibited higher infection and mortality rates, coupled with elevated death rates per million and infection rates per million, as compared to their developing counterparts. The research identified a correlation between lower average annual temperatures and increased mortality in developed countries. Contrary to this, high average annual temperatures were associated with a decline in COVID-19 infections. Moreover, developed countries, characterized by higher urbanization levels, population densities, and percentages of aged individuals, experienced elevated COVID-19 infection rates. The study also unveiled a positive correlation between age and COVID-19 infections, with developed countries hosting signifi
Medicinal Plants of Netrakona Sadar area in Netrakona District, Bangladesh
J Bone Miner Res. 7: 771-777, 1992
Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
Replacement of Propylene Glycol with Water from Desloratadine Syrup and Co- trimoxazole Suspension and its Impact on Their Stability: Replacement of Propylene Glycol with Water from Desloratadine Syrup and Co-trimoxazole Suspension and its Impact on Their Stability
Pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol is a commonly used solvent in liquid formulations. Sometime... more Pharmaceutical-grade propylene glycol is a commonly used solvent in liquid formulations. Sometimes it may be counterfeited with other hazardous chemicals and ultimately affect patients, which may cause renal failure or death. So, an approach has been taken to minimize these hazards and ensure the safety of medications. The replacement of propylene glycol with de-mineralized water from the formulations of desloratadine syrup and co-trimoxazole suspension was observed in accelerated and real time stability studies. The performance of both the propylene glycol and water containing the formulations were within the specified limits. Additionally, water containing formulations were relatively more stable than the propylene glycol-containing formulations. The degradation rate of the active ingredient(s) with storage period was time-independent.
Agents and Actions, 1993
Several tetracyclines (TETs) are potent inhibitors of collagenase (CGase) and can inhibit connect... more Several tetracyclines (TETs) are potent inhibitors of collagenase (CGase) and can inhibit connective tissue degradation in a variety of inflammatory and degenerative disorders. The role of CGase in bone resorption by osteoclasts (OC) remains unclear. Disaggregated OCs from chick embryos were cultured for 24 h on devitalized bovine cortical bone +__ heparin in the presence of various TETs. Doxycycline (Dox) inhibited pit formation in a dose-dependent manner. CMT, a TET derivative which inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) but is not antimicrobial, also inhibited chick OC bone resorption. Heparin markedly stimulated bone resorption at 5 gg/ml, which was reversed by Dox, 5 ~tg/ml. TETs can reversibly inhibit both basal and heparin-stimulated bone resorption by chick OCs. These findings suggest that MMPs may play a role in osteoclastic bone resorption, and that safe and effective inhibitors of MMPs, including certain TETs, might have a potential therapeutic role.
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Papers by Majeedul H . Chowdhury, PhD, MRSB, FLS