Aqueous extract of Saussurea lappa root ameliorate oxidative myocardial injury induced by isoproterenol in rats

The Anti-urolithiatic effect of the roots of Saussurea costus (falc) Lipsch agonist ethylene glycol and magnesium oxide induced urolithiasis in rats

Phytotherapy, which involves the use of plant extracts and natural compounds for medicinal purposes, is indeed a promising alternative for managing urinary lithiasis. Many plants have been studied for their potential to prevent and treat kidney stones, and they may offer a more natural and potentially less harmful approach compared to conventional treatments. Additionally, phytotherapy may be more cost-effective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antilithic potential of extracts and essential oils of Saussurea costus (Falc) Lipsch in two in vivo models, one on ethylene glycol-induced calcium oxalate crystal formation and the other to assess the effects of these extracts on magnesium oxide-induced struvite crystal formation. The experiment involved the administration of different doses of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of S. costus (200 and 400 mg/kg) and essential oils (25 and 50 mg/kg) to male Wistar rats, followed by the evaluation of various physiological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. The results demonstrated that the administration of S. costus essential oils and extracts had significant effects on the rats, influencing body weight, urine volume, crystal deposition, cytobacteriological examination of urine, and serum biochemical parameters. Histopathological examinations revealed varying impacts on the kidneys and livers of the treated rats. The findings suggest that S. costus extracts and essential oils may hold promise in inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal formation in vivo and influencing various physiological and biochemical parameters in rats. Overall, the 200 mg/kg ethanolic extract of S. costus demonstrated antilithiatic efficacy, did not exhibit signs of toxicity and reduced the number of crystals in the kidneys. Furthermore, the study did not find a significant effect on reducing struvite crystals.

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch.: a comprehensive review of its pharmacology, phytochemicals, ethnobotanical uses, and therapeutic potential

Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch., commonly known as costus, is a perennial herb that has been traditionally used in various indigenous medicinal systems across Asia. Its historical prominence in traditional remedies underscores the need to explore its phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and potential therapeutic benefits. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the available literature on the pharmacological properties, phytochemical constituents, ethnobotanical uses, and therapeutic potential of S. costus. An exhaustive search was performed across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed/MedLine, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, TRIP database, and Science Direct. Both experimental and clinical studies, as well as traditional ethnobotanical records, were considered for inclusion. The phytochemical analysis revealed that S. costus contains a plethora of bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils, which are responsible for its myriad of medicinal properties. The pharmacological studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects, among others. Ethnobotanical data showcased its extensive use in treating ailments like asthma, digestive disorders, and skin conditions. Some clinical trials also underscore its efficacy in certain health conditions, corroborating its traditional uses. S. costus possesses significant therapeutic potential, largely attributable to its rich phytochemical composition; the convergence of its traditional uses and modern pharmacological findings suggests promising avenues for future research, especially in drug development and understanding its mechanism of action in various ailments.

Rat Model of Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Injury

Isoproterenol (ISO) administration produces significant biochemical and histological changes including oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, and inflammation that leads to aggravation of myocardial injury. Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal ISO injection into rats can replicate several features of human heart disease, making it a useful tool for comprehending the underlying mechanisms and evaluating potential therapeutic strategies. In the present chapter, we elaborate on how depending on the precise experimental goals and the intended level of severity, different dosages and regimens are employed to induce myocardial injury.

Costunosides A-C: cytotoxic sesquiterpene lactones from the rhizomes of Aucklandia costus Falc

Three new eudesmane type rare sesquiterpene lactone galactosides, costunosides A-C (1-3) were isolated from the rhizomes of Aucklandia costus along with ten known compounds (4-13). Costunosides A-C (1-3) are the first example of naturally eudesmane glycosides containing a β-galactopyranoside moiety. The structure and relative configurations of these compounds were established by comprehensive analysis of MS and, in particular 1D/2D NMR spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were tested against a panel of human cancer cell lines, where compounds 3, 6 and 7 have shown promising cytotoxic activity against PC-3, HCT-116 and A549 cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 3.4 µM to 9.3 µM, respectively. Costunosides A-C (1-3) were also screened for inhibition assay of acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and found inactive at a concentration of 10 µM.

Dolomiaea costus: an untapped mine of sesquiterpene lactones with wide magnificent biological activities

Dolomiaea costus (Falc.) Kasana & A.K. Pandey Family Asteraceae, formerly known as Saussurea costus (Falc.) Lipsch contains a rich treasury of diverse bioactive compounds such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, sterols, cardenolides, flavonoids, coumarins, lignans, phenylpropanoids and alkaloids. The sesquiterpene lactones, costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone in D. costus, possess unique promising in vitro and in vivo biological activities for the prevention and cure of diverse ailments like Parkinson's disease, oxidative stress, hyperpigmentation, ulcerative colitis, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colon cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, leukemia, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma, allergy, type 2 diabetes, hepatotoxicity, bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, thrombosis and various microbial infections. Costunolide and dehydrocostuslactone are potential drug candidates that could lead to the development of new medications for a variety of difficult-to-treat diseases.

Root extracts of Saussurea costus as prospective detoxifying food additive against sodium nitrite toxicity in male rats

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of three different extracts of Saussurea costus roots (ethanol, methanol, and water) as a food additive in alleviating the harmful effect of sodium nitrite in rat meals. Thirty-five adult male rats were divided into five groups as follows: control, sodium nitrite (NaNO₂; 75 mg/kg BW, single oral dose), S. costus 70% ethanol, 70% methanol, and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg BW), respectively for four weeks followed by a single dose of NaNO₂ 24h before decapitation. Results showed that the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus has a higher concentration of total phenolic content, total flavonoids, and antioxidant effect than the 70% methanol and water extracts. Rats pretreated with S. costus extracts reduced the harmful effects induced by NaNO₂ and improved the hematological parameters, liver, and kidney function biomarkers as well as lipid profile as compared to the NaNO₂ group. Furthermore, S. costus improved the histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney induced by NaNO₂ and improved meat sensory evaluation. Conclusively, the 70% ethanol extract of S. costus roots is the most effective extract as an antioxidant against the toxicity of sodium nitrite in male rats and might be used safely as a natural additive in the food industry.

Tentatively Identified (UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS) Compounds in the Extract of Saussurea costus Roots Exhibit In Vivo Hepatoprotection via Modulation of HNF-1α, Sirtuin-1, C/ebpα, miRNA-34a and miRNA-223

Saussurea costus is a plant traditionally used for the treatment of several ailments. Our study accomplished the UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis of a methanol extract of Saussurea costus roots (MESC), in addition to lipoidal matter determination and assessment of its in vivo hepatoprotective activity. In this study, we were able to identify the major metabolites in MESC rather than the previously known isolated compounds, improving our knowledge of its chemical constituents. The flavones apigenin, acacetin, baicalein, luteolin, and diosmetin, and the flavonol aglycones quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, gossypetin, and myricetin and/or their glycosides and glucuronic derivatives were the major identified compounds. The hepatoprotective activity of MESC was evaluated by measuring catalase activity using UV spectrophotometry, inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers using ELISA techniques, and genetic markers using PCR. Paracetamol toxicity caused a significant increase in plasma caspase 2, cytokeratin 18 (CK18), liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), miRNA-34a, and miRNA-223, as well as a significant decrease in liver catalase (CAT) activity and in the levels of liver nuclear factor 1α (HNF-1α), sirtuin-1, and C/ebpα. Oral pretreatment with MESC (200 mg/kg) showed a significant decrease in caspase 2, CK18, TNF-α, IL-6 and a significant increase in liver CAT activity. MESC decreased the levels of liver miRNA-34a and miRNA-223 and induced HNF-1α, sirtuin-1, and C/ebpα gene expression. The histological examination showed a significant normalization in rats pretreated with MESC. Our findings showed that Saussurea costus may exert a potent hepatoprotective activity through the modulation of the expression of cellular cytokines, miRNA-34a, and miRNA-223.

Swarna Prashana - faith in the embrace of research

Childhood needs diverse nutritional requirements. Poor appetite, lifestyle changes, and poor digestion affects child immunity and make them prone to diseases. Kaumarabhritya, a branch of Ayurveda which deals in child and adolescent health care, has a unique concept of Swarna Prashana (SP) to promote generalized immunity and intellect. SP is commonly recommended to children between 0 and 12 years of age and given as a general health promoter to improve intellect, digestion, strength, immunity, longevity, and complexion. Multiple benefits of SP are mentioned in different Samhitas which needs to be explored on scientific background. Authors have highlighted content variabilities, plausible mechanisms, research tasks and potentials, lacunae, and future prospects about SP. This manuscript is a spotlight on current social, clinical, marketing, and scientific information of Swarna Prashana. SP can be a cost-effective, safe, infrastructure compatible, and prevention-centric approach to improve children's overall health status and has the potential to serve as a positive health care program for children.

Thiamethoxam-induced oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and disturbance of steroidogenic genes in male rats: Palliative role of Saussurea lappa and Silybum marianum

Thiamethoxam (TMX) belongs to the neonicotinoid insecticide family and may evoke marked endocrine disruption. In this study, the reproductive toxicity of TMX on male rats was assessed along with the ability of Saussurea lappa (costus roots) and/or Silybum marianum extract (SM) to alleviate TMX toxicity. Male rats were allocated to seven groups and orally treated daily for 4 weeks: Control (saline), Costus (200 mg/kg), SM (150 mg/kg), TMX (78.15 mg/kg), TMX-costus, TMX-SM, and TMX-costus-SM (at the aforementioned doses). Compared with control group, TMX administration induced reductions in testicular levels of glutathione and antioxidant activities of SOD and CAT. In addition, TMX-exposed rats showed lower serum testosterone hormonal levels as well as higher malondialdehyde and nitric acid levels were detected in TMX-administered rats. On a molecular basis, mRNA expressions of StAR, CYP17a, 3β-HSD, SR-B1, and P450scc genes were significantly down-regulated in TMX group, whereas the expression of LHR and aromatase genes was up-regulated. Moreover, TMX-induced testicular damage was confirmed by histopathological screening. Importantly, however, the administration of either costus roots or SM significantly alleviated all aforementioned TMX-induced changes, indicating the effective antioxidant activities of these plant products. Interestingly, simultaneous treatment with costus root and SM provided better protection against TMX reproduction toxicity than treatment with either agent alone.

Abd-Elhakim Y. Saussurea lappa Ethanolic Extract Attenuates Triamcinolone Acetonide-Induced Pulmonary and Splenic Tissue Damage in Rats via Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

Background: In this era, worldwide interest has been directed towards using natural antioxidants to guard against drug side effects. Saussurea lappa is a famous medicinal plant with many biologically active compounds. Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is an extensively used glucocorticoid. Hence, this study explored, for the first time, the possible beneficial effects of S. lappa ethanolic extract on TA-induced oxidative damage in the lung and spleen of rats. Methods: Five experimental groups were used: control group, S. lappa-treated group (600 mg/kg/day, orally), TA-treated group (40 mg/kg/twice/week I/P), S. lappa + TA co-treated group, and S. lappa/TA prophylactic group. Results: TA exposure significantly induced leukocytosis and neutrophilia. In addition, TA significantly reduced the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-12, tumor necrosis factor α, and immunoglobulins. Lung Caspase-3 overexpression and splenic CD8⁺ downregulation were also noted in the TA group. TA treatment significantly increased malondialdehyde concentration but reduced superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities. S. lappa counteracted the TA oxidative and apoptotic effects. The best results were recorded in the prophylactic group. Conclusions:S. lappa has a remarkable protective effect via its anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant capacity. Thus, it could be a candidate as a natural antioxidant to face glucocorticoid’s harmful side effects.

Saussurea lappa root extract ameliorates the hazards effect of thorium induced oxidative stress and neuroendocrine alterations in adult male rats

The present study was aimed to estimating the effect of Saussurea lappa (costus) root extract on thorium accumulation in different brain regions (cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and hypothalamus) of adult male albino rats and also to evaluate the antioxidant effect and thyroid gland modulation activity of costus following thorium toxicity. Adult male rats were randomly allocated into four groups; control group receiving saline (0.9% NaCl), thorium group receiving an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of thorium nitrate (Th; 6.3 mg/kg bwt), costus group receiving an oral administration of costus extract at 200 mg/kg bwt and costus + thorium group receiving costus 1 h before thorium injection. Thorium injection in rats for 28 days resulted in the accumulation of Th maximally in the cerebellum followed by the cerebral cortex and then in the hypothalamus. The accumulation of Th was associated with significant disturbance in sodium and potassium ions. A significant decrease in monoamines was also observed in different brain regions. Furthermore, the results indicated that Th-induced oxidative stress evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and decrease the glutathione content. Additionally, Th caused a significant increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) levels in the serum of rats. However, the pre-administration of costus alleviated all of those disturbances. Our results revealed that costus extract exerted its protective effect mainly through potentiating the antioxidant defense system.

Modulatory effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against ethephon-induced kidney toxicity in male rats

Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) is a plant growth promoter used to control the plant growth process by liberating ethylene and stimulating the production of endogenous ethylene. Medicinal plants are sources of novel drug discovery targets. Costus (Saussurea lappa) has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. The current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (S. lappa) root aqueous extract against kidney toxicity induced by ethephon in male rats. A total of 50 adult male rats were divided into five groups (first, control; second, costus; third, ethephon; fourth, posttreated ethephon with costus; fifth, ethephon self-healing). There is a significant increase in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium ions, chloride ions, kidney injury, DNA damage, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expressions in treated rats with ethephon when compared to the control group. In contrast, the treated rats with ethephon revealed a significant decrease in the levels of sodium ions and an insignificant decrease in the calcium ions. Saussurea lappa extract modified these alterations when compared to the control group. As a result, costus root extract significantly reduced rat kidney toxicity after ethephon administration. We recommend costus to be included in diet for its valuable effects, and also producers and consumers should become more aware about the toxic effects of ethephon.

Cardiovascular resistance to thrombosis in 13-lined ground squirrels

13-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) enter hibernation as a survival strategy during extreme environmental conditions. Typical ground squirrel hibernation is characterized by prolonged periods of torpor with significantly reduced heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow, interrupted every few weeks by brief interbout arousals (IBA) during which blood flow fluctuates dramatically. These physiological conditions should increase the risk of stasis-induced blood clots and myocardial ischemia. However, ground squirrels have adapted to survive repeated bouts of torpor and IBA without forming lethal blood clots or sustaining lethal ischemic myocardial damage. The purpose of this study was to determine if ground squirrels are resistant to thrombosis and myocardial ischemia during hibernation. Blood markers of coagulation, fibrinolysis, thrombosis, and ischemia, as well as histological markers of myocardial ischemia were measured throughout the annual hibernation cycle. Hibernating ground squirrels were also treated with isoprenaline to induce myocardial ischemia. Thrombin-antithrombin complex levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) during hibernation, while D-dimer level remained unchanged throughout the annual cycle, both consistent with an antithrombotic state. During torpor, the ground squirrels were in a hyperfibrinolytic state with an elevated ratio of tissue plasminogen activator complexed with plasminogen activator inhibitor to total plasminogen activator inhibitor (p < 0.05). Histological markers of myocardial ischemia were reversibly elevated during hibernation with no increase in markers of myocardial cell death in the blood. These data suggest that ground squirrels do not form major blood clots during hibernation through suppression of coagulation and a hyperfibrinolytic state. These animals also demonstrate myocardial resistance to ischemia.

In Silico Investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Potential Lead Compounds as SPG7 Inhibitors against Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of heart attack and the leading cause of mortality in the world. It is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased level of reactive oxygen species production. According to the Ottawa Heart Genomics Study genome-wide association study, a recent research identified that Q688 spastic paraplegia 7 (SPG7) variant is associated with CAD as it bypasses the regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of AFG3L2 and enhances the processing and maturation of SPG7 protein. This study aims to identify potential compounds isolated from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) as potential lead compounds for paraplegin (SPG7) inhibitors. For the crystallographic structure of paraplegin, the disordered disposition of key amino acids in the binding site was predicted using the PONDR-Fit protocol before virtual screening. The TCM compounds saussureamine C and 3-(2-carboxyphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone, have potential binding affinities with stable H-bonds and hydrophobic contacts with key residues of paraplegin. A molecular dynamics simulation was performed to validate the stability of the interactions between each candidate and paraplegin under dynamic conditions. Hence, we propose these compounds as potential candidates as lead drug from the compounds isolated from TCM for further study in drug development process with paraplegin protein for coronary artery disease.

Anti-allergic effects of sesquiterpene lactones from the root of Aucklandia lappa Decne

Aucklandia lappa Decne, a well-known traditional herbal medicine, is used for the treatment of asthma, rheumatism, coughs, tuberculosis and numerous other diseases. The present study evaluated the inhibitory effects of the three sesquiterpene lactones costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, and alantolactone, isolated from a 70% methanolic extract of Aucklandia lappa, on the expression of chemokine mRNA in HaCaT human keratinocyte cells. The cytotoxicities of the compounds on HaCaT cells were evaluated using a Cell Counting Kit8 assay. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of the three compounds on chemokine expression in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‑α‑ and interferon (IFN)‑γ‑stimulated HaCaT cells were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Treatment with the compounds caused a significant reduction in the mRNA expression of a range of chemokines, including TARC/CCL17, MDC/CCL22, RANTES/CCL5 and interleukin‑8 in TNF-α and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. The present study indicated that costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone and alantolactone may have the potential to be used for treating inflammatory skin disorders by suppressing chemokine expression.

Medicinal plants with potential anti-arthritic activity

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicinal plants are practiced worldwide for treatment of arthritis especially in developing countries where resources are meager. This review presents the plants profiles inhabiting throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for treatment of arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from the last six decades. Plants/their parts/extracts/polyherbal formulations, toxicity studies for arthritis have been included in the review article. The profiles presented also include information about the scientific name, family, dose, methodology along with mechanism of action and toxicity profile. Research status of 20 potential plant species has been discussed. Further, geographical distribution of research, plants distribution according to families has been given in graphical form.

RESULTS

485 plant species belonging to 100 families, traditionally used in arthritis are used. Among 100 plant families, malvaceae constitute 16, leguminasae 7, fabaceae 13, euphorbiaceae 7, compositae 20, araceae 7, solanaceae 12, liliaceae 9, apocynaceae, lauraceae, and rubiaceae 10, and remaining in lesser proportion. It was observed in our study that majority of researches are carried mainly in developing countries like India, China, Korea and Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

This review clearly indicates that list of medicinal plants presented in this review might be useful to researchers as well as practioners. This review can be useful for preliminary screening of potential anti-arthritis plants. Further toxicity profile given in the review can be useful for the researchers for finding the safe dose.

Lead screening for CXCR4 of the human HIV infection receptor inhibited by traditional Chinese medicine

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a serious worldwide disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Recent research has pointed out that the G protein-coupled chemokine receptor CXCR4 and the coreceptor C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) are important targets for HIV infection. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database has been screened for candidate compounds by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics against HIV. Saussureamine C, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, and diiodotyrosine are selected based on the highest docking score. The molecular dynamics is helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. According to the analysis of docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bond variations, and the comparison of the effect on CXCR4 and CCR5, these results indicate Saussureamine C may have better effect on these two receptors. But for some considerations, diiodotyrosine could make the largest variation and may have some efficacy contrary to expectations.

An investigation of small GTPases in relation to liver tumorigenesis using traditional Chinese medicine

Recently, an important topic of liver tumorigenesis had been published in 2013. In this report, Ras and Rho had defined the relation of liver tumorigenesis. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database has been screened for molecular compounds by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics to regulate Ras and liver tumorigenesis. Saussureamine C, S-allylmercaptocysteine, and Tryptophan are selected based on the highest docking score than other TCM compounds. The molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. Based on the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond variations, this research surmises are the main regions of important amino acids in Ras. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest Saussureamine C is better than the others for protein-ligand interaction.

Insight into HIV of IFN-induced myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2) expressed by traditional Chinese medicine

Recently, an important topic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) had been published in 2013. In this report, the expression of the IFN-induced myxovirus resistance 2 (MX2) had been defined the function to kill the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The screening from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) database by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics could select candidate compounds, which may express MX2 against HIV. Saussureamine C, Crotalaburnine, and Precatorine are selected based on the highest docking score and other TCM compounds. The data from molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. According to the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond with structure variations, this research could assess the interaction between protein and ligand interaction. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest that Saussureamine C is better than the others in protein-ligand interaction and the structural variation to express MX2.

Lead Screening for HIV of C-C Chemokine Receptor Type 5 Receptor Inhibited by Traditional Chinese Medicine

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), has become a serious world-wide problem because of this disease's rapid propagation and incurability. Recent research has pointed out that the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is an important target for HIV infection. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) database (http://tcm.cmu.edu.tw/) has been screened for molecular compounds that, by simulating molecular docking and molecular dynamics, may protect CCR5 against HIV. Saussureamine C, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, and abrine are selected based on the docking score being higher than Maraviroc and other TCM compounds. The molecular dynamics are helpful in the analysis and detection of protein-ligand interactions. According to the docking poses, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bond variations, this research surmises TRP86, TYR108, GLN194, TYR251, and GLU283 are the main regions of important amino acids in CCR5. In addition to the detection of TCM compound efficacy, we suggest saussureamine C is better than the others for maintaining protein composition during protein-ligand interaction, based on the structural variation.

Evening primrose oil ameliorates platelet aggregation and improves cardiac recovery in myocardial-infarct hypercholesterolemic rats

Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6 PUFA) are well known for their role in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We proposed that Evening prime rose oil (EPO) can improve the outcome of a heart with myocardial infarction (MI) in the presence of diet-induced hyperaggregability. This study was designed to examine its cholesterol lowering, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects. High fat diet was administered for 4 weeks then MI was induced by isoproterenol (85 mg/kg/s.c./24 h). Treatment with EPO (5 or 10 gm/kg/day) for 6 weeks improved the electrocardiographic pattern, serum lipid profile, cardiac biomarkers as well as Platelet aggregation percent. We reported decreased serum level of TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2 with attenuation of TNF-α and TGF-β in the cardiac homogenate. Moreover, histopathology revealed marked amelioration. Finally, we provide evidence that EPO improve cardiac recovery in hypercholesterolemic myocardial infarct rats. These effects are attributed to direct hypocholesterolemic effect and indirect effect on the synthesis of eicosanoids (prostaglandins, cytokines).

Saussurea lappa alleviates inflammatory chemokine production in HaCaT cells and house dust mite-induced atopic-like dermatitis in Nc/Nga mice

Saussurea lappa is a traditional herbal medicine used for to treat various inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of S. lappa against atopic dermatitis using human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, murine mast cell line MC/9 cells, and a house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis model of Nc/Nga mice. Treatment with the S. lappa caused a significant reduction in the mRNA levels and production of inflammatory chemokines and cytokine, including thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted (RANTES), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in tumor necrosis factor-α/interferone-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. S. lappa exhibited the significant reduction in histamine production in MC/9 cells. In the atopic dermatitis model, S. lappa significantly reduced the dermatitis score and serum IgE and TARC levels. In addition, the back skin and ears of S. lappa-treated Nc/Nga mice exhibited reduced histological manifestations of atopic skin lesions such as erosion, hyperplasia of the epidermis and dermis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, an extract of S. lappa effectively suppressed the development of atopic dermatitis, which was closely related to the reduction of chemokines and cytokine. Our study suggests that S. lappa may be a potential treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Putative antioxidant property of sesame oil in an oxidative stress model of myocardial injury

BACKGROUND

Sesame oil is a potent antioxidant dietary source for human health. Oxidative stress through generation of free radicals damages the myocardium in different experimental condition. The present research was designed to evaluate the antioxidant property of chronic oral administration of sesame oil against isoproterenol induced myocardial injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 6) and treated as per treatment protocol with two different doses of sesame oil (5 and 10 ml/kg b.w.) orally for thirty days. At the end of the treatment all the rats (except control rats) were administered with isoproterenol (85 mg/kg) two consecutive days and subjected to biochemical and histopathological estimation. Isoproterenol (group ISO) induced the oxidative myocardial damage via alteration in the endogenous antioxidant enzymes and myocardial marker enzymes. Sesame oil in both the dose (group S1 and S2) shows protective mechanism via decreasing thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and enhancing the endogenous antioxidant enzymes (reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase). Sesame oil also increased the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate transaminase (AST) as a myocardial marker enzyme in heart homogenate. As histologically evident isoproterenol induced myocardial injury was well preserved by the chronic administration of sesame oil. The protective role of sesame oil was compared with the reference standard α-tocopherol (group S3) also showing the similar effect.

CONCLUSION

From this finding it has been concluded that chronic administration of sesame oil offers cardio protective action via putative antioxidant property.