The role of Nardostachys jatamansi against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rats

This investigation elucidated the role of free radicals in doxorubicin-induced toxicity and protection by Nardostachys jatamansi (NJ). Adult male albino wistar rats were administered with doxorubicin (15 mg/kg; i.p.) and NJ (500 mg/kg, orally) for seven days. At the end of the experiment, following decapitation, heart and liver tissue samples were taken for histological examination, determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. In addition, proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) was assayed in plasma samples. The results reveal that doxorubicin caused a significant decrease in GSH level, significant increases in MDA level and MPO activity. Similarly, plasma cytokine level was elevated in doxorubicin group compared with the control group. On the other hand NJ pretreatment reversed all these biochemical indices. The results demonstrate that NJ extract, by balancing the oxidant-antioxidant status and inhibiting the generation of proinflammatory cytokine, protects against doxorubicin-induced oxidative organ injury.Key words: Nardostachys jatamansi, doxorubicin, cytokine, glutathione, malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase

OCIMUM SANCTUM EXTRACT COATING ON BIOMATERIAL SURFACES TO PREVENT BACTERIAL ADHESION AND BIOFILM GROWTH

Objective: The objective of this work is to evaluate the performance of OS extract as a coating on biomaterial surfaces in preventing bacterial adhesionand biofilm growth, as an effective measure to combat Biomaterial associated infections.Methods: Here, we have incorporated the extract from a medicinal plant as a coating to biomaterial surfaces in order to prevent bacterial adhesionand biofilm growth. To this end, Ocimum sanctum (OS) oil extract is coated on biomaterials (polymethyl methacrylate and polystyrene) and bacteriasuch as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were allowed to adhere and grow for 1 hr, 3 hrs and 24 hrs.Results: A significant reduction (p<0.01) in number of adherent bacteria on OS extract coated surfaces compared to bare surfaces was observed atall-time points. The zone of inhibition of OS extract was observed for all the three bacteria and maximum inhibition was observed for P. aeruginosa(30 mm diameter) compared to S. aureus (25 mm diameter) and E. coli (28 mm diameter).Conclusion: Thus, OS oil extract could be a promising coating for reduction of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.Keywords: Antibacterial coating, Bacterial adhesion, Biofilm, Biomaterial, Biomaterials-associated infection, Ocimum sanctum