Wound healing efficacy of curcumin-loaded sandalwood bark-derived carbon nanosphere/PVA nanofiber matrix.

The present investigation deals with the evaluation of the wound healing efficacy of sandalwood bark-derived carbon nanospheres loaded with curcumin-embedded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber membranes (NF). Carbon nanospheres (CNS) were prepared by pyrolyzing sandal wood bark powder at 750 °C. The morphology was confirmed by field emission scanning electron micrographs and a rich amount of carbon was confirmed by the energy dispersive X-ray technique. Curcumin, an active wound healing drug was loaded onto synthesized CNS and confirmed by ATR-IR studies. Drug-loaded CNS were anchored in a PVA matrix via electrospun nanofiber fabrication. The fabricated nanofiber membranes were characterized and evaluated for wound healing efficiency. The cytotoxicity assay proved the non-toxic nature of the prepared PVA/CNS-curcumin-loaded NF. Membranes with active CNS/drug showed better antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, which was estimated using the zone of inhibition (ZOI) test. The in vitro scratch wound healing assay of prepared PVA/CNS-curcumin nanofibers was efficient enough and showed 92 to 98% wound closure, which was greater than the control (without drug) nanofiber membranes. The PVA nanofiber matrix with interconnected structure and carbon nanostructures together enhanced the wound healing efficacy of the considered wound healing membrane, which is a promising novel approach for future wound healing patches.

Synthesis of chromium-D-phenylalanine complex and exploring its effects on reproduction and development in Drosophila melanogaster.

The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of Chromium-D-phenylalanine (Cr (D-phe)3) on the reproduction and development of Drosophila melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)3 was synthesized and characterized by infrared spectral analysis, melting point (DSC), and UV spectral analysis. D. melanogaster was raised in corn flour agar medium containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 µg/mL of Cr (D-phe)3. The effect of Cr (D-phe)3 was evaluated by observing the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric analysis of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults, fertility, fecundity, lifespan of the emerged flies, and levels of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the supernatant of flies homogenate suspension. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)3 showed beneficial effects on reproduction and development in D. melanogaster. Cr (D-phe)3 significantly improved the larval period, pupal period, percentage of egg hatching, morphometric characters of the larva, pupa, and adult, fertility, fecundity, and lifespan of D. melanogaster. Moreover, Cr (D-phe)3 also significantly elevated the levels of catalase (p < 0.01), GST (p < 0.05), and SOD (p < 0.01) in D. melanogaster, and results were statistically significant at the dose of 15 µg/mL. The study results indicate that Cr (D-phe)3 has a positive effect on the reproduction and development of D. melanogaster. The literature review revealed that there is a strong relationship between the physiology of metabolism, oxidative stress and reproduction and development. Several studies propose that Cr(III) influences insulin sensitivity and thereby the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Cr (D-phe)3 also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, the observed beneficial effects of Cr (D-phe)3 on reproduction and development of D. melanogaster may be attributed to its physiological effect on carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Relevance of Nanotechnology in Solving Oral Drug Delivery Challenges: A Perspective Review.

Nanotechnology is opening up new opportunities in drug delivery, including oral delivery, and it may reduce toxicity and increase drug ability. Presently, researchers are expanding their knowledge in the development of oral nanomedicine to extend the scope of oral drug delivery and exhibit excellent platforms for drug transportation, target, and controlled release. The present review is an attempt to define updated oral nanostructured systems for the delivery of a wide range of drugs. The review also focuses on the use of different polymeric and other materials, technologies adopted, and benefits/drawbacks of delivery systems.

Antipsychotic activity of embelin isolated from Embelia ribes: A preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Embelia ribes is claimed in Indian traditional medical practice to be useful in the treatment of nervous diseases. Embelin, an alkyl substituted hydroxy benzoquinone, is a major active constituent of E. ribes. The present preliminary study was intended to evaluate antipsychotic activity of embelin against apomorphine-induced climbing behaviour in mice and stereotyped behaviour in rats. METHODS: Two doses of embelin (5 and 10mg/kg) were administered once daily for 15days before exposure to apomorphine. On the concluding day of pre-treatment, after apomorphine-injection, the rodents were assessed for climbing and stereotyped behaviours according to the published scoring system. Thereafter, neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin) levels were estimated in rodent brains. RESULTS: Embelin pre-treatment significantly inhibited apomorphine-induced climbing and stereotyped behaviours in mice and rats, respectively. Further, embelin also statistically reversed elevated levels of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin neurotransmitters in the brain of mice and rats. Embelin showed more significant results at high dose (10mg/kg) than low dose (5mg/kg) in both the tested models. CONCLUSION: Considering the present pharmacological profile of embelin, it is suggested that embelin possesses antipsychotic activity in the treatment of psychotic disorders. However, further research is warranted for evaluating its exact mechanism of action.

Ameliorative effect of chromium-d-phenylalanine complex on indomethacin-induced inflammatory bowel disease in rats.

Present study was designed to evaluate the effect of chromium-d-phenylalanine complex (Cr (d-phe)3) on indomethacin-induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in rats. Adult Wistar rats were pretreated with vehicle/Cr (d-phe)3 (30, 60 and 90µg/kg, p.o.) for 11days. On day 8 and 9, after one h of the above mentioned treatment, indomethacin (7.5mg/kg/day,s.c.) was administered to induce IBD. On day 12, blood samples were collected from animals for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) estimation and ileum was isolated for macroscopic scoring, biochemical estimation (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione and myeloperoxidase activity) and histopathological study. Administration of indomethacin significantly altered the serum LDH, macroscopic and microscopic appearance and biochemical parameters in ileum tissue. Cr (d-phe)3, at all the tested doses, caused a significant reversal of changes induced by indomethacin. Present study demonstrates the protective effect of Cr (d-phe)3 against indomethacin-induced IBD in rats. The observed protective effect might be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Cr (d-phe)3.

Polyphenolic enriched extract of Cassia glauca Lamk, improves streptozotocin-induced type-1 diabetes linked with partial insulin resistance in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Traditionally Cassia glauca (CG) has been used to treat diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study was undertaken to evaluate anti-diabetic and antioxidant activity of polyphenolic enriched extract of CG in standardized streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of ethanol (CGE) and water (CGW) extracts of CG (200 and 400mg/kg) treatment were evaluated in STZ (50mg/kg, iv) induced diabetic rats. On 10th day, oral glucose tolerance test and degree of insulin resistance was calculated. On 13th day, insulin tolerance test was performed to know the peripheral utilization of glucose. On 15th day, blood glucose, lipid profiles and endogenous antioxidant levels were estimated. In addition, the effects on oral glucose/sucrose tolerance test in normal rats. Further, HPLC fingerprinting profile of CGE and simultaneous quantification of biomarkers were carried out. RESULTS: Supplementation with CGE and CGW significantly reduced STZ-induced deleterious effects and improved glucose tolerance, and insulin tolerance. In addition, supplementation also decreased oxidative stress by improving endogenous antioxidant levels. Furthermore, administration significantly improves sucrose tolerance suggesting that extract possess inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme. Further, HPLC studies revealed that CGE contains three bioactive polyphenolic compounds viz., rutin (0.10±0.01mg/g), luteolin-7-glucoside (0.06±0.01mg/g) and isorhoifolin (0.7±0.05mg/g). CONCLUSION: Observed beneficial outcome of CG might be attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds and mediated by interacting with multiple targets of diabetes and oxidative stress. Taken together, this study provided the scientific evidence for the traditional use of CG.

Effect of Embelin Against Lipopolysaccharide-induced Sickness Behaviour in Mice.

Sickness behaviour is a coordinated set of adaptive behavioural changes that develop in ill individuals during the course of an infection. It is relevant to understanding depression and some aspects of the suffering that in cancer. Embelin has been reported to possess antiinflammatory, neuroprotective and anxiolytic assets and has been shown to inhibit nuclear factor κB pathway and cytokine production. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effect of embelin isolated from Embelia ribes Burm in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behaviour in mice. Adult male Swiss albino mice were pre-treated with embelin (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days and then challenged with LPS (400 µg/kg, i.p.). At different time intervals of post-LPS challenge, sickness behaviour was evaluated in the animals by battery of behavioural tests (plus maze, open field, light-dark box, forced swim, social behaviour assessment, sucrose preference and food and water intake). Levels of oxidative stress makers (reduced glutathione and lipid peroxidation) in mice brain were also analysed. LPS induced behavioural alterations, anhedonia and anorexia, in mice. Pre-treatment with embelin attenuated behavioural changes induced by LPS. In addition, embelin prevented anhedonia, anorexia and ameliorated brain oxidative stress markers. The experimental outcomes of the present study demonstrated protective effect of embelin in LPS-induced sickness behaviour in mice. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effect of embelin against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced Huntington's disease in rats.

3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NP) causes severe neurotoxicity in animals, which depicts Huntington's disease (HD) in humans. Embelin, the main active constituent of Embelia ribes, has been reported to possess various pharmacological actions, mainly anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of embelin against 3-NP induced experimental HD in rats. Adult Wistar rats were pretreated with vehicle/embelin (10 and 20mg/kg p.o.) for 7 days. From 8th day onwards, embelin was co-treated with 3-NP (15mg/kg, i.p.) for 7 days. At the end of the treatment schedule, animals were evaluated for behavioral alterations and brain homogenates were used for estimation of oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase). 2,3,5-Triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) stained brain slices were used for lesion size measurement. Administration of 3-NP significantly altered the behavioral and neuronal antioxidant status and caused significant neuronal damage in striatal region. Embelin, at both the tested doses, caused a significant reversal of behavioral and antioxidant status alterations and reversed the striatal neuronal damage induced by 3-NP. These findings suggest the neuroprotective effect of embelin against HD. The observed protective effect might be attributed to the antioxidant properties of embelin.

Antiepileptic and antipsychotic activities of standardized Silajatu (Shilajit) in experimental animals.

BACKGROUND: Silajatu (Shilajit; SJ) is claimed in traditional Indian medical practice to be useful in the treatment of nervous disorders, epilepsy and as antistress. AIM: To investigate whether SJ possesses antiepileptic and antipsychotic activities in rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Isonicotinyl hydrazine (INH), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), apomorphine, phenytoin, diazepam, haloperidol and other chemicals of analytical grade were procured from standard companies. The antiepileptic activity of SJ was assessed using maximal electro shock (MES)-induced seizures in rats, INH and PTZ-induced seizures in mice. The antipsychotic effect of SJ was evaluated using apomorphine-induced climbing and stereotyped behaviours respectively, in mice and rats. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: SJ (25 and 50 mg/kg, p.o.) was given orally once daily for 15 days in all the rodent models. On the test day, SJ was administered 1 h prior to electric shock or chemical inducers (INH/PTZ/apomorphine) in experimental animals; the animals were then observed for different phases of seizures and psychotic behaviours. In addition, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content in the brain of rats and mice was estimated in seizure models. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Statistical comparisons were performed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-test using Graph Pad Prism version 5.0, USA. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: SJ pretreatment significantly inhibited the seizures induced by MES, INH and PTZ in a dose dependent manner. Further, SJ augmented brain GABA levels to normal, decreased by INH and PTZ in mice brain. SJ pretreatment also significantly inhibited the climbing and stereotyped behaviours induced by apomorphine. The present data seems to confirm the antiepileptic activity of SJ which may be because of enhancing the GABAergic system. The antipsychotic activity observed may be due to anti-dopaminergic and/or GABA-mimetic actions.

Pregnancy influences the plasma pharmacokinetics but not the cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of raltegravir: a preclinical investigation.

Alterations in antiretroviral pharmacokinetics during pregnancy must be understood for the drugs to be used safely and effectively. Present study is an attempt to understand the potential changes in raltegravir plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics during pregnancy in late pregnant and non-pregnant rats. In vitro plasma protein binding, metabolic stability, intravenous blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and oral pharmacokinetic studies were performed. Raltegravir concentrations in different matrices were measured using LC-MS/MS. Raltegravir plasma protein binding remained similar in both groups, whereas, metabolic stability was significantly lower in pregnant rats than the non-pregnant rats liver microsomes. In oral pharmacokinetic study, peak plasma concentrations and systemic exposures were significantly lower (∼37%) and clearance was significantly higher (∼61%) in late pregnant rats compared to non-pregnant rats. However, unlike plasma pharmacokinetics, CSF pharmacokinetic profile of raltegravir was similar in both pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Following intravenous administration, raltegravir showed higher BBB permeability in pregnant rats compared to non-pregnant rats. But the mean CSF-to-plasma ratio was significantly higher in pregnant rats compared to non-pregnant rats suggesting higher brain penetration in pregnant rats. In conclusion, pregnancy significantly affected the plasma pharmacokinetics, whereas cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics remained fairly similar in pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Although current plasma pharmacokinetic data is in contradiction to the reported human data, pregnancy-specific pharmacokinetic changes observed in the current study emphasize the need for close therapeutic monitoring while treating the pregnant population and also warrants the need for additional clinical data with larger group of patients.

2,5,6-trisubstituted imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles: search for antihyperlipidemic agents.

A novel series of 2,5,6-trisubstituted imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles 4(a-d) and 7(a-i) were rationally designed through QSAR based pharmacophore approach and synthesized from 5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-[1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-amine (1). The structures of these compounds were established by IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, HRMS technique. All the compounds were evaluated for their in vitro antihyperlipidemic activity using trition induced hyperlipidemic model. The newly synthesized title compound 7d, 7e and 7h showed a significant decrease in the serum, TCH, TG LDL and VLDL values along with an increase in serum HDL levels as compared to standard drug Fenofibrate. The treated groups also showed significant decrease in the atherogenic index, LDL:HDL risk ratios and the level of SGOT, SGPT and ALP activities compared to cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic control group.

Anti-diabetic and anti-cataract effects of Chromolaena odorata Linn., in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chromolaena odorata Linn., is used in traditional Indian medicine in the treatment of diabetes and eye problems. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract Chromolaena odorata leaves (ACO) in streptozotocin (STZ; 45 mg/kg, i.v) induced diabetes and cataract in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different doses of ACO (200 and 400mg/kg) was administered once daily for eight weeks to STZ-induced diabetic rats. To know the mechanism of action of title plant, AUC(glucose), AUC(insulin), Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA), insulin tolerance test (ITT) and glucose uptake by rat hemi-diaphragms were carried out. Further, cataract score was taken once in a week upto eight weeks and opacity index was measured. HPLC fingerprinting profiling of ACO was also carried out. RESULTS: Administration of ACO exhibited significant reduction in glucose, HOMA, lipid profiles and significantly improved glucose and insulin tolerance, glycogen content, glucose uptake by skeletal muscle, serum insulin and HDL-c levels. In addition, ACO also decreased oxidative stress by improving endogenous antioxidants. Further, treatment of ACO showed significantly reduced onset and extent of cataract. CONCLUSION: The present data suggested that the treatment of ACO reversed the STZ-induced diabetes and cataract in rats. The observed beneficial effects may be mediated by interacting with multiple targets operating in diabetes mellitus and its complication. Taken together, this study provided the scientific evidence for the traditional use of Chromolaena odorata.

Protective Effect of Calendula officinalis L. Flowers Against Monosodium Glutamate Induced Oxidative Stress and Excitotoxic Brain Damage in Rats.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a popular flavour enhancer used in food industries; however, excess MSG is neurotoxic. Oxidative stress is well documented in MSG induced neurotoxicity. The compounds having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties reportedly possess beneficial effects against various neurotoxic insults. Calendula officinalis Linn. flower extract (COE) is known for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Hence, this present study has been designed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of COE on MSG-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Adult Wistar rats were administered systemically for 7 days with MSG and after one h of MSG injection, rats were treated with COE (100 and 200 mg/kg) orally. At the end the treatment period, animals were assessed for locomotor activity and were sacrificed; brains were isolated for estimation of LPO, GSH, CAT, TT, GST, Nitrite and histopathological studies. MSG caused a significant alteration in animal behavior, oxidative defense (raised levels of LPO, nitrite concentration, depletion of antioxidant levels) and hippocampal neuronal histology. Treatment with COE significantly attenuated behavioral alterations, oxidative stress, and hippocampal damage in MSG-treated animals. Hence, this study demonstrates that COE protects against MSG-induced neurotoxicity in rats. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of COE may be responsible for its observed neuroprotective action.

Evaluation of anxiolytic effect of Erythrina mysorensis Gamb. in mice.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate anxiolytic effect of stem bark ethanol and chloroform extracts of Erythrina mysorensis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anxiolytic activity was examined by using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT), and motor coordination by rotarod test (RRT). Twenty four Swiss albino male mice were divided into four groups of six mice each. Group 1 received vehicle (normal saline); group 2 received diazepam (1 mg/kg); groups 3 and 4 received ethanolic and chloroform extract of Erythrina mysorensis, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o., respectively. RESULTS: Mice treated with diazepam (1 mg/kg, p.o.) showed significant (P < 0.001) increase ini the percentage of open arms entries and time spent whereas, in closed arm the number of entries and time spent were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Oral administration of chloroform and ethanol extract of E. mysorensis exhibited significant (P < 0.05) increase in the number of open arm entries and time spent with significant (P < 0.05) reduction in number of entries and time spent in the closed arm as compared to group 1. Chloroform and ethanol extracts treated mice also produced significant increase in the number of rearings (P < 0.05), assisted rearings and number of squares crossed (P < 0.01). Rotarod test showed significant (P < 0.01) reduction in motor activity at 45 min with diazepam and E. mysorensis extracts (400 mg/kg) as compared to groups 3 and 1. CONCLUSION: Erythrina mysorensis possess significant anxiolytic activity in the mice. It can be a promising anxiolytic agent.

Immunomodulatory and antioxidant effect of Leptadenia reticulata leaf extract in rodents: possible modulation of cell and humoral immune response.

CONTEXT: Leptadenia reticulata Linn. (Asclpiadaceae) commonly known as "dodi," is an Indian medicinal plant which is known to have ethno-medical uses such as stimulant, tonic, immunostimulant and is one of the ingredient in ayurvedic formulation called as "Chawanprash," which is widely used in India to increase the strength of immune system. OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study is to evaluate immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of L. reticulata L. leaves in rodents. METHODS: Haemagglutinating antibody (HA) titre, haematological profile (Hb, WBC, RBC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response, neutrophil adhesion test and carbon clearance assay were determined by in vivo experiments. RESULTS: The evaluation of immunomodulatory potential of L. reticulata (100, 200 mg/kg, p.o.) evoked a significant dose-dependent increase in antibody titre values; DTH reaction induced by SRBC and potentiated percentage neutrophil adhesion to nylon fibers as well as phagocytosis in carbon clearance assay. Also it caused significant increase in haematological profile, GSH, SOD, CAT activity and significantly decreased LPO levels in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed rats. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicate that L. reticulata possesses potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity and can play a major role in reducing the risk to develop immunodeficiency disorders.

Protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mimusops elengi Linn. flowers against middle cerebral artery occlusion induced brain injury in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In the traditional Indian and Thai system of medicine, Mimusops elengi Linn., flower is used as brain tonic and to calm anxiety and panic attacks. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Mimusops elengi (ME) against cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were pretreated with ME (100 and 200mg/kg) for seven days and focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) method. After 60min of MCAO and 24h of reperfusion, a battery of behavioral tests assessed the extent of neurological deficits. Infarct volume and brain edema were measured in TTC stained brain sections and the extent of blood brain barrier (BBB) disruption was observed by Evan's blue extravasation. Oxidative and nitrative stress parameters were estimated in the brain homogenates. Further, simultaneous quantification of five polyphenolic biomarkers were done using HPLC. RESULTS: Pretreatment with ME at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg significantly improved the neurobehavioral alterations and reduced the infarct volume, edema and extent of BBB disruption induced by ischemia reperfusion injury. It also prevented the alteration in the antioxidant status and reduced the nitrite levels when compared to ischemic animals. Further, HPLC studies revealed that ME contains five bioactive polyphenolic compounds. CONCLUSIONS: These results clearly indicate the neuroprotective effect of ME against stroke like injury. The observed protective effect might be attributed to the polyphenolic compounds and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory property.

Antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Amaranthus viridis Linn in alloxan induced diabetic rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of whole plant of Amaranthus viridis (MEAV) in alloxan (ALX) induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was confirmed after 5 days of single intraperitoneal injection of ALX (140 mg/kg) in albino Wister rats. MEAV (200 and 400 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.) orally administered daily for 15 days, blood was withdrawn for glucose determination on 0, 1, 10 and 15 days respectively. On the 15th day, overnight fasted rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for the determination of high density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), total glycerides (TG) and total proteins (TP). For in vivo antioxidant activity of MEAV, liver tissues were homogenized and the assay of lipid peroxidation and was measured as Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and total thiols (TT) were performed in control, ALX and MEAV treated rats. MEAV at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg showed significant reduction is blood glucose, lipid profiles and significant improvement in MDA, GSH, CAT and TT when compared to diabetic control group. In vitro α-amylase inhibition activity of MEAV was also studied. We concluded that MEAV possess antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant activities.

Restoration of brain antioxidant status by hydroalcoholic extract of Mimusops elengi flowers in rats treated with monosodium glutamate.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavor enhancer in many countries. However, overconsumption of MSG has been reported to produce detrimental effects on several organs. It mainly affects the normal physiology and function of the brain and causes severe oxidative stress. Mimusops elengi Linn. traditionally is used in many countries as a brain tonic and to calm anxiety and panic attacks. The effect of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of M. elengi flowers (ME) was evaluated against MSG-induced oxidative stress and excitotoxicity in Wistar rats. Excitotoxicity was induced by intraperitoneal administration of MSG (2 g/kg) for 7 days, and ME (100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered for 3 days before and for 7 days with administration of MSG. Animals were evaluated for locomotor activity, and brain homogenates were estimated for the levels of antioxidants and nitrite. In animals treated with MSG, pretreatment with ME improved ambulatory behavior, reduced lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels, and restored the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant (glutathione, total thiols, glutathione-S-transferase and catalase) status to near-normal levels; these were altered in the MSG control animals. Altogether, this investigation demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of ME against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by MSG, and the observed protective effect might be attributed to the potential antioxidant property of ME.

Antidiabetic effect of Ficus racemosa Linn. stem bark in high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats: a mechanistic study.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of the ethanol extract of Ficus racemosa (FRE) on biochemical parameters in type 2-like diabetes, induced by a combination of standardised high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin (25mgkg(-1), i.p.) in rats. To elucidate the mode of action of FRE, its effects on a battery of targets involved in glucose homeostasis was evaluated. FRE (200 and 400mgkg(-1), p.o.), in a dose-dependent manner, altered the biochemical parameters and significantly improved glucose tolerance and HDL-c levels. In different bioassays, FRE showed inhibition of PTP-1B (IC50 12.1µg/mL) and DPP-IV (42.5%). FRE exhibited 82.6% binding to PPAR-γ. Furthermore FRE exhibited stimulation of glucose uptake by skeletal muscles (hemi-diaphragm). Bergenin was quantified in bioactive-FRE by high-performance liquid chromatography (0.15%w/w). This is the first report demonstrating the effectiveness of F. racemosa stem bark in type 2 diabetes and targets involved in it.