Amphetamine-Related Fatalities and Altered Brain Chemicals: A Preliminary Investigation Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database.

Amphetamine is a psychostimulant drug with a high risk of toxicity and death when misused. Abuse of amphetamines is associated with an altered organic profile, which includes omega fatty acids. Low omega fatty acid levels are linked to mental disorders. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD), we investigated the chemical profile of the brain in amphetamine-related fatalities and the possibility of neurotoxicity. We classified amphetamine cases as low (0-0.5 g/mL), medium (>0.5 to 1.5 g/mL), and high (>1.5 g/mL), based on amphetamine levels in brain samples. All three groups shared 1-octadecene, 1-tridecene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosane, and oleylamide. We identified chemical-disease associations using the CTD tools and predicted an association between DHA, AA and curated conditions like autistic disorder, disorders related to cocaine, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive dysfunction. An amphetamine challenge may cause neurotoxicity in the human brain due to a decrease in omega-3 fatty acids and an increase in oxidative products. Therefore, in cases of amphetamine toxicity, a supplement therapy may be needed to prevent omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.

Exploring the awareness, attitude, and inclination of healthcare students towards interprofessional education: A cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

Background: Interprofessional education (IPE) is acknowledged to enhance understanding between professionals and to facilitate learning. Healthcare professionals may be better equipped to accept and esteem other healthcare professionals, if interprofessional education is incorporated into undergraduate curricula. The management of challenging patient issues may also significantly benefit from this. As a result, the current study examined interprofessional education in their institutions and students' knowledge of and attitudes toward it. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study among students from a university in the southwest of Saudi Arabia, who were enrolled in courses in medical, pharmacy, nursing, dentistry, allied health, and public health. Following validation, the questionnaire included six questions to probe their knowledge, ten questions to gauge their attitude, and eleven questions to inquire about the growth and use of IPE in their institutions. Multiple regression and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to examine the data. Results: The survey involved 600 students, and 66.8% of the respondents were male. Less than one-third of students studying medicine replied to the survey, while students in the public health department had the lowest response rate. Compared to students in other programs, pharmacy students achieved a higher mean attitude score toward IPE (P < 0.001). Additionally, nursing and pharmacy students' mean IPE awareness scores were higher than those of medical students (P < 0.001). However, all program participants firmly agreed that integrating IPE into the curriculum was a good idea. Conclusions: The study found that students of a few programs had awareness and a positive attitude toward interprofessional education. Nonetheless, all of them favored its inclusion in their curriculum. They also stressed the need to educate teaching faculty on interprofessional education, to develop skilled facilitators within their institutions.

Self-reported and the actual involvement of community pharmacy professionals in the management of acute childhood diarrhea in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia: Simulated patient visits and survey study.

Background: Acute childhood diarrhea is one of the most common causes of dehydration, and if severe, can potentially lead to death as well. The present study was aimed at evaluating the knowledge and attitudes of community pharmacy professionals towards the management of acute childhood diarrhea and comparing them with their actual practices in Jazan Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A). Methods: Simulated patient visits and a cross-sectional survey making use of a 27-item self-report questionnaire were conducted amongst a sample of 303 community pharmacy professionals (51.2 % male and 48.8 % female) with an age range of 25-56 years, between August 1 and December 1, 2021, in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Convenience sampling technique was used for the recruitment of the participants. Results: Significant positive correlations were seen between knowledge score (self-report survey) and practice score (simulated patient visit) regarding patients' history taking (r = 0.65; p < 0.01), drug recommendations (r = 0.71; p < 0.01) and providing information regarding food and fluid intake (r = 0.44; p < 0.01). The alpha coefficients for all the items of the survey instrument were noted to be greater than (or) equal to the 0.70 threshold for almost all sections, hence indicating good reliability and internal consistency of the developed scale. Conclusion: In the present study, even though we observed improved participants' performance during the self report survey, their performance level greatly dropped in actual practice. This warrants for a need for educational programs to improve their actual dispensing practices. The present study has also shown simulated patient visits to be a reliable, simple and a robust method of assessing the actual dispensing practices of community pharmacy professionals.

Evaluation of psychotropic medications use among elderly with psychiatric disorders in Saudi Arabia.

AIMS: Potentially inappropriate psychotropic medications (PIPMs) prescribed to older adults with psychiatric disorders can inadvertently affect their health. The use of standards and guidelines can ensure prudent prescribing and minimize the risk of morbidities. This study assessed the pattern and prevalence of prescription of PIPMs to older individuals in outpatient psychiatric settings in Saudi Arabia, using the updated 2015 Beers criteria, as well as the probability of polypharmacy. METHODS: The study was conducted in the outpatient psychiatric clinics of the only psychiatric hospital in Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. A retrospective cross-sectional review of electronic medical records was undertaken during 2018 to assess PIPM use and psychotropic polypharmacy. Descriptive statistics were generated and associations between PIPM use and baseline characteristics were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Overall, 68% of 1300 older adults received PIPMs, and 77.7% were on psychotropic polypharmacy. Amitriptyline, chlorpromazine, and trifluoperazine were extensively prescribed. Paroxetine (1.2%) and benzodiazepines were prescribed to a smaller proportion of the patients. Elderly with schizophrenia (AOR = 0.046, p < 0.001) and anxiety (AOR = 0.530, p = 0.036) were significantly less likely to have PIPMs than those with dementia. Likewise, elderly with depression and anxiety were less likely to have psychotropic polypharmacy as compared to those with dementia. CONCLUSION: A substantial number of the elderly received PIPMs possibly based on implicit criteria. It is therefore important to provide mental health care providers in the region with educational programs to increase their awareness of PIPMs.

A survey assessing sleep efficiency among Saudis during COVID-19 home confinement using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index: A call for health education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced uncertainties that have disrupted regular routines. Sleep may be adversely affected by stressful circumstances that jeopardize general health. Hence, the impact of home confinement on the sleep efficiency of the general population was assessed. An online survey was conducted by using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) to assess sleep duration, sleep efficiency, latency to fall asleep, and global PSQI score. Questions pertaining to demography, home confinement, and anxiety were included. Data was collected from the residents of the Southwestern region from April 15, 2020 to May 15, 2020. Data were analyzed through bivariate, multivariate logistic regression, and independent t tests. A total of 593 subjects responded to the survey. Males (OR 1.92 [1.3-2.7], p < 0.001), and subjects aged ≥51 years (OR 2.49 [1.3-4.4], p = 0.002) were more likely to be poor sleepers (<6 h). In hypertensive subjects, inadequate sleep was twice as high (OR 2.2 [1.1-4.4], p < 0.05) than other comorbidities. Males were less likely to have sleep latency (OR 0.58 [0.40-0.86], p = 0.005) but smoking increased the latency of falling asleep (OR 2.41 [1.47-4.0], p < 0.001). Sleep duration was significantly influenced by home confinement (p = 0.002), whereas sleep duration (p = 0.001), latency (p = 0.018), sleep efficiency (p = 0.005), and global PSQI scores (p = 0.005) were significantly affected by anxiety. In the southwestern region, we found sleep influenced by anxiety about COVID-19. Community pharmacists are the most accessible health care professionals and could play a pivotal role in educating the lay public on the importance of sleep hygiene through posters displayed in pharmacies and with the help of public education material.

Calming the inflammatory storm in severe COVID-19 infections: Role of biologics- A narrative review.

The risk of Coronavirus infection continues, and the fear of resurgence indicates the lack of a successful therapeutic strategy. In severe COVID-19 infection, many immune cells and their products are involved, making management difficult. The abundant release of cytokines and chemokines in severe COVID-19 patients leads to profound hyper inflammation and the mobilization of immune cells, triggering the cytokine storm. The complications associated with the cytokine storm include severe respiratory distress, intravascular coagulation, multi-organ failure, and death. The enormous formation of interleukin (IL)-6 and hemopoietic factors such as granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) are implicated in the severity of the infection. Moreover, these inflammatory cytokines and factors signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway causing the activation of cytokine-related genes. The neutralization of these proteins could be of therapeutic help in COVID-19 patients and could mitigate the risk of mortality. IL-6 antagonist, IL-6 receptor antagonists, GM-CSF receptor inhibitors, and JAK-STAT inhibitors are being investigated to prevent intense lung injury in COVID-19 patients and increase the chances of survival. The review focuses the role of IL-6, GM-CSF, and JAK-STAT inhibitors in regulating the immune response in severely affected COVID-19 patients.

Role of Triticum aestivum aqueous extract in glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in rats.

Administration of aqueous extract of T. aestivum (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, po, for 30 days) and risedronate (20 microg/kg, sc, five times a week for 30 days) following methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (10 mg/kg, sc, thrice a week for 4 weeks) induced osteoporosis in Wistar rats showed an increase in the serum levels of bone mineral content markers, decrease in the serum and urinary levels of bone resorption markers. An incline in strength of femur and tibia was seen particularly with 400 mg/kg of T. aestivum. Maintenance of calcium homeostasis, formation of collagen and scavenging of free radicals can plausibly be the mode of action of aqueous extract of T. aestivum thereby combating osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids.

Assessment of Paracetamol Usage Practices and Perceptions among Caregivers for Children Post-COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

Caregivers often use paracetamol in the management of pediatric illnesses without a clear rationale. This study evaluated the perception and practices of caregivers regarding the use of paracetamol in children in Southwestern Saudi Arabia. This study involved a cross-sectional design involving 373 caregivers of children under twelve. The questionnaire elucidated the reasons, usage frequency, and safe usage practices. Data were analyzed using SPSS, applying Chi-square tests and logistic regression. Most caregivers were in the age range of 31-40 years, and with intermediate education. Paracetamol was mainly used for fever, generalized pain and, diarrhea, with fewer opting for other self-care measures. Caregivers with primary or less education were more likely to perceive paracetamol as safe (AOR = 2.98 (1.3-6.73), p = 0.009) and less inclined to check warning labels (AOR: 0.11 (0.05-0.25), p < 0.001) and expiry dates (AOR: 0.063 (0.027-0.14), p < 0.001). The caregiver's education level significantly influenced the determination of treatment duration (χ2 = 21.58 (4), p < 0.001), dosage (χ2 = 30.70 (4), p < 0.001), and frequency of administration (χ2 = 17.77 (4), p = 0.001). In conclusion, inadequate health literacy can result in a lack of attention towards crucial safety information about pediatric paracetamol use. Hence, counselling initiatives should be undertaken to ensure the safe and effective use of paracetamol in children.

Immunomodulatory effects of alcbholic and hydroalcoholic extracts of Moringa olifera Lam leaves.

Effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of the alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extract of leaves of M. olifera were studied on various immune paradigms like delayed type hypersensitivity reaction using SRBC as an antigen, determination of antibody titer, neutrophil adhesion test as an indicator for neutrophil index, total leucocyte count in cyclophosphamide induced immunosuppressed animals and carbon clearance assay as a measure of phagocytic activity. Hydro-alcoholic extract of M. olifera substantially enhanced cellular immune response, humoral immune response, neutrophil index and phagoctic activity in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg body weight) was efficient in improving immune response. The results suggest that M. olifera has a significant role to play as an immune stimulator.

Neuroinflammation: The Role of Anthocyanins as Neuroprotectants.

Neuroinflammation is a trigger for several neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Exposure to noxious external stimuli induces homeostatic disturbances resulting in morphological changes in microglia, their activation, and elaboration of pro-inflammatory mediators. This leads to neuroinflammation with the progressive loss of neurons. Nutraceuticals such as anthocyanins are a class of brightly colored bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables with purported health benefits. They interfere with the activation of several signaling cascades that have a prominent role in preventing neuroinflammation. More importantly, anthocyanins can cross the blood-brain barrier and are safe. Hence, the current review focuses on the bioavailability of anthocyanins, clinical and in vitro evidence on their role in impeding the activation of transcription factors, modulating the immune milieu within the central nervous system, preventing the activation of microglia, and averting neuroinflammation.

Public Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease in Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia-A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a significant public health concern worldwide and many people continue to ignore their early warning symptoms. The present study assessed the level of knowledge about CKD the awareness of the risk factors and the awareness of the complications associated with CKD, among the general population of Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. 440 residents of Jazan Province participated in an online cross-sectional survey during a seven-month period from November (2020) to July (2021). Data was collected using a validated 73-item self-report survey. More than half of the respondents were males (n = 286; 65%) with an age ranging from 18 to 59 years, and a mean age of 32.66 years (SD ± 10.83). A very low percentage of the sample (27.3%; 7.5%, 9.3%) demonstrated good knowledge, a high level of awareness of the risk factors, and a high level of awareness of the complications associated with CKD, respectively. Participants' knowledge was significantly associated with being a student or being employed (Government/private employee) (χ2 = 29.90; p < 0.001), having completed graduate studies (χ2 = 63.86; p < 0.001), residing in urban areas (χ2 = 138.62; p < 0.001), belonging to the age group (18−39 years), and having no co-morbidities (χ2 = 24.55; p < 0.001). Positive and significant correlations were also noted between the knowledge score and the awareness of risk factor score (r = 0.42; p < 0.01), as well as the awareness of complications score (r = 0.25; p < 0.01). These findings warrant an urgent need for extensive CKD educational initiatives concentrating on improving the general knowledge and awareness of the public towards CKD.

Bioavailability, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effect of Acetyl Keto Boswellic acid and its combination with methotrexate in an arthritic animal model.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common disabling chronic progressive autoimmune diseases affecting the adult world population. Boswellia serrata has been a known anti-inflammatory agent since ancient times. Therefore, research on Boswellia extract based on Acetyl Keto Boswellic Acid (AKBA) content evaluating its efficacy and safety is necessary. The study aimed to find a suitable Boswellia extract rich in AKBA to evaluate its bioavailability, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic effect. In addition, the synergistic action of AKBA extract with methotrexate (MTX) was also assessed on an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral bioavailability of AKBA and the anti-inflammatory activity of 10% AKBA (5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg b.w) was assessed and compared with 2% AKBA (40 mg/kg) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg). The effect of 10% AKBA at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg was evaluated in the FCA induced arthritis animal model alone and combined with methotrexate (MTX) at 2 mg/kg b.w. Subplantar injection of FCA produced edema within a few hours with progressive arthritis by the 9th day after injection. All the treatments were initiated from the 10th day until the 45th day. Oral administration of 10% AKBA was done daily and MTX by intraperitoneal route once a week from day 10 to day 45. Paw volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, oxidative markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), total proteins and liver histopathology were examined. RESULTS: 10% AKBA provided 8.48-fold, 24.22-fold, 47.36-fold, and 110.53-fold higher AUC (0-α) of AKBA at 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively compared to 2% AKBA at 40 mg/kg. Percentage paw edema inhibition of 10% AKBA at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg were significantly higher than 2% regular AKBA (40 mg/kg) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg). 10% AKBA at a dose of 20 and 40 mg/kg significantly reduced ESR compared with FCA treated group. A combination of methotrexate with 10% AKBA showed the highest reduction in ESR. 10% AKBA at both dose levels significantly reduced hepatic marker enzymes and total bilirubin levels. Treatment with 10% AKBA showed a significant increase in total proteins, antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels. Similarly, 10% AKBA protected the hepatocytes compared with the FCA and FCA + MTX treated group. 10% AKBA was capable of significantly minimizing FCA and FCA + MTX induced changes. CONCLUSION: Anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA due to inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes supports the use of AKBA in inflammatory disorders. Combination therapy of 10% AKBA with MTX is effective in inhibiting arthritis and circumventing hepatotoxicity produced by MTX in arthritic animals.

Knowledge and Attitude of First-Aid Treatments for Snakebites, and the Perception of Snakes among the Students of Health Sciences at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia.

First aid is the most basic and life-saving service provided before emergency care is received. This study aimed to assess students' knowledge and attitudes about performing first aid for snakebite emergencies and their perception of snakes. A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2019 among upper-level students (3rd year and above) of health-related courses at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia. Three hundred and nine students from four programs responded to the self-administered questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0. The highest percentage of the study sample comprised pharmacy students (44%), followed by nursing (25.2%), medical (16.8%), and emergency medicine students (13.9%). Overall, the emergency medicine students exhibited greater knowledge of snakebite first aid. However, over three-fourths of the students were unaware of dry bites. Around two-thirds were sure that they should not massage the bite site, while nearly one-fourth were not sure about the use of a tourniquet. The fifth- and sixth-year students had extremely diverse perspectives on snakes. The majority of the participants (92.8%) did not feel good about snakes. However, most of the students (95.2%) wanted to learn about snakebite first aid and overcome their fear of snakes. Overall, the students had a positive attitude towards first aid but lacked knowledge of snakebite emergencies. Public health awareness is required to dispel first-aid myths about snakebites and misconceptions regarding snakes.

Neuroprotective Effect of Turmeric Extract in Combination with Its Essential Oil and Enhanced Brain Bioavailability in an Animal Model.

PURPOSE: The study evaluated the neuroprotective effect and pharmacokinetic profile of turmeric extract and their metabolites in the blood and brain in an aluminum-induced neurotoxic animal model. METHODS: Swiss albino mice received turmeric extract (TE), TE-essential oil combination (TE+EO) at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day orally, vehicle (control), and a positive control group. Neurotoxicity was induced by injecting aluminum chloride (40 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and the effect of the intervention was studied for 45 days. The pharmacokinetic and behavioral biochemical markers of brain function and brain histopathological changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The AUC 0-t showed a 30.1 and 54.2 times higher free curcumin concentration in plasma with 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of TE+EO vs. TE, respectively. The concentration of free curcumin in the brain was 11.01 and 13.71-fold higher for 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of TE+EO vs. TE, respectively. Aluminum impairs spatial learning and memory, which was significantly reversed with TE+EO by 28.6% (25 mg/kg) and 39.4% (50 mg/kg). In the elevated plus maze test, 44.8% (25 mg/kg) and 67.1% (50 mg/kg) improvements were observed. A significant reduction in aluminum-induced lipid peroxidation was observed. Also, the levels of glutathione, acetylcholinesterase, and catalase were improved with TE+EO. Damage to the hippocampal pyramidal cells was averted with TE+EO. CONCLUSION: The neuroprotective and antioxidant response confirms the benefits of TE+EO against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. The presence of free curcumin and its metabolites in the brain and plasma establishes its improved bioavailability and tissue distribution. Therefore, the benefits of TE+EO could be harnessed in neurodegenerative diseases.

Scrutinizing the aqueous extract of leaves of pedalium murex for the antiulcer activity in rats.

Peptic ulcer is manifested largely due to an alteration in lifestyle and diet. The antiulcer efficacy of the aqueous extract of leaves of Pedalium murex on ethanol induced gastric lesions was investigated in our studies. This has been substantiated by ascertaining the content of total acid, acid volume, total protein, ulcer index and glutathione. Ulceration was induced in 36 hours fasted rats by the administration of 80% ethanol (1 ml/kg) orally. The reference standard (famotidine, 3 mg/kg) and aqueous extract of leaves of Pedalium murex in doses of 50, 100, 200 mg/kg was given to different groups, one hour before the administration of ethanol. Marked gastric mucosal lesions were observed with ethanol. A perceptible elevation in ulcer index, total acidity, acid volume, total protein and diminution of glutathione was observed. Pretreatment with aqueous extract of leaves of Pedalium murex particularly at a dose of 200 mg/kg in a single schedule and 100 mg/kg for 15 and 30 days treatment annihilated these alterations and elevated the level of glutathione. Therefore the aqueous extract of leaves of Pedalium murex could be regarded as a favorable antiulcerogen which could be attributed to its content of flavonoids and mucilage.

Impact of the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba on maternal aggression in rats.

Parturient females display impulsive behavior represented in the form of aggressive bouts when exposed to conspecifics. Prolonged aggression during the postpartum period could affect maternal care. Eclipta alba is traditionally known to induce neuropsychiatric alterations, however its ability to circumvent maternal aggression has not been elucidated. The present study was aimed to investigate the ability of the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba to suppress maternal aggression. In the single dose study, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight of the aqueous extract of Eclipta alba was administered to parturient females 30 minutes prior to maternal aggression testing against intruder males. In the multiple dose study, 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg of the extract were administered for 15 and 30 days and maternal aggression was quantified. Administration of the extract for 15 and 30 days in dose schedules of 200 and 500 mg/kg body weight significantly suppressed agonistic encounters by the dams and therefore had beneficial anti-aggressive activity.

The association of dietary behaviors and practices with overweight and obesity parameters among Saudi university students.

BACKGROUND: Western dietary habits, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, are potential contributors to the prevalence and rapid increase in the incidence of obesity in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the association between students' weight status and their eating behaviors and practices. Another aim was to assess students' awareness of the health risks associated with obesity. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a sample of 416 (53% male and 47% female) undergraduate students, aged 18-26 years old, between January 6 and April 6, 2019, from colleges of Health Sciences at Jazan University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (K.S.A). Students completed a self-administered questionnaire and recorded their measured anthropometric parameters. RESULTS: The prevalence of overweight (20.4%) and obesity (14.9%) were relatively high among the participants. There were statistically significant associations between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the different settings of food consumption (i.e., dining on a table (or) in the Islamic way: squatting on the ground) (p<0.001)). BMI was also associated with students' dietary habits regarding consuming food, snacks, and drinking carbonated beverages while watching television (p<0.001), as well as consuming the same pattern of food/drink while watching television, playing video games on mobile phones or computers (p<0.001). Nearly most of the students were oblivious to the fact that metabolic syndrome, reproductive disorders, respiratory disorders along with liver and gallbladder diseases are some of the health risks associated with obesity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of obesity and overweight were reasonably high in our study sample and were affected by several factors related to students' eating behaviors and practices. This warrants the need for rigorous and frequent health education interventions on healthy eating behaviors, dietary practices, with an emphasis on the importance of adopting an active, healthy lifestyle.

Investigation on the effect of eclipta alba on animal models of learning and memory.

Short and long term memory loss may result from deteriorating cerebral mechanisms due to varied causes which could have a tremendous impact on the quality of life. Herbs are being constantly explored to resolve cognitive deficits. Eclipta alba (Ea) commonly called as the trailing Eclipta is being examined for its memory enhancing quality as it is traditionally used for this purpose. The shade dried leaves of Eclipta alba was extracted with distilled water. The suspension of Ea containing 100 and 200 mg/kg was administered to rats to evaluate Transfer Latency (TL) on an elevated plus maze. TL was a measure of acquisition and retrieval learning. Mice were placed at the center of open field apparatus to assess spatial habitual learning, observed for 20 minutes for rearing and time spent during rearing using varied doses for 30 minutes, 24 hours and 96 hours and 144 hrs. The results revealed significant improvement of retrieval memory.

Curcumin and hesperidin improve cognition by suppressing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis induced by D-galactose in rat brain.

D-galactose, a reducing sugar, induces oxidative stress resulting in alteration in mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis of neurons. Curcumin and hesperidin are antioxidants possessing multimodal functions; hence, their contribution in minimizing D-galactose induced ageing was assessed in the present study. A week prior to D-galactose treatment (150 mg/kg; s.c. for 56 days), animals were treated with curcumin alone, hesperidin alone and a combination of curcumin (50 and 100 mg/kg; orally) with hesperidin (10 and 25 mg/kg; orally) for 63 days. A naïve control was also maintained. Behavioural studies, tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, mitochondrial complexes, protein and lipid oxidation and glutathione levels were assessed in the brain mitochondrial fraction. Western blot analysis of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and histological assessment of the CA1 region of the hippocampus were carried out. D-galactose induced significant cognitive deficits, biochemical changes and histological alterations. Individually, curcumin was more effective than hesperidin in reducing the levels of oxidized lipids, proteins, cleaved caspase-3 expression and mitochondrial enzymes. The combination reduced the expression of cleaved caspase-3, malondialdehyde, improved mitochondrial enzymes and glutathione levels. In combination, curcumin and hesperidin protect the morphological facets and improve biochemical functions of neurons thereby improving cognition.

Determination of antioxidant capacity, α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity of Crotalaria juncea Linn in vitro inhibitory activity of Crotalaria Juncea Linn.

The present study involves the determination of antioxidant capacity and in vitro α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity of the Crotalaria juncea Linn extract. The content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins in the extracts was estimated by spectrophotometry. Antioxidant activity on goat liver lipid peroxidation and linoleic acid emulsion were determined and α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity was also evaluated. All the extracts had shown antioxidant property, α-amylase, and lipase inhibitory properties. Aqueous extract was found to show maximum antioxidant activity on goat liver. Antilipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity were determined to be 66.94 ± 0.616 (p < .01) and 59.54 ± 0.2 (p < .01), respectively. Maximum α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activities of 71.42 ± 1.37 (p < .01) and 57.14 ± 2.74% (p < .01), respectively, were exhibited by macerated methanol extract. The results had shown that all the extracts exhibited low inhibition and antioxidant activity as compared to standard.