Neuroprotective and nootropic activity of Clitorea ternatea Linn.(Fabaceae) leaves on diabetes induced cognitive decline in experimental animals.

PURPOSE: Ethanol extract of Clitorea ternatea (EECT) was evaluated in diabetes-induced cognitive decline rat model for its nootropic and neuroprotective activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Effect on spatial working memory, spatial reference memory and spatial working-reference memory was evaluated by Y maze, Morris water maze and Radial arm maze respectively. Neuroprotective effects of EECT was studied by assaying acetylcholinesterase, lipid peroxide, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the brain of diabetic rats. RESULTS: The EECT (200 and 400 mg/kg) was found to cause significant increase in spatial working memory (P < 0.05), spatial reference memory (P < 0.001) and spatial working-reference (P < 0.001) in retention trials on Y maze, Morris water maze and Radial arm maze respectively. Whereas significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase activity (P < 0.05), lipid peroxide (P < 0.001), total NO (P < 0.001) and significant increase in SOD, CAT and GSH levels was observed in animals treated with EECT (200 and 400 mg/kg) compared to diabetic control group. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicates that Clitorea ternatea tenders protection against diabetes induced cognitive decline and merits the need for further studies to elucidate its mode of action.

Proteomic analysis of glycated proteins from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat kidney.

Glycation of proteins leading to formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) has been considered as one of the important causes of diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, in this study, glycated proteins were detected by anti-AGE antibodies from kidney of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat showing nephropathic symptoms, by using two dimensional electrophoresis and western blot analysis. These glycated proteins were identified and characterized by using combination of peptide mass finger printing and tandem mass spectrometric approaches. Glycated proteins identified included proteins from metabolic pathways, oxidative stress, cell signaling, and transport. Several of the proteins modified by glycation were involved in glucose metabolism. The extent of glycation was higher in diabetes compared to control, in the glycated proteins that were common to both control and diabetic kidney. Two dimensional electrophoresis proteins profiling of glycated proteins suggest that four of the glycated proteins were significantly up regulated in diabetes.

Study of central nervous system depressant and behavioral activity of an ethanol extract of Achyranthes aspera (Agadha) in different animal models.

BACKGROUND: Achyranthes aspera Linn., an indigenous herb, has been reported to have antifertility, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory, anticarcinogenic, diuretic, cardiotonic, analgesic anti-inflammatory, hypnotic, antifungal, antibacterial, and central antinociceptive activities. AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate depressant effects on central nervous system (CNS) and behavioral effects of ethanol extract of A. aspera (EEAA) and to find the phytochemical responsible for these activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pharmacological assays used to study CNS depressant effect in albino mice were rota rod and actophotometer performance test. Effects on behavioral activity were studied using open field test. The extract was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) at a dose of 400 mg/kg. Diazepam (2 mg/kg body weight i.p.) was used as standard. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed by using analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Phytochemical screening revealed presence of triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids (betaine, achyranthine), and steroids as major constituents. The result of this study reflected that EEAA (400 mg/kg i.p.) decreased locomotor activity, produced muscle relaxation, and showed anxiolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: EEAA exhibit CNS depressant and significant anxiolytic activity comparable to diazepam.

The biology and chemistry of hyperlipidemia.

Coronary arterial diseases are responsible for more deaths than all other associated causes combined. Elevated serum cholesterol levels leading to atherosclerosis can cause coronary heart disease (CHD). Reduction in serum cholesterol levels reduces the risk for CHD, substantially. Medicinal chemists all around the world have been designing, synthesizing, and evaluating a variety of new bioactive molecules for lowering lipid levels. This review summarizes the disorders associated with elevation of lipids in blood and the current strategies to control them. The emphasis has been laid in particular on the new potential biological targets and the possible treatments as well as the current ongoing research status in the field of lipid lowering agents.