IMMUNOMODULATORY ACTIVITY OF AN ACETONE EXTRACT OF TERMINALIA BELLERICA ROXB FRUIT ON THE MOUSE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN VITRO

Objectives: To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of an acetone extract of T. bellerica fruit. Methods: Mitogen induced-lymphocyte proliferation using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) technique, Th1- and Th2-related cytokine production by lymphocytes using ELISA and peritoneal macrophage function in ICR mice were assayed. Results: The results show that the extract had a mild inhibitory effect on the generation of oxidase enzyme (Phagocytic Index 0.8, 100 mg/ml) but did not influence acid phosphatase enzyme function during phagocytosis. The extract stimulated the proliferation of both T and B lymphocytes. The maximal activation (Stimulation Index 3.2, 100 mg/ml) was presented with concanavalin A induction, indicating a major effect on T lymphocyte proliferation. The extract reduced the production of IFN-γ (89%, 100 mg/ml) and IL-2 (98%, 100 mg/ml) but increased IL-10 secretion (231%, 100 mg/ml) compared to concanavalin A. Gallic acid, a pharmacological component contained in this plant, presented a similar effect as that of T. bellerica extract and may contribute to the immunomodulatory activity of T. bellerica fruits in cooperation with other phytocompounds. The decrease in the IFN-g/IL-10 ratio indicated a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance towards a Th2-type response, which might lead to a treatment for Th1-mediated inflammatory immune diseases. Conclusion: Our investigations show that the acetone extract of T. bellerica fruit possesses immunomodulatory activity, which could be used to explain its folklore applications and provide a pharmacological basis for its usefulness in immune-related disorders

Zingiber officinale Mitigates Brain Damage and Improves Memory Impairment in Focal Cerebral Ischemic Rat

Cerebral ischemia is known to produce brain damage and related behavioral deficits including memory. Recently, accumulating lines of evidence showed that dietary enrichment with nutritional antioxidants could reduce brain damage and improve cognitive function. In this study, possible protective effect of Zingiber officinale, a medicinal plant reputed for neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress-related brain damage, on brain damage and memory deficit induced by focal cerebral ischemia was elucidated. Male adult Wistar rats were administrated an alcoholic extract of ginger rhizome orally 14 days before and 21 days after the permanent occlusion of right middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Cognitive function assessment was performed at 7, 14, and 21 days after MCAO using the Morris water maze test. The brain infarct volume and density of neurons in hippocampus were also determined. Furthermore, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus was also quantified at the end of experiment. The results showed that cognitive function and neurons density in hippocampus of rats receiving ginger rhizome extract were improved while the brain infarct volume was decreased. The cognitive enhancing effect and neuroprotective effect occurred partly via the antioxidant activity of the extract. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of ginger rhizome to protect against focal cerebral ischemia

Acetylcholinesterase-Inhibiting Activity of Pyrrole Derivatives from a Novel Marine Gliding Bacterium, Rapidithrix thailandica

Acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity of marinoquinoline A (1), a new pyrroloquinoline from a novel species of a marine gliding bacterium Rapidithrix thailandica, was assessed (IC50 4.9 μM). Two related pyrrole derivatives, 3-(2′-aminophenyl)-pyrrole (3) and 2,2-dimethyl-pyrrolo-1,2-dihydroquinoline (4), were also isolated from two other strains of R. thailandica. The isolation of 3 from a natural source is reported here for the first time. Compound 4 was proposed to be an isolation artifact derived from 3. The two isolated compounds were virtually inactive in the acetylcholinesterase-inhibitory assay (enzyme inhibition < 30% at 0.1 g L−1)

Evaluation of Acute and Subacute Oral Toxicity of the Ethanol Extract from Antidesma Acidum Retz

Toxicity tests of 95% ethanol extract of the root of Antidesma acidum were studied in male and female rats. The oral acute toxicity test at 5,000 mg/kg revealed that the ethanol extract did not produce toxic effects on signs, general behavious, mortality and gross appearance of internal organs of rats. Furthermore, the oral sub-acute toxicity test at the dose of 1,000 mg/kg/day displayed no significant changes in body and internal organs&#8217; weights, normal hematological and clinical blood chemistry values. Histological examination also showed normal architecture of all internal organs. In conclusion, the ethanol extract of Antidesma acidum did not produce any toxicity in oral acute and suba-cute toxicity studies

Enzyme inhibitory activities of marine sponges against cholinesterase and 5?-reductase

Marine sponges have been the source of various metabolites with potent biological activities. In this study fifteen methanolic extracts of marine sponges, collected off the coast of Tabuhan Island, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia were evaluated in relation to their cholinesterase and 5α-reductase inhibitory activities. The results revealed that the extract of Petrosia sp. inhibited the 5α-reductase enzyme at 100 µg/mL, with 61.21% inhibition, which is slightly lower than the positive control, finasteride, of 76.70%. The results of the cholinesterase inhibitory screening showed that three marine sponges namely, Callyspongia sp., Niphates olemda, and Agelas nakamurai presented notable cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The highest potency was found in A. nakamurai, with an IC50 value of 1.05 µg/mL. All three samples inhibited both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), however, the extract of N. olemda showed a higher inhibition against AChE compared to BuChE. The chemistry of the Callyspongia sp., N. olemda and A. nakamurai were investigated using thin layer chromatography and 1H NMR methods. The results suggested the presence of terpenes and alkaloids in the samples. Further study is needed to determine the metabolite responsible for cholinesterase inhibitory activity

Pharmacognostic and physico-chemical investigations of the aerial part of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst.

A macroscopic, microscopic, physico-chemical, and phytochemical analysis of the aerial part of Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst. or Brahmi was undertaken for the purpose of establishing a monograph. The macroscopic and microscopic studies presented the typical characteristics of the Brahmi plant and its powder. The standard values of physico-chemical parameters were established at not more than 10.0 %w/w for loss on drying and 13.0 %w/w for total ash as well as not less than 17.0 %w/w for water soluble extractives and 10.0 %w/w for ethanol soluble extractives. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of steroidal saponins, with confirmation by the TLC fingerprint. Total saponin content was not less than 1.0 %w/w measured by HPLC-UV method. The overall study provides pharmacognostical, physico-chemical, phytochemical details, typical TLC and HPLC fingerprints of the Brahmi, which can be used to establish a Pharmacopoeia monograph for the identification and standardization of Brahmi material

Mangifera indica

To date, the effective preventive paradigm against mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is required. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether Mangifera indica fruit extract, a substance possessing antioxidant and cognitive enhancing effects, could improve memory impairment, cholinergic dysfunction, and oxidative stress damage in animal model of mild cognitive impairment. Male Wistar rats, weighing 180–200 g, were orally given the extract at doses of 12.5, 50, and 200 mg·kg−1 BW for 2 weeks before and 1 week after the bilateral injection of AF64A (icv). At the end of study, spatial memory, cholinergic neurons density, MDA level, and the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px enzymes in hippocampus were determined. The results showed that all doses of extract could improve memory together with the decreased MDA level and the increased SOD and GSH-Px enzymes activities. The increased cholinergic neurons density in CA1 and CA3 of hippocampus was also observed in rats treated with the extract at doses of 50 and 200 mg·kg−1 BW. Therefore, our results suggested that M. indica, the potential protective agent against MCI, increased cholinergic function and the decreased oxidative stress which in turn enhanced memory. However, further researches are essential to elucidate the possible active ingredients and detail mechanism

Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Marine Sponges Against Cholinesterase and 5α-Reductase

Marine sponges have been the source of various metabolites with potent biological activities. In this study fifteen methanolic extracts of marine sponges, collected off the coast of Tabuhan Island, Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia were evaluated in relation to their cholinesterase and 5?-reductase inhibitory activities. The results revealed that the extract of Petrosia sp. inhibited the 5?-reductase enzyme at 100 ?g/mL, with 61.21% inhibition, which is slightly lower than the positive control, finasteride, of 76.70%. The results of the cholinesterase inhibitory screening showed that three marine sponges namely, Callyspongia sp., Niphates olemda, and Agelas nakamurai presented notable cholinesterase inhibitory activities. The highest potency was found in A. nakamurai, with an IC50 value of 1.05 ?g/mL. All three samples inhibited both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), however, the extract of N. olemda showed a higher inhibition against AChE compared to BuChE. The chemistry of the Callyspongia sp., N. olemda and A. nakamurai were investigated using thin layer chromatography and 1H NMR methods. The results suggested the presence of terpenes and alkaloids in the samples. Further study is needed to determine the metabolite responsible for cholinesterase inhibitory activity

Effects of 12-Week Bacopa monnieri

At present, the scientific evidence concerning the effect of Bacopa monnieri on brain activity together with working memory is less available. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of B. monnieri on attention, cognitive processing, working memory, and cholinergic and monoaminergic functions in healthy elderly. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled design was utilized. Sixty healthy elderly subjects (mean age 62.62 years; SD 6.46), consisting of 23 males and 37 females, received either a standardized extract of B. monnieri (300 and 600 mg) or placebo once daily for 12 weeks. The cholinergic and monoaminergic systems functions were determined using AChE and MAO activities. Working memory was assessed using percent accuracy and reaction time of various memory tests as indices, whereas attention and cognitive processing were assessed using latencies and amplitude of N100 and P300 components of event-related potential. All assessments were performed before treatment, every four weeks throughout study period, and at four weeks after the cessation of intervention. B. monnieri-treated group showed improved working memory together with a decrease in both N100 and P300 latencies. The suppression of plasma AChE activity was also observed. These results suggest that B. monnieri can improve attention, cognitive processing, and working memory partly via the suppression of AChE activity

Bacopa monnieri extract increases rat coronary flow and protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

Background: This study explored Bacopa monnieri, a medicinal Ayurvedic herb, as a cardioprotectant against ischemia/reperfusion injury using cardiac function and coronary flow as end-points. Methods: In normal isolated rat hearts, coronary flow, left ventricular developed pressure, heart rate, and functional recovery were measured using the Langendorff preparation. Hearts were perfused with either (i) Krebs-Henseleit (normal) solution, (control), or with 30, 100 μg/ml B. monnieri ethanolic extract (30 min), or (ii) with normal solution or extract for 10 min preceding no-perfusion ischemia (30 min) followed by reperfusion (30 min) with normal solution. Infarct volumes were measured by triphenyltetrazolium staining. L-type Ca2+-currents (ICa, L) were measured by whole-cell patching in HL-1 cells, a mouse atrial cardiomyocyte cell line. Cytotoxicity of B. monnieri was assessed in rat isolated ventricular myocytes by trypan blue exclusion. Results: In normally perfused hearts, B. monnieri increased coronary flow by 63 ± 13% (30 μg/ml) and 216 ± 21% (100 μg/ml), compared to control (5 ± 3%) (n = 8–10, p < 0.001). B. monnieri treatment preceding ischemia/reperfusion improved left ventricular developed pressure by 84 ± 10% (30 μg/ml), 82 ± 10% (100 μg/ml) and 52 ± 6% (control) compared to pre- ischemia/reperfusion. Similarly, functional recovery showed a sustained increase. Moreover, B. monnieri (100 μg/ml) reduced the percentage of infarct size from 51 ± 2% (control) to 25 ± 2% (n = 6-8, p < 0.0001). B. monnieri (100 μg/ml) reduced ICa, L by 63 ± 4% in HL-1 cells. Ventricular myocyte survival decreased at higher concentrations (50–1000 μg/ml) B. monnieri. Conclusions: B. monnieri improves myocardial function following ischemia/reperfusion injury through recovery of coronary blood flow, contractile force and decrease in infarct size. Thus this may lead to a novel cardioprotectant strategy