Volume4,Issue2

Depression is a most serious stress related mental disorder affecting 450 million people worldwide. Due to clinical limitations and adverse effects researchers have focussed on novel pharmacotherapy for safe and efficient treatment of depression. The aim of present study was to evaluate the aqueous and methanolic extracts of Couroupita guianensis Aubl. flower for its antidepressant like activity. It has been observed from our study that both the extract at higher concentration showed significant reduction in immobility in tail suspension and forced swim model of depression comparable to imipramine. However further study is needed to understand mechanism of action and to identify active component responsible for antidepressant like activity.

Cancer is the leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. The primary etiologic agents for cancer include mutagens, toxins, free radicals, heavy metals, blood sugar, virus, radiations apart from many other factors  including inflammation which can increase the risk of cancer development and progression. Shilajit is a blackish–brown coloured herbomineral medicine, collected from the high altitude mountains of many parts of the world. Shilajit refers to the humic matter that contains 60-80% of fulvic acid (FA) and humic acid (HA). The biological activity of Shilajit is mainly attributed to these humic compounds HA and FA. In this review we have focused on the cancer chemopreventive and therapeutic properties of  Shilajit and humic compounds. Shilajit and HA possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitoxic, antiviral, heavy metal chelating, antitumor, apoptotic and photo-protective properties. These properties make Shilajit useful agents for cancer therapy and prevention. In addition, Shilajit has no reported side effects and can be administered as a nutritive and rejuvenating tonic and combats age related problems.