Evaluation of anxiolytic and antidepressant effect of Saraswata Churna in the pilocarpine induced rat model of epilepsy

The aim of our present study was to assess Saraswata Churna's anxiolytic and anti-depressant efficacy in a Pilocarpine-induced epilepsy rat model. Depression and anxiety are major psychological symptoms in epilepsy patients, and they have a significant impact on health-related quality of life. Many cases of neurological problems have been treated using Saraswata Churna, an ayurvedic medicine. The elevated plus maze (EVPM) was used to assess anxiolytic action, while the forced swimming test (FST) was used to assess antidepressant activity. The EVPM test has been shown to be effective in determining the anxiolytic effects of pharmaceuticals and various steroid as well as non-steroid hormones, as well as identifying the brain locations and mechanisms that underpin anxiety-related behaviour in rodents. Saraswata churna was reported to be effective in reducing anxiety and depression in rats at a dosage of 500 mg/kg.b.w by increasing open arm time and decreasing closed arm entrance in the EVPM paradigm and increasing the duration of immobility in the FST model. As a result, Saraswata Churna could be used as an effective therapeutic agent for anxiety and depression

Acute and sub-chronic toxicity of Liberin, an anti-diabetic polyherbal formulation in rats

Background: The polyherbal formulation (PHF) liberin, is known to exert anti-hyperglycemic effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hence, it is important to study the safety profile of PHF in the current study through acute and chronic toxicity evaluation. Objectives: This research aims to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of PHF in rats. Materials and methods: PHF was administered once orally (1000 mg/kg body weight), and the rats (male and female) were monitored for toxicity signs for a 14-day period. For a 28-day chronic toxicity study, rats were daily administered with PHF dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Rats were followed up for mortality, weight changes, and other morbidities. Further haematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were assessed. Results: No death related to treatment or toxicity signs were recorded in the acute single-dose administration group. The results showed that the PHF was tolerated well up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. Even at the high dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, sub-chronic tests did not show any significant difference between the dosed and normal groups. No significant changes were seen in the histopathological analysis of the liver, spleen, and kidney as well as haematological and biochemical parameters in acute, sub-chronic and satellite groups following the administration of PHF. Conclusion: The results confirmed that there was no adverse effect of this PHF at the maximum dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. Further, no adverse delayed effects related to PHF were observed in the satellite group. Therefore, this PHF appears safe for therapeutic purposes in the Ayurvedic medicinal system

Edible vaccines: A novel approach to oral immunization and their application in clinical trails

Infectious diseases cause more than one million deaths every year. Fifty percent of these diseases are caused by bacteria that infect the mucosal membrane of the mammalian host. Vaccines are recognized worldwide as one of the most effective resources against infectious diseases. It is a biological product that can improve the immune response to specific diseases. Edible vaccines are referred to the use of edible parts of the genetically modified plants. It effects on the lining of the gastrointestinal tract allows the activation of systemic immunity and mucosal immunity (GIT). Edible vaccines are used to prevent various diseases, such as hepatitis B, measles, malaria, cholera, Norwalk disease, anthrax, foot-and-mouth disease, rabies, rotavirus, HIV, HPV, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases. The purpose of this review is to introduce edible vaccines as a novel oral immunization method, the types and uses of edible vaccines in clinical trials