Development of lactic acid based chain extender and soybean oil-derived polyurethanes for ecofriendly sustained drug delivery systems.

In the present study, a range of sustainable, biocompatible and biodegradable polyurethanes (PU-1 to PU-4) were synthesized using different combinations of biobased polyol (obtained through the epoxidation of soybean oil, followed by ring opening with ethanol) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) and isophorone diisocyanate. The sustainable chain extender used in this study was synthesized by the esterification of lactic acid with ethylene glycol (EG). The synthesized PU samples were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR and 13C NMR) spectroscopy. Wetting ability and thermal degradation analysis (TGA) of the samples were also studied. Subsequently, these PUs were examined as potential drug delivery systems using Gabapentin as a model drug, which was loaded in the polymer matrix using the solvent evaporation method. The drug release studies were carried out in 0.06 N HCl as a release medium according to the method outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia. The maximum drug release was observed for sample PU-P1, which was found to be 53.0 % after 6 h. Moreover, a comparison of different PU samples revealed a trend wherein the values of drug release were decreased with an increase in the PEG content.

Transcriptome analysis reveals cadmium exposure enhanced the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis and disease resistance in Coptis chinensis.

Coptis chinensis Franch is a perennial herb from the Ranunculaceae family with a long history of medicinal use. As the medicinal part, the rhizome of coptis often accumulates excessive cadmium (Cd) even at low concentrations in the soil, which not only compromises its medicinal safety but also raises concerns about adverse effects on human health. Therefore, effective strategies are needed to mitigate this accumulation and ensure its safe use in traditional medicine. This study utilized transcriptome profiling and physiological analysis to explore molecular mechanisms associated with ecological significance and the active accumulation of Cd in C. chinensis. The response to Cd in C. chinensis was assessed through RNA sequencing, Cd determination and isoquinoline alkaloid measurement using its roots, stems, and leaves. The transcriptome revealed, a total of 2667, 2998, or 2815 up-regulated deferentially expressed genes in roots, stems or leaves in response to Cd exposure. Furthermore, we identified phenylpropanoid and isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis as the key pathways response to Cd exposure, which suggests that C. chinensis may improve its tolerance to Cd through regulating the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. Under Cd exposure, plant-pathogen interaction in leaves was identified as the key pathway, which indicates that upregulation of genes involved in plant-pathogen interaction could enhance disease resistance in C. chinensis. WGCNA analysis identified WRKY8 (Cluster-55763.31419) and WRKY47 (Cluster-55763.221590) as potential regulators of secondary metabolic synthesis and plant-pathogen interaction pathway in C. chinensis triggered by Cd. The measurement of berberine, coptisine, palmatine, and epiberberine also demonstrated that Cd simulated the four isoquinoline alkaloids in roots. Therefore, our study not only presented a transcriptome expression profiles that revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in metal transport and detoxification pathways but also suggested a possible mechanism to cope with Cd accumulation. This knowledge provides a new insight into gene manipulation for controlling Cd accumulation, enhancing resistance and promoting synthesis of secondary metabolites with potential medicinal properties in other medicinal plant species.

Biogenic Selenium Nanoparticles and Their Anticancer Effects Pertaining to Probiotic Bacteria-A Review.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) can be produced by biogenic, physical, and chemical processes. The physical and chemical processes have hazardous effects. However, biogenic synthesis (by microorganisms) is an eco-friendly and economical technique that is non-toxic to human and animal health. The mechanism for biogenic SeNPs from microorganisms is still not well understood. Over the past two decades, extensive research has been conducted on the nutritional and therapeutic applications of biogenic SeNPs. The research revealed that biogenic SeNPs are considered novel competitors in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as they have been shown to be virtually non-toxic when used in medical practice and as dietary supplements and release only trace amounts of Se ions when ingested. Various pathogenic and probiotic/nonpathogenic bacteria are used for the biogenic synthesis of SeNPs. However, in the case of biosynthesis by pathogenic bacteria, extraction and purification techniques are required for further useful applications of these biogenic SeNPs. This review focuses on the applications of SeNPs (derived from probiotic/nonpathogenic organisms) as promising anticancer agents. This review describes that SeNPs derived from probiotic/nonpathogenic organisms are considered safe for human consumption. These biogenic SeNPs reduce oxidative stress in the human body and have also been shown to be effective against breast, prostate, lung, liver, and colon cancers. This review provides helpful information on the safe use of biogenic SeNPs and their economic importance for dietary and therapeutic purposes, especially as anticancer agents.

Biosynthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles (via Bacillus subtilis BSN313), and Their Isolation, Characterization, and Bioactivities.

Among the trace elements, selenium (Se) has great demand as a health supplement. Compared to its other forms, selenium nanoparticles have minor toxicity, superior reactivity, and excellent bioavailability. The present study was conducted to produce selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) via a biosynthetic approach using probiotic Bacillus subtilis BSN313 in an economical and easy manner. The BSN313 exhibited a gradual increase in Se reduction and production of SeNPs up to 5-200 µg/mL of its environmental Se. However, the capability was decreased beyond that concentration. The capacity for extracellular SeNP production was evidenced by the emergence of red color, then confirmed by a microscopic approach. Produced SeNPs were purified, freeze-dried, and subsequently characterized systematically using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, Zetasizer, SEM-EDS, and TEM techniques. SEM-EDS analysis proved the presence of selenium as the foremost constituent of SeNPs. With an average particle size of 530 nm, SeNPs were shown to have a -26.9 (mV) zeta potential and -2.11 µm cm/Vs electrophoretic mobility in water. SeNPs produced during both the 24 and 48 h incubation periods showed good antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and ABST scavenging action at a concentration of 150 µg/mL with no significant differences (p > 0.05). Moreover, 200 µg/mL of SeNPs showed antibacterial reactivity against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 9027, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 25923. In the future, this work will be helpful to produce biogenic SeNPs using probiotic Bacillus subtilis BSN313 as biofactories, with the potential for safe use in biomedical and nutritional applications.

Depression: An Insight into Heterocyclic and Cyclic Hydrocarbon Compounds Inspired from Natural Sources.

Depression, a well-known mental disorder, has global prevalence, affecting nearly 17% of the population. Due to various limitations of the currently available drugs, people have been adopting traditional herbal medicines to alleviate the symptoms of depression. It is notable to mention that natural products, their derivatives, and their analogs are the main sources for new drug candidates of depression. The mechanisms include interplay with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, serotonergic, dopaminergic noradrenergic systems, and elevation of BDNF levels. The focus of this article is to review the role of signalling molecules in depression and highlight the use of plant-derived natural compounds to counter CNS depression.

Silver-containing polysaccharide-based tricomponent antibacterial fibres for wound care applications.

OBJECTIVE: Polysaccharide-based biomaterials are extensively used in wound care healing due to their unique liquid absorption, gelling properties and biocompatibility properties. They play an important role in controlling infections of highly exuding hard-to-heal wounds. The main objective of this study was to develop silver-containing polysaccharide-based tricomponent antibacterial fibres for use in these complex wounds. METHOD: The fibres were developed by coating silver-containing alginate and psyllium fibres with hydrolysed chitosan. Dope solution containing alginate, psyllium and silver carbonate was extruded into a coagulation bath containing calcium chloride and hydrolysed chitosan. The developed fibres were tested for liquid absorption, swelling and antibacterial properties against a control fibre (of alginate and psyllium). RESULTS: The developed fibres showed comparatively better liquid absorption, gelling and antibacterial properties than the control fibres. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that developed fibres could be a preferred choice for application on hard-to-heal wounds with high levels of exudate, to support infection control and faster healing.

Ethnomedicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Aspects of the Genus Berberis Linn: A Comprehensive Review.

BACKGROUND: Genus Berberis (family Berberidaceae), which contains about 650 species and 17 genera worldwide, has been used in folklore and various traditional medicine systems. Berberis Linn. is the most established group among genera with around 450-500 species across the world. This comprehensive review will not only help researchers for further evaluation but also provide substantial information for future exploitation of species to develop novel herbal formulations. OBJECTIVE: The present review is focussed to summarize and collect the updated review of information of Berberis species reported to date regarding their ethnomedicinal information, chemical constituents, traditional/folklore use, and reported pharmacological activities on more than 40 species of Berberis. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive survey of the literature reveals that various species of the genus possess various phytoconstituents mainly alkaloids, flavonoid based compounds isolated from different parts of a plant with a wide range of pharmacological activities. So far, many pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory both in vitro and in vivo and clinical study of different extracts/isolated compounds of different species of Berberis have been reported, proving their importance as a medicinal plant and claiming their traditional use.

Starting stiripentol in adults with Dravet syndrome? Watch for ammonia and carnitine.

OBJECTIVE: Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare cause of severe and pharmacoresistant epileptic encephalopathy. Stiripentol (STP) has a significant therapeutic benefit in the pediatric DS population. However, STP effects on adult patients have not been well studied. In our adult STP-naive DS patient population, STP initiation was associated with encephalopathy, despite decreases in valproate and clobazam dosage. Here we explored the cause and treatment of encephalopathic manifestations associated with STP in adults. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with a confirmed clinical and genetic diagnosis of DS who attended the Adult Epilepsy Genetics Clinic were identified retrospectively. Patients who declined or discontinued STP after fewer than 3 months of use, patients who were deceased before starting STP or seizure-free when the genetic diagnosis was confirmed, and those who started STP before leaving the pediatric system (<18 years) were excluded. Levels of ammonia, carnitine, and other anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) were observed for patients receiving STP. Patients with high ammonia levels who received carnitine supplementation were reevaluated. They were also offered an increased dosage of stiripentol if treatment with carnitine improved the encephalopathy. RESULTS: We observed hyperammonemic encephalopathy in 77% of patients treated with STP. In seven of nine patients, we observed a rate of improvement in ammonia levels of 35% (95% confidence interval [CI] 21%-49%) at a mean carnitine dose of 991 ± 286 mg/d (range 660-1320 mg/d). Five patients whose ammonia levels normalized were also offered an increase in STP dose and they were able to tolerate higher doses with improvement in side effects. Despite such adjustments, the mean maximum stiripentol dose reached was 14.89 ± 8.72 mg/kg/d, which is lower than what is typically recommended in children (50 mg/kg/d). SIGNIFICANCE: We report hyperammonemia in adult STP-naive patients who were on valproate and clobazam, despite dose reduction of the latter drugs. We also report that treatment with carnitine improved hyperammonemia, allowing the continuation of STP.

Impacts of Freezing Temperature Based Thermal Conductivity on the Heat Transfer Gradient in Nanofluids: Applications for a Curved Riga Surface.

The flow of nanofluid over a curved Riga surface is a topic of interest in the field of fluid dynamics. A literature survey revealed that the impacts of freezing temperature and the diameter of nanoparticles on the heat transfer over a curved Riga surface have not been examined so far. Therefore, the flow of nanoparticles, which comprises the influences of freezing temperature and nanoparticle diameter in the energy equation, was modeled over a curved Riga surface. The model was reduced successfully in the nondimensional version by implementing the feasible similarity transformations and effective models of nanofluids. The coupled nonlinear model was then examined numerically and highlighted the impacts of various flow quantities in the flow regimes and heat transfer, with graphical aid. It was examined that nanofluid velocity dropped by increasing the flow parameters γ and S, and an abrupt decrement occurred at the surface of the Riga sheet. The boundary layer region enhances for larger γ. The temperature distribution was enhanced for a more magnetized nanofluid, and the thermal boundary layer increased with a larger R parameter. The volume fraction of the nanoparticles favors the effective density and dynamic viscosity of the nanofluids. A maximum amount of heat transfer at the surface was observed for a more magnetized nanofluid.

Isolation of selenium-resistant bacteria and advancement under enrichment conditions for selected probiotic Bacillus subtilis (BSN313).

The main aim of this work was to screen, isolate, and identify a probiotic selenium (Se)-resistant strain of Bacillus subtilis, using the 16S rDNA sequencing approach and subsequently optimize conditions. Initially, conditions were enhanced in two univariate optimization environments: shakings flask and a bioreactor. After solving optimization for selected variables, conditions were further optimized using orthogonal array testing. The results were further evaluated by the analysis of variance, in support of Se enrichment. In a bioreactor, based on R and F values, the order of effect of selected conditions on Se enrichment was stirring speed > initial pH > temperature > Se addition time. The stirring speed of the bioreactor was most significant, due to the suspension of reduced Se, as it formed. After absolute optimization, strain BSN313 was able to enrich Se up to 2,123 µg/g of dry weight, which is 7.58 times greater than the baseline Se-resistance. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Systematic studies of selenium enrichment conditions will facilitate the successful development of an organic selenium source and the safe use of Bacillus subtilis strain (BSN313) as a food supplement. Selenium-enriched probiotic bacteria are reported to provide many health benefits to the host, due to antipathogenic, antioxidative, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Identification of high cadmium-accumulating oilseed sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cultivars for phytoremediation of an Oxisol and an Inceptisol.

Forty oilseed sunflower cultivars were screened in two soil types for phytoremediation of Cd coupled with maximum biomass yield and oil production. Several cultivars exhibited a significant difference in biomass and yield with enhanced uptake in shoots and low accumulation in roots from two Cd-contaminated soil types, an Oxisol and an Iceptisol. The Transfer Factor of Cd was >1 in several cultivars in both soil types, where as a significant difference in phytoextraction of Cd was observed in the Oxisol (acidic soil), greater than in the Inceptisol (alkaline soil). The results revealed that of the 40 cultivars, S9178, Huanong 667in the Oxisol and cvs. DW 667, HN 667, Huanong 667 and 668F1 in the Inceptisol showed a high biomass, better yield and enhanced accumulation of Cd in the shoots but a lesser accumulation in oil. The screened cultivar S 9178 produced the greatest amount of oil (55.6%) with 77% oleic acid, which makes it suitable for human consumption. Cultivar Huanong 667 was found to be the highest accumulating cultivar in both soil types. It is therefore suggested that some sunflower cultivars do exhibit phytoremediation potential together with agro-production potential.

Chemical composition and biological activities of Artemisia judaica essential oil from southern desert of Jordan.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGIC RELEVANCE: Artemisia judaica L. (Arabic name: Beithran), is a medicinal and aromatic plant growing in the valley bottoms of desert areas, particularly in the southern desert of Jordan nearest to the Jordan-Saudi Arabia borders and in Wadi Araba in the Southern Badia. In Jordan, A. judaica is widely used in traditional medicine being recommended by aboriginal Bedouins in the North Badia region of Jordan as calmative. Furthermore, it is used for the treatment of stomach ache, heart diseases, sexual weakness, diabetes, gastro-intestinal disorders and external wounding. Additionally, other folk medicines of the Arabic region commonly use this aromatic plant for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases, for instance fungal infections, diabetes, atherosclerosis, cancer and arthritis. AIM OF THE STUDY: Considering the traditional medicinal uses and the lack of scientific studies addressing the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind A. judaica claimed activities, the present study was designed to validate some of the traditional uses ascribed to this species, specifically the antifungal and anti-inflammatory activities of A. judaica essential oil at doses devoid of cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical analysis of A. judaica essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation from aerial parts was carried out by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antifungal activity (minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal lethal concentrations) was evaluated against yeasts, dermatophyte and Aspergillus strains. In order to deeply explore the mechanisms behind the anti-fungal effect of the essential oil, the germ tube inhibition assay and the biofilms formation assay were evaluated using Candida albicans. The assessment of cell viability was accomplished using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in both hepatocytes and macrophages. Furthermore, the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of A. judaica oil was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse macrophages. RESULTS: Oxygen containing monoterpenes are a representative group of constituents (68.7%) with piperitone (30.4%), camphor (16.1%) and ethyl cinnamate (11.0%) as main compounds. The highest antifungal activity of the oil was observed against Cryptococcus neoformans, with a MIC value of 0.16µL/mL. The oil revealed an important inhibitory effect on germ tube formation in C. albicans with 80% inhibition of filamentation at a concentration of 0.16µL/mL. Importantly, the oil also interfered with pre-formed biofilms by reducing the amount of the attached biomass. Furthermore, the essential oil significantly inhibited NO production evoked by LPS on macrophages at concentrations with very low toxicity (0.32µL/mL) or without toxicity (0.16µL/mL) to both macrophages and hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that A. judaica essential oil from Jordan significantly inhibited germ tube formation and disrupted preformed biofilms of C. albicans, emphasizing the therapeutic potential for the treatment of disseminated candidiasis. Additionally, safe concentrations of this essential oil significantly inhibited NO production elicited by LPS in macrophages, highlighting its potential anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, A. judaica bears promising therapeutic potential for further drug development. Importantly, this work also validates some of the traditional uses of A. judaica.

Compositional difference in antioxidant and antibacterial activity of all parts of the Carica papaya using different solvents.

BACKGROUND: Carica papaya is a well known medicinal plant used in the West and Asian countries to cope several diseases. Patients were advised to eat papaya fruit frequently during dengue fever epidemic in Pakistan by physicians. This study was conducted to establish Polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant potential profile of extracts of all major parts of the C. papaya with seven major solvents i.e. water, ethanol, methanol, n-butanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane. RESULTS: TPC, TFC, antioxidant and antibacterial potential were determined using different aqueous and organic solvents in addition to the determination of trace element in leaves, pulp and peel of C. papaya. Total soluble phenolics and flavonoids were found in promising quantity (≈66 mg GAE/g) especially in case of methanol and ethanol extracts. Antioxidant activity using DPPH free radical scavenging assay indicated leaves, bark, roots and pulp extracts showed >75.0 % scavenging potential while leaves and pulp showed 84.9 and 80.9 % inhibition of peroxidation, respectively. Reducing power assay showed leaves, pulp and roots extracts active to reduce Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) ions. The antibacterial study showed pulp extract is the best to cope infectious action of bacteria. CONCLUSION: This study was conducted to test the medicinal profile of all parts of C. papaya by extracting secondary metabolites with organic and aqueous solvents. Ethanol and methanol both were found to be the best solvents of choice to extract natural products to get maximum medicinal benefits and could be used to medicinal formulation against different infectious diseases.Graphical abstractMedicinal evaluation of different parts of C. papaya.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis Linn flower extracts.

Antioxidant and antibacterial potential of different solvent extracts of locally grown Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was assessed by estimation of total flavonoids contents, total phenolic contents, DPPH free radical scavenging activity and percentage inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation capacity. Agar disc diffusion method was used to assess antibacterial potential of crude extract of H. rosa-sinensis. The yield of the crude extracts (23.21 ± 3.67 and 18.36 ± 2.98% in 80% methanol and ethanol solvents was calculated, respectively. Methanol and ethanol extract of H. rosa-sinensis showed total phenolics 61.45 ± 3.23 and 59.31 ± 4.31 mg/100g as gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoids 53.28 ± 1.93 and 32.25±1.21 mg/100g as catechine equivalent, DPPH free radical scavenging activity 75.46±4.67 and 64.98 ± 2.11% and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation potential 75.8 ±3.22 and 61.6 ± 2.01% respectively, was measured. Antibacterial study against three human pathogens such as staphlococus sp. Bacillus sp. and Escherichia coli showed growth inhibitory effect in the range of 12.75 ± 1.17 to 16.75 ± 2.10 mm. These results showed H. rosa-sinensis indigenous to Kallar Kahar and its allied areas bear promising medicinal values and could be used for developing herbal medicines to target oxidative stress and infectious diseases.

Apigenin 7-glucoside from Stachys tibetica Vatke and its anxiolytic effect in rats.

BACKGROUND: Stachys tibetica Vatke (Himalayan or mountain tea) grows abundantly in the tropical and subtropical locations of the world including India, Tibet and China. The traditional healers of Kargil and adjoining areas in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir in India use the drug to treat fever, cough, phobias and various mental disorders etc. in the form of a decoction or as a tea. Flavonoids are important components in most herbal teas and play an important role in the management of various brain disorders via mimicking the action of benzodiazepines or through benzodiazepine receptors. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aimed to isolate flavonoids from S. tibetica and to evaluate their anxiolytic potential in comparison to reference synthetic (diazepam) and natural (apigenin) molecules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: S. tibetica root powder was extracted with 95% methanol for about 72 h using a soxhlet apparatus and the resultant extract was subjected to isolation procedures, resulting in the isolation of apigenin 7-glucoside and characterisation by various physical and spectrometric analyses. Apigenin 7-glucoside was evaluated for anxiolytic activity in rats in comparison with the reference compounds diazepam and apigenin using the elevated plus maze (EPM) model. RESULTS: Phytochemical investigations of S. tibetica revealed the presence of tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides and carbohydrates. A flavonoid glucoside, apigenin 7-glucoside was isolated for the first time from the roots of S. tibetica Vatke. The percentage of time spent and arm entries in the open arms was increased while the arms entries and duration of time spent in closed arms were decreased in the groups treated with apigenin 7-glucoside (which dose). In a similar fashion, diazepam and apigenin also exhibited anxiolytic activity (*p<0.05, **p<0.01). Apigenin 7-glucoside significantly decreased the percentage of head dips in EPM. Apigenin 7-glucoside showed anxiolytic potential comparable to the reference drugs apigenin and diazepam. CONCLUSION: Apigenin 7-glucoside could be an important molecule for the treatment of anxiety and further studies are required to elucidate its possible mechanism of action.

Anti-anxiety activity of Stachys tibetica Vatke.

AIM: S. tibetica Vatke is a herb distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Tibet, China, and India. In India it is found in the cold desert regions of Kargil, Ladakh Valley, and in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. The traditional practitioners in the Kargil and Ladakh use the natural medicine Stachys tibetica for the treatment of various mental disorders and phobias. The present study is aimed at evaluating the anxiolytic effects of the methanolic extract of the root, stem, leaf, and whole plant material of Stachys tibetica Vatke in rats. METHODS: Powdered materials (1 kg) of each plant part were subjected to extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol (95%); to yield 12.8%, 8.3%, 17.2%, and 19.6% W/W extractives, respectively. Extracts were evaluated for their anxiolytic effects using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test in rats. RESULTS: In the present study, it was found that the methanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg·kg(-1)) of the root, stem, leaf and whole plant of Stachys tibetica Vatke and diazepam (DZ) increased the time spent and the number of entries in the open arm significantly (**P < 0.01), while they decreased the time spent and the number of entries in the closed arm. At the same time, all of the extracts and DZ decreased the time spent at the center of the maze (latency), along with closed arm returns. The head dip counts increased significantly in the rats treated with DZ, SMR400, SML400 and SMW400 in the open arm of EPM, which was a sign of reduction anxiety. The DZ and SMW did not show the fecal bolus, while other groups had reduced fecal bolus (**P < 0.01) as compared to control. These allied parameters helped to assess the anxiolytic potential of Stachys tibetica Vatke. Whole plant and leaf materials have shown the maximum activity, the root intermediate while the stem had the least anxiolytic activity (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01) in EPM. CONCLUSION: The results strongly justify the use of this plant for the treatment of anxiety. Further studies are in progress in this laboratory to isolate and identify the components responsible for the anxiolytic activity and the mechanism of action involved.

Coumarins from Angelica archangelica Linn. and their effects on anxiety-like behavior.

UNLABELLED: TRADITIONAL RELEVANCE: Angelica archangelica Linn. (Apiaceae) is an herb distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Both in Chinese and Indian system of medicine, it is used for nervous disorders including anxiety, anorexia, migraine and other cerebral diseases. AIM OF STUDY: To evaluate the anxiolytic potential of non polar coumarins isolated from A. archangelica Linn. METHODS AND RESULTS: A. archangelica Linn. (1 kg) was subjected to extraction in a soxhlet apparatus with petroleum ether (40-60 °C), yield 6.9% w/w. The extract of petroleum ether produced a yellow colored precipitate (YP) which was evaluated for anxiolytic like effect using EPM test and was found significant (**P<0.01) in doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, po. The precipitate was shown to be a mixture of seven constituents in HPTLC and six on the TLC plate which were further subjected to separation by preparative TLC. Non polar coumarins were isolated namely imperatorin (IM) and isoimperatorin (IIM). YP, IM, IIM were tested for anxiolytic like effects in a dose of 5mg/kg, po along with DZ (1mg/kg, po) using EPM, Light & dark arena and hole board models in rats. All the test drugs were found to have significant (*P<0.05, **P<0.01) activity. IM and IIM have the potential to reduce anxiety but yellow precipitate showed the most promising activity as compared to isolated coumarins. This effect may be due to the synergistic action of all compounds present in the YP or by multiple mechanism of action. The test drugs may have the potential for different receptors. CONCLUSION: The mixture of coumarins isolated from A. archangelica and its constituents imperatorin and isoimperatorin have the potential to reduce anxiety but it is the mixture which have more significant activity as compared to its individual components.

Anti-anxiety activity of Stachys tibetica Vatke / 中国天然药物

AIM@#S. tibetica Vatke is a herb distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including Tibet, China, and India. In India it is found in the cold desert regions of Kargil, Ladakh Valley, and in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. The traditional practitioners in the Kargil and Ladakh use the natural medicine Stachys tibetica for the treatment of various mental disorders and phobias. The present study is aimed at evaluating the anxiolytic effects of the methanolic extract of the root, stem, leaf, and whole plant material of Stachys tibetica Vatke in rats.@*METHODS@#Powdered materials (1 kg) of each plant part were subjected to extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus with methanol (95%); to yield 12.8%, 8.3%, 17.2%, and 19.6% W/W extractives, respectively. Extracts were evaluated for their anxiolytic effects using the elevated plus maze (EPM) test in rats.@*RESULTS@#In the present study, it was found that the methanolic extracts (200 and 400 mg·kg(-1)) of the root, stem, leaf and whole plant of Stachys tibetica Vatke and diazepam (DZ) increased the time spent and the number of entries in the open arm significantly (**P < 0.01), while they decreased the time spent and the number of entries in the closed arm. At the same time, all of the extracts and DZ decreased the time spent at the center of the maze (latency), along with closed arm returns. The head dip counts increased significantly in the rats treated with DZ, SMR400, SML400 and SMW400 in the open arm of EPM, which was a sign of reduction anxiety. The DZ and SMW did not show the fecal bolus, while other groups had reduced fecal bolus (**P < 0.01) as compared to control. These allied parameters helped to assess the anxiolytic potential of Stachys tibetica Vatke. Whole plant and leaf materials have shown the maximum activity, the root intermediate while the stem had the least anxiolytic activity (*P < 0.05, **P < 0.01) in EPM.@*CONCLUSION@#The results strongly justify the use of this plant for the treatment of anxiety. Further studies are in progress in this laboratory to isolate and identify the components responsible for the anxiolytic activity and the mechanism of action involved.

The genus Crataegus: chemical and pharmacological perspectives

Traditional drugs have become a subject of world importance, with both medicinal and economical implications. A regular and widespread use of herbs throughout the world has increased serious concerns over their quality, safety and efficacy. Thus, a proper scientific evidence or assessment has become the criteria for acceptance of traditional health claims. Plants of the genus Crataegus, Rosaceae, are widely distributed and have long been used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as heart (cardiovascular disorders), central nervous system, immune system, eyes, reproductive system, liver, kidney etc. It also exhibits wide range of cytotoxic, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV and antimicrobial activities. Phytochemicals like oligomeric procyanidins, flavonoids, triterpenes, polysaccharides, catecholamines have been identified in the genus and many of these have been evaluated for biological activities. This review presents comprehensive information on the chemistry and pharmacology of the genus together with the traditional uses of many of its plants. In addition, this review discusses the clinical trials and regulatory status of various Crataegus plants along with the scope for future research in this aspect.

Anti-anxiety activity of successive extracts of Angelica archangelica Linn. on the elevated T-maze and forced swimming tests in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Angelica archangelica Linn. is widely used in food and liquor preparations and also in Kashmiri folk medicine to reduce anxiety. We evaluated the anxiolytic effect of successive extracts of A. archangelica linn. (SAE) on rats tested in the elevated T-maze test (an animal model of generalized anxiety) at doses that exhibit antidepressant-like activity in humans. METHODS: A. archangelica (1 kg) was subjected to successive extraction in a soxhlet apparatus with solvents [petroleum ether (40-60 degrees C), chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and decoction with water] in order of increasing polarity (yield: 6.9%, 7.3%, 5.1%, 11.88% and 8.2% w/w, respectively). SAE were evaluated for anxiolytic effects using the elevated T-maze and forced swimming tests in rats. RESULTS: Oral dosing of diazepam (1 mg/kg) and extracts (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) clearly showed an anxiolytic-like profile in the elevated T-maze test: it increased one-way escape and decreased inhibitory avoidance on the first, third and seventh day. In the forced swimming test, imipramine and SAE showed antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects as reflected by increased climbing time, swimming time and decreased immobility time on the first, third and seventh day. Aqueous and methanol extracts showed the most, petroleum ether (40-60 degrees C) and chloroform intermediate, and ethyl acetate the least anxiolytic activity (*P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P< 0.001) in both models. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest the anti-anxiety activity of various extracts of A. archangelica and strongly justify its use in traditional Indian medicine for the treatment of anxiety.