Evaluation of immunostimulatory activity of Chyawanprash using in vitro assays.

Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic formulation used in Indian traditional medicinal system for its beneficial effect on human health. We investigated the immunostimulatory effects of Chyawanprash (CHY) using in vitro assays evaluating the secretion of cytokines such as Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1ß) and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1-alpha (MIP-1-α) from murine bone marrow derived Dendritic Cells (DC) which play pivotal role in immunostimulation. The effects of CHY on phagocytosis in murine macrophages (RAW264.7) and Natural Killer (NK) cell activity were also investigated. At non-cytotoxic concentrations (20-500 µg/ml), CHY enhanced the secretion of all the three cytokines from DC. CHY also stimulated both, macrophage (RAW264.7) as well as NK cell activity, in vitro. In conclusion, the data substantiates the immunoprotective role of CHY at cellular level mediated by immunostimulation in key immune cells viz. dendritic Cells, macrophages and NK cells.

De novo genome assembly and annotation of gall-forming medicinal plant Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima (J. L. Stewart ex Brandis) Rech. f.

Pistacia chinensis subsp. integerrima is one of the medicinal plants, well known for gall formation and popularly used in Ayurveda to treat various systemic diseases such as chronic disorders, respiratory problems, etc. P. integerrima genome characterization will aid in the study of Pistacia genes and pathways involved in therapeutic application. To understand the biological characteristics of this plant and to gain the genetic insight into the biosynthesis of its natural compounds, the whole genome of P. integerrima and its leaf transcriptome was sequenced using Illumina sequencing technology. The sequenced genome was functionally annotated, and gene prediction was performed with integrated genome annotation workflow. The pathway analysis was carried out using KEGG database. We obtained a draft genome assembly of 462 Mb with N50 16,145 bp. A total of 39,452 genes were found, and 18,492 of these contained RNA or protein evidence. We characterized the genes involved in biosynthetic pathways of different plant secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and terpenoids. Also, we identified miR397 and miR828 family noncoding RNA; which mainly targets the laccase (LCA) and MYB protein functioning respectively. Phylogeneic analysis showed that P. integerrima is genetically more closer to P. vera. In this study, we attempt to explore the whole genome information of P. integerrima which will provide a genomic insight in the future for omics studies as well as serves as valuable resource for the molecular characterization of medicinal compounds.

Effect of Prophylactic Use of Intranasal Oil Formulations in the Hamster Model of COVID-19.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection initiates with viral entry in the upper respiratory tract, leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Severe COVID-19 is characterized by pulmonary pathologies associated with respiratory failure. Thus, therapeutics aimed at inhibiting the entry of the virus or its internalization in the upper respiratory tract are of interest. Herein, we report the prophylactic application of two intranasal formulations provided by the National Medicinal Plant Board (NMPB), Anu oil and til tailya, in the hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Prophylactic intra-nasal instillation of these oil formulations exhibited reduced viral load in lungs and resulted in reduced body weight loss and lung-pneumonitis. In line with reduced viral load, histopathological analysis revealed a reduction in lung pathology in the Anu oil group as compared to the control infected group. However, the til tailya group did not show a significant reduction in lung pathology. Furthermore, molecular analysis using mRNA expression profiling indicated reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, including Th1 and Th17 cytokines for both the intranasal formulations as a result of decreased viral load. Together, the prophylactic intranasal application of Anu oil seems to be useful in limiting both viral load and severity in SARS-CoV2 infection in the hamster model.

Hepatoprotective potential of kumaryasava and its concentrate against CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity in Wistar rats.

OBJECTIVE: Kumaryasava (KS) is a marketed Ayurvedic formulation containing Aloe vera as the main ingredient. It has been used widely for the treatment of liver disorders; however, there is a lack of modern scientific data on hepatoprotection. The recommended dose of KS is high and up to 60 mL/day. The present study describes the preparation of new KS concentrate and evaluation of comparative hepatoprotective activity of KS and prepared KS concentrate at one-third of KS dose against CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Animals were divided into different groups (n = 6). The first group received normal saline (control) 1.0 mL/Kg/day p.o. for 10 days. The second group (toxicant) was given normal saline 1.0 mL/Kg/day p.o. for 10 days with CCl4 in olive oil (1:1 v/v) at 1.0 mL/Kg/day p.o. Third, fourth, and fifth groups received KS, KS concentrate and a marketed formulation as standard) at doses of 5.0 mL/Kg/day p.o., 1.6 mL/Kg/day p.o., and 100 mL/Kg/day p.o. (tablet suspended in water using 0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose) respectively for 10 days along with CCl4 as given to the toxicant group. On the 11(th) day, blood was withdrawn from retro-orbital plexus and serum was separated for biochemical estimation of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin levels. Later, animals were sacrificed under high dose of anesthesia to remove liver tissue, which were removed and washed with ice cold saline for the estimation of lipid peroxidation. Liver tissue from each group was also fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that both KS and KS concentrate showed the protection against CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity. This was evident from the reduction in serum SGOT, SGPT, ALP levels, and elevation in serum albumin levels observed post treatment of CCl4 treated rats with KS and KS concentrate, which were supported by histopathological data. CONCLUSION: KS concentrate can be a useful hepatoprotective formulation which may help in reducing the high dose of KS to approximately one-third of the recommended dose.

Evaluation of Ratnaprash for its effect on strength, stamina and fatigue using swim endurance test and biochemical estimation in swiss albino mice.

CONTEXT: Traditional medicines have been considered as important resources for postponing fatigue, accelerating elimination of fatigue related metabolites and improving physical ability. Rasayanas or rejuvenative therapies are mentioned as one of the eight clinical specialties in Ayurveda for attaining longevity, healthy life and regulation of bodily balance. Eventhough more detailed studies are needed to confirm the claims of benefits in the light of evidence based research, Ratnaprash, a herbo-mineral rasayana formulation, is proposed here to be an antifatigue supplement that is good in promoting strength and stamina. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, anti fatigue, strength and stamina enhancing properties of Ratnaprash were examined based on swim endurance capacity and the change in biochemical parameters in Swiss Albino mice. Treatment groups were orally administered Ratnaprash at various test doses (500, 1000, 2000 mg/Kg per day), while the control group received distilled water at similar dose volumes. Effect of therapy was evaluated after 28 days of treatment. RESULTS: At the end of study period, the swimming times to exhaustion were longer in the treated groups than in the control group. Plasma lactate levels of treated groups were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05) while tissue ATP levels were higher. These effects were dose dependent and the strongest effect was seen in groups treated at 1000 mg/Kg. CONCLUSION: Ratnaprash enhanced the forced swimming capacity of mice and exhibited elevated anti-fatigue activity, reduced blood lactate levels and increased tissue ATP levels in preclinical models in comparison to vehicle control, exhibiting possible role in increasing strength and stamina and contributing anti-fatigue activity.

Hepatoprotective activity of a new polyherbal formulation against paracetamol and D-galactosamine induced hepatic toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was envisaged to evaluate the protective effect of polyherbal formulation, DRDC/AY/8060, developed by Dabur India Ltd., against paracetamol and D-galactosamine induced hepatic toxicities in Wistar rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in two different experiments of 10 and 14 days against paracetamol and D-galactosamine, respectively. Animals were divided into different treatment groups (n = 6). The control group received normal saline, a toxicant group in two experiments received paracetamol 750 mg/kg p.o. every 72 h for 10 days and D-galactosamine 400 mg/kg i.p. single dose. The test formulation was used at the two dose levels of 120 and 240 mg/kg/day. Treatment groups treated with test formulations were also administered D-galactosamine as given in toxicant group. At the end of the dosing schedule, blood was withdrawn from the retrobulbar plexus of the animals for serum estimation of serum glutamate oxaloacetate transferase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate trasnferase (SGPT), albumin, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Following the withdrawal of blood animals was sacrificed, and liver tissue was excised for estimation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (lipid peroxidation, malondialdehyde), tissue glutathione (GSH) and histopathological studies. RESULTS: It was evident from the biochemical estimation that both paracetamol and galactosamine caused hepatotoxicity in the toxicant groups. However, treatment with DRDC/AY/8060 significantly (P < 0.001, vs. toxicant) reduced the levels of SGOT, SGPT, serum bilirubin, and ALP, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation. In addition, treatment with test formulation also significantly (P < 0.001, vs. toxicant) elevated serum albumin and GSH levels compared to toxicant groups. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these studies and comparative evaluation it can be concluded that the formulation DRDC/AY/8060 showed hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol and D-galactosamine at 120 mg/kg and 240 mg/kg.