Antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of Cochlospermum religiosum leaf extract, synergism with antidepressants, and molecular docking studies

23-31The leaves of Cochlospermum religiosum were investigated for the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities in mice using behavioural models like spontaneous locomotor activity, forced swim test, tail suspension test, elevated plus maze and marble burying behaviour. The mechanism was studied using Reserpine-induced hypothermia (RIH) model and in silico molecular docking. The leaf extract exhibited significant antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (P <0.05 for 50 mg/kgb.w.,p.o./P <0.01 for 100 mg/kgb.w., p.o.) in mice without an impact on baseline locomotor activity. The result from Reserpine-induced hypothermia rat model revealed that the leaf extract (50 mg/kgb.w., p.o.) significantly antagonized the effect (P <0.05) of Reserpine. Furthermore, synergistic effect was evaluated by coadministration of the leaf extracts with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) at sub-therapeutic dose levels. Synergistic effect of the leaf extract was significant (P <0.05) for both antidepressant and anxiolytic activities as compared to therapeutic doses of extract, imipramine, and fluoxetine. The molecular docking studies for the chemical constituents of the leaves on 5HT1B, 5HT2A, β1 and β2 crystal structures revealed that pentagalloyl glucose showed typical binding with higher affinity on 5HT1B (-10.79) and 5HT2A(-10.33) than fluoxetine and imipramine. Cynarine docked on β-2 receptor with score of - 13.582 at binding site of timolol, and similarly, it binds with 5HT1B and 5HT2A at serotonin binding site

Global Attention to Monkeypox

Monkeypox is brought on by a pox virus that is closely linked to the smallpox virus and is spread by intimate contact between humans and animals. When people come into contact with sick animals, they may unintentionally contract the monkeypox. Smallpox vaccinations cross-protect against MPXV due to antigenic similarities. Fever, headache, muscle aches, lymphadenopathy, and a recognisable rash that later develops into papules, vesicles, and pustules that scab over and recover are all signs of monkeypox (MPX). There are now two vaccines on the market: JYNNEOSTM (live, replication incompetent vaccinia virus) and ACAM2000® (live, replication competent vaccinia virus). Antivirals (such as tecovirimat, brincidofovir, and cidofovir) and vaccinia immune globulin intravenous (VIGIV) are available as therapies for monkeypox, albeit the majority of cases will have moderate and self-limited disease and supportive care is often sufficient. The ongoing outbreak, which has more than 10,000 cases in more than 50 nations between May and July 2022, illustrates how easily MPXV can spread among people and how this could pose a serious threat to public health with worldwide repercussions

A Review on Unlocking Toxicity: How Zebrafish embryos Help Ensure Safe Chemicals

Aquatic ecotoxicity testing has benefited greatly from zebrafish embryo toxicity testing (ZFET) because of its high throughput, low cost, sensitivity to a variety of toxicants, and ethical issues. This study highlights the benefits of ZFET over conventional fish toxicity testing, such as its capacity to detect teratogenic defects and possible long-term impacts. The limitations of ZFET are also addressed, notably its emphasis on acute dosages and difficulties with interspecies extrapolation. In addition to the generation of in vitro alternatives utilizing zebrafish cell lines, recent developments in ZFET technology are also highlighted, including the use of transgenic zebrafish lines and high-throughput screening techniques. The paper's conclusion includes a discussion of potential prospects for ZFET research. These include improving interspecies extrapolation methods, optimizing chronic toxicity assessment procedures, and integrating ZFET with other ecotoxicity testing strategies. ZFET is a great instrument for environmental protection and a crucial component in avoiding chemical contamination of aquatic ecosystems, so long as it is acknowledged for what it is and is open to future improvemen

Antidepressant and anxiolytic activities of Cochlospermum religiosum leaf extract, synergism with antidepressants, and molecular docking studies

The leaves of Cochlospermum religiosum were investigated for the antidepressant and anxiolytic activities in mice using behavioural models like spontaneous locomotor activity, forced swim test, tail suspension test, elevated plus maze and marble burying behaviour. The mechanism was studied using Reserpine-induced hypothermia (RIH) model and in silico molecular docking. The leaf extract exhibited significant antidepressant and anxiolytic effects (P &lt;0.05 for 50 mg/kgb.w.,p.o./P &lt;0.01 for 100 mg/kgb.w., p.o.) in mice without an impact on baseline locomotor activity. The result from Reserpine-induced hypothermia rat model revealed that the leaf extract (50 mg/kgb.w., p.o.) significantly antagonized the effect (P &lt;0.05) of Reserpine. Furthermore, synergistic effect was evaluated by coadministration of the leaf extracts with fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and imipramine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) at sub-therapeutic dose levels. Synergistic effect of the leaf extract was significant (P &lt;0.05) for both antidepressant and anxiolytic activities as compared to therapeutic doses of extract, imipramine, and fluoxetine. The molecular docking studies for the chemical constituents of the leaves on 5HT1B, 5HT2A, β1 and β2 crystal structures revealed that pentagalloyl glucose showed typical binding with higher affinity on 5HT1B (-10.79) and 5HT2A(-10.33) than fluoxetine and imipramine. Cynarine docked on β-2 receptor with score of -13.582 at binding site of timolol, and similarly, it binds with 5HT1B and 5HT2A at serotonin binding site

Attenuation of paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity by albizia odoratissima in rats

Hepatotoxicity is a common cause of severe metabolic disorders and even death. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely used as an antipyretic and analgesic, and it produces acute liver damage if administrated in excess. Since the conventional treatment of liver diseases is associated with a wide range of adverse effects, botanical agents are commonly used. In this study we examined the therapeutic effect methanolic extract of bark of Albizia Odoratissima on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats.A total of 30 animals were randomly divided into five groups, and each group consisted of six animals and received the below mentioned treatment for the period of 21 days. Group I (Normal group): Received vehicle only. Group II (Negative group): Received the Paracetamol (PCM) at dose of 3g/kg body weight orally. Group III (Test group -I): Received the Paracetamol (PCM) at dose of 3g/kg body weight orally and Methanolic extract of bark of Albizia Odoratissima at dose of 250 mg/kg orally. Group IV (Test group – II): Received the Paracetamol (PCM) at dose of 3g/kg body weight orally and Methanolic extract of bark of Albizia Odoratissima at dose of 500 mg/kg orally: PCM + MEAO (250mg/kg)

Advancing Neuroscience through Zebrafish: Challenges, Innovations, and Future Directions

Genetic similarity of zebrafish and humans, their transparency, and rapid development has propelled them to be one of the most preferred models for research in neuroscience. Within this article, there is a brief discussion on zebrafish in the field of neuroscience with the considerations of their neuroanatomy, advantages, recent achievements, drawbacks, and the possible routes for future exploration. Zebrafish are a rare model for neuronal development and or translating/creating neurological disorders. Neuroscientists that study zebrafish have occasionally faced problems with behavioral complexity and lack of established methods. Forward-looking actions include optimization of behavioral assays, adoption of CRISPR/Cas9 for genotype modification, and unification of drug discovery and testing of toxicological effects. Through zebrafish neuroscience research, we are heading towards great heights as the potential role in bridging the knowledge on the brain and neurological disorders is very promising. The successful adoption of new technologies and collaborative methods will be the attending factors to reach a goal of zebrafish model fully exploiting the potential for the neuroscience research

Lumpy Skin Disease: A Review on Etiopathogenesis, Transmission, Diagnosis and Treatment

The lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which can cause serious infections and inflict significant economic losses, is the cause of lumpy skin disease (LSD), a viral condition affecting cattle. LSD is a fast-spreading disease that has lately expanded from Africa to Asia and spread to Europe, raising growing concerns on a worldwide scale. In India, recently LSD is on the rise affecting cattle and reducing the production of milk. The virus belongs to the Capripoxvirus genus of the Poxviridae family, it is transmitted by both vector and non-vector-born models. In cases of severely affected cattle, nodular lesions are displayed all over their bodies, but in cases of less severe disease, the lesions were limited to the back, thurl, udder, hip, and pin bone. To reduce the spread of LSDV, various evaluations of diagnostic technologies, treatment options, and the efficacy of vaccinations have been investigated. Among various diagnostic assays, ELISA, IPMA, and PCR have shown more promising results, prevention and vector control is the ideal strategy for controlling this disease

Apoptosis-mediated cytotoxic effect of Caralluma adscendens var. attenuata on colon (HT29) and Hepatic (HepG2) cancer cell lines

Introduction: Caralluma adscendens var. attenuata (Wight) Grav. and Mayur., a member of Apocynaceae, is a perennial stem succulent plant with wide distribution in tropics and subtropics of the world. This plant is reported for the presence of steroids, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes, and pregnane glycosides, and is known to have antidiabetic and antiulcerogenic properties. Materials and Methods: In this study, an attempt was made to identify antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic potential of n-hexane and aqueous methanolic extracts of total stem part of C. adscendens var. attenuata. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by total phenolic content assay, total flavonoid content assay, free radical scavenging activity, and reducing ability methods. Cytotoxic activity was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and nuclear staining methods for colorectal cancer cell lines HT29 and liver cancer cell lines HepG2. Results: MTT assay method has proven that the IC50 value was 10 μg/mL for both extracts, whereas for cisplatin standard, it was 2 μg/mL. By nuclear staining, the apoptotic cells were identified as oval masses with dark cytoplasm and dense green nuclear chromatin fragments indicating the programmed cell death for both n-hexane and aqueous methanolic extracts at the same concentration (10μg/mL). Conclusion: However, aqueous methanolic extract showed prominent cytotoxic potential against both cancer cell lines

A Comprehensive Review on Scrub Typhus: Epidemiology, Transmission, Diagnosis and Management

Scrub typhus is a serious public health risk in areas where it is endemic. It is brought on by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi and is spread via the bite of infected chiggers. The epidemiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of scrub typhus are summarized in this overview, along with recent developments. The disease is most common in rural sections of Asia, the Pacific Islands, and portions of Australia, where chigger populations are encouraged by favorable environmental conditions. The clinical signs of chigger bites can range in severity from mild to severe, presenting with symptoms like fever, headaches, and the distinctive Escher at the bite site. Severe cases may result in consequences such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and organ failure, which                 call for prompt identification and treatment. Molecular techniques and serological testing are used as diagnostic tools. Molecular assays are a quick and reliable way to identify Orientia tsutsugamushi. Antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment, and doxycycline is the drug of choice. Treatment must be started as soon as possible to avoid problems and enhance results. The importance of public health interventions, such as vector control and health education, is highlighted by issues like antibiotic resistance and restricted access to treatment in rural areas. Personal protection is the main focus of preventive measures, which include donning proper attire and applying insect repellents. Managing the environment and involving the community are important strategies for lowering chigger populations. Additional research is being done to create effective scrub typhus vaccines, even if there isn't one that is now generally authorized