The ameliorative effects of Averroha carambola on humoral response to sheep erythrocytes in non-treated and cyclophosphamide-immunocompromised mice

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluated immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of the methanol extract of Averrhoa carambola (A. carambola) leaves in mice.MethodsThe assessment of immunomodulatory activity on specific and non-specific immunity was studied by administration of test extract by oral feeding canula to the test groups. Hemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer, delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hematological profile (Hb, WBC, RBC), lipid per oxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) were determined by in vivo experiments.ResultsThe evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of A. carambola (800 and 1 200 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a dose-dependent increase in antibody titer values and DTH reaction induced by SRBC was also found significant (P<0.001). Also it caused increase in hematological profile, GSH, SOD, CAT activity and significantly decreased LPO levels in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. Result shows that the extract treated animals showed up regulation of (IL-6 and TNF-α) cytokines.ConclusionsImmunomodulators are being used as an adjuvant in conditions of immunodeficiency in cancer and to a limited extent in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The results obtained in this study indicate that A. carambola possesses potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity

Role of omega-3 fatty acids and digoxin in cardiovascular diseases – A comprehensive review

Digoxin and omega-3 fatty acids are two different agents that have been studied for their potential roles in managing cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a global health concern, with their prevention and management being of paramount importance. Omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have garnered substantial attention for their potential therapeutic role in mitigating CVD risk factors and improving cardiovascular health. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular diseases. The review encompasses a wide range of studies, including epidemiological investigations, and experimental research, to provide a holistic understanding of the mechanisms through which omega-3 fatty acids influence CVD. Key areas of focus include their effects on lipid profiles, inflammation, endothelial function, blood pressure regulation, and arrhythmia prevention. Additionally, their potential roles in secondary prevention, such as reducing the risk of recurrent myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, are explored. The review also discusses the challenges and controversies surrounding omega-3 supplementation, including dosing, sources, and patient selection. Furthermore, it addresses emerging areas of research, such as the interplay between omega-3 fatty acids and gut microbiota, genetics, and personalized medicine. This comprehensive review underscores the multifaceted role of omega-3 fatty acids in cardiovascular diseases. While evidence suggests their potential benefits, further research is needed to refine recommendations and identify optimal strategies for integrating omega-3 fatty acids into cardiovascular disease prevention and management. Understanding the complexities of omega-3's effects on CVD will contribute to more effective and personalized approaches to improve cardiovascular healt

Effect of methanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus Willd. on lipopolysaccharide induced-oxidative stress in rats

Abstract: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress and impairment of normal physiological function generally categorized by increased anxiety and reduced mobility. Therefore, the present study was to find out the effect Methanolic extract of Asparagus racemosus (MEAR) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress in rats. LPS-induced oxidative stress in rats was measured by locomotor activity by photoactometer test, anxiety with elevated plus maze test and also studied the oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide and cytokines. The obtained data shows that LPS markedly exhausted (p&lt;0.001) brain-reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) significantly increased (p&lt;0.001) the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide and the activity of cytokines in the brain. MEAR supplementation resulted in normalization of brain GSH and CAT and SOD and decreases in the levels of MDA with reduction of nitric oxide and cytokines in the brain. The action of the extract at dose of 200 mg/kg was almost similar to the standard drug, quercetin (100mg/kg, p.o.). These present study conclude that MEAR administration significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced LPS-induced oxidative-stress and intensely suggest that Asparagus racemosus Willd. is a functionally newer type of cerebroprotective agent

Antioxidant potential of crude extract, flavonoid-rich fractions, and a new compound from the seeds of Cordia dichotoma

The current study assessed the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract and different fractions of the seeds of Cordia dichotoma by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate method. Phytochemical screening of C. dichotoma seed extract was done using thin-layer chromatography technique and phytochemical methods. The percentage yield of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and saponins was also determined. The methanolic extract was subjected to isolation by Column Chromatography. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of significant amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents with the application of derivatizing agents like aluminium chloride and anisaldehyde. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents obtained were 37.7 and 32.16% w/w, respectively. The crude seed extract of C. dichotoma showed inhibition at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum scavenging activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract with a low IC50 value. A new compound named Cordioside was also isolated from the same extract. The phytochemical screening of the seed extract showed the presence of rich amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which may be acting as the key factors responsible for the antioxidant activity. The results revealed that methanolic extract and the aqueous fraction of C. dichotoma seed possess a significant antioxidant activity

HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS ROOT EXTRACT ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS

Objective: Lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) produces an inflammatory condition leading to multiple organ failure. LPS most potent bacterial products are used for induction of host oxidative stress responses and liver injury. Methods: Present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in rats&nbsp; by measuring oxidative stress markers, nitric oxide, liver function test and cytokines. Results: The obtained data showed that LPS administration significantly reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), total cholesterol (TC) and albumin (ALB).&nbsp;&nbsp; There was significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokines activity, serum aspartate transaminase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT), alkaline phosphate (ALP), total bilirubin (TB) and nitric oxide(NO). &nbsp; Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Asparagus&nbsp;&nbsp; racemosus (MEAR) administration significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced LPS-induced oxidative stress by&nbsp; normalizing liver GSH, SOD, CAT, MDA,&nbsp; NO, cytokines and liver function markers. MEAR significantly increased ALB and TC level. Results suggest that MEAR protects the liver against liver toxicity induced by LPS. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Peer Review History: Received 13 February 2019; &nbsp;&nbsp;Revised 15 February; Accepted 5 March, Available online 15 March 2019 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, [email protected] UJPR follows the most transparent and toughest ‘Advanced OPEN peer review’ system. The identity of the authors and, reviewers will be known to each other. This transparent process will help to eradicate any possible malicious/purposeful interference by any person (publishing staff, reviewer, editor, author, etc) during peer review. As a result of this unique system, all reviewers will get their due recognition and respect, once their names are published in the papers. We expect that, by publishing peer review reports with published papers, will be helpful to many authors for drafting their article according to the specifications. Auhors will remove any error of their article and they will improve their article(s) according to the previous reports displayed with published article(s). The main purpose of it is ‘to improve the quality of a candidate manuscript’. Our reviewers check the ‘strength and weakness of a manuscript honestly’. There will increase in the perfection, and transparency. Received file:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 8/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, [email protected] Dr. Nuray Arı, Ankara University, Turkiye, [email protected] Similar Articles: STUDY ON FRESH LEAF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF FLACOURTIA INDICA FOR HEPATOPROTECTIVE, ANTI-ANEMIC AND HYPOGLYCEMIC ABILITIES IN CCL4 INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN ALBINO WISTAR RATS HEPATOPROTECTIVE ACTIVITY OF ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS ROOT EXTRACT ON LIPOPOLYSACCHARIDE INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RAT

Pharmacognostical and Phytochemical evaluation of root of Asparagus racemosus Willd.

Aim of this is to examine the Pharmacognastical and Phytochemical properties of Asparagus racemosus. The qualitative microscopy, Phytochemical screening, physicochemical evolution, fluorescence analysis and HPTLC studies were carried out according to the standard procedure recommended in WHO guidelines. The root had compactly arranged, uniseriate, polygonal to radially elongated, thick walled cell represent the outermost piliferous layer. Immediately laying below the epidermis is extensively developed, several layers of thick cortex made up of parenchymatous cells. The cortical cells contain raphide bundles. The innermost one or two layer of cortex immediately outside the endodermis comprises thick-walled cells, with the numerous oval or circular pits on their walls. Endodermis is composed of a single layer of compactly arranged, barrel-shaped parenchymatous cells. Inner to endodermis is a single layer of thin-walled, parenchymatous cells constituting the pericycle in the form of a ring, which surrounds a central stele. Phytochemical investigation of root shows total ash (6.5 %w/w), acid insoluble ash (1.3% w/w), and water-soluble ash (2.2% w/w).  Loss on drying is (5.5% w/w). Cold extractive value in pet, ether (0.5%% w/w) in chloroform (3.4% w/w), methanol (8.0 % w/w) and in water (10.2% w/w). Hot extractive value in pet. ether (0.9% w/w),  in chloroform (4.6 % w/w), methanol (10.40 % w/w) and  in water  (11.2% w/w). In methanolic extract and aqueous extract, tannins and saponins present in a major amount. Other constituents include carbohydrate, glycosides and phenolic compounds were present. Various pharmacognistical parameters evaluated in this study help in identification and standardization of the root of Asparagus racemosus. Keywords:  Asparagus racemosus Willd, Satavar; Phytochemical investigation, Phytochemistr

Antioxidant potential of crude extract, flavonoid-rich fractions, and a new compound from the seeds of Cordia dichotoma

437-44The current study assessed the antioxidant activity of methanolic extract and different fractions of the seeds of Cordia dichotoma by 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl hydrate method. Phytochemical screening of C. dichotoma seed extract was done using thin-layer chromatography technique and phytochemical methods. The percentage yield of secondary metabolites like alkaloids and saponins was also determined. The methanolic extract was subjected to isolation by Column Chromatography. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of significant amounts of phenols and flavonoids in the extract. TLC analysis confirmed the presence of phytoconstituents with the application of derivatizing agents like aluminium chloride and anisaldehyde. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents obtained were 37.7 and 32.16% w/w, respectively. The crude seed extract of C. dichotoma showed inhibition at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum scavenging activity was exhibited by the methanolic extract with a low IC50 value. A new compound named Cordioside was also isolated from the same extract. The phytochemical screening of the seed extract showed the presence of rich amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which may be acting as the key factors responsible for the antioxidant activity. The results revealed that methanolic extract and the aqueous fraction of C. dichotoma seed possess a significant antioxidant activity

Stylopine: A potential natural metabolite to block vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in osteosarcoma therapy

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signals cell survival, cell migration, osteogenesis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability by binding to VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer, majorly affects young adults. Activation of VEGFR-2 signaling is a therapeutic target for osteosarcoma. The present study aimed to evaluate the potency of stylopine in regulation of the VEGFR-2 signaling pathway and its anti-tumour effect human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. The in silico study on benzylisoquinoline alkaloids was carried out for analyzing and shortlisting of compounds using a virtual screening, Lipinski’s rule, bioavailability graphical RADAR plot, pharmacokinetics, toxicity, and molecular docking studies. Among the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, stylopine was selected and subjected to in-vitro studies against human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells. Various experiments such as MTT assay, EtBr/AO staining, mitochondrial membrane potential assessment, transwell migration assay, gene expression analysis by a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) method, SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting were performed to evaluate its anti-tumour effect as compared to standard axitinib. The MTT assay indicates that stylopine inhibits cell proliferation in MG-63 cells. Similarly, as confirmed by the EtBr/Ao staining method, the MMP assay indicates that stylopine induces mitochondrial membrane damage and apoptosis as compared to axitinib. Moreover, stylopine inhibits the VEGF-165 induced MG-63 cell migration by a trans-well migration assay. The immunoblotting and qRT-PCR analysis showed that stylopine inhibits the VEGF-165 induced VEGFR2 expression in MG-63 cells. It is concluded that stylopine has potential to regulate VEGFR2 and can inhibit osteosarcoma cells to offer a new drug candidate for the treatment of bone cancer in future

AUTHENTICATION AND QUALITY EVALUATION OF AN IMPORTANT AYURVEDIC DRUG AVERRHOA CARAMBOLA LINN LEAVES.

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacognostical and physico-chemical characters of Averrhoa carambola Linn. an important medicinal plant in the Indian system of medicine. Methods: The pharmacognostic studies out in terms of various investigations like organoleptic or morphological characters, microscopical or anatomical studies, physico-chemical evaluations (loss on drying, ash values, extractive values), preliminary phytochemical screening, TLC finger print profiling and fluorescence analysis of powdered crude drug as per WHO recommended guidelines for standardizations. Results: Macroscopically, the leaves are observed to be compound, pinnate, leaflets are ovate to ovate lanceolate in shape and soft. It shows glabrous surface, acute apex, entire margin and oblique base. Microscopically, the leaf showed the presence of single layered epidermis covered with striated cuticle. Some of the epidermal cells elongate to form covering trichomes. The characteristic microscopic features of leaves were observed as trichomes, multicellular trichomes, xylem cells, phloem cells, collenchyma and vascular bundles. Physiochemical parameters such as percentage of foreign matters, ash values, loss on drying, swelling index extractive values were determined. Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of carbohydrates, terpenoids, glycosides, Flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Conclusions: The results of the study can serve as a valuable source of information and provide suitable standards for identification of this plant material in future investigations and applications. These information will also be helpful to differentiate A. carambola L from the closely related other species