Background: To date, anti-obesity agents based on natural products are tested for their potential using lipase inhibition assay through the interference of hydrolysis of fat by lipase resulting in reduced fat absorption without altering the central mechanisms. Previous screening study had indicated strong anti-obesity potential in Eleusine indica (E. indica), but to date, no pharmacologic studies have been reported so far. Objective: This study was performed to investigate the lipid-lowering effects of E. indica using both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: The crude methanolic extract of E. indica was fractionated using hexane (H-Ei), dichloromethane (DCM-Ei), ethyl acetate (EA-Ei), butanol (B-Ei), and water (W-Ei). All the extracts were tested for antilipase activity using porcine pancreatic lipase. Because H-Ei showed the highest inhibition, it was further subjected to chemical profiling using high-performance liquid chromatography. Subsequently, oral toxicity analysis of H-Ei was performed [Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines using fixed dose procedure (No. 420)]; efficacy analysis was performed using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemic female Sprague–Dawley rats. Results: According to the toxicity and efficacy analyses, H-Ei did not demonstrate any noticeable biochemical toxicity or physiologic abnormalities and did not cause any tissue damage as per histologic analysis. Furthermore, H-Ei significantly reduced body weight and improved serum profile and did not show hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity based on the serum profile. Moreover, H-Ei alleviated HFD-induced hepatosteatosis and ameliorated induced adiposity in both visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that H-Ei effectively improved hyperlipidemia. Further studies to explore its possibility as an alternative pharmacologic agent to treat obesity are warranted. Abbreviation Used: ALT: Alanine transaminase; AST: Aspartate transaminase; B-Ei: Butanol extract of E. indica; DCM-Ei: Dichloromethane extract of E. indica; EA-Ei: Ethyl acetate extract of E. indica; GHS: Globally Harmonized System; HDL: High-density lipoprotein; H-Ei: Hexane extract of E. indica; HFD: High-fat diet; HPLC: High-performance liquid chromatography; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein; NFD: Normal fed diet; PPL: Porcine pancreatic lipase; SEM: Standard error of mean; SD: Standard deviation; TC: Total cholesterol; TG: Triglycerides; W-Ei: Water extract of E. indica.

Background: Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation severely affect the normal physiology of neurons and lead to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Polyphenols proved a boon in the prevention of dementia due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective potential. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a natural polyphenolic compound attributed with antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective properties. Objective: The present study investigates the effect of CAPE on experimental dementia in rats. Methods: Intracerebroventricle (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 3 mg/kg) was given to Wistar rats (200 g, either sex) on days 1 and 3 to induce dementia of AD type. CAPE (3 and 6 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to separate groups of rats for 28 successive days daily. Morris water maze and elevated plus maze served as exteroceptive behavioral models to measure the memory of the rats. Results: The present study illustrated that CAPE treatment for 28 consecutive days arrested the development of cognitive deficits in STZ-ICV-treated rats, that is, a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the mean escape latency during acquisition trial and increased (P < 0.05) time spent in target quadrant during retrieval trial in Morris water maze test and reduction (P < 0.05) in transfer latency in elevated plus maze test. Furthermore, both the doses of CAPE when administered to rats that were previously treated with STZ-ICV prevented the rise of brain thiobarbituric acid reactive substance as well as TNF-α and simultaneously enhanced the GSH content. Conclusion: CAPE administration ameliorated STZ-ICV-induced dementia through the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Abbreviation used: AD: Alzheimer's disease, ANOVA: Analysis of Variance, aCSF: Artificial cerebrospinal fluid, CAPE: Caffeic acid phenethylester, EPM: Elevated plus maze, ELT: Escape latency time, GSH: Reduced glutathione, IL: Interleukin, ICV: Intracerebroventricular, MDA: Malondialdehyde, MEL: Mean escape latency, MWM: Morris water maze, NFTs: Neurofibrillary tangles, RNS: Reactive nitrogen species, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, SEM: Standard error of mean, STZ: Streptozotocin, TBARS: Thiobarbituric reactive substances, TSTQ: Time spent in target quadrant, TL: Transfer latency, TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor alpha.

Background: Tephrosia purpurea is an Indian herb used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as jaundice, asthma, liver and urinary disorders. However, the anti-cancer potential of T. purpurea on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the anti-cancer activity of T. purpurea in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Methods: The leaves and root of T. purpurea were extracted with methanol using soxhlet apparatus. The cytotoxicity of the T. purpurea extracts in HepG2 cells was evaluated using MTT assay whereas the mode of cell death was examined by AOEB, Hoechst and JC1 staining under a fluorescence microscope. T. purpurea extracts-induced caspase-3 expression was investigated using colorimetric assay. Results: The leaves and root extracts inhibited HepG2 cell growth at the IC₅₀ of 102.33 ± 10.26 µg/mL and 276.67 ± 20.43 µg/mL respectively at 24 h. Chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, apoptotic bodies formation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization were observed in HepG2 cells treated with both extracts. The caspase-3 expression was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in extracts treated cells when compared to control. Conclusion: The leaves and root extracts of T. purpurea induce apoptosis mediated cell death in HepG2 cells. Abbreviation used: AO: acridine orange, DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide, EB: ethidium bromide, IC₅₀: the concentration at which 50% of cancer cells are dead, JC-1: 5, 5', 6, 6'-tetrachloro-1, 1', 3, 3'-tetraethyl-imidacarbocyanine iodide, MTT: 3-4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl, 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, PBS: phosphate-buffered saline, ΔΨm: mitochondrial trans-membrane potential

Background: Leucas cephalotes has been used by many tribes to treat variety of diseases and known to have many essential secondary metabolites. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first comparative analysis of total fatty acid (FA) composition and α-amylase inhibition activity of L. cephalotes. Objective: The present study is carried out to explore the antihyperglycemic activity and FA contents of all parts of L. cephalotes. Material and Method: Fruits, leaves, stems, and roots part of L. cephalotes have been extracted in ethanol. Simultaneously, all plant parts have been extracted in hexane with Soxhlet extraction. Ethanolic extracts have been evaluated for antihyperglycemic activity and hexane extract have been analyzed for FA identification. Result: The present study indicated that ethanolic extract of fruit and leaves have shown significant α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 92.86 ± 0.89 and 98.09 ± 0.69 μg/mL, respectively. FA composition of all the parts of L. cephalotes was analyzed by GC/MS. Nineteen FAs have been identified in all parts of L. cephalotes in which palmitic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and linoleic acid were major FAs. Conclusion: The study indicates that L. cephalotes has significant potential to inhibit α-amylase enzyme and it is a rich source of essential FAs. Abbreviations used: DM: Diabetes Mellitus, FA: Fatty Acid, FFAs: Free Fatty Acids, FAME: Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, IC50: Inhibitor Concentration, GC-MS: Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrophotometer

Background: Cellular damage initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is the main cause of numerous severe diseases and therefore for this reason, the natural antioxidants have note worthy significance in human health. Capsaicin possesses noteworthy analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also possesses healing effects for treatment of arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, gastric lesions, and cardiac excitability that is why it is incorporated in creams and gels. Objective: The present study was carried out to estimate the in vitro antioxidant and ROS scavenging activities of capsaicin against muscle precursor cells. Till date,no investigation has been carried out to study the effect of capsaicin on myoblasts.Materials and methods: Herein, the cytotoxicity was induced by endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to analyze the effect of capsaicin on LPS induced inflammation and apoptosis on muscle cells. To find out the toxicity of endotoxin, myoblasts were exposed to different concentrations of LPS, viability and morphology was checkedby the means of CCK-8 test and microscopy, respectively. Apoptotic cell death was examined by fluorescence staining. Additionally, LPS-induced apoptosis was determined by mRNAexpression of calpain, caspase-3 and tumor necrosisfactor alpha (TNF-α), and were quantified by qRT-PCR. Results: The outcome of the presentstudy demonstrated that LPS stimulation generatestoxicity in dose-dependent manner. Pre-treatmentof myoblasts with capsaicin can considerably alleviate LPS-induced inflammation. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study indicates that dietetic supplementation of capsicum may help to alleviate/reduce the inflammatory effects and is therefore potent source of natural antioxidant agent which can be utilized to control muscle related diseases, such as myotube atrophy. Abbreviation used: AMP: Adenosine monophosphate, AO/EB: Acridine orange / Ethidium bromide, ATL: T-cell leukemi, CAP: Capsaicin, CCK-8: Cell counting Kit-8, CLSM: Laser Scanning Microscopy, DCF-DA: 2', 7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate, DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, DPPH: α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl, FBS: Fetal bovine serum, KA: Kainic acid, LPS: Lipopolysaccharide, MDA: Malondialdehyde, NF-kB: Nuclear factor kgene binding, PBS: Phosphate buffer saline, pNA: p-nitroanilide, RNW: RNase free water, ROS: Reactive oxygen species, TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor alpha, TRPV1: Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1

Background: Iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) have got many biomedical and health applications because of biocompatible and nontoxic nature to humans. Objective: To synthesize the FeNPs using natural sources. Materials and Methods: In this study, simple and economical procedure was adopted for FeNPs synthesis. Sesame seeds were processed to obtain seed extract as a biological material for FeNPs production. FeNPs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopic. Results: The average diameter of these FeNPs was 99 nm. These nanoparticles showed significant anti-typhoid activity (30 mm zone of inhibition) as compared to ciprofloxacin (32 mm) as standard. Furthermore, in vitro alpha-amylase inhibitory assay also showed moderate antidiabetic activity with more than 50% inhibition. Conclusion: This study would be helpful in understanding of nanoparticles synthesis from natural sources and ultimately will be used as potential alternative therapeutic agents. Abbreviations used: FeNPs: Iron Nano Particles; SEM: Scanning Electron Microscopy; MIC: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration; S. indicum: Sesamum Indicum.

Objectives: To evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the isolated metabolites from Callyspongia siphonella. Methods: Different chromatographic methods have been done on the organic extract of the marine sponge aiming at isolating the bioactive metabolites. The cytotoxicity of the isolated compounds has been evaluated against the human colorectal cancer cell line; HCT-116, employing SRB assay. The flow cytometry assay was applied to measure the cell cycle analysis. Results: Six metabolites (1–6) were obtained. The compounds 4–6 exhibited IC₅₀ values (µM ± SD) of 95.80± 1.34, 14.8 ± 2.33, and 19.8 ± 3.78, respectively. Cell cycle distribution analysis revealed that sipholenol A (5) and sipholenol L (6) induced G2/M and S phase arrest with concomitant increase in the pre-G cell population. Furthermore, 5 and 6 increased the nuclear expression of the pro-apoptotic protein-cleaved caspase-3 that effectively drives cellular apoptosis via caspase-3-dependent pathway. Conclusions: The antiproliferative activity of 5 and 6 can be recognized, at least partly, due to their ability to induce cellular apoptosis. Abbreviations used: A549 (human lung carcinoma), Caco-2 (Human ColonCarcinoma), CHCl3 (Chloroform), HCT 116 (Human Colon Carcinoma), HepG2 (Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma), HT-29 (Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma), MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7; Human Breast Adenocarcinoma), MeOH (Methanol), NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), PBS (Phosphate Buffered Saline), PC-3 (Human Prostate Cancer), PTLC (Preparative Thin Layer Chromatography), RPMI-1640 (Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium), TLC (ThinLayer Chromatography).

Background: Marine sponge is a rich natural resource of many pharmacologically important compounds. Objective: Marine sponge Hyrtios erectus, collected from North Bay, South Andaman Sea, India, was screened for potential antiproliferative and proapoptotic properties on a breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Materials and Methods: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to test the antiproliferative and cytotoxicity effects of the sponge extract. Analysis of apoptosis and cell cycle stages were done by flow cytometry. The expression of several apoptotic-related proteins in MCF-7 cells treated by the extract was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Various analytical techniques including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance were employed to determine the identity of the active compounds in the sponge extract. Results: N-Hexane extract of the sponge inhibited proliferation of the MCF-7 cell line in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Exposure of the sponge extract triggered apoptosis of the MCF-7 cells, induced DNA fragmentation, and arrested the cells in G₂/M phase. Treatment of the sponge extract induced downregulation of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein and upregulation of Bax, caspase-3, caspase-9, and fragmented poly(ADP ribose)polymerase proteins in MCF-7 cells. Five bioactive compounds have been identified in the extract. Conclusion: The antiproliferative and proapoptotic activities of the tested extract suggested the pharmacologic potential of the identified compounds. Further characterization of the identified compounds are in progress. Abbreviations used: GC-MS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; FT-IR: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; NMR: Nuclear magnetic resonance; MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide.

Background: Emergence of chloroquine (CQ) resistance among different strains of Plasmodium falciparum is the worst catastrophe that has ever perplexed the dedicated efforts to eradicate malaria. This urged the scientists to search for new alternatives or sensitizers to augment its antiplasmodium effect. Materials and Method: In this experiment, the potential of embelin, isolated from Embelia ribes, to inhibit the growth and sensitize CQ action was screened using SYBRE-green-I based drug sensitivity and isobologram assays, respectively. Its effect on red blood cells stability was screened to assess its safety. To explore its molecular mechanism, its effect on plasmodial Hemozoin and the in vitro β-hematin formation was screened as well. Furthermore, its anti-oxidant activity was measured using the conventional in vitro tests and its molecular characters were obtained using Molispiration program. Results: The results showed that its anti-plasmodial effect was weaker than CQ but synergism was obtained when they were combined at ratios lower than 5:5 CQ/embelin. Furthermore, β-hematin formation was inhibited by embelin without showing any synergism after mixing with CQ. Conclusion: Overall, embelin is not ideal to be suggested as a conventional antiplasmodium but it has a potential to ameliorate CQ resistance. Furthermore, its action is not related to its impact on hemozoin formation. Further, investigations are recommended to illustrate its detailed mechanism of action. Abbreviation used: CQ-DV-PBS-HEPES: Chloroquine-Digestive vacuole-Phosphate-buffer-saline-4-(2-hydroxyethyl-1-piperazin-ethan-sulphoni-acid), EDTA: Ethylen-diamin-tetra-acetic-acid, g.m.wt: Gram molecular weight, cMCM: Complete-malaria-culture-medium, Hct: Hematocrite, PRBCs: Parasitized-redblood-cells, nRBCs: Normal-red-blood-cells, RT: Room temperature, IC: Inhibitory concentration, FIC: Fractional inhibitory concentration, iCM: Incomplete-culturemedium, BSA: Bovin serum albumin, MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazy, BHT: Butylatedhydroxyl-toleuen, PSA: Polar surface area, ClogP: Log partition coefficient (octanol/water), GPCR: G-protein-coupled-receptors, DMSO: Dimethylsulphoxide, NaOH: Sodium hydroxide

Background: Hepatitis is a health problem affecting millions of people worldwide and it is the major risk factor for liver cirrhosis. In India, many plants are used to treat hepatitis. But little is known about the effects of (-)-epicatechin a bioactive compound of Phyllanthus niruri (PN) in hepatitis rats. Objective: The present study was designed to explore the antioxidant property of (-)-epicatechin isolated from PN in D-Galactosamine (D-GalN) induced hepatitis rats. Materials and Methods: The rats are divided into five groups as per the experimental design. (-)-Epicatchin pretreatment was given to the hepatitis rats for 21 days and biochemical analysis was carried out. The hepatic antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, and bilirubin are estimated. Results: All the antioxidant enzymes activities and albumin levels are depleted in hepatitic rats. Whereas GST, ALP, AST, ALT activities and MDA, and bilirubin levels are elevated in hepatitis rats, (-)-epicatechin pretreatment increased all the antioxidant enzymes and decreased the GST, ALP, AST, ALT, and MDA levels in hepatitis rats. However, histopatholoigic studies also proves that (-)-epicatechin pretreatment decreased the tissue damage in hepatitis condition. This is the first report on the antioxidant enzymes and hepatoprotective effect of (-)-epicatechin in hepatitis rats. Conclusion: From this study, we conclude that (-)-epicatechin treatment decreased the oxidative damage in hepatitis rats. Abbreviations used: Phyllanthus niruri (PN), D-Galactosamine (D-GalN),superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione s transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), World Health Organisation (WHO), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS).

Aim: Despite its therapeutic value almost nothing is known about potential adverse health effects of Olea europea L. We therefore investigated the in vitro toxicity and genotoxicity of leaf extracts of this plant. Material and Methods: Extracts from olive tree leaves were obtained from four different regions in Tunisia. We investigated the in vitro toxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of their aqueous extracts using the neutral red (NR) uptake, Vitotox and alkaline comet assays. Results: None of the extracts were found to be toxic and none of them were genotoxic, although some doubt exists for the extract obtained at Meski (North of Tunisia). On the basis of the Vitotox test only, none of the extracts appeared to have antigenotoxic (or cogenotoxic) properties. Discussion: The negative genotoxicity underline the safe use of the leaves, for example, as hypoglycemic and antidiabetic preparations. Lack of antigenotoxicity may indicate that the previously reported anticancer effects do not result from protection against genotoxicity. Abbreviation list: BaP : benzo(α)pyrene, EMS: ethyl methane sulfonate, LMP: low melting point, NI₅₀: 50% inhibition of NRU, NR: neutral red, NRU: neutral red uptake, OD: optical density, PBS: phosphate buffer saline, SDS: sodium dodecyl sulphate, S/N: signal to noise ratio, 4NQO : 4-nitroquinoline oxide

Background: Alcohol-induced hyperlipidemia is positively correlated with cardiovascular diseases. Several herbal extracts have been reported to protect the cardiac injury and suppress the hyperlipidemia. However, the effect of ginger extracts on alcohol-induced hyperlipidemia and associated myocardial damage remains unclear. Objective: This study investigated the cardio-protective properties of ginger ethanolic extract (Gt) against alcohol-induced myocardial damage, and further distinguished the association between hyperlipidemia and occurrence of myocardial damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty four Wistar male albino rats (250 ± 20 g) were divided into four groups including, Normal control (NC) (0.9% NaCl), Ginger treated (Gt) (200 mg/Kg b.w.), Alcohol treated (At) (20% of 6g/kg b.w. alcohol), and Alcohol along with Ginger treatment (At+Gt). In this study, lipid profiles such as fatty acids, triglycerides, total cholesterol, phospholipids, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoproteins, and cardiac biomarkers, including LDH, AST, CK-MB, cTn-T and cTn-I were examined in rats. Furthermore, histopathological studies were also conducted. Results: We found that alcohol-induced myocardial damage was associated with increased lipid profile except high density lipoprotein in alcohol treated (20%, 6g/kg b.w.) rats compared with control. Ginger treatment significantly reduced the alcohol-induced lipid profiles except high density lipoproteins. Furthermore, elevated cardiac biomarkers activity with alcohol intoxication was substantially suppressed by ginger treatment. In addition, ginger treatment for 7-weeks significantly minimized the alcohol-induced myocardial damage. Conclusion: Our results concluded that ginger could protect alcohol-induced myocardial damage by suppression of hyperlipidemia and cardiac biomarkers. Abbreviation Used:Gt: Ginger Ethanolic Extract; NC: Normal Control; At: Alcohol treated; MI: Myocardial Infarction

Context: Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea is a shrub mangrove plant of the family Rubiaceae and not yet been studied for anti-hepatocarcinogenic effects. Objectives: We investigated possible in vitro anti-hepatocarcinogenic and antioxidant properties of S. hydrophyllacea. Materials and Methods: Dried leaves of S. hydrophyllacea were sequentially extracted into hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol and tested for cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and sulforhodamine B assays, and for antioxidant activities by the free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated in all four extracts. The hexane and chloroform extracts were tested for pro-apoptotic properties in HepG2 cells, and bioactive components were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results: The hexane and chloroform extracts showed dose-dependent and time-dependent cytotoxic effects. Morphological changes observed under fluorescence microscope related to apoptosis, and significant (P < 0.001) increases in caspase 3 and 9 levels were observed in hexane and chloroform extract-treated cells. Slight DNA fragmentation was observed only in response to the chloroform extract. mRNA expressions of p53 and Bax were significantly upregulated by low doses of hexane and chloroform extracts. Highest antioxidant activity was observed in the methanol extract. GC-MS profiles identified 24 and four major compounds in the hexane and chloroform extracts, respectively. These included some known anticancer compounds such as lupeol. Conclusion: Cytotoxicity, antioxidant effects, and apoptosis-related changes exerted by hexane and chloroform extracts of S. hydrophyllacea concluded that these two extracts are good source for isolation of possible anticarcinogenic compounds. Abbreviation used: DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, GC-MS: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid, HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma, GAE: gallic acid equivalents, SRB: sulforhodamine B, MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, AO/EB: acridine orange/ethidium bromide, GAPDH: Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, IC₅₀: half maximal inhibitory concentration; QE: quercetin equivalents, HE: hexane extract, CE: chloroform extract, EAE: ethyl acetate extract, ME: methanolic extract, TPC: total polyphenol content, TFC: total flavonoid content, ANOVA: Analysis of variance

Background: Root of Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (Renseng in Chinese) is a famous Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ginsenosides are the major bioactive components. However, the shortage and high cost of some ginsenoside reference standards make it is difficult for quality control of P. ginseng. Objective: A method, single standard for determination of multicomponents (SSDMC), was developed for the simultaneous determination of nine ginsenosides in P. ginsen g (ginsenoside Rg₁, Re, Rf, Rg₂, Rb₁, Rc, Rb₂, Rb₃, Rd). Materials and Methods: The analytes were separated on Inertsil ODS-3 C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μ m) with gradient elution of acetonitrile and water. The flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection wavelength was set at 203 nm. The feasibility and accuracy of SSDMC were checked by the external standard method, and various high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) instruments and chromatographic conditions were investigated to verify its applicability. Using ginsenoside Rg₁as the internal reference substance, the contents of other eight ginsenosides were calculated according to conversion factors (F) by HPLC. Results: The method was validated with linearity (r² ≥ 0.9990), precision (relative standard deviation [RSD] ≤2.9%), accuracy (97.5%–100.8%, RSD ≤ 1.6%), repeatability, and stability. There was no significant difference between the SSDMC method and the external standard method. Conclusion: New SSDMC method could be considered as an ideal mean to analyze the components for which reference standards are not readily available. Abbreviations used: DRT: Different value of retention time; F: Conversion factor; HPLC: High-performance Liquid Chromatography; LOD: Limit of detection; LOQ: Limit of quantitation; PD: Percent difference; PPD: 20(S)-protopanaxadiol; PPT: 20(S)-protopanaxatriol; RSD: Relative standard deviation; SSDMC: Single Standard for Determination of Multicomponents; TCM: Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Background: Herbomineral formulations are momentous in an audience of worldwide by virtue of their holistic approach to life. These formulations are widely used as complementary therapies in immunocompromised patients including cancer. Still, there is the need of cost-effective and safe herbomineral-based formulation that can modulate immune response by the regulation of cytokines cascades. Objective: Current study, we investigated immunomodulatory effect of TEBEH in LPS-induced cytokines expression levels in mouse splenocytes in vitro. Materials and Methods: The most effective and safe concentrations of TEBEH were chosen by determining the cell viability of splenocytes using MTT assay. The pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-1α, and IFN-γ were measured in cell supernatants using ELISA. Results: MTT data showed TEBEH formulation was found safe up to 10.53 µg/mL. At noncytotoxic concentrations (0.00001053–10.53 µg/mL), TEBEH significantly (P ≤ 0.001) inhibited the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MIP-1α in mouse splenocytes as compared with vehicle control. Conclusion: In summary, TEBEH may indeed promote an anti-inflammatory environment by suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These observations indicated that TEBEH has potential effects in downregulating the immune system and might be developed as a useful anti-inflammatory product for various inflammatory disorders. SUMMARYThe present study was undertaken to evaluate an immunomodulatory effect of the herbomineral formulation in LPS-induced mouse splenocytes with the measurement of cytokines expression such as TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-1α and IFN-γ. The results showed that the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and MIP-1α was significantly down-regulated while, IFN-γ was significantly up-regulated in mouse splenocytes. It is hypothesized that modulation of the proinflammatory cytokines might occur via NF-kB pathway. Therefore, the herbomineral test formulation might act as an effective anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory product, and this can be used as a complementary and alternative treatment for the prevention of various types of inflammatory and auto-immune disorders. Abbreviations used: LPS: Lipopolysaccharide, IL: Interleukin; NF-kB: Nuclear factor kappa-B, TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor alpha, MIP-1α: Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, IFN-γ: Interferon, MTT: 3-(4, 5-diamethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium), ELISa: Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay, ANOVa: analysis of variance,

Background: The reporting of the medicinal plants and their traditional uses is important in order to prevent this knowledge from being lost. The aims of this study were to collect information concerning the traditional use of medicinal plants in the region of Tafila; identify the most important medicinal plants; determine the relative importance of the species surveyed; and calculate the informant consensus factor (F_ic) in relation to medicinal plant use. Materials and Methods: Data on the traditional medicinal uses of local plants were collected using qualitative tools. The informant consensus factor (F_ic) for the category of aliments and the use value (UV) of the plant species were calculated. Results and Conclusions: The survey revealed that 41 plant species are still in use in Tafila for the treatments of various diseases. Problems of the digestive system had the highest F_ic values, while Allium cepa L. and Matricaria aurea (Loefl.) Sch. Bip. scored the highest UV. Abbreviations used: F_ic: Informants consensus factor, n_ur: number of use reports per each category, n_t: number of taxa used, UV: use value of a species, U: number of uses per species, n: number of informants

Background: In order to develop oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) lignin as a nutraceutical and health supplement, the investigation of its potential in interacting with other drugs via inhibition of drug-metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) would ensure product safety. Objective: The study was aimed to investigate the in vitro effect of oil palm EFB lignin and its main oxidation compounds on phase II DME UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in rat liver and kidney microsomes. Materials and Methods: The p-nitrophenol (p-NP) and 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) were employed as probe substrates in glucuronidation assays. The effect of soda oil palm EFB lignin on V_max, K_m, CL_int, K_i, and mode of inhibition of 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM was also determined. Results: The inhibitory potency of oil palm EFB lignin for both p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in rat liver microsome (RLM) and rat kidneys microsomes (RKM) was found to be in the rank order of soda > kraft > organosolv. However, the inhibitory potency of its main oxidation compounds were in the rank order of vanillin > syringaldehyde > p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Soda oil palm EFB lignin exhibited mixed-type inhibition against 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM, showing the change in apparent V_max and with only a minor effect on K_m compared with control. Conclusions: The findings showed that effect of oil palm EFB lignin on both p-NP and 4-MU glucuronidation in RLM and RKM was enhanced by the presence of vanillin as well as flavonoids. Kinetic study showed that soda oil palm EFB lignin exhibited strong inhibition on UGT activity in RLM with mixed-type inhibition mode. Abbreviations used: p-NP: p-Nitrophenol, 4-MU: 4-Methylumbelliferone, EFB: Empty fruit bunch, DME: Drug-metabolizing enzymes, UGT: UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, V_max: Maximal reaction velocity, K_m: Michaelis-Menten constant, CL_int: Intrinsic clearance, K_i: Dissociation constant of an inhibitor enzyme complex, 4-MUG: 4-Methylumbelliferone glucuronide, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, IC₅₀: Half maximal inhibitory concentration, p-NPG: p-Nitrophenol glucuronide, RKM: Rat kidneys microsomes, RLM: Rat liver microsome, UDPGA: UDP-glucuronic acid, TCA: trichloroacetic acid, MPA: mycophenolic acid

Context: Few vegetables that are commonly consumed in India as part of diet have been claimed for their antidiabetic potential. Objective: The present study was aimed at evaluating preventive effects of cucurbit vegetables namely, Coccinia indica and Momordica balsamina belonging to family Cucurbitaceae in diabetic hyperglycemia. Materials and Methods: The fruits of M. balsamina and C. indica were extracted with chloroform and fractionated with hexane to prepare an extract rich in moderately polar components. These extracts were used for evaluating the effect of these cucurbits in nicotinamide/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes. Streptozotocin–nicotinamide-induced diabetic animals were orally treated with chloroform extract of fruits (250 mg/kg BW) given daily for a week separately. Results: Both the extracts reduced fasting blood glucose significantly (P < 0.05 versus diabetic control) when estimated on seventh day of treatments. Pretreatment with fruit extracts for 7 days also blunted the OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) curve. Results indicated that C. indica and M. balsamina fruits possess beneficial effects in diabetes by lowering elevated blood glucose level. Six cucurbitane-type triterpenoids were isolated from bioactive extracts of C. indica (1-3) and M. balsamina (4-6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis.Conclusion: The study concludes that the inclusion of C. indica and M. balsamina fruits in food can be useful for newly diagnosed diabetic patients or highrisk group of population for glycemic control. Abbreviation used: C: indica (Coccinia indica), M: balsamina (Momordica balsamina), Kbr: Potassium bromide, FTIR: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, COSY: Corelated Spectroscopy, DEPT: Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, TMS: tetramethylsilane, ESI-MS: Electrospray Ionization mass spectrometry, TLC: thin layer chromatography, STZ-NA: Streptozotocin-nicotinamide, CMC: carboxy methyl cellulose, BW: body weight, ANOVA: analysis of variance, AUC: area under curve

Background: Prostaglandins (PGs) have short existence in vivo because they are rapidly metabolized by NAD⁺-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) to 15-ketoprostaglandins. Inhibition of 15-PGDH causes elevated level of PGE₂ in cellular system. It will be valuable for the therapeutic management of diseases requiring elevated PGE₂ levels, like wound healing. Objective: Ninety-eight plant samples were screened for the discovery of potent 15-PGDH inhibitor. Among them, top five plant extracts as potent 15-PGDH inhibitor were chosen to determine PGE₂ release from HaCaT (Keratinocyte cell line) cell line. Finally, top 15-PGDH inhibitor was selected to evaluate in vitro wound healing effect on HaCaT scratch model. Method: The inhibitory activity for 15-PGDH inhibitors was evaluated using fluorescence spectrophotometer by measuring the formation of NADH at 468 nm following excitation at 340 nm. Cell viability assay and PGE₂ release was evaluated in HaCaT cell line after treatment of 15-PGDH inhibitors. Scratches were made using sterile 200 μL on HaCaT cell and wound-healing effect was evaluated after treatment of 15-PGDH inhibitor. Results: 15-PGDH inhibitors elevated PGE₂ levels in concentration-dependent manner. Ethanol extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus (EEAH), the most potent 15-PGDH inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 0.62 µg/mL) with least cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 670 µg/ml), elevated both intracellular and extracellular PGE₂ levels. EEAH facilitated in-vitro wound healing in a HaCaT (Keratinocyte cell line) scratch model. Conclusion: EEAH might apply to treat dermal wounds by elevating PGE₂ levels via COX-1 induction and 15-PGDH inhibition. Abbreviations used: 15-PGDH: 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, COX: Cyclooxygenase, DTT: Dithiothreitol, DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's media, EEAH: Ethanol extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus, MRP4: Multidrug resistance 4, PGs: Prostaglandins, PGT: Prostaglandin transporter, SDS: Sodium dodecylsulfate

Background:Euphorbia hirta possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, galactogenic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antiasthmatic, antiamebic, antifungal, and antimalarial activities. Objective:The overall objective of the current study was the investigation of the whole plant extract of E. hirta and flavonoids from E. hirta on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in rats. Materials and Methods:The whole plant extract of E. hirta was characterized by analysis of flavonoids (HPLC: HPLC, UV, IR, MS and ¹HNMR). GERD model was induced surgically in Wistar rats under pentobarbitone sodium anesthesia (50 mg/kg, i.p.) and the tissue esophagus and stomach were removed. The tissues were washed with physiological saline and were examined for GERD. The whole plant extract of E. hirta in doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were administered orally twice daily at 10:00 and 16:00 hours, respectively, for 5 days and kaempferol (100 mg/kg) or omeprazole (OMZ) in the dose of 30 mg/kg 1 hour prior to the induction of GERD. Control groups received suspension of 1% carboxymethyl cellulose in distilled water (10 mL/kg). Results: The levels of gastric wall mucus increased and of plasma histamine and H⁺, K⁺ ATPase significantly decreased in groups treated by both the plant extract and flavonoids. Both the plant extract and flavonoids reduced the lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase and increased the levels of catalase and reduced glutathione. Conclusions: The whole plant extract of E. hirta is attributed to its antisecretory, gastroprotective, and antioxidant potential as that of quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and proton pump blocker (omeprazole) to treat GERD. Abbreviation used: 1HNMR: Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, CAT: Catalase, EHAE: Aqueous extract of Euphorbia hirta, EHEF: Ethyl Acetate Fractions of Euphorbia hirta, GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GSH: Reduced Glutathione, HPLC: High performance liquid chromatography, IR: Infrared spectroscopy, LPO: Lipid Peroxidase, MDA: Malondialdehyde, MS: Mass Spectroscopy, OMZ: Omeprazole, ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, TBHQ: tert-Butylhydroquinone, TLC: Thin Layer Chromatography, UV: Ultraviolet, UV: Ultraviolet–Visible Spectroscopy

Context: Glycoside-based standardized fenugreek seed extract (SFSE-G) demonstrated promising efficacy in animal models of immune-inflammatory conditions. Aim: The present study was aimed at embryo-fetal development toxicity evaluation of SFSE-G in Wistar rats as per guideline No. 414 of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Material and Methods: Mated female rats were randomized into four groups of 30 each and received oral doses of either SFSE-G at 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg or vehicle (water) during the period of gestation (postconception) from gestational day 5 (GD5, an implantation day) until 1 day before cesarean sections (GD19). Maternal food consumption, body weights, and clinical signs were monitored throughout gestation. Cesarean sections were performed on GD20 and fetal observations (gravid uterine weight, implantation sites, early and late resorptions, live and dead fetuses) were recorded. Live fetuses were weighed and examined for external, visceral, and skeletal variations and malformations. Results: None of the SFSE-G-treated groups showed maternal and embryo–fetal toxicity. Occasional and incidental skeletal and visceral malformations were observed and found to be spontaneous and unrelated to the treatment. Conclusion: Oral exposure of SFSE-G during the prenatal period did not show significant maternal and embryo-fetal toxicity up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg in rats. Therefore, the no-observed-adverse-effect level for SFSE-G for prenatal oral exposure was considered to be 1000 mg/kg. Abbreviations used: CPCSEA: Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision of Experiments on Animals; GD: Gestational day; GRAS: Generally recognized as safe; HED: Human equivalent dose; NOAEL: No-observed adverse effect levels; OECD: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development; SFSE-G: glycoside-based standardized fenugreek seed extract

Background: Ginsenosides are the principal components responsible for the pharmacological activities of ginseng. Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 are the major compounds recognized as marker substances for quality control of ginseng-based products. These major compounds can be transformed to several pharmacologically active minor ginsenosides by chemical, microbial, and enzymatic means. Materials and Methods: In the present study, a combination of polysaccharide hydrolases and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) were used to extract ginseng saponins enriched with ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1. Temperature, pH, time, ginseng-to-water ratio, and pressure were optimized to obtain the maximum amount of Rg1 and Rb1 in the resulting extract using commercial polysaccharide hydrolases. Results: This study showed that treatment with a combination of cellulase, amylase, and pectinase at 100 MPa pressure, pH 4.8, and 45°C for 12 h resulted in higher Rg1 and Rb1 levels in the extract. Conclusion: This study describes a cheap and ecofriendly method for preparing ginseng extract enriched with Rg1 and Rb1. Abbreviations used: ATCC: American Type Culture Collection, Mpa: Mega Pascal

Alcohol addiction is a worldwide problem. It has mainly two components: dependence and withdrawal. Characteristic properties of most anti-addictive compounds include anti-anxiety, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, and nootropic actions. Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis. Convolvulaceae), known ethnopharmacologically as brain tonic, possess all the properties mentioned above. Here, we screen shankhpushpi for possible anti-addictive potential. Effect of shankhpushpi churna was measured on ethanol withdrawal anxiety using elevated plus maze. The role of shankhpushpi on chronic ethanol consumption (21 days) was measured using two bottle choice protocol of voluntary drinking. We also measured the effect of the above herb on cortico-hippocampal GABA levels. Shankhpushpi was found to reduce alcohol withdrawal anxiety in a dose-dependent manner. The herb also decreased ethanol intake and increased water intake significantly (P < 0.001) after 4 days of administration. Both these effects were blocked (P < 0.001) by GABA_A antagonist suggesting the role of GABA_A receptor. Chronic administration of shankhpushpi also significantly (P < 0.01) increased cortico-hippocampal GABA levels in mice. Shankhpushpi reduced both alcohol dependence and withdrawal in a GABA_A-dependent manner, thus showing anti-addictive potential. Abbreviations used: GABA: Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, CNS: Central Nervous System

Background: Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system characterized by recurrent seizures. It is a very common disease in which approximately 30% of patients do not respond favourably to treatment with anticonvulsants. Oxidative stress is associated with neuronal damage arising from epileptic seizures. The present study investigated the effects of naringenin in pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in mice. Naringenin, one of the most frequently occurring flavanone in citrus fruits, was evaluated for its shielding effect against the pilocarpine induced behavioural, oxidative and histopathological alterations in rodent model of epilepsy. Methodology: Epilepsy was induced by giving pilocarpine (300mg/kg) and sodium valproate (300mg/kg) was given as standard anti-epileptic drug Pilocarpine was administered (300 mg /kg body weight) intraperitoneally to the mice on 15th day while naringenin was administered orally (20 and 40 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days prior to administration of pilocarpine. Results: The intraperitoneal administration of pilocarpine enhanced lipid peroxidation, caused reduction in antioxidant enzymes, viz., catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione reductase. Treatment of mice orally with naringenin (20 mg/kg body weight and 40 mg/kg body weight) resulted in a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation. There was significant recovery of glutathione content and all the antioxidant enzymes studied. Also in case of behavioural parameters studied, naringenin showed decrease in seizure severity. All these changes were supported by histological observations, which revealed excellent improvement in neuronal damage. Conclusion: The higher dose of naringenin was more potent in our study and was comparable to the standard drug (sodium valproate) in effectiveness. Abbreviations used:6-OHDA: 6-hydroxydopamine, AED: Anti epileptic drugs, AIDS: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome, ANOVA: Analysis of variance, ATP: Adenosine triphosphate, CA: Cornu ammonis, CAT: Catalase, DG: Dentate gyrus, EDTA: Ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid, GR: Glutathione reductase, GSH: Glutathione reduced, HCl: Hydrochloric acid, IL-1β: Interleukin 1 beta, LPO: Lipid peroxidation, MDA: Malondialdehyde, NADPH: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, PMS: post mitochondrial supernatant, SE: Status epilepticus, SEM: Standard error of the mean, SOD Superoxide dismutase, TBA: Thiobarbituric acid, TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, TLE: Temporal lobe epilepsy, TNF-α: Tumor necrosis factor alpha