Telomeres, DNA Damage and Ageing: Potential Leads from Ayurvedic Rasayana (Anti-Ageing) Drugs

Current insights into transcriptional role(s) for the nutraceutical Withania somnifera in inflammation and aging

The health-beneficial effects of nutraceuticals in various diseases have received enhanced attention in recent years. Aging is a continuous process wherein physiological activity of an individual declines over time and is characterized by various indefinite hallmarks which contribute toward aging-related comorbidities in an individual which include many neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac problems, diabetes, bone-degeneration, and cancer. Cellular senescence is a homeostatic biological process that has an important function in driving aging. Currently, a growing body of evidence substantiates the connection between epigenetic modifications and the aging process, along with aging-related diseases. These modifications are now being recognized as promising targets for emerging therapeutic interventions. Considering that almost all the biological processes are modulated by RNAs, numerous RNA-binding proteins have been found to be linked to aging and age-related complexities. Currently, studies have shed light on the ability of the nutraceutical Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) to influence RNA expression, stability, and processing, offering insights into its mechanisms of action. By targeting RNA-related pathways, Withania somnifera may exhibit promising effects in ameliorating age-associated molecular changes, which include modifications in gene expression and signaling networks. This review summarizes the potential role of Withania somnifera as a nutraceutical in modulating RNA-level changes associated with aging, encompassing both in vitro and in vivo studies. Taken together, the putative role(s) of Withania in modulation of key RNAs will provide insights into understanding the aging process and facilitate the development of various preventive and therapeutic strategies employing nutraceuticals for healthy aging.

Phytochemical profiling and biological activities of Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw.: an edible vegetable fern

OBJECTIVES

Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. is an edible vegetable fern of the Himalayan region with high nutritional and therapeutic value owing to its richness in various secondary metabolites and both macro and micronutrients.

CONTENT

This updated review discusses the general traditional use, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, nutritional value, pharmacology, and toxicity concerns of D. esculentum.

SUMMARY

The plant parts, viz. rhizomes, shoots, fronds and leaves, have immense ethnomedicinal importance, being traditionally used to cure several health disorders. Among other pharmacological effects, this botanical reveals excellent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-leishmanial, antioxidant, anaphylactic, antipyretic, anthelmintic and hepatoprotective activities, directly attributed to the presence of many secondary metabolites. From a pharmacological point of view, the excellent antioxidant potential of D. esculentum suggests its promising use for nutraceutical or functional food formulation purposes.

OUTLOOK

Considering the evidences on popular ethnomedicinal uses of D. esculentum as an edible vegetable, its immense bio-potential, and multiple pharmacological roles, there is a huge need to evaluate its therapeutic applications in light of standard clinical trials.

Neuroepigenetics of ageing and neurodegeneration-associated dementia: An updated review

Gene expression is tremendously altered in the brain during memory acquisition, recall, and forgetfulness. However, non-genetic factors, including environmental elements, epigenetic changes, and lifestyle, have grabbed significant attention in recent years regarding the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) and age-associated dementia. Epigenetic modifications are essential in regulating gene expression in all living organisms in a DNA sequence-independent manner. The genes implicated in ageing and NDD-related memory disorders are epigenetically regulated by processes such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation as well as messenger RNA editing machinery. The physiological and optimal state of the epigenome, especially within the CNS of humans, plays an intricate role in helping us adjust to the changing environment, and alterations in it cause many brain disorders, but the mechanisms behind it still need to be well understood. When fully understood, these epigenetic landscapes could act as vital targets for pharmacogenetic rescue strategies for treating several diseases, including neurodegeneration- and age-induced dementia. Keeping this objective in mind, this updated review summarises the epigenetic changes associated with age and neurodegeneration-associated dementia.

Mechanistic role and potential of Ayurvedic herbs as anti-aging therapies

INTRODUCTION

Medicinal plants and herbs are the most important part of the Ayurveda. The term Rasayana in Charaka Samhita confers long life, youthfulness, strong body, freedom from diseases and the plants mentioned in Rsayana possess antiaging property. Aging is the collective term used for the complex detrimental physiological changes that reduce the functional ability of the cell. Oxidative stress, telomeres shortening, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction are the main factors that regulate the aging process. Chronological aging is an irreversible process but the factors causing biological aging can be controlled. Ayurvedic herbs are better for the management of age-related problems. There are several natural bioactive agents present in plants that can delay the aging process in humans. They trigger actions like enhancing gene longevity and telomerase activity, ROS scavenging furthermore regeneration of tissues.

CONTENT

The plants mentioned in the Rasayana of Ayurveda have antiaging potential and can be used to solve modern problems related to aging. Some Ayurvedic plants and their antiaging potential has explained in this review. The main causes of aging, medicinal plants and their use as potential antiaging mediator are covered in this study.

SUMMARY

The process of aging is still an enigma. It is a complex, irretrievable, dynamic process that involves a number of factors and is subject to a number of environmental and genetic influences. Rasayana aspect has not been much investigated in clinical trials. Aging is considered to result from free radical damage. According to Charaka, Rasayana drugs open the partially or fully blocked channels. Many Rasayanas show free radical scavenging activity and has the potential to mitigate the effects of aging. It gives an overview of the significance of Ayurvedic medicinal plants as a source of inspiration and the use of these plants as remedies for antiaging.

OUTLOOK

This study briefly outlooks the causes of aging and how medicinal plants can be used to reverse the aging process. In this study, we discussed the antiaging potential and mechanistic roles of Ayurvedic herbs. These herbs have the properties to slow down the natural process of aging and can successfully manage common age-related problems.

Simultaneous estimation of five biomarkers of neuroprotective herb Ashwagandha NMITLI-118R AF1 in rat plasma and brain using LC-ESI-MS/MS: Application to its pharmacokinetic and stability studies

Withania Somnifera (WS) is a popular nutritional supplement in the USA, Europe, and Asia, known for its pharmacological effects on neurological disorders. However, the bioanalytical method development, validation, and pharmacokinetics of WS NMITLI-118R AF1 biomarkers Withanolide A (WLD A), Withanone (WNONE), Withanolide B (WLD B), Withaferin A (WF A), and 12 Deoxywithastramonolide (12 DEOXY) in rats have not been comprehensively explored. This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive and selective LC-ESI-MS/MS method for these biomarkers in male Sprague Dawley rats plasma and brain matrix. Rats were divided into eight groups, each containing five rats. A plant extract of NMITLI-118R AF1 at 50 mg/kg was orally administered to the rats for in-vivo pharmacokinetic investigation. All the analytes had a linear calibration curve (r2 > 0.999), and intra-day and inter-day precision (%) were found in the range of 2.46 - 13.71% and accuracy were within the acceptable range (±15%). The biomarkers of NMITLI-118R AF1 were found stable in in-vitro plasma and simulated gastro-intestinal fluids. The observed (Cmax) and (Tmax) values for the biomarkers in the systemic circulation were WLD A (5.59 ± 0.34 ng/mL, Tmax 1.00 ± 0.00 h), WNONE (6.28 ± 0.41 ng/mL, Tmax 0.95 ± 0.11 h), WLD B (6.45 ± 2.87 ng/mL, Tmax 0.95 ± 0.11 h), WF A (6.50 ± 0.27 ng/mL, Tmax 1.00 ± 0.00 h), and 12 DEOXY (5.68 ± 0.39 ng/mL, Tmax 1.00 ± 0.00 h). In contrast to the old method, our approach exhibits a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ), shorter run time (less than10 min), and enables the detection of WF A and WNONE in fresh rat plasma by other quantitative analysis of mass spectrometry (m/z) [M]+. Shows high sample volumes for both, larger plasma volumes, costlier sample collection techniques dried blood spot (DBS), more expensive solid phase extraction techniques (SPE) and longer analysis time 14 min. Moreover, our method requires a smaller sample volume 10 µL, offers faster analysis time 4 min, and achieves a higher sensitivity 1 ng/mL. This is the first report of a comprehensive study on in-vitro and in-vivo pharmacokinetics of NMITLI-118R AF1 biomarkers, which may aid in further pre-clinical and clinical trial investigations.

A Narrative Review of the Herbal Preparation of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines Applied as Radioprotectors

In recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in the search for natural radioprotectors that can be used to mitigate the effects of radiation on patients, healthcare personnel, and even for space travel. This narrative review covers the past fifty years and focuses on herbal preparations of Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese, and Kampō Medicines that have the potential to reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of radiation. Our findings highlight ten herbal preparations, namely Abana, Amalakyadi Churna, Amritaprasham, Brahma, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (BZYQT), Chyavanaprasha, Cystone, Geriforte, Mentat, and Triphala, which have demonstrated potential radioprotective effects. This review examines their composition, properties, and possible mechanisms of action in relation to their radioprotective properties. Exploring the ethnobotany of traditional Asian medicine is particularly interesting as it may lead to the discovery of new active compounds with radioprotective properties.

Insights into the potential benefits of triphala polyphenols toward the promotion of resilience against stress-induced depression and cognitive impairment

In response to environmental challenges, stress is a common reaction, but dysregulation of the stress response can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and cognitive impairment. Particularly, there is ample evidence that overexposure to mental stress can have lasting detrimental consequences for psychological health, cognitive function, and ultimately well-being. In fact, some individuals are resilient to the same stressor. A major benefit of enhancing stress resilience in at-risk groups is that it may help prevent the onset of stress-induced mental health problems. A potential therapeutic strategy for maintaining a healthy life is to address stress-induced health problems with botanicals or dietary supplements such as polyphenols. Triphala, also known as Zhe Busong decoction in Tibetan, is a well-recognized Ayurvedic polyherbal medicine comprising dried fruits from three different plant species. As a promising food-sourced phytotherapy, triphala polyphenols have been used throughout history to treat a variety of medical conditions, including brain health maintenance. Nevertheless, a comprehensive review is still lacking. Here, the primary objective of this review article is to provide an overview of the classification, safety, and pharmacokinetics of triphala polyphenols, as well as recommendations for the development of triphala polyphenols as a novel therapeutic strategy for promoting resilience in susceptible individuals. Additionally, we summarize recent advances demonstrating that triphala polyphenols are beneficial to cognitive and psychological resilience by regulating 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptors, gut microbiota, and antioxidant-related signaling pathways. Overall, scientific exploration of triphala polyphenols is warranted to understand their therapeutic efficacy. In addition to providing novel insights into the mechanisms of triphala polyphenols for promoting stress resilience, blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and systemic bioavailability of triphala polyphenols also need to be improved by the research community. Moreover, well-designed clinical trials are needed to increase the scientific validity of triphala polyphenols' beneficial effects for preventing and treating cognitive impairment and psychological dysfunction.

Development of Novel Herbal Compound Formulations Targeting Neuroinflammation: Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Verification

Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The multicomponent and multitarget approach may provide a practical strategy to address the complex pathological mechanisms of neuroinflammation. This study aimed to develop synergistic herbal compound formulas to attenuate neuroinflammation using integrated network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. Eight phytochemicals with anti-neuroinflammatory potential were selected in the present study. A compound-gene target-signaling pathway network was constructed to illustrate the mechanisms of action of each phytochemical and the interactions among them at the molecular level. Molecular docking was performed to verify the binding affinity of each phytochemical and its key gene targets. An experimental study was conducted to identify synergistic interactions among the eight phytochemicals, and the associated molecular mechanisms were examined by immunoblotting based on the findings from the network pharmacology analysis. Two paired combinations, andrographolide and 6-shogaol (AN-SG) (IC50 = 2.85 μg/mL), and baicalein-6-shogaol (BA-SG) (IC50 = 3.28 μg/mL), were found to synergistically (combination index <1) inhibit the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in microglia N11 cells. Network pharmacology analysis suggested that MAPK14, MAPK8, and NOS3 were the top three relevant gene targets for the three phytochemicals, and molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities of the phytochemicals to their coded proteins. Immunoblotting suggested that the AN-SG and BA-SG both showed prominent effects in inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and MAPKp-p38 (both p < 0.05) compared with those induced by the LPS stimulation only. The AN-SG combination exhibited greater inhibitions of the protein expressions of iNOS (p < 0.05 vs. individual components), which may partly explain the mechanisms of the synergy observed. This study established a practical approach to developing novel herbal-compound formulations using integrated network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, and experimental bioassays. The study provides a scientific basis and new insight into the two synergistic combinations against neuroinflammation.

In-vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and in-vivo muscle relaxant potential of the extract and constituent isolated from Diospyros kaki (Japanese Persimmon)

Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon) is cultivated specious of the Diospyros genus. D. kaki is a multi-medicinal application in the folk system for the cure of ischemic stroke, angina, atherosclerosis, muscle relaxation, internal hemorrhage, hypertension, high cough, and infectious disease. The main objective of this study was the isolated bioactive metabolites from chloroform fractions of D. kaki. The extract and fractions were then tested for various in-vitro (antioxidant and lipoxygenase) and in-vivo (muscle relaxant) activities. The repeated chromatographic separation of chloroform extract afforded compound 1. Compound 1, n-hexane, and chloroform fractions were evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and in vivo muscle relaxant potency. The chloroform extract has 79.54% interaction with DPPH at higher concentrations (100 μg/ml) while the compound exhibited a maximum effect of 95.09% at 100 μg/ml. Compound 1 exhibited significant lipoxygenase inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ value of 36.98 μM followed by a chloroform extract of 57.09 μM. Similarly, compound 1 and chloroform extract showed excellent muscle relaxant effects at a higher dose. From this investigation, it is concluded that extracts and pure compounds exhibited promising antioxidant, lipoxygenase inhibitory, and muscle relaxant activity. This study excellently rationalizes the traditional usage of D. kaki in curing various diseases. Furthermore, the docking results indicate, that the isolated compound fits well into the active site of the lipoxygenase, and makes strong interactions with the target protein.

Phytotherapeutic alternatives for neurodegenerative dementias: Scientific review, discussion and therapeutic proposal

The incidence and prevalence of age-related neurodegenerative dementias have been increasing. There is no curative therapy and conventional drug treatment can cause problems for patients. Medicinal plants traditionally used for problems associated with ageing are emerging as a therapeutic resource. The main aim is to give a proposal for use and future research based on scientific knowledge and tradition. A literature search was conducted in several searchable databases. The keywords used were related to neurodegenerative dementias, ageing and medicinal plants. Boolean operators and filters were used to focus the search. As a result, there is current clinical and preclinical scientific information on 49 species used in traditional medicine for ageing-related problems, including neurodegenerative dementias. There are preclinical and clinical scientific evidences on their properties against protein aggregates in the central nervous system and their effects on neuroinflammation, apoptosis dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, gabaergic, glutamatergic and dopaminergic systems alterations, monoamine oxidase alterations, serotonin depletion and oestrogenic protection. In conclusion, the potential therapeutic effect of the different medicinal plants depends on the type of neurodegenerative dementia and its stage of development, but more clinical and preclinical research is needed to find better, safer and more effective treatments.

Quantitative assessment of antioxidant potential of selected homeopathic preparations in clinical practice

OBJECTIVES

Antioxidant property like radical scavenging is a primary target to elucidate the efficacy mechanism of a drug against diseases linked to oxidative stress such as cancer, metabolic disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. In alternative therapies, homeopathy is one of the preferred choices by patients and clinicians due to its potential to cure chronic and complex illnesses. However, the efficacy of homeopathic preparations at high diluted potencies attracts rational criticism due to insufficient scientific knowledge supporting the mechanism of action. Therefore, an attempt was made to estimate the total phenolic content (TPC) and radical scavenging activity of clinically prescribed homeopathic drugs.

METHODS

With gallic acid as a reference control, mother tinctures (MTs) and different potencies of Eucalyptus globulus (EG), Syzygium jambolanum (SJ), Ruta graveolens (RG), and Thuja occidentalis (TO) were used to perform Folin-Ciocalteu test, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays.

RESULTS

The results showed TPC of MTs equivalent to µg/mL of gallic acid viz; EG (4,872.5 ± 133.2), SJ (8,840.5 ± 14.8), RG (985.6 ± 39.1), and TO (341.5 ± 19.5) with significant ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging potential. Whereas 30C and 200C potencies of each homeopathic drug showed undetectable phenolic content and insignificant radical scavenging potential compared to vehicle control, i.e., alcohol 90% (2.0 ± 1.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The reported efficacy of 30C and 200C potencies of homeopathic medicines against oxidative stress-related illnesses might be due to mechanisms other than radical scavenging. Furthermore, the assays studied can be helpful in drug standardization and quality control of MTs that are used as starting material in homeopathic preparations.

Multifunctional role of natural products for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: At a glance

Natural substances originating from plants have long been used to treat neurodegenerative disorders (NDs). Parkinson's disease (PD) is a ND. The deterioration and subsequent cognitive impairments of the midbrain nigral dopaminergic neurons distinguish by this characteristic. Various pathogenic mechanisms and critical components have been reported, despite the fact that the origin is unknown, such as protein aggregation, iron buildup, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Anti-Parkinson drugs like dopamine (DA) agonists, levodopa, carbidopa, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors and anticholinergics are used to replace DA in the current treatment model. Surgery is advised in cases where drug therapy is ineffective. Unfortunately, the current conventional treatments for PD have a number of harmful side effects and are expensive. As a result, new therapeutic strategies that control the mechanisms that contribute to neuronal death and dysfunction must be addressed. Natural resources have long been a useful source of possible treatments. PD can be treated with a variety of natural therapies made from medicinal herbs, fruits, and vegetables. In addition to their well-known anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities, these natural products also play inhibitory roles in iron buildup, protein misfolding, the maintenance of proteasomal breakdown, mitochondrial homeostasis, and other neuroprotective processes. The goal of this research is to systematically characterize the currently available medications for Parkinson's and their therapeutic effects, which target diverse pathways. Overall, this analysis looks at the kinds of natural things that could be used in the future to treat PD in new ways or as supplements to existing treatments. We looked at the medicinal plants that can be used to treat PD. The use of natural remedies, especially those derived from plants, to treat PD has been on the rise. This article examines the fundamental characteristics of medicinal plants and the bioactive substances found in them that may be utilized to treat PD.

Research Status of Mouse Models for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Antitumor Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Mouse Models

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known as one of the most lethal cancers, causing more than 1 million deaths annually worldwide. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic drugs for NSCLC has become an urgent need. Herein, various mouse models provide great convenience not only for researchers but also for the development of antitumor drug. Meanwhile, TCM, as a valuable and largely untapped resource pool for modern medicine, provides research resources for the treatment of various diseases. Until now, cell-derived xenograft (CDX) model, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, syngeneic model, orthotopic model, humanized mouse model (HIS), and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been reported in TCM evaluation. This review shows the role and current status of kinds of mouse models in antitumor research and summarizes the application progress of TCM including extracts, formulas, and isolated single molecules for NSCLC therapy in various mouse models; more importantly, it provides a theoretical exploration of what kind of mouse models is ideal for TCM efficacy evaluation in future. However, there are still huge challenges and limitations in the development of mouse models specifically for the TCM research, and none of the available models are perfectly matching the characteristics of TCM, which suppress the tumor growth through various mechanisms, especially by regulating immune function. Nevertheless, with fully functional immune system existing in syngeneic model and humanized mouse model (HIS), it is still suggested that these two models are more suitable for development of TCM especially for TCM extracts or formulas. Moreover, continued efforts are needed to generate more reliable mouse models to test TCM formulas in future research.

The Inhibitory Effect of Polyphenon 60 from Green Tea on Melanin and Tyrosinase in Zebrafish and A375 Human Melanoma Cells

Polyphenon 60 (PP60) from green tea has long been used as an antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antimutagenic. Aim of the Study. To investigate tyrosinase inhibition-related kinetic mechanism and antimelanogenesis potential of PP60. Materials and Methods. The effect of PP60 on melanin and tyrosinase was evaluated in A375 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos. The melanoma cells were treated with 20, 40, and 60 µg/mL of PP60, and tyrosinase expression was induced by using L-DOPA. The western blot method was used for the evaluation of tyrosinase expression. Cell lysates were prepared from treated and untreated cells for cellular tyrosinase and melanin quantification. Furthermore, zebrafish embryos were treated with 20, 40, and 60 µg/mL of PP60 and reference drug kojic acid for determination of depigmentation and melanin quantification. In vitro assays were also performed to examine the impact of PP60 on mushroom tyrosinase activity. To determine cytotoxicity, MTT was used against melanoma cell line A375. Results. PP60 showed good tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 0.697 ± 0.021 µg/mL as compared to kojic acid a reference drug with an IC50 value of 2.486 ± 0.085 µg/mL. Kinetic analysis revealed its mixed type of inhibition against mushroom tyrosinase. In addition, western blot analysis showed that at 60 µg/mL dose of PP60 significantly reduced L-DOPA-induced tyrosinase expression in melanoma cells. PP60 significantly inhibits the cellular tyrosinase (p < 0.05) and reduces the melanin (p < 0.05) contents of melanoma cells. Furthermore, PP60 was found to be very potent in significantly reducing the zebrafish embryos' pigmentation (p < 0.05) and melanin (p < 0.05) content at the dose of 60 µg/mL. Conclusions. Our results demonstrate that PP60 has a strong potency to reduce pigmentation. It may be useful for the cosmetic industries to develop skin whitening agents with minimal toxic effects.

Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in Neurological Disorders: An Umbrella Review Covering Evidence from Ethnopharmacology to Clinical Studies

C. pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis), a perennial herb aka C. microphyllus Sieb. and C. Prostratus Forsk. is being used as a traditional folk medicine for a variety of ailments. In this article, we collected information about C. pluricaulis through electronic search using PubMed, SciFinder, Google Scholar, and Web of Science as well as network pharmacology is done. This comprehensive review sheds light on the plant profile, phytochemistry, neuropharmacological, and toxicological data of C. pluricaulis. The crude herb and its metabolites have exhibited a wide range of in vitro and in vivo neuropharmacological effects, including memory enhancement, anxiolytic, tranquilizing, anti-depressant, anti-stress, neurodegenerative, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, sedative, anti-convulsant, and Alzheimer's disease-reversing effects. Network pharmacology results indicate that compounds from C. pluricaulis interact with various proteins, neuro synapses, signaling pathways, and serotonergic synapse which plays a crucial role in neurotransmission, Alzheimer's disease, long-term depression, addictions to alcohol, cognitive disorders, psychological conditions, and increasing serotonin concentration in synapses.

Plant Bioactives in the Treatment of Inflammation of Skeletal Muscles: A Molecular Perspective

Skeletal muscle mass responds rapidly to growth stimuli, precipitating hypertrophies (increased protein synthesis) and hyperplasia (activation of the myogenic program). For ages, muscle degeneration has been attributed to changes in the intracellular myofiber pathways. These pathways are tightly regulated by hormones and lymphokines that ultimately pave the way to decreased anabolism and accelerated protein breakdown. Despite the lacunae in our understanding of specific pathways, growing bodies of evidence suggest that the changes in the myogenic/regenerative program are the major contributing factor in the development and progression of muscle wasting. In addition, inflammation plays a key role in the pathophysiology of diseases linked to the failure of skeletal muscles. Chronic inflammation with elevated levels of inflammatory mediators has been observed in a spectrum of diseases, such as inflammatory myopathies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the pathophysiology of these diseases varies greatly, they all demonstrate sarcopenia and dysregulated skeletal muscle physiology as common symptoms. Medicinal plants harbor potential novel chemical moieties for a plenitude of illnesses, and inflammation is no exception. However, despite the vast number of potential antiinflammatory compounds found in plant extracts and isolated components, the research on medicinal plants is highly daunting. This review aims to explore the various phytoconstituents employed in the treatment of inflammatory responses in skeletal muscles, while providing an in-depth molecular insight into the latter.

Long-term oral administration of naringenin counteracts aging-related retinal degeneration via regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy

Aging-related retinal degeneration can manifest as decreased visual function due to damage to retinal structures and dysfunction in retinal homeostasis. Naringenin, a flavonoid, has beneficial effects in preventing cellular aging, preserving the functionality of photoreceptors, and slowing down visual function loss. However, the role and potential mechanism of naringenin in the aging mouse retina require further investigation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of naringenin on the aging eye using electroretinogram (ERG) and hematoxylin and eosin staining and explored its potential mechanism by western blotting. ERG showed that naringenin increased the amplitude of the a- and b-waves of scotopic 3.0, 10.0, and the a-wave amplitude of photopic 3.0 in the aging mouse retina. Furthermore, administration of naringenin prevented aging-induced retinal degeneration in the total retina, ganglion cell, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer, and outer nuclear layer. The expression of mitochondrial fusion protein two was increased, OPA1 protein expression and the ratio of L-OPA1/S-OPA1 were unchanged, and dynamin-related protein one was decreased in the 12-month-old mice treated with naringenin compared with the 12-month-old mice treated with vehicle. Furthermore, the downregulation of age-related alterations in autophagy was significantly rescued in the aging mice by treatment with naringenin. Taken together, these results suggest that the oral administration of naringenin improves visual function, retinal structure, mitochondrial dynamics, and autophagy in the aging mouse retinas. Naringenin may be a potential dietary supplement for the prevention or treatment of aging-related retinal degeneration.

Curcumin, thymoquinone, and 3, 3′-diindolylmethane combinations attenuate lung and liver cancers progression

Cancer can develop due to abnormal cell proliferation in any body’s cells, so there are over a hundred different types of cancer, each with its distinct behavior and response to treatment. Therefore, many studies have been conducted to slow cancer progression and find effective and safe therapies. Nutraceuticals have great attention for their anticancer potential. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the anticancer effects of curcumin (Cur), thymoquinone (TQ), and 3, 3′-diindolylmethane (DIM) combinations on lung (A549) and liver (HepG2) cancer cell lines’ progression. Results showed that triple (Cur + TQ + DIM) and double (Cur + TQ, Cur + DIM, and TQ + DIM) combinations of Cur, TQ, and DIM significantly increased apoptosis with elevation of caspase-3 protein levels. Also, these combinations exhibited significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration, colony formation activities, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (AKT) protein levels with S phase reduction. Triple and double combinations of Cur, TQ, and DIM hindered tumor weight and angiogenesis of A549 and HepG2 implants in the chorioallantoic membrane model. Interestingly, Cur, TQ, and DIM combinations are considered promising for suppressing cancer progression via inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are warranted.

Golden Ager Chyawanprash with Meager Evidential Base from Human Clinical Trials

Chyawanprash (CP) is one of the most revered, effective, and best-selling health supplements of Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine, which is high on the trust and health quotient among Indian consumers. CP is an ancient synergistic blend of around fifty (50) medicinal herbs, herbal extracts with jam-like consistency, traditionally used to improve respiratory health, strengthen the immune system, prevent recurrence of infections, and over the decades is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With the recent growth of commercialization, this traditional preparation is gaining popularity across the world. Various pharma firms are engaged in its commercial production, and this recipe is easily available on market shelves, with a common brand name "Chyawanprash." The consumers generally pop up with some genuine queries or doubts regarding its usage and benefits. Though CP is well-trusted traditional preparation, however, limited scientific literature is available on understanding its clinical role. This critical review discusses the general consumer queries apropos its usage, critically analyzing the reported clinical studies, perspectives, and unmapped areas for future research.

Salicylic Acid Treatment Reduces Lipid Peroxidation and Chlorophyll Degradation and Preserves Quality Attributes of Pointed Gourd Fruit

The marketability of pointed gourd fruit is drastically reduced after harvest due to moisture loss, chlorophyll degradation, yellowing of the skin, and shriveling. The present investigation studied the effect of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) treatment on senescence and fruit quality attributes of pointed gourd during storage under ambient conditions. Fruits were treated by immersing them in different concentrations of SA (1.0 mM, 2.0 mM, and 3.0 mM) and distilled water (control) for 5 minutes. The investigation showed beneficial effects of 3.0 mM SA treatment in lowering weight loss (16.8%), maintaining higher chlorophyll (32.8%) in the skin, and reducing lipid peroxidation (20.2%) compared to the control. SA (3.0 mM)-treated fruits retained 15.3% higher ascorbic acid and about 18% higher total phenol, flavonoids, and radical scavenging activity over pointed gourd fruits in the control group. However, significant difference in the total antioxidant capacity after 6 days of storage was not noted between SA-treated and control fruit. Thus, postharvest salicylic acid treatment can beneficially be used to extend marketability and delay quality deterioration of pointed gourd fruits stored under ambient conditions.

In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Muscle Relaxant, and Sedative Activities of Extracts from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels in Mice

In the current study, the folklore medicine, Syzygium cumini, was experimentally evaluated for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, and muscle relaxant effects. The extract and fractions of S. cumini were found safe up to 1000 mg/kg with no mortality, except for slight sedation as a minor side effect. Both, the extract and various fractions of S. cumini demonstrated significant inhibition (86.34%) of carrageenan-induced inflammation in mice. Acetic acid induced writhes were attenuated (p < 0.001) by S. cumini in a dose-dependent manner, except for the n-hexane fraction. The maximum effect was observed at a dose of 500 mg/kg in mice. The maximum muscle relaxant effect of all tested samples was recorded at a dose of 500 mg/kg bodyweight, where the percent inhibition exhibited by dichloromethane fraction was 82.34%, followed by chloroform fractions (71.43%) and methanolic extract (70.91%). Our findings validate the folklore medicinal claims of S. cumini, as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

Multifunctional Therapeutic Approach of Nanomedicines against Inflammation in Cancer and Aging

Cancer is a fatal disorder that affects people across the globe, yet existing therapeutics are ineffective. The development of submicrometer transport for optimizing the biodistribution of systemically provided medications is the focus of nanomedicine. Nanoparticle- (NP-) based treatments may enable the development of novel therapeutic approaches to combat this deadly disorder. In multifunctional, multimodal imaging, and drug delivery carriers, NPs generally play a major role. They have emerged as potential strategies for the invention of innovative therapeutic procedures in the last decade. The exponential growth of nanotechnologies in recent years has increased public awareness of the application of these innovative therapeutic approaches. Many tumor-targeted nanomedicines have been studied in cancer therapy, and there is clear evidence for a significant improvement in the therapeutic index of antineoplastic drugs. Age-related factors such as metabolic and physiological alterations in old age and inadequate animal models are currently understudied in nanomedicine and pharmacology. This review highlighted the most important targeting approaches, as well as public awareness, therapeutic advancements, and future prospects in age-related metabolic variations, and tumor-targeted nanomedicine studies.

Toxicity, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum) and Its Interaction with Magnetic Field in the Skin Wound Healing

Cubiu, an Amazonian fruit, is widely used as food and popular treatment for pathologies that present an inflammatory pattern, such as skin wound healing. However, there is still no confirmation in the scientific literature about the safety profile, as well as the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing actions of cubiu. This study is divided into two experimental protocols using Wistar rats. Thus, the first objective (protocol 1) of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of an oral administration of cubiu extract at different doses for 28 days. The macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the liver and kidney were performed, and the following analysis was determined in plasma: glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, urea, creatinine, and uric acid. After, we conducted the second protocol aimed to establish the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of cubiu and its interaction with magnetic field in skin wound healing. On days 3, 7, and 14 of treatment, skin and blood samples were collected and analyzed: the oxidative stress biomarkers (reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid, nonprotein thiols, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase), myeloperoxidase enzymatic activity, and cytokines levels (interleukin 1, interleukin 6, interleukin 10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha). The cubiu has shown to be safe and nontoxic. Both cubiu and magnetic field promoted decreased levels of proinflammatory and prooxidant biomarkers (interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and reactive substances to thiobarbituric acid), as well as increased levels of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers (interleukin 10, nonprotein thiols, and superoxide dismutase), with greater potential when treatments are used in association. Thus, cubiu promotes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in skin wound healing, while also improving results of the conventional treatment for skin healing (magnetic field) when used in association.

Ataxia-televangelist mutated (ATM)/ ATR serine/threonine kinase (ATR)-mediated RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) promotes osteogenic differentiation and inhibits osteoclastogenesis in osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that significantly affects the quality of life and can even lead to death. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) in osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. We analyzed differentially expressed genes using microarray analysis. The osteogenic differentiation capability was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red staining assays. Osteogenesis and osteoclast related genes expression was detected using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting. The phosphorylation of Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ATR serine/threonine kinase (ATR) was tested using Western blotting. The effect of RAD51 on osteoporosis was also explored in vivo. The results showed that RAD51 was downregulated in osteoporosis, but upregulated in differentiated osteoblasts. Overexpression of RAD51 enhanced the differentiation of osteoblasts and suppressed the formation of osteoclasts. Furthermore, p-ATM and p-ATR levels were upregulated in osteoblasts and downregulated in osteoclasts. RAD51 expression was reduced by the ATM/ATR pathway inhibitor AZ20. AZ20 treatment inhibited osteoblastogenesis and promoted osteoclastogenesis, whereas RAD51 reversed the effects induced by AZ20. Moreover, RAD51 improved bone microarchitecture in vivo. Taken together, ATM/ATR signaling-mediated RAD51 promoted osteogenic differentiation and suppressed osteoclastogenesis. These findings reveal a critical role for RAD51 in osteoporosis.

Consumption of Ashtanga Ghrita (clarified cow butter added with herb extracts) improves cognitive dysfunction induced by scopolamine in rats via regulation of acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

Ashtanga Ghrita (AG), an Indian traditional formulation, has been used to promote neuropharmacological activities. AG is made up of clarified cow butter (ghee) and eight different herbs.

METHODS

To test whether scopolamine (SCP)-induced dementia and brain oxidative stress can be counteracted by AG, rats were separated into five groups (n=6/group): group one control, group two SCP (1 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) treated and group three to five were co-treated with different doses of AG (1.25, 2.5 and 5 g/kg b.w., orally) and SCP. After the treatment regimen, behavioral (Y-maze test) and brain biochemical changes were measured in all groups.

RESULTS

Microbial load and heavy metals were found within permissible limits. Results from attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated the complexation/interaction of herbal phytoconstituents with the functional groups of Ghrita. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of AG exhibited the occurrence of flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, steroids, triterpenes, tannins, and amino acids. Findings of the experimental study exhibited that AG significantly protected the rats from SCP-induced behavioral dysfunction and brain biochemical alterations.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that AG protects the brain from SCP-induced dementia by promoting brain antioxidant activity and thus could be a promising drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease.