Curcumin loaded Solid lipid nanoparticles enhanced efficacy in vascular dementia against Homocysteine induced toxicity

Vascular dementia (VaD), a diverse group of brain disorders with cognitive decline is attributable to cerebrovascular pathologies. Recent studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunctions and oxidative stress are involved in cognitive decline. The aim of the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Curcumin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Cur-SLNP) in vascular dementia (VaD) against homocystiene (HCY) induced toxicity by behavioral and biochemical assessment in different regions of the brain. The sign of VaD i.e., learning and memory levels were evaluated with different behavioural assessment like plus maze test. Neurobehavioral analyses revealed that Cur-SLNP administration successfully ameliorated cognitive decline observed in HCY rats. Compared to HCY administration, Cur-SLNP 10 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg administration showed ameliorative effect in behavioural and biochemical assessment induced by HCY. We found that lipid peroxidation levels decreased significantly in striatum (p<0.01), cortex (p<0.001), and hippocampus (p<0.001) after oral administration of Cur-SLNP with HCY animals. Hence, the present findings suggest that the neuroprotective role of Cur-SLNP against HCY induced toxicity could be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy in VaD as well in other age-related neurodegenerative disorders

Tulbaghia violacea Harv. Extracts Affect Key Intermediates of the Cryptococcus neoformans Ergosterol Biosynthetic Pathway

This study investigated the mechanism of inhibition of Cryptococcus neoformans by Tulbaghia violacea plant extract. C. neoformans cultures were treated with sub-inhibitory concentrations of T. violacea extract and the effect of the exposure on the production of various sterol intermediates was analyzed by high performance reverse phase liquid chromatography. Plant extract treated C. neoformans cultures exhibited reductions in ergosterol production after 48 hrs of exposure in a dose dependent manner. HPLC analysis overall revealed an accumulation in squalene, 2,3-oxidosqualene and lanosterol intermediates after extract treatment. It is therefore concluded that T. violacea extract reduced ergosterol production in C. neoformans by interfering with squalene epoxidase, 2,3-oxidosqualene lanosterol cyclase and lanosterol 14-a demethylase. The inhibitory effect of T. violacea plant extract on ergosterol production in C. neoformans unlocks the potential of this extract as a chemotherapeutic agent

Immune stimulating and galectin-3 inhibitory effects of a hydrophilic polysaccharide nutraceutical from Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia is an important ayurvedic herb known for its immune stimulating effect. In this investigation, we describe the galectin-3 inhibitory and immune stimulating properties of a novel water-soluble nutraceutical made from Tinospora cordifolia stem. This proprietary extract (T2CA) had a total yield of 6% and contained 86.9% carbohydrates with a high proportion of patented (1,4)-α-D-glucan in it. The T2CA activated T-cytotoxic and NK cells significantly contributing to its immune stimulating effect. Moreover, T2CA induced the activation of functional NK cells in human lymphocyte cultures that in turn contributed to the death of K562 leukemic cells in a dose-dependent manner in co-culture experiments. T2CA inhibited the expression of phosphorylated galectin-3 expression in human glioblastoma cell line which in turn inhibits the activity of MMP2 and MMP9 proteins in zymography investigations and inhibits migration of cancer cells in in vitro scratch assay. Western blot hybridization studies showed that T2CA downregulates the expression of total gal 3 proteins and extended the survival of AKR/J mice injected with Ehrlich ascites tumor cells in the Kepler-Meier survival curve analysis. The inhibitory effect of T2CA on phopho-galectin-3 expression and the activation of T-cytotoxic and NK cells suggested its protective effects against pathogenic infections and human malignancies via its immune stimulating mechanisms

Screening of secondary metabolites and immunostimulation potential of poly herbal formoulation (Asparagus racemosus, Mucuna pruriens, Anacyclus pyrethrum and Tribulus terristeris) in Wistar Albino rats

Immune system is a defensive mechanism system which is responsible to defend against several foreign invading agents that harm individual health. It generates several types of cells which have ability to recognize, eliminate and kill all the undesirable agents. The immune system works by inhibition, multiplication, amplification, expression and induction response at different phases of immune system. Hence immunology is the most advance and recent biomedical research system which covers the prevention and treatment of wide range of medical disorders.  In this study, Immunomodulatory activity of Polyherbal formulation was determined. First of all, plants methanolic extracts of Asparagus racemosus, Mucuna pruriens, Anacyclus pyrethrum, Tribulus terrestris were prepared. The methanolic extracts of each plant were taken separately in equal amount and mixed to prepare the Polyherbal formulation (PHF). Screening test was applied on PHF for quantitative analysis. Hemolytic activity, thrombolytic activity and antioxidant activity were determined on experimental animals. To demonstrate the effect of standard Immunol drug, CCl4 and polyherbal formulation extract on hematological parameters. The methanolic extract of PHF was dissolved in distilled water and the dose was selected at 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight. Blood sample collected in EDTA as anticoagulant were processed to determine the effect of PHP on selected hematological parameters including hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell counts (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) count and Platelets count. Liver enzymes like transaminases (ALT and AST), uric acid, urea and creatinine were determined by automated photometric method to evaluate the drug safety. Serum samples were using for the estimation of Immunoglobulin M and Immunoglobulin G using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Further, the C-reactive protein (CRP) was also estimated using standard protocol. Phytochemical screening of methanolic extract of polyherbal formulation showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenols and cardiac glycosides. Bioactive constituent’s alkaloids, flavonoids and phenols were present in higher concentration. The maximum hemolysis was seen at a dose of 800μg/ml (40±0.38). The methanolic extracts of PHF were investigated for its thrombolytic activity. Addition of 800μl of streptokinase as positive control (30,000 IU/ ml) to clots and successive incubation for 90 minutes at 37 ºC showed 74.53±1.11% lysis of clot.  Distilled water was considered as negative control which exhibit insignificant percentage of lysis of clot (3.74±0.51). In the study, the methanolic extract of PHF showed highest thrombolytic activity at 800μg/ml concentrations (41±0.38) when compared with streptokinase (positive control). When all the groups were compared the serum level ALT, AST, TAS, TOS and OSI 50 index, a statistically significant difference was observed between the groups. A variety of antioxidant function approaches have been suggested. During the study, it was found that induction of CCl4 increases the number of altered macrophages. However, the administration of Polyherbal extract in CCl4 intoxicated animals, the number of altered macrophages came to level. Administration of polyherbal formulation extract in control mice also showed significant reduction of changed macrophages. Immunomodulatory drugs are substances that can alter the immune function of an individual, are called immunostimulants if their immune responses are enhanced, or are called immunosuppressant’s if they decrease. These medications are most widely used in infections, allergies and cancer infections. Modern medical treatment is also far-reaching because of the economic limitations in developed countries including Pakistan. For immunomodular operations, just a few plants have been tested. The analysis indicates that many medicinal plants and marine products have immunomodulatory function, however there is little proof that their use in clinical practice is not allowed. In future work in herbal medicine, therefore, immunomodulatory agents should become more relevant

Formulation and Development of Spirulina (Athrospira plantasis) Loaded Chocolatesas Immunity Boosters

Adults, as well as children, have a great need for nutrients such as Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Protein, and Vitamin B12. Spirulina is very rich in protein, omega 3 and omega 6 oils, vitamin, and mineral, and its incorporation into chocolates will enrich their nutritional values. Spirulina satisfies the nutritional needs by providing all these nutrients, as well as all the essential amino acids. Spirulina is unique and 100% safe. In fact, Spirulina is the only natural food that contains GLA (gamma linoleic acid) an essential fatty acid that is found only in mother’s milk. This GLA plays a very vital in balancing the hormonal system in the body. So it is actually very good to give Spirulina to the children.Our Spirulina Chocolates were prepared by simple incorporation method by addition of 1gm Spirulina by dissolving in 10 ml NaCl as a solubility enhancer as well as to mask the taste and smell. This chocolate form is easier for every individual to chew and absorb. The chocolates were assessed for organoleptic properties, pH, blooming test, and hardness. This significant study revealed the efficacy of Spirulina Chocolate Formulation and it would definitely have a wide scope in the future as an immunity booster and in treatments of malnutrition in children as well. Further study is required to reveal the quantification of constituents present in Spirulina Chocolate formulation by in vivo and invitro studies

Antioxidant activity evaluated in vitro of endophytic fungi isolated from Talinum triangulare leaves

Endophytic fungi are microbes that reside in the tissues of living plants without causing any apparent damage. They are very diverse microorganisms that synthesize compounds of various classes within their host plants. The aim of this work is to evaluate the total phenol content and antioxidant capacity of endophytic fungal extracts isolated from the leaves of Talinum triangulare. For this purpose, the extraction of metabolites was carried out using ethyl acetate. The total phenols of the fungal extracts were determined by the classical colorimetric method of Folin-Ciocalteu and the antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging method and the FRAP method. A total of four endophytic fungi coded CETt-01 to CETt-04 were isolated from this study. The CETt-02 endophyte showed higher antioxidant activity with an IC50 = 0.186 ± 0.043 mg/mL. This high antioxidant activity is positively correlated with its total phenol content. The genomic DNA of the active fungal strain (CETt-02) was isolated and ITS specific regions were amplified and sequenced. Thus, the characterization of this isolate by biology allowed to identify it as Diaporthe fraxini-angustifoliae. This work shows an interesting approach for the discovery of new natural antioxidant compounds

Zygophyllum album aqueous extract reduces oxidative damage in red blood cells and attenuates pro-inflammatory plasma markers in hypercholesterolemic-diabetic rats

Zygophyllum album (Z. album) is used in traditional medicine for a long time for its anti-diabetic activities. This study had to assess Z. album extract supplementation effects on redox and inflammatory statuses in hypercholesterolemic-diabetic rats. Male rats Wistar (n=36), weighing 200±10 g were divided into three groups (n=12). The first group was rendered hypercholesterolemic (HC) with a high cholesterol diet (1 %). The second group was rendered diabetic (D) by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg of body weight). The third group was rendered hypercholesterolemic-diabetic (HC-D); each group was divided into two groups (n=6), untreated groups (HC, D, HC-D) and treated groups with 1 % Z. album extract (HC-Za, D-Za and HC-D-Za). After 28 days, Z. album treatment lead to a decrease in RBC’s TBARS contents in HC-Za (-44 %), D-Za (-66 %) and HC-D-Za (-23 %) groups. An increase in the antioxidant enzymes activities (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase) was observed in HC-Za, D-Za and HC-D-Za (p <0.05). IL-1 β and IL-6 concentrations were reduced by -44, -50 and -33 % and -49, 38 and -41 %, respectively in treated groups. A decrease in TNF-α as well as homocysteine and CRP was observed in Z. album treated groups (p <0,05). In conclusion, Z. album reduces radical attack and improves the anti-inflammatory proprieties in hypercholesterolemic-diabetic rats

Biocompatibility assessment and antiproliferative activity of Detarium microcarpum Guill. and Perr. fruit pulp extracts.

The consumption of tropical fruits rich in chemopreventive compounds are required to prevent cells carcinogenesis and proliferation. This study was designed to assess de biocompatibility of Detarium microcarpum fruit extract on normal fibroblasts and its antiproliferative potentiality on human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells. Primary dermal fibroblasts and human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were treated with different concentrations of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of D. microcarpum fruit pulp for 24h, 48h and 72h. The biocompatibility property of extracts on the normal fibroblasts and its antiproliferative activity on the human osteosarcoma cells were evaluated by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenytetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The biocompatibility study of D. microcarpum fruit pulp showed that the chloroform extract has exhibited the highest cytotoxic effect on normal fibroblasts followed by the ethyl acetate extract. Hexane extract wasn’t cytotoxic at concentrations of 125 and 250 µg/mL but caused more than 80 % of cell death at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. Methanol extract didn’t show a significant cytotoxic effect. Furthermore, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts showed the best antiproliferative activity on osteosarcoma cells. A complete cell death was observed when osteosarcoma cells were treated with ethyl acetate extract at all concentrations while chloroform extract at concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/mL caused a complete cells death. Methanol extract exhibited any antiprolifarative activity. Chloroform and ethyl acetate extract of fruits pulp of D. microcapum are potent source of anticancer phytomolecules and have potential to be a promising anti-osteosarcoma extract

Potential antioxidant and hypoglycaemic effect of the flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd. (Nyctaginaceae)

The study evaluated the antioxidant and hypoglycaemic potentials of the ethanol flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis. Flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis were obtained by cold maceration method. The preliminary phytochemical screening and hypoglycaemic effect were carried out using standard methods. Antioxidant screening was carried out using DPPH antioxidant assay test. Five rats were used for each group; normal control, standard control, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. doses of the crude ethanol flower extract of B. spectabilis to test the hypoglycaemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels were measured at different time intervals. The preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, strerols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and carbohydrates. The crude ethanol fraction demonstrated least antioxidant activity while the chloroform fraction showed the highest antioxidant activity followed by the hexane fraction. The ethanol flower extract showed a significant dose dependent hypoglyceamic effect after 24 hours of administration.  Of the doses tested, highest hypoglycaemic effect was observed by the ethanol flower extract of the dose 400 mg/kg at 24 hours. The findings revealed that non-polar fractions have more antioxidant activity than the polar fractions while the ethanol flower extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis possesses a delayed hypoglycaemic effect

Herbal Medicines in management and prevention of COVID-19

Traditional herbal medicines are widely accepted in the world. Certain countries and WHO have research investment in traditional herbal medicines. COVID-19 came as a major Health care challenge for human in 2019. 480 deaths have been recorded till 18th of April 2020 in India. No pharmaceutical products have yet been shown to be safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19. Major 3 types of targets of COVID-19 were identified by researches, which are as follow – 1) Inhibit coronavirus at structural level, 2) Inhibit coronavirus RNA synthesis and replication and 3) Inhibit virulence factor of Coronavirus. Certain Herbal medicines like Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Ocimum sanctum, and Phyllanthus emblica have potent Anti-COVID properties, which is indicating new sunrise in the direction of Herbal medicine.