Evaluation of free-radical quenching properties of standard Ayurvedic formulation Vayasthapana Rasayana

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Cellular damage induced by free-radicals like Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (ROS and RNS) has been implicated in several disorders and diseases, including ageing. Hence naturally occurring anti-oxidant rich-herbs play a vital role in combating these conditions. The present study was carried out to investigate the <it>in vitro </it>free-radical quenching capacity of a known <it>Ayurvedic </it>poly-herbal formulation called <it>Vayasthapana Rasayana.</it></p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Methanol extracts of <it>Vayasthapana Rasayana </it>formulation (VRF) were studied for <it>in vitro </it>total antioxidant activity along with phenolic content and reducing power. <it>In vitro </it>assays like DPPH, FRAP, ABTS scavenging to evaluate radical quenching potential were performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The formulation has shown 94% at 0.1 mg/ml DPPH free-radical scavenging activity as against 84% at 0.1 mg/ml for standard ascorbic acid (IC₅₀value 5.51 μg/ml for VRF and 39 μg/ml for standard). It has a significant higher ferric reducing potential also (OD 0.87 at 700 nm & 0.21 at 0.1 mg/ml for VRF and standard, respectively). The total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) of the VRF is 8.3 mg per g of dry mass. Total antioxidant capacity of the formulation, estimated by FRAP was 1150 ± 5 μM Fe(II)/g dry mass. ABTS radical scavenging activity of VRF was 69.55 ± 0.21% at 100 μg/ml concentration with a IC₅₀value of 69.87 μg/ml as against 9% and 95% by ascorbic acid and Trolox (at 70.452 μg/ml and 0.250 μg/ml concentrations, respectively).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In Indian traditional <it>Ayurvedic </it>system, use of VRF is in regular practice for mainly combating age-related disorders and diseases as many of the components of the <it>Rasayana </it>are known for their free-radical scavenging activity. This study has validated the potential use of VRF as an anti-oxidant to fight age-related problems.</p

Evaluation of comparative free-radical quenching potential of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Mandookparni (Centella asiatica)

Ayurvedic texts describe rejuvenate measures called Rasayana to impart biological sustenance to bodily tissues. Rasayana acting specifically on brain are called Medhya Rasayana. Brahmi is one of the most commonly practiced herbs for the same. Yet there exist a controversy regarding the exact plant species among Bacopa monnieri L. Penn (BM) and Centella asiatica (L.) Urban (CA) to be used as Brahmi in the formulations. Though the current literature available has suggested a very good nootropic potential of both the drugs, none of the studies have been carried out on comparative potential of these herbs to resolve the controversy. Free-radical scavenging potential for these plants is studied to find out their comparative efficacy. The study revealed a very good in vitro free-radical scavenging properties of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of both the plants as evidenced by FRAP, DPPH, reducing power, and antilipid peroxidation assays. It can be concluded from the studies that both the plants, although taxonomically totally different at family level, showed similar type of in vitro activities. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents also revealed a significant similarity in the two plants. The in vitro study supports the Ayurvedic concept of BM and CA having a similar potential

Evaluating effectiveness and acceptance of advanced driving assistance systems using field operational test

A large number of reported road collisions are caused by driver inattention, and inappropriate driving behaviour. This study investigated the effectiveness and acceptance of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) for driver age groups, gender, occupation (professional/non-professional), and road type (expressway, urban roads, and semi-urban road) based on the Field Operational Test (FOT). The ADAS is provided with assistance features, such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Traffic Speed Recognition Warning (TSRW). In total, the FOT involved 30 participants who drove the test vehicle twice (once in the stealth phase and once in the active phase). The FOT included three sections: expressway (20.60 km), urban road (7.2 km), and semi-urban road (13.35 km). A questionnaire was used to determine user acceptance of the ADAS technology. In addition, parametric and non-parametric statistical tests were carried out to determine ADAS's significant effects. The FOT results showed statistically significant differences in the LDW’s acceptance and effectiveness for gender, age group, occupation, and road type before and after exposure to ADAS. Male participants showed significant lateral behavior improvement compared to female participants. Old-aged drivers scored the highest acceptance score for the technology compared to middle and young-aged drivers. The subjective ratings ranked the assistance features in descending order as TSRW, LDW, and FCW. This study’s findings can support policy development and induce trust in the public for the technology adoption to improve road traffic safety

COMPARATIVE FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL OF BRANDED MARKET SAMPLES OF AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION: DASHAMOOLARISHTA

Dashamoolarishta is a well known Ayurvedic Rasayana preparation comprising ten different roots. At least two of these plants are rare, compelling use of alternatives or substitute plant parts, which could results in pharmacological variation in marketed formulations. Moreover, studies on their anti-inflammatory properties are also lacking. This investigation evaluated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of six selected eminent brands of Dashamoolarishta (A, B, C, D, E &amp; F). Sample F stood out as highest (Total Phenolics: 21.67 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g dry mass; ABTS: 29.23 ±0.09 % and Anti Lipid Peroxidation: 91.94 ±0.02 %). Sample E scored lowest in all these values. Formulations F, B and E were further compared using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model of inflammation. All formulations exhibited variations in anti-inflammatory activity. Maximum inhibition was in animals intervened with formulation F (44.16 %) comparable to that of standard Diclofenac (48.10 %, 10 mg/kg) at 6 h. Our findings support the Ayurvedic rationale of using Dashamoolarishta formulation and its therapeutic use in treatment of inflammatory diseases. It is reiterated that significant variation exists in biochemical and pharmacological potential among marketed formulations