Neuroprotective effect of Reinwardtia indica against scopolamine induced memory-impairment in rat by attenuating oxidative stress

Reinwardtia indica belongs to Linaceae family and used as a folk medicine in Asian countries. Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of paralysis and anti-microbial in wound healing, etc. The current study was undertaken in order to investigate the antioxidant and memory protective effect of the alcoholic (99.90%) (AERI) and hydro-alcoholic (70:30) leaves extract (HAERI) of Reinwardtia indica, against scopolamine-induced memory impairment in animals and also tried to determine the possible mechanism of action. In addition, phytochemical profiling of alcoholic leaves extract was also conducted through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Rats were pretreated with AERI, HAERI (dose 250 and 500 mg/kg) and Donepezil (standard drug) along with scopolamine (1 mg/kg) for a period of 14 days followed by different test like elevated plus maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze to assess learning and memory ability. Acetylcholine levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT & GSH), histopathology of the brain and biochemical test were also performed at the end of the treatment period. The scopolamine treatment resulted in learning and memory deficits which were partially and significantly ameliorated by the AERI at higher dose among other doses of extracts. The AERI at higher dose also counteracted the scopolamine-induced decrease in acetylcholine levels, increase in AChE activity, and decrease in antioxidant enzymes activities. No significant changes observed in the biochemical estimation of all dose of extracts. Histology of brain tissue showed the marked cellular changes in only scopolamine treated group while the standard, AERI and HAERI treated group were showing less damage at hippocampus region of the brain. The phytochemicals found after chemical profiling through GC-MS also supported the activity because of the presence of chemicals already reported for the neuroprotective, memory-enhancing and antioxidant activity, etc. The results demonstrated that the ability of the AERI at higher dose among all doses of extracts has more potential to revert the scopolamine-induced learning and memory deficits in rats by attenuating the decreased level of acetylcholine and antioxidant enzymes.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic potential of silver nanoparticles synthesized using flavonoid rich alcoholic leaves extract of Reinwardtia indica

The present work discusses the establishment of a green route for the rapid synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an alcoholic extract of Reinwardtia indica (AERI) leaves which act as a reducing as well as a capping agent. The change in color from yellowish green to dark brown confirmed the synthesis of AgNPs. A characteristic surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 436 nm advocated the presence of AgNPs. The synthesis process was optimized using one factor at a time approach where 1.0 mM AgNO₃ concentration, 5 mL 0.4% (v/v) of AER inoculum dose and 30 min of sunlight exposure were found to be the optimum conditions. The synthesized AgNPs was characterized by several characterizing techniques such as HR- TEM, SAED, HR-SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR and AFM analysis. For evaluation and comparison of AgNPs with AERI used human pathogen E. coli, P. aeurogenosa, S. aeurus and C. albicans for antimicrobial, for cytotoxicity study SiHa cell line at concentration of (10, 50, 100, 250 and 500 µg mL^-1) and for enzymatic assay superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase method were used. The size of nanoparticle in the range of 3-15 nm was confirmed TEM, spherical shape by SEM and crystal lattice nature by XRD. AFM results revealed the 2 D and 3 D pattern of particle scatter nature on the surface. This protocol as simple, rapid, one step, eco-friendly, nontoxic and AgNPs showed strong antimicrobial activity as well as cytotoxic potential in comparison to AERI.

Comparative evaluation of fosinopril and herbal drug Dioscorea bulbifera in patients of diabetic nephropathy

Worldwide, diabetic nephropathy is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal failure. This hospital-based single-center prospective open-label randomized case-control interventional study was performed to evaluate and compare the native drug Dioscorea bulbifera with fosinopril in the management of diabetic nephropathy. Patients with diabetic nephropathy with proteinuria >500 mg/day or albuminuria >300 mg/ day, S Cr ≤2.5 mg/dL and hypertension controlled with a single drug were included into the study and were divided into three groups according to the interventional drugs that they were given; group A (n = 46) on fosinopril (5-40 mg/day), group B (n = 45) on Dioscorea bulbifera (500 mg BD) and group C (n = 46) on neither of these drugs. All necessary laboratory investigations needed to assess the effect of both the drugs were carried out. Patients were followed-up for six months. The study included 137 patients (M:F 2.61:1) with an age range of 19-76 years. At the sixth-month follow-up, a significant decrease in the systolic blood pressure was noted in all three groups whereas the diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly only in group B. There was significantly better control of both systolic and diastolic blood pressures in group B than in the other groups. Although fasting blood sugar was poorly controlled in the initial visit in all three groups, there was a significant decrease at the sixth-month follow-up in all three groups. Moreover, the decrease was significantly more pronounced in group B than in the other two groups. Low-density lipoprotein decreased significantly only in group B. Proteinuria, serum transforming growth factor-β, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein decreased in both group A and group B, more so in the latter, but the differences between the groups were not statistically significant. Importantly, proteinuria and serum IL-6 showed an increasing trend in group C. It can be concluded that Dioscorea bulbifera was more effective than fosinopril in controlling blood pressure, glycemia, cholesterolemia and inflammatory state in diabetic nephropathy. Both agents decreased proteinuria. However, creatinine clearance significantly decreased with both the drugs, more so with Dioscera, and thus further evaluation with a larger trial is needed.

Neuroprotective effect of curcuminoids against inflammation-mediated dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the MPTP model of Parkinson's disease

The present study investigated the neuroprotective effect of curcuminoids, the active polyphenols of Curcuma longa (L.) rhizomes against inflammation-mediated dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) model of Parkinson's disease (PD). Male C57BL/6 mice were pre-treated with curcuminoids (150 mg/kg/day) for 1 week, followed by four intra-peritoneal (i.p.) injections of MPTP (20 mg/kg) at 2 h intervals with further administration of curcuminoids or deprenyl (3 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Our results show that oral administration of curcuminoids significantly prevented MPTP-mediated depletion of dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. In-addition, pre-treatment with curcuminoids reversed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression, as well as, reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine and total nitrite generation in the striatum of MPTP-intoxicated mice. Significant improvement in motor performance and gross behavioural activity, as determined by rota-rod and open field tests were also observed. Taken together, our findings suggest that curcuminoids exert a neuroprotective effect against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration through its anti-inflammatory action and thus holds immense potential as a therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of PD.

Anti-hyperlipidemic and antioxidant potential of different fractions of Terminalia arjuna Roxb. bark against PX- 407 induced hyperlipidemia

The three fractions diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and ethanol. of T. arjuna exerted hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects at two different doses levels of 175 and 350 mg/kg body weight in Poloxamer (PX)-407 induced hyperlipidemic albino Wistar rats. The hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of T. arjuna fractions were noticed as EtOH > diethyl ether > ethyl acetate. The results suggest that ethanolic fraction of T. arjuna possesses the potent properties of being antioxidant and hypolipidemic than other fractions. In turn, it has therapeutic potential for the prevention of coronary arterial disease.

Anti-Atherogenic Activity of Ethanolic Fraction of Terminalia arjuna Bark on Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Atherosclerosis which results from gradual deposition of lipids in medium and large arteries is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Terminalia arjuna is a herb of Combretaceae family which contains hypolipidemic compounds and flavonoids with high antioxidative properties. This study was conducted to determine the effect of ethanolic fraction of T. arjuna on blood lipids and atherosclerosis in rabbits fed with high fat diet (HFD). Twenty New Zealand rabbits of either sex were randomly divided into five groups: the first two were normal diet group and HFD (21% fat) group and the remaining three groups received high cholesterol diet supplemented with standard drug (Atorvastatin 10 mg kg(-1) body weight), T. arjuna ethanolic fraction (100 and 200 mg kg(-1) body weight), respectively. The concentration of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was determined in rabbits at the start of the experiment, at the 14th, 30th days and at the end of the study. Anti-atherogenic index was calculated from the lipid profile of the rabbits before sacrifice. At the end of the experimental period, the aorta was removed for assessment of atherosclerotic plaques. Results show that T. arjuna significantly decreases TC, LDL and TG levels and increases HDL and lessens atherosclerotic lesion in aorta (P < .05). Hence T. arjuna extract can effectively prevent the progress of atherosclerosis. This is likely due to the effect of T. arjuna on serum lipoproteins and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Effect of L-thyroxine and carbimazole on blood levels of biogenic amines in rat

Circulating levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), histamine, monoamine oxidase (MAO), histaminase, tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were studied in L-thyroxine and carbimazole treated rats. Increased concentrations of 5-HT, histamine, glutamate, T3 and T4 were recorded in L-thyroxine-treated rats while plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), MAO and histaminase levels were significantly decreased. Considerable reduction in 5-HT, glutamate, T3 and T4 with trend towards the rise in plasma levels of MAO and histaminase was noticed in carbimazole treated group. There was a significant correlation between these amines and thyroid hormone values. The findings suggest that alterations in the metabolism of thyroid hormones may have a link with the altered metabolism of biogenic amines.

Curcuminoids modulates oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetic rat brain

Diabetes exacerbates neuronal injury induced by hyperglycemia mediated oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of curcuminoids, polyphenols of Curcuma longa (L.) on oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in the brain of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. A marked increase in lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels with simultaneous decrease in endogenous antioxidant marker enzymes was observed in the diabetic rat brain, which was restored to normal levels on curcuminoids treatment. Down-regulation of mitochondrial complex I and IV activity caused by STZ induction was also up-regulated on oral administration of curcuminoids. Moreover, curcuminoids administration profoundly elevated the ATP level, which was earlier reduced in the diabetic brain. These results suggest that curcuminoids exhibit a protective effect by accelerating antioxidant defense mechanisms and attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain of diabetic rats. Curcuminoids thus may be used as a promising therapeutic agent in preventing and/or delaying the progression of diabetic complications in the brain.

Management of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder--use of an effective paradigm

The management of ADHD poses a great problem before the psychologists, psychiatrists and different behavioural scientists. The multi-model approach, combining pharmacologic with different non-pharmacologic interventions, is more effective than any form of therapy. In the present study the theta feedback, a non-pharmacologic technique, has shown beneficial role among the low medicated ADHD cases. The present study also signifies the role of multi-model intervention in the management of ADHD.

Bacopa monniera Linn. as an antioxidant: mechanism of action

Bacopa monniera, Linn. (Brahmi: Scrophulariaceae) an Ayurvedic medicine is clinically used for memory enhancing, epilepsy, insomnia and as mild sedative. For the first time the effect of alcohol and hexane fraction of Brahmi has been studied on FeSO4 and cumene hydroperoxide induced lipid peroxidation. Alcohol fraction showed greater protection with both inducers. Results were compared with known antioxidants tris, EDTA and a natural-antioxidant vitamin E. The effect of Brahmi was also examined on hepatic glutathione content. The mechanism of action could be through metal chelation at the initiation level and also as chain breaker. The results suggested that Brahmi is a potent antioxidant. The response of Brahmi was dose dependent. Tris, an hydroxyl trapper did not show any protection in comparison to Brahmi where as EDTA and vitamin E did protect against FeSO4. In experimental conditions 100 micrograms Brahmi extract (alcoholic) was equivalent to 247 micrograms of EDTA (0.66 microM) and 58 micrograms of vitamin E. Interestingly Brahmi only slightly protected the autooxidation and FeSO4 induced oxidation of reduced glutathione on lower doses 100 micrograms/ml and below, but on higher concentrations it enhanced the rate of oxidation.

Effects of caffeine on perceptual judgment

The present study examined the effects of caffeine on the estimation of felt width of blocks employing haptic presentation. Following a between-subject design, 160 male postgraduate students classified as high or low impulsives received either placebo or one of four doses of caffeine citrate (1, 2, 3 and 4 mg/kg body weight). A double-blind procedure was adopted for drug administration. Caffeine produced differential effects on the performance of high and low impulsives, facilitated performance (decreased error in perceptual judgment) in high impulsives but had no influence on the performance of low impulsives. The dose-response trends also followed different patterns in the two groups of subjects.

Influence of Abana on experimental atherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

An experimental, placebo-controlled study with rabbits was conducted to determine the role of Abana, an Ayurvedic preparation, on atherosclerosis. The results showed that Abana arrested the rise in TC, LDLc and VLDLc when administered along with an atherogenic diet for 60 days. In another phase of the study, when Abana was given from days 60-120 to rabbits who were made hyperlipidemic by feeding them an atherogenic diet for 60 days, Abana brought the TC, LDLc and VLDLc levels back to normal. On the other hand, the levels of the cardioprotective HDLc were elevated by Abana administration in both phases of the study. Histological pictures showed pronounced reduction in the atherosclerotic involvement of the coronary artery following treatment with Abana. The architecture of the coronary artery returned almost to normal. These findings substantiate the possible role of Abana in the reduction, prevention and reversal of atherosclerosis.

Biogenic amines and thyrotoxicosis

Circulating levels of T3, T4, gamma-amino-butyric acid, glutamate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, monoamine oxidase and histaminase were studied in 45 (25M, 20F) hyperthyroid patients and 46 (25M, 21F) normal healthy volunteers. Increased levels of blood 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and glutamic acid were observed along with elevated T3 and T4, whereas plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid, monoamine oxidase and histaminase activities were found to be low in both male and female patients. After three months of treatment, circulating levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine and glutamic acid decreased significantly along with normalization of thyroid hormones and with an increase in the concentrations of gamma-aminobutyric acid, monoamine oxidase and histaminase. There was a positive correlation between these amines and thyroid hormone levels. The findings thus suggest that alterations in the metabolism of biogenic amines may be related to an altered metabolism in thyrotoxicosis, and these parameters may prove to be useful markers for diagnosis and follow-up of these patients.

Role of an indigenous drug geriforte on blood levels of biogenic amines and its significance in the treatment of anxiety neurosis

In the recent past, several herbal drugs have proved their efficacy in decreasing anxiety and tension. Until recently, limited scientific study has been done to prove the clinical importance of these herbal drugs. Geriforte is an indigenous compound commonly advocated for arresting the aging process. This remedy has also been found beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress.-34 diagnosed cases of anxiety neurosis and 24 apparently normal individuals were selected for the present study. After 12 weeks of drug therapy a significant reduction in 5-HT levels was observed. Circulating MAO and GABA showed an increasing trend along with decreased glutamic acid levels after treatment, in the neurotic anxiety cases. Psychological complaints considerably decreased after 12 weeks of therapy. Since Geriforte regulates the altered circulating biogenic amines, this remedy can be advocated as an adjunctive therapy in the management of stress disorders.

Effect of cigarette smoking on serum total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in normal subjects and coronary heart patients

In the present study, 51 apparently normal volunteers and 34 clinically established coronary heart disease cases were studied. 21 out of 51 normal, and 16 out 34 coronary heart disease cases were cigarette smokers. The cases were divided in two age groups--20 to 40 years, the younger age group and 41 to 60 years, the older age group. Total serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol of all the cases were determined. The ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly higher in all the smoking normal and coronary heart disease smokers. Hence, the higher levels of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio appears to be one of the important parameters to ascertain the development of coronary heart disease in cigarette smokers.