Evaluation of learning and memory effect of atorvastatin and simvastatin in alprazolam induced amnesia in mice

Background: The study was undertaken to evaluate the learning and memory effect of lipid lowering drugs atorvastatin and simvastatin in alprazolam induced amnesic mice.Methods: The study was carried out on albino mice, divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each (either sex, 3-4 months of age, weight 25-30g). Amnesia was induced by administering Alprazolam (2mg/kg for 14 days) in all 4 groups from 1st to 14th day. In addition, group 2, 3 and 4 received Piracetam (400mg/kg), Atorvastatin (5mg/kg) and Simvastatin (5mg/kg) from 8th to 14th day respectively. The learning and memory of the animals was assessed by employing Elevated plus maze (EPM) and Step-down type passive avoidance (SDA) model.Results: Results were compared among the different groups using one way-ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test. The measured parameters were compared with standard drug Piracetam. In EPM model Atorvastatin (p<0.049) and Simvastatin (p<0.007) were comparable with standard drug Piracetam, whereas in SDA model only simvastatin group (p<0.001) showed significant result.Conclusions: In EPM model, both the statins showed significant improvement in learning and memory in alprazolam induced amnesic mice. However further studies are required to support these observations

Evaluation of effect of alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia on learning and memory in alprazolam induced amnesia in albino mice

Background: Tinospora cordifolia is one of the most versatile shrub with cognitive enhancing effects could be beneficial for treatment of dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like alzheimer’s disease. The purpose of study was to evaluate the effect of Tinospora cordifolia on learning and memory in alprazolam induced amnesia in albino mice.Methods: The study was carried out on albino mice, divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each (either sex, 3-4 months of age, weight 25-30g). Amnesia was induced by administering alprazolam (2 mg/kg body weight for 14 days) in all 4 groups for 14 days from 1st to 14th day. Group 1 was given alprazolam (2 mg/kg/p.o) alone for 14 days. In addition, group 2 was given piracetam (400 mg/kg p.o) from 8th to 15th day. Group 3 was given alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia 140 mg/kg, p.o. from 1st to 15th day. Group 4 was given alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia 280 mg/kg, p.o. from 1st to 15th day. The learning and memory of the animals was assessed by employing elevated plus maze (EPM) and step-down type passive avoidance model (SDA).Results: Results were compared among the different groups using one way-ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test. The measured parameters were compared with standard drug piracetam. Tinospora cordifolia at 140 mg/kg (p<0.02) and 280 mg/kg was significant in both models (p<0.02) and in EPM model, Tinospora cordifolia at 280 mg/kg showed highly significant result (P<0.01).Conclusions: Tinospora cordifolia, Indian medicinal plant useful for treatment of various ailments can also be a useful alternative for treating dementia and associated diseases like alzheimer’s disease

A comparative study between cilnidipine and amlodipine on learning and memory in albino mice

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, followed by vascular dementia (VaD). Animal studies have shown that amlodipine improves learning and memory. Since, cilnidipine produces lesser side effects than amlodipine, and animal studies have shown that it has neuroprotective action, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cilnidipine on learning and memory and its comparison with amlodipine in alprazolam induced amnesic albino mice.Methods: This study was carried out on albino mice, divided into three groups of six animals each. Amnesia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alprazolam in all the three groups from day 1 to 14. In addition, group 1, 2 and 3 received normal saline as a control, amlodipine and cilnidipine as test drugs respectively, by same route for the same duration. Then, learning and memory of the animals was assessed using elevated plus maze and cook’s pole climbing models. Results were compared among the groups using one-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey’s test.Results: In both the model’s amlodipine and cilnidipine groups showed statistically significant reduction in transfer latency and conditioned avoidance response duration in comparison with normal saline. But no difference was found between amlodipine and cilnidipine groups.Conclusions: Cilnidipine and amlodipine showed a non-inferiority response on learning and memory enhancing effect in this study. Since, cilnidipine has lesser side effects than amlodipine, it can be taken up for evaluating its effect on cognitive improvement in dementia patients

Effect of ranolazine on HbA1c and blood glucose levels in diabetic patients with chronic angina

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide and is one of the common co-morbid conditions associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The overall prevalence of CAD is 7.4% but the prevalence of CAD in diabetics is 9%. Hence treatment of hyperglycemia is a key goal of secondary preventive therapy with a target of reducing HbA1c to <7%. The risk of CAD has been reported to occur 2 to3 decades prior in diabetics compared to non-diabetics. Hence discovery of drugs with potential role in both diabetes and CAD seems to be necessary. Ranolazine is a novel oral anti anginal drug known to reduce HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in angina patients with diabetes. The objective of this study is to show the effect of ranolazine (antianginal drug) on HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels in diabetic patients with chronic angina.Methods: Patients were divided into: Group 1 continued with previous antidiabetic drugs and antianginal drugs. Group 2 were prescribed Tab ranolazine 1000mg b.d (orally) as add on therapy along with previous antidiabetic drugs and antianginal drugs.Results: There was a significant reduction in HbA1c and FBS levels in Group 2 patients who were on ranolazine. Reduction of HbA1c in group1 and Group 2 was 0.21±0.65% and 1.30±1.16% respectively. Reduction of FBS in group1 and group2 was 10.66±27.80mg/dl and 29.97±31.49mg/dl respectively.Conclusions: From the present study we can conclude that ranolazine, an antianginal drug when given at a dose of 1000mg bd in diabetic patients with chronic angina reduces HbA1c and FBS levels.

Evaluation of anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers in albino rats

Background: Anxiety has become a very important area of research interest in psychopharmacology as it affects one-eighth of the population worldwide. Benzodiazepines are still the most commonly used drugs for anxiety despite a number of side effects.There is a need for newer antianxiety drugs with increased safety and efficacy, hence this study was undertaken to evaluate the anxiolytic activity of Nerium oleander flowers.Methods: Aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (NA) was prepared using soxhalet apparatus. A total of 24 Albino rats aged 8-10 weeks of either sex weighing about 100-150g were obtained and divided into 4 groups of 6 rats each. Group I: Normal saline 10mL/kg. Group II: Diazepam 2mg/kg Group III: NA at a dose of 200 mg/kg Group IV: NA at a dose of 400mg/kg. The anxiolytic activity of Aqueous extract of NA was tested by elevated plus maze and digital actophotometer models. Data was analysed using one way ANOVA followed by Posthoc Tukey’s test.Results: In EPM model, the NA at 200, 400mg/kg doses showed that the number of entries and time spent in the open arms were increased significantly as compared to the control animals. (p&lt;0.001). In Actophoptometer model, two different doses of NA (200 and 400mg/kg) showed a dose-dependent decrease in the locomotor activity, when compared to the control animals (p&lt;0.001).Conclusions: Both the doses of aqueous extract of Nerium oleander flowers (200mg and 400mg/kg) possess anxiolytic activity and could be used as a new approach to treat anxiety

A comparative study of the antidepressant effect of ondansetron and granisetron on Albino mice

Background: Ondansetron and granisetron are selective 5-HT receptor antagonists used as antiemetics. The present study as aimed at comparing the antidepressant activity of ondansetron and granisetron in animal experimental models.Methods: The study was done after obtaining approval from the institutional animal ethical committee of JJM Medical college, Davangere and CPCSEA. A total of 24 mice of either sex and of weight between 20-40g were included in the study. The antidepressant activity of ondansetron and granisetron was evaluated in mice using forced swim test model (FST) and tail suspension test model (TST). In both the experimental models animals were divided into 4 groups and received the following drugs- Group 1 (control) - normal saline 10mg/kg i.p, Group 2 (standard)-fluoxetine 10mg/kg i.p, Group 3(test drug 1), ondansetron 2mg/kg i.p, Group 4 (test drug 2)- granisetron 0.5mg/kg i.p. The duration of immobility was noted and compared amongst the 4 groups in both the models 60 min after drug administration. The observations were analysed using ANOVA (one way) and post hoc Tukey’s test.Results: The test drugs showed significant reduction in duration of immobility in both the models. In FST and TST models, granisetron (0.5mg/kg i.p) showed a significant reduction in immobility period of 10.33 sec and 67 secs respectively when compared to ondansetron (2mg/kg i.p) and the standard drug fluoxetine (10mg/kg i.p).Conclusions: The results of study suggest that granisetron may be useful as a potential candidate for treatment of depression. Hence further animal studies with different model for depression and clinical studies should be conducted in order to choose the better drug for treatment PONV which is often associated with depression

Efficacy and safety of 1% terbinafine hydrochloride versus 2% sertaconazole cream in the treatment of tinea corporis

Background: Tinea corporis is a common superficial dermatophytosis seen in tropical countries. This study was done to compare the efficacy and safety of topical antifungal agents, terbinafine versus sertaconazole in the treatment of tinea corporis.Methods: This study was conducted in Babuji Hospital and Chigateri Government Hospital, Davangere. A total of 60 (n=60) patients were included and divided into two groups of 30 patients each in the study. 1st group - received topical 1% terbinafine hydrochloride and 2nd group - received 2% sertaconazole cream. Patients were advised to apply cream twice daily for 4 weeks. Improvement in clinical parameters like erythema, scaling, itching, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount were taken for assessing the efficacy of drugs. They were followed-up at the end of 2, 4, and 6 weeks to assess the improvement of the condition. Complete cure rate was defined as mycological cure with a complete absence of clinical signs and symptoms. For safety data of both drugs presence of any local side effects (like stinging sensation, swelling and increased erythema) were analyzed in both groups. Statistical analysis was done using students paired t-test and unpaired t-test.Results: When two groups were compared at the end of 2 weeks, complete cure rate for terbinafine was 80% as compared to 63.3% for sertaconazole (p0.05) results were obtained. KOH mount was negative in both groups at the end of 2nd week. Local side effects like erythema, swelling, stinging sensation were not noticed during the study in both the groups.Conclusion: From this study, it was shown that 2% sertaconazole cream was as effective as 1% terbinafine cream, though 1% terbinafine had higher rates of complete cure at the end of 2 weeks as compared to sertaconazole

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Derived Schiff Base and Its Lanthanide(III) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Spectroscopic Studies, and Plant Growth Activity

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid derived Schiff base (HL) and its lanthanide [La(III), Pr(III), Nd(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Dy(III), Y(III)] complexes were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic (1H, 13C, DEPT and 2D HMQC NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, and mass) techniques and other analytical methods. HL exhibits “E” and “Z” isomerism and was confirmed by variable temperature 1H NMR studies. The spectral and analytical data reveals the bidentate coordination of HL to lanthanide(III) ion, through carboxylic acid group via deprotonation. Fluorescence spectrum of europium complex shows bands at 578, 592, and 612 nm assignable to D05→F07, D05→F17, and D05→F27, respectively. Auxin activity of HL and lanthanum(III) complex on wheat seeds (Triticum durum) was measured at different concentrations. The percentage germination, root length, and shoot length were recorded. An enhancement in the plant growth activity of the ligand was observed on complexation and the best activity was observed at 10−6 M concentration

Draft Genome Sequences from a Novel Clade of <i>Bacillus cereus Sensu Lato </i>Strains, Isolated from the International Space Station

The draft genome sequences of six Bacillus strains, isolated from the International Space Station and belonging to the Bacillus anthracis-B. cereus-B. thuringiensis group, are presented here. These strains were isolated from the Japanese Experiment Module (one strain), U.S. Harmony Node 2 (three strains), and Russian Segment Zvezda Module (two strains)