In-silico and in-vivo evaluation of comparative enhanced neurogenic performance by energy drinks

Objective:  In the present society, the energy drinks (EDs) are used by general public and mainly by the sports persons. Though the caffeine content of EDs is creating health consequences on excess consumption, the present study targets their health benefits on central nervous system (CNS) focusing antidepressant and cognitive potentiality. The most typically used EDs have been selected for the study such as Red Bull, Monster and Enerzal for the present research. Methodology: The study started with in-silico studies to get information about the neurological receptor binding of the major and common chemical components of the EDs. The antidepressant study of energy drinks was carried out following FST (Forced Swim Test) and TST (Tail suspension test) methods. Their cognition effect was assessed by using Y-maze apparatus. Further, their mechanism of action was evaluated by estimating their effect on brain dopamine and serotonin level. Results: In-silico study revealed the enhanced agonistic binding of the major common components of the EDs to D2 and serotonin receptors. Further their significant (p<0.001) antidepressant property was estimated both in tail suspension and forced swim tests along with significant cognitive property.&nbsp

A comprehensive ethnopharmacological review on onion, garlic and ginger

It is a therapeutic aspect of medicinal herbs present in the kitchen for immediate treatment. Herbal plants can treat various diseases and ailments. It would be of great benefit in medical and surgical treatment. The promotion of the health system is easier, with medicinal plants than synthetic drugs. This study reviewed the medicinal properties of some of important spices generally found in every kitchen; onion, ginger and garlic. These commonly used spices are important in medicine due to the presence of many bioactive constituents and nutrients. Some chemical constituents of these medicinal plants have been reported in various literatures to contribute to the prevention and treatment of various diseases and ailments. In literatures, some of the documented properties of onion, garlic and ginger include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, rheumatologic, blood circulation and anticramp, anti-ulcer, anticholinergic, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-stress, anti-cancer, immunity booster, anti-diabetic, regulation of blood pressure and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The use of these medicinal plant materials as potent neutraceuticals will aid the promotion of human health system in socioeconomic aspects

Piperlongumine, a piper alkaloid, enhances the efficacy of doxorubicin in breast cancer: involvement of glucose import, ROS, NF-κB and lncRNAs

Piperlongumine (PL, piplartine) is an alkaloid derived from the Piper longum L. (long pepper) roots. Originally discovered in 1961, the biological activities of this molecule against some cancer types was reported during the last decade. Whether PL can synergize with doxorubicin and the underlying mechanism in breast cancer remains elusive. Herein, we report the activities of PL in numerous breast cancer cell lines. PL reduced the migration and colony formation by cancer cells. An enhancement in the sub-G1 population, reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential, chromatin condensation, DNA laddering and suppression in the cell survival proteins was observed by the alkaloid. Further, PL induced ROS generation in breast cancer cells. While TNF-α induced p65 nuclear translocation, PL suppressed the translocation in cancer cells. The expression of lncRNAs such as MEG3, GAS5 and H19 were also modulated by the alkaloid. The molecular docking studies revealed that PL can interact with both p65 and p50 subunits. PL reduced the glucose import and altered the pH of the medium towards the alkaline side. PL also suppressed the expression of glucose and lactate transporter in breast cancer cells. In tumor bearing mouse model, PL was found to synergize with doxorubicin and reduced the size, volume and weight of the tumor. Overall, the effects of doxorubicin in cancer cells are enhanced by PL. The modulation of glucose import, NF-κB activation and lncRNAs expression may have contributory role for the activities of PL in breast cancer

Plant-Derived Natural Biomolecule Picein Attenuates Menadione Induced Oxidative Stress on Neuroblastoma Cell Mitochondria

Several bioactive compounds are in use for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Historically, willow (salix sp.) bark has been an important source of salisylic acid and other natural compounds with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties. Among these, picein isolated from hot water extract of willow bark, has been found to act as a natural secondary metabolite antioxidant. The aim of this study was to investigate the unrevealed pharmacological action of picein. In silico studies were utilized to direct the investigation towards the neuroprotection abilities of picein. Our in vitro studies demonstrate the neuroprotective properties of picein by blocking the oxidative stress effects, induced by free radical generator 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione, MQ), in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Several oxidative stress-related parameters were evaluated to measure the protection for mitochondrial integrity, such as mitochondrial superoxide production, mitochondrial activity (MTT), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and live-cell imaging. A significant increase in the ROS level and mitochondrial superoxide production were measured after MQ treatment, however, a subsequent treatment with picein was able to mitigate this effect by decreasing their levels. Additionally, the mitochondrial activity was significantly decreased by MQ exposure, but a follow-up treatment with picein recovered the normal metabolic activity. In conclusion, the presented results demonstrate that picein can significantly reduce the level of MQ-induced oxidative stress on mitochondria, and thereby plays a role as a potent neuroprotectant.Peer reviewe