Publication Search

Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) and Allium cepa L. (including garlic and onion peel) are medicinal plants that have long been traditionally used to treat cancer, diabetes, hypertension, infectious diseases, and inflammation. Recent scientific studies emphasize the importance of extract standardization to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficacy. Standardization includes specific parameters—such as organoleptic identification, water- and ethanol-soluble extract values, phytochemical profiles, and determination of marker compounds—and nonspecific parameters such as moisture content, loss on drying, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash. Ethanol extract of E. bulbosa showed moisture and drying loss values below 10%, total flavonoid content of around 1.2%, and positive phytochemical tests for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and quinones. Onion peel extract contains a high flavonoid content (7.84 mg QE/g) with moderate antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC₅₀ 152.65 µg/mL), while fermented garlic (black garlic) contains more than 12% polyphenols and more than 2% flavonoids, as well as a high level of S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) as a stable bioactive compound. The pharmacological activities of these standardized extracts include strong antioxidant effects, α-glucosidase inhibition for antidiabetic activity, induction of apoptosis and anti-angiogenesis as anticancer potential, membrane disruption and enzyme inhibition for antimicrobial activity, as well as COX/LOX modulation for anti-inflammatory effects. These activities are directly correlated with the secondary metabolite composition of each material. With their phytochemical richness and diverse biological activities, E. bulbosa and A. cepa have great potential as raw materials for standardized herbal products. Further in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to validate their therapeutic efficacy and to support the development of evidence-based phytopharmaceuticals.

This study aims to comparatively analyze the effects of two types of inhalation anesthetics, ether and chloroform, on Wistar rats, focusing on three main parameters: induction time, duration of anesthesia, and side effects. Selecting the appropriate anesthetic method is crucial in animal studies to ensure animal welfare and the validity of the results. Twenty male Wistar rats, with an average body weight of 200–250 grams and 10–12 weeks of age, were randomly divided into two treatment groups of 10 rats each. The first group was anesthetized using ether, while the second group was anesthetized using chloroform, with doses adjusted to achieve adequate levels of anesthesia. Measurements were made of the induction time, which is the interval from the start of anesthetic exposure until the loss of the pedal reflex; the duration of anesthesia, which is the length of time until the rat regains consciousness; and clinical observations of any side effects that appear, both during and after anesthesia. The results showed that the ether group had a relatively longer induction time than the chloroform group. However, ether provided a longer and more stable duration of anesthesia, with a better recovery rate. In contrast, chloroform produced a shorter induction time but was accompanied by a shorter duration of anesthesia and a higher risk of side effects, particularly liver dysfunction and respiratory depression. These findings reinforce previous reports that chloroform has significant potential toxicity, and its use in animal research should be limited. Based on these results, ether is recommended as a relatively safe inhalation anesthetic option for laboratory procedures in Wistar rats, although its use still requires strict supervision and appropriate handling procedures to ensure the safety of both researchers and experimental animals.

Shallot (Allium cepa L. var. aggregatum) is a horticultural plant that holds significant economic value and therapeutic potential. This study aims to examine the potential of shallots as an immunomodulatory and anticancer agent based on a literature review of various experimental studies. The main bioactive compounds in shallots, such as quercetin, flavonoids, saponins, and sulfur-containing compounds, have been shown to modulate the immune system and inhibit cancer cell growth. As an immunomodulator, shallot extracts have been found to enhance phagocytic activity, stimulate immune cell proliferation, and balance the Th1/Th2 immune response. On the other hand, its anticancer activity is realized through cell cycle inhibition, apoptosis induction, and cytotoxic effects on various cancer cell types, including breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer. This review was conducted by analyzing experimental in vitro and in vivo studies published between 2014 and 2024. The synthesis results indicate that shallots hold strong potential as a supportive therapy for immune-related diseases and cancer. However, further clinical trials and toxicological studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and safety as a natural-based therapeutic agent.