Cytotoxicity and chromosomal aberrations induced by methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa and its pure compounds on meristematic cells of Allium species

Cuscuta reflexa [Convolvulaceae], is commonly known as amarbel or akashbel. In Bangladesh and Nepal some of the tribes use C. reflexa against edema, body ache, cancer, skin infections and liver disorders. Despite its traditional uses there is no information regarding genotoxic effects of either the plant extract or its pure compounds. Methanolic extract of C. reflexa [MECR] and pure compounds derived from it namely, odoroside H, neritaloside, and strospeside, were evaluated in Allium cepa L. and A. sativum L. for their effects on root growth, root apical meristem mitotic index [MI], and chromosomal aberrations [CAs]. In this study, we adopted a new method of calculating percent change in root length. MECR caused a concentration- and time- dependent inhibition in root length at 100 - 10000micro g/ml in A. cepa root. It was accompanied by a subsequent decline in MI which is an indicative of its cytotoxic effect. On the contrary, at low concentrations a significant rise in root length was noticeable. In A. sativum, MECR also reduced the root length having IC 50 values [tilde]8 x and 4.3 x lower than A. cepa. A variety of CAs were evident in both Allium systems after treatment with MECR, odoroside H and neritaloside. Thus in MECR, cardenolides glycosides, i.e. odoroside H and neritaloside could be accountable for its genotoxicity

Depressive symptoms, monoamines levels, MAO-B activity and effect of treatment in a subset of depressed individuals from government sector hospital at Karachi

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in developing countries including Pakistan. This study was designed to assess the frequency and severity of depressive symptoms, monoamines and their metabolite levels, MAO-B activities before and after treatment with antidepressants in a sub-set of Karachi population in Pakistan. Drug naive depressed subjects were evaluated before and after treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety psychic [90%] were more frequent whereas, suicidal thoughts [tilde50%] and feelings of guilt [tilde30%] were less common. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores were 21.4 +/- 0.8 in both genders with a significantly higher score [1.3x] in females. Homovanillic acid, 5- hydroxyindoleacetic acid and MAO-B activity were significantly higher 43%, 66% and 25% respectively, in depressed than normal subjects. A significant decline after 2 weeks treatment in HDRS scores with fluoxetine [19%] and paroxetine [40%] and in MAO-B activity [20%] was observed. In conclusion, in our population early decline in HDRS scores supports that they are SSRIs responders, whereas a concomitant reduction in MAO-B activities indicates that it can be considered as one of the parameters for early detection of response. Additionally, the low frequency of suicidal thoughts could be associated with higher levels of monoamine metabolites

Phytochemical, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of flowers of phlox drummondii

The extracts and fractions of flowers of Phloxdrum mondii were evaluated for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Their purification resulted in the isolation of four known constituents of which uracil and 2-methyl-1,2,3,4- butantetrol have not been obtained previously from any specie of the genus Phlox, while isolation of the flavonoid glycosides [1] and [2] have been reported from the flowers of the plant. Among all the samples PhFC and its fraction PhFCM showed significant activity against both bacteria and fungi. Flavonoid glycoside O-rhamnosyl-6-C-xylosylapigenin 1 and O-rhamnosyl- 6- C-xylosylluteolin 2 demonstrated antioxidant activity which were of same magnitude [IC50 42.67 +/- 4.99 micro g/ml and 46.33 +/- 6.65 micro g/ml, respectively]. Thereby, suggesting that the presence or absence of hydroxyl group at position C-3' does not play a significant role in said activity in this case. Interestingly, the mixture of 1 and 2 apparently showed synergism as reflected by 45% improvement in antioxidant activity as compared to the individual values obtained for either 1 or 2

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: a review on unani verses modern medicine

Polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS] is a disturbance of reproductive, endocrine and metabolic functions. There are multiple clinical features including menstrual cycle disturbances, hirsutism, enlarged polycystic ovaries, abnormal biochemical profiles, obesity and acne. It is the most common endocrine disorder of women in their reproductive years with a global prevalence of up to 17.8%. While its incidence is highest in women from Kashmir Pakistan -Indian subcontinent [37.3%] followed by Pakistan [20.7%]. In Unani concept polycystic ovarian syndrome has not been defined as a disease however, descriptions related to its manifestation have been reported. According to Unani physicians it is predominantly due to excess of khilte balgham [phelgmatic humour]. The line of management is based on correction of this temperament by using herbs of the opposite temperament such as Aloe barb adensis, Cinnamom zeylanicum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Linum usitatissimum, Mentha spicata and Nigella sativa which help to increase the expectoration and purgation of phlegm from the body. In modern medicine an ideal therapy is lacking that fully reverses underlying hormonal disturbances and treats all clinical features. There are symptomatic correction available for polycystic ovarian syndrome most commonly used are oral contraceptives pills and metformin. However, they cannot reverse the hormonal imbalance completely justifying the use of alternative treatments

Genotoxic evaluation of linkus polyherbal cough preparation in bone marrow of Wistar rats

A polyherbal Linkus cough syrup is popularly used against various respiratory ailments, however there is no information regarding its genotoxicity. Thus, Linkus extract [1 and 5 g/kg] was administered orally to Wistar rats [n=9-12] for 3, 7 and 14 consecutive days with 24h intervals. Negative and positive control animals received water or cyclophosphamide [20 mg/kg], respectively. At the end of experiment, rat femora were removed and marrow was collected in Hanks balanced salt solution, smeared onto glass slides and fixed in methanol [100%]. After drying, stained with Giemsa [5%] followed by the addition of DPX [A mixture of distyrene [a polystyrene], a plasticizer [tricresyl phosphate] and xylene] and observed under microscope at 100x magnification. In all the slides, normochromatic erythrocytes [PCE] with and without micronuclei were identified; their frequency was noted and photographed. In cyclophosphamide treated animals, number of both PCE and NCE with micronuclei increased significantly as compared to control indicating its genotoxic action. On the contrary, in the Linkus treated [1 and 5 g/kg] animals the frequency of micronuclei was similar to that of control group. Since, there was no difference in the duration of treatment with Linkus at 1 and 5 g/kg, the data was pooled. Additionally, mice [n=10/sex] treated orally with either 1 or 5 g/kg of Linkus showed neither behavioral changes nor mortality for a period of 1 week. It is concluded that Linkus [5 g/kg] in acute toxicity test is non-toxic and in rat bone marrow test it did not induce micronuclei formation and hence is non-genotoxic, thereby supporting its safe usage in humans

Anticancer and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts and fractions of some Cameroonian medicinal plants

Objective: To obtain a scientific basis of the use of plant-derived preparations by many rural people in Cameroon, for their primary health care needs in the treatment of diseases such as cancer. Methods: The antiproliferative effect of 11 plants methanol crude extracts on four cancer cells using sulforhodamine-B assay and their antioxidant activities using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and nitric oxide radical scavenging ability were investigated. The Ekebergia senegalensis (E. senegalensis) and Protea elliotii (P. elliotii) extracts were selected based on their antioxidant and anticancer activities, and partition in hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and methanol was done. Each fraction was submitted to antioxidant and anticancer activities, and the effect of the dichloromethane fraction (the most antiproliferative fraction) on NCI-H460 cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry. Results: The most antiproliferative substances were found for the extracts from E. senegalensis, P. elliotii, Terminalia macroptera and Vitellaria paradoxa. Whereas the most antioxidant substances were found for the extracts from Cissus populnea, E. senegalensis, P. elliotii, Terminalia macroptera, Vitellaria paradoxa, and Gardenia aqualla. Dichloromethane fraction of P. elliotii was found to be highly antiproliferative to NCI-H460 cancer cells and showed S phase arrest cell cycle progression. Ethyl acetate n-butanol and methanol fractions showed quite strong antioxidant activity for both E. senegalensis and P. elliotii, as compared to that of gallic acid. Conclusions: Overall, the antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of some of the extracts lend some support to their use in the traditional medicine of Adamawa Region, Cameroon to treat cancer.

Anticancer and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts and fractions of some Cameroonian medicinal plants

OBJECTIVE@#To obtain a scientific basis of the use of plant-derived preparations by many rural people in Cameroon, for their primary health care needs in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.@*METHODS@#The antiproliferative effect of 11 plants methanol crude extracts on four cancer cells using sulforhodamine-B assay and their antioxidant activities using 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and nitric oxide radical scavenging ability were investigated. The Ekebergia senegalensis (E. senegalensis) and Protea elliotii (P. elliotii) extracts were selected based on their antioxidant and anticancer activities, and partition in hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol and methanol was done. Each fraction was submitted to antioxidant and anticancer activities, and the effect of the dichloromethane fraction (the most antiproliferative fraction) on NCI-H460 cell cycle was determined by flow cytometry.@*RESULTS@#The most antiproliferative substances were found for the extracts from E. senegalensis, P. elliotii, Terminalia macroptera and Vitellaria paradoxa. Whereas the most antioxidant substances were found for the extracts from Cissus populnea, E. senegalensis, P. elliotii, Terminalia macroptera, Vitellaria paradoxa, and Gardenia aqualla. Dichloromethane fraction of P. elliotii was found to be highly antiproliferative to NCI-H460 cancer cells and showed S phase arrest cell cycle progression. Ethyl acetate n-butanol and methanol fractions showed quite strong antioxidant activity for both E. senegalensis and P. elliotii, as compared to that of gallic acid.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Overall, the antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of some of the extracts lend some support to their use in the traditional medicine of Adamawa Region, Cameroon to treat cancer.

Effect of dichloromethane fraction of Areca catechu nut on monoamines associated behaviors and tyramine pressor sensitivity in rodents

The current study was aimed at investigating the effect of Areca catechu nut dichloromethane fraction [7 mg/kg] on monoamines [serotonin and dopamine] modulation [5-hydroxytryptophan-induced tremors and phenylethylamine-induced stereotypes] and its interaction with tyramine [cheese effect]. The dichloromethane fraction caused pronounced increase in 5-HTP-induced tremors [50%] with negligible PEA-induced stereotypes [20%]. Additionally, it did not produce a significant increase in the tyramine pressor effects. These results suggest that the dichloromethane fraction of A. catechu nut primarily elevates serotonin levels [probably via monoamine oxidase A inhibition] and does not induce cheese effect

Immunohistochemical determination of effects of Withania Somnifera root extract on noise stress induced adenohypophysis in albino rats

To access the ameliorating role of Withania somnifera root extract on noise stress effected Adenohypophysis morphology in albino rats by immuno-histochemical method. Experimental and observational study. This study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical center Karachi from January 2008 to December 2011. 90 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups A, B, C each group was divided into 2 subgroups A1-A2, B1-B2 and C1-C2 [24 hrs and 30 days] obtaining15 animals each. Group A served as control, group B were exposed to 100dBA noise for 24 hrs and 6hrs/day for 30 days as experimental design and group C was protected with Withania somnifera root extract along with noise stress. The animals were sacrificed at the end of experimental period of each subgroup and blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of the plasma ACTH and plasma Corticosterone concentration. Pituitary gland was removed from each animal and prepared for microscopic examination by immunohistochemical method. Immunohistochemical study reveals that, the black brown pigments deposited more in group B2 animals and reduced in group C animals Adenohypophysis indicated by ACTH monoclonal antibody Clone-56. The ACTH level was highly significantly increased after 24hrs and 30 days. The Corticosterone level was highly significantly decreased after 24hrs and not as much decreased after 30 days. It was restored insignificantly in protected groups after 24hrs and 30 days. Withania somnifera root extract has preventive efficacy against noise stress, immunohistochemistry confirmed that, less extent of black brown pigment deposition was the amount of corticotropes

Comparison of monoamine reuptake inhibitors for the immobility time and serotonin levels in the hippocampus and plasma of sub-chronically forced swim stressed rats

The current study was aimed at comparing the behavioral and biochemical [5-hydroxytryptamine and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid levels] effects of monoamine reuptake inhibitors [fluoxetine, venlafaxine and imipramine] in sub-chronically forced swim stressed rats. At the given doses of 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, among aforesaid antidepressants, the imipramine treatment alone caused significant decline in the immobility time of rats [IC[50] - 20 mg/kg]. In the hippocampus of rats, the imipramine treatment caused significant elevation of 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT] whereas, the fluoxetine and venlafaxine elicited significant increase in 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid [5-HIAA] levels. Likewise, in the plasma of rats, the imipramine treatment significantly increased the 5-HIAA levels whereas, the fluoxetine and venlafaxine treatment significantly elevate the 5-HT levels. It can therefore be inferred that the imipramine did not act like other monoamine reuptake inhibitors in biochemical study, which could possibly underlie its ability to be detected in forced swim test [behavioral study]. Moreover, the re-uptake inhibition of 5-HT is not accountable for the antidepressant action exhibited in forced swim test

Antidepressant like actions of opuntia dillenii butanol fraction in rodents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antidepressant like actions of butanol fraction from methanol extract of Opuntia dillenii in rodents. Butanol fraction of Opuntia dillenii was obtained by bioassay guided fractionation of crude methanol extract of the plant. This fraction was evaluated for antidepressant activities using two behavioral tests viz a] forced swimming and b] tail suspension tests in rats and mice, respectively. Additionally, locomotor test and yohimbine potentiation test were also conducted to understand its mechanism of antidepressant action. One way analysis of variance and Student's paired t test were applied for data analysis and significance was defined as P value <0.05. The butanol fraction significantly reduced the duration of immobility time of rodents in a dose dependant manner in both behavioral stress models, indicating antidepressant-like activity. This effect was comparable to that of reference antidepressant drug fluoxetine. The butanol fraction did not cause significant change in the locomotor activity suggesting that the butanol fraction is not a stimulant. The four times higher mortality in yohimbine treated mice in the presence of butanol fraction as compared to control animals implies that butanol fraction is probably interfering with the alpha -2 feedback mechanism of norepinephrine. Hence the butanol fraction of Opuntia dillenii possesses antidepressant activity therefore it merits further research to identify active moiety and to further elaborate the possible mechanism[s] involved in its antidepressant activity

Comparison of the efficacy of fluoxetine, phenelzine and moclobemide in rodents using animal models of depression

Fluoxetine, phenelzine and moclobemide are reference antidepressant drugs that are commonly used to treat depression. In a present study we have compared the efficacy of fluoxetine, phenelzine and moclobemide in the rodents using forced swimming test [FST] and the tail suspension test [TST]. All the drugs caused marked reduction in immobility time of rodents in a dose dependent manner in both models of depression but FST appeared to be more sensitive behavioral model than TST, in our study. Moclobemide showed the highest efficacy as it caused 87.7% reduction in immobility time in rats using FST with an efficacy order as moclobemide > phenelzine > fluoxetine. On the basis of IC[30] values for the drugs, fluoxetine appeared to be the most potent in our investigations

Depression: prevalence, pathogenesis and treatment options

Depression represents a major public health problem that is characterized by disturbance of mood, poor concentration, loss of sense of control and a subjective experience of great distress. It affects the thinking and functioning processes of an individual, greatly diminishes his or her social role and productivity, even leading to suicide. The incidence of depression is gradually on a rise and afflicts all socioeconomic levels. Prevalence studies give very high figures of depression in all parts of the world. The pathogenesis of this mental health problem is very complex. Genetic factors greatly contribute in etiology of depression and the heritability of this illness is greater in females. Abnormalities in membrane bound signal transduction systems and intracellular signaling systems play an important role in the etiology of depression. Deregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and altered levels of several brain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, gamma amino butyric acid and dopamine are also implicated in depression. The cause and effect relationshiop in this mental disorder still remains unclear. Therapies that are available to treat depression are limited and suboptimal with regard to their efficacy and tolerability. These therapies include pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, exercise therapy, electro convulsive therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, phytotherapy, meditation, phototherapy and negative ion therapy

Synthesis and evaluation of novel phenacyl based carboxamide derivatives of piperidine as antihypertensive agents

The research in the field of piperidine has generally been related to the synthesis of useful medicinal drugs. In view of the pharmacological and medicinal importance of piperidine derivatives in different disciplines of medicines the present study has been carried out. A series of newly synthesized N-substituted phenacyl piperidine derivatives [II-VII and XIII-XIV] has been evaluated for hypotensive activity in normotensive anesthetized rats at the doses of 0.5 micro g/kg taking acetylcholine and noradrenaline [1 micro g/kg] as control. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate were compared to its respective control values obtained immediately before the administration of test compounds and expressed as percent change. The compounds II, III and XIV showed mild hypertensive activity while compound V, VII and XIII were found inactive at that dose level. However, compound IV showed more hypotensive effect than the starting molecule [I]. None of these derivatives affected the heart rate at the same dose. It was also revealed that the carboxamide group has no considerable effects on arterial blood pressure and plays no important role in the increase or decrease of blood pressure