Ameliorative Effects of Phytomedicines on Alzheimer's Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that severely affects individuals' cognitive abilities, memory, and quality of life. It affects the elderly population, and there is no permanent prevention or cures available to date, treatments mainly aiming to alleviate the symptoms as and when they appear. Alternate therapeutic approaches are being researched constantly, and there is a growing focus on phytomedicine, herbal medicine, organic compounds, and ayurvedic compounds for the treatment of AD. METHODS: The current study aims to provide an extensive review of these plants against AD from the currently existing literature. Most relevant keywords like Alzheimer's Disease, phytomedicines, ethnic medicines, the role of phytomedicine in neuroprotection, common phytomedicines against AD, etc., were used to select the plants and their metabolites effective in treating AD. The study focuses on six plants: Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, and Lavandula angustifolia. Their active components have been studied along with neuroprotective properties, and evidence of in-vitro, pre-clinical, and clinical studies conducted to prove their therapeutic potential against the disease have been presented. RESULTS: All plants envisaged in the study show potential for fighting against AD to varying degrees. Their compounds have shown therapeutic effects by reversing the neurological changes such as clearing Aß plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, and ameliorative effects against neurodegeneration through processes including improving concentration, memory, cognition and learning, higher working and cue memory, improved spatial memory, inhibition of NF-κB expression, inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of AChE and lipid peroxidase enzymes, and reduction of interleukin levels and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. CONCLUSION: The present review is a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis supported by the evidentiary proofs from pre-clinical studies, meta-analyses, and review papers related to natural phytochemicals' impact on neurodegenerative disorders like AD.

Nutritional applications and beneficial health applications of green tea and l-theanine in some animal species: A review.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a popular herbal plant with abundant health benefits, and thus, it has been used as a potent antioxidant for a long time. Based on the available literature, the diversity and the availability of multifunctional compounds in green tea offer its noteworthy potential against many diseases such as liver and heart diseases, inflammatory conditions and different metabolic syndromes. Owing to its bioactive constituents including caffeine, amino acids, l-theanine, polyphenols/flavonoids and carbohydrates among other potent molecules, green tea has many pharmacological and physiological effects. The effects of green tea include anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-stress, hypolipidaemic, hypocholesterolaemic, skin/collagen protective, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-infective, anti-parasitic, anti-cancerous, inhibition of tumorigenesis and angiogenesis, anti-mutagenic, and memory and bone health-improving activities. Apart from its utilization in humans, green tea has also played a significant role in livestock production such as in dairy, piggery, goatry and poultry industries. Supplementation of animal feeds with green tea and its products is in line with the modern concepts of organic livestock production. Hence, incorporating green tea or green tea by-products into the diet of poultry and other livestock can enhance the value of the products obtained from these animals. Herein, an effort is made to extend the knowledge on the importance and useful applications of green tea and its important constituents in animal production including poultry. This review will be a guideline for researchers and entrepreneurs who want to explore the utilization of feeds supplemented with green tea and green tea by-products for the enhancement of livestock production.

Evaluation of the ameliorative effects of Phyllanthus niruri on the deleterious insecticide imidacloprid in the vital organs of chicken embryos.

BACKGROUND: Insecticides are widely used in agriculture to curb the loss caused by insects. These insecticides are incorporated into the food chain and accumulate in the human body, as well disturb the various metabolic pathways. Imidacloprid is an insect neurotoxin commonly used in agriculture to control the insect pests. P. niruri is a traditional medicinal shrub widely used as an anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-lethality agent. OBJECTIVE: The present study is designed to evaluate the ameliorative effects of Phyllanthus niruri (Bhumi amla) on the deleterious Insecticide imidacloprid in the vital organs of Chicken embryos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The embryonated chicken eggs were divided into the four groups (one control and three treated groups); the chorioallantoic membranes of control received 200 µl phosphate buffer saline, whereas group I and group II received 100 µg imidacloprid and 200 µl aqueous extract of P. niruri (PNE) respectively. Group III received both 100 µg imidacloprid and 200 µl PNE. The serum was collected on the 18th day its development; which was subjected to the biochemical analysis based on colorimetric assay in semi-automated biochemical analyzer using commercial kits. RESULTS: We observed significant in ovo effects of imidacloprid on chicken embryos; the values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were increased in imidacloprid treated group I; histopathology also revealed damage to the liver (necrotic areas and dilated blood sinusoids). Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, cholesterol, triglycerides protein and albumin levels were also altered significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The serum biochemicals were returned back to the nearly normal levels. PNE has ameliorated and overcome the effects of imidacloprid reasonably with the subsequent treatment among group III. Hence, P. niruri may be used to minimize the effects of an accidental exposure of imidacloprid.

Medicinal and Therapeutic Potential of Herbs and Plant Metabolites / Extracts Countering Viral Pathogens - Current Knowledge and Future Prospects.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there has been a remarkable progress in the field of antiviral herbal therapy owing to increasing concerns about the development of drug resistance and limited advances in the field of antiviral drug discovery. In almost all countries, medicinal plants have been used widely throughout history for the treatment of diseases and infections as traditional healing remedies due to their broad therapeutic spectrum and minimal or no side effects. As synthetic antiviral drugs are not available against most of the viral agents, hence all possible efforts have been focused on the search for new drugs and complementary/alternative medicines from different herbal formulations. METHODS: We have retrieved the related information from the online published resources (Medline, PubMed, Pub- Med Central, Science Direct and other scientific databases); which were further analyzed and compiled. RESULTS: Medicinal plants contain extractable biochemical and bioactive compounds, which can target certain viruses or can cure or prevent several viral diseases and infections. Despite their long history of use, the research and scientific evidences regarding the use of medicinal plants and natural products as prophylactics, therapeutics, and their health multiple beneficial applications have only gained momentum in past few decades. Many scientific studies have been undertaken, which range from the separation of active substances to the comprehension of the therapeutic mechanisms of antiviral herbs, their potent applications in the neutralization of viral pathogens and clinical trials. Consequently, hundreds of herbs and plant metabolites have been screened, identified, and tested for their antiviral activities; fortunately, some have shown significant medicinal activity in the amelioration or prevention of various viral diseases in both preclinical and clinical studies. CONCLUSION: This review addresses the scientific significance of various herbal formulations of different medicinal plants and their extracts, which have shown promise or been proven effective for the treatment of diseases caused by various viral pathogens, including emerging and re-emerging viruses that infect humans, animals, poultry and fish.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and l-theanine: Medicinal values and beneficial applications in humans-A comprehensive review.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is a famous herb, and its extract has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicinal system. In this context, several studies have revealed its health benefits and medicinal potentialities for several ailments. With ever increasing scientific knowledge, search for safer, potential and novel type of health-related supplements quest, scientists are re-directing their research interests to explore natural resources i.e. medicinal herbs/plant derived compounds. Green tea consumption has gained a special attention and popularity in the modern era of changing lifestyle. The present review is aimed to extend the current knowledge by highlighting the importance and beneficial applications of green tea in humans for safeguarding various health issues. Herein, we have extensively reviewed, analyzed, and compiled salient information on green tea from the authentic published literature available in PubMed and other scientific databases. Scientific literature evidenced that owing to the bioactive constituents including caffeine, l-theanine, polyphenols/flavonoids and other potent molecules, green tea has many pharmacological and physiological functions. It possesses multi-beneficial applications in treating various disorders of humans. This review also provides in-depth insights on the medicinal values of green tea which will be useful for researchers, medical professionals, veterinarians, nutritionists, pharmacists and pharmaceutical industry. Future research emphasis and promotional avenues are needed to explore its potential therapeutic applications for designing appropriate pharmaceuticals, complementary medicines, and effective drugs as well as popularize and propagate its multidimensional health benefits.

Beneficial health applications and medicinal values of Pedicularis plants: A review.

Pedicularis plants (Orobanchaceae), popularly known as lousewort, are found in Asia, Europe, and North America, and have been used in Sowa-Rigpa, the Himalayan art of healing and a traditional system of medicine for treating various ailments in humans. A comprehensive compilation on this valuable medicinal plant is not available, however. The present extensive review provides insight into the salient medicinal properties of Pedicularis plants with respect to various health issues and diseases. Our previous studies on Pedicularis plants from the Changthang region of Ladakh (India) and research advances leading to new developments in this field have prompted this review. The information presented here has been compiled and analyzed from authenticated published resources available on Medline, Pubmed, Pubmed Central, Science Direct, and other scientific databases. The Pedicularis genus consists of approximately 600 species (83 of which are found in India), with commonly reported species being Pedicularis longiflora Rudolph, P. bicornuta Klotzsch, P. oederi Vahl, P. cheilanthifolia, and P. pectinata. The major phytoconstituents of the Pedicularis sp. are phenols, phenylethanoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, and alkaloids, among others. The existing literature highlights that these compounds possess antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, muscle-relaxing, antifatigue, diuretic, antipyretic, antithrombus, antihemolysis, and DNA-repairing properties. This medicinal herb is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea, fevers, sterility, rheumatism, general debility, collapse, and urinary problems, and for revitalizing the blood circulation, improving digestion, and maintaining vitality. This review emphasizes the various medicinal aspects of Pedicularis sp. plants containing a variety of phytoconstituents. Besides phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, tannins, iridoid, and phenylpropanoid glycosides are among the active constituents responsible for multiple health effects. However, further extensive research is required to characterize the various phytoconstituents of Pedicularis to explore their modes of action at a molecular level and identify other beneficial applications that can exploit the tremendous medicinal potential of this important herb.

Medicinal and Beneficial Health Applications of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi): A Miraculous Herb Countering Various Diseases/Disorders and its Immunomodulatory Effects.

BACKGROUND: Plants have been known as an integral part of traditional medicine because of their phytoconstituents with their miraculous substances. Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi/ Giloy) is one such plant having pharmacological functions and medicinal values due to its several constituents such as terpenes, glycosides, alkaloids, steroids and flavonoids. Thus, it has been rightly mentioned in old texts as "Amrita". OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present review is to extend the current knowledge, importance and beneficial pharmacological applications of guduchi in humans for safeguarding various health issues. METHODS: We extensively reviewed, analyzed and compiled salient information from the published literature available in PubMed and other scientific databases. RESULTS: The present review describes medicinal applications of T. cordifolia in countering various disorders and usages as anti-oxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, osteoprotective, radioprotective, anti-anxiety, adaptogenic agent, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, a thrombolytic agent, anti-diarrheal, anti-ulcer, anti-microbial and anti-cancer agent. The plant is also a source of micronutrients viz. copper, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and manganese. A special focus has been made on its health benefits in treating endocrine and metabolic disorders and its potential as an immune booster. Several patents have been filed and granted to inventions encompassing T. cordifolia as a major component of therapeutics for ameliorating metabolic, endocrinal and several other ailments, aiding in the betterment of human life expectancy. CONCLUSION: The information presented would be beneficial for researchers, medical professionals and pharmaceutical companies to design and develop effective medicines, drugs and healthical products exploiting the multiple as well as specific modes of actions of T. cordifolia, and also help in promoting and popularizing this rich herb having promising potentials to prevent and treat various ailments.