Dissecting the natural phytochemical diversity of carrot roots with its colour using high performance liquid chromatography and UV-Visible spectrophotometry.

The research provides insights into the phytoconstituents of black, orange and red carrots (Daucus carota subsp. Sativus (Hoffm.) Schübl. & G. Martens), a highly nutritious food crop widely appreciated across age groups. Recognising carrots as a repository of health-promoting compounds, our study employs UV-Visible spectrophotometric and HPLC methods to discern significant variations in bioactive components among carrot varieties. Black carrots emerge as potent contenders, displaying the highest levels of total phenolics (2660 ± 2.29 mg GAE/100 g F W.), total flavonoids (831 ± 1.74 mg QE/100 g F W.), proanthocyanins (10910 ± 1.11 mg CE/100 g F W.), and tannins (713 ± 0.84 mg/100 g F W.). Red carrots, conversely, showcase higher anthocyanin content (6870 ± 1.85 mg CyGE/100 g F W.) by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Additionally, orange carrots exhibit heightened ß-carotene levels, confirmed at 0.03 µg/mg through HPLC. HPLC analysis unveils substantial chlorogenic acid variability (1.29 µg/mg) in black carrots, accompanied by the discovery of unique compounds such as cryptochlorogenic acid (0.05 µg/mg), caffeic acid (0.01 µg/mg), ferulic acid (0.11 µg/mg), methyl caffeate (0.01 µg/mg), and quercetin (0.02 µg/mg), marking the first detection of methyl caffeate in black carrots. The analytical methodology was meticulously validated encompassing optimal parameters such as linearity, precision, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, and robustness, within the range. In conclusion, our study underscores the health benefits of black carrots due to their rich polyphenolic content and endorses orange carrots for elevated ß-carotene levels. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the diverse phytoconstituents in carrots, aid in informed dietary choices for improved health.

In mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with corticosteroid refractoriness, Bronchom mitigates airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling.

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a heterogeneous, inflammatory disease with several phenotypes and endotypes. Severe asthmatics often exhibit mixed granulocytosis with reduced corticosteroid sensitivity. Bronchom is a newly developed Ayurvedic prescription medicine, indicated for the treatment of obstructive airway disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom in mouse model of mixed granulocytic asthma with steroidal recalcitrance. METHODS: High-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) were employed to identify and quantitate the phytometabolites present in Bronchom. The preclinical effectiveness of Bronchom was assessed in house dust mite (HDM) and Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced mixed granulocytic asthma model in mice. High dose of dexamethasone was tested parallelly. Specific-pathogen-free C57BL/6 mice were immunized with HDM and CFA and nineteen days later, they were intranasally challenged with HDM for four consecutive days. Then the mice were challenged with nebulized methacholine to evaluate airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Inflammatory cell influx was enumerated in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by lung histology. Additionally, the concentrations of Th2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines was assessed in the BALF by multiplexed immune assay. The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) was also evaluated in the lung. RESULTS: HPTLC fingerprinting and UHPLC quantification of Bronchom revealed the presence of bioactive phytometabolites, namely, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, methyl gallate, piperine, eugenol and glycyrrhizin. Bronchom effectively reduced AHR driven by HDM-CFA and the influx of total leukocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils in the BALF. In addition, Bronchom inhibited the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung as well as goblet cell metaplasia. Further, it also suppressed the elevated levels of Th2 cytokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the BALF. Similarly, Bronchom also regulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as MUC5AC in mice lungs. Reduced effectiveness of a high dose of the steroid, dexamethasone was observed in the model. CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated for the first time the robust pharmacological effects of an herbo-mineral medicine in an animal model of mixed granulocytic asthma induced by HDM and CFA. The outcomes suggest the potential utility of Bronchom in severe asthmatics with a mixed granulocytic phenotype.

Vagally Mediated Heart Rate Variability and Mood States in Patients with Chronic Pain Receiving Prolonged Expiration Regulated Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Reduced vagally mediated heart rate variability (VmHRV) has been reported in patients with chronic pain. In healthy persons, breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration increases VmHRV at 12 breaths per minute. The present study aimed to determine the immediate effect of breathing with longer expiration relative to inspiration on VmHRV and mood states in patients with chronic pain. Fifty patients with chronic pain aged between 20 and 67 years were prospectively randomized as two groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1. The interventional group practiced breathing with metronome based visual cues, maintaining an inspiration to expiration ratio of 28:72 (i/e ratio, 0.38) at a breath rate of 12 breaths per minute. The average i/e ratio they attained based on strain gauge respiration recording was 0.685 (SD 0.48). The control group, which looked at the metronome without conscious breath modification had an average i/e ratio of 0.745 (SD 0.69). The VmHRV, respiration and self-reported mood states (using the Brief Mood Introspection Scale (BMIS)) were assessed. There was a significant increase in HF-HRV and RMSSD during low i/e breathing (repeated measures ANCOVA, Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc test, p < 0.05; in all cases). Self-reported mood states changed as follows: (i) following low i/e breathing positive-mood states increased while the aroused mood state decreased whereas (ii) following the control intervention the aroused mood state increased (repeated measure ANOVA, p < 0.05; in all cases). Hence breathing with prolonged expiration is possibly useful to increase VmHRV and improve self- reported mood states in patients with chronic pain.

Renogrit selectively protects against cisplatin-induced injury in human renal tubular cells and in Caenorhabditis elegans by harmonizing apoptosis and mitophagy.

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity restricts its clinical use against solid tumors. The present study elucidated the pharmacological effects of Renogrit, a plant-derived prescription medicine, using cisplatin-induced human renal proximal tubular (HK-2) cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. Quantification of phytochemicals in Renogrit was performed on HPTLC and UHPLC platforms. Renogrit was assessed in vitro in HK-2 cells post-exposure to clinically relevant concentration of cisplatin. It was observed that renoprotective properties of Renogrit against cisplatin-induced injury stem from its ability to regulate renal injury markers (KIM-1, NAG levels; NGAL mRNA expression), redox imbalance (ROS generation; GST levels), and mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondrial membrane potential; SKN-1, HSP-60 expression). Renogrit was also found to modulate apoptosis (EGL-1 mRNA expression; protein levels of p-ERK, p-JNK, p-p38, c-PARP1), necroptosis (intracellular calcium accumulation; RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL mRNA expression), mitophagy (lysosome population; mRNA expression of PINK1, PDR1; protein levels of p-PINK1, LC3B), and inflammation (IL-1ß activity; protein levels of LXR-α). More importantly, Renogrit treatment did not hamper normal anti-proliferative effects of cisplatin as observed from cytotoxicity analysis on MCF-7, A549, SiHa, and T24 human cancer cells. Taken together, Renogrit could be a potential clinical candidate to mitigate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity without compromising the anti-neoplastic properties of cisplatin.

Comprehensive phytochemical profiling of Phyllanthus emblica L. flowers on UHPLC/MS quadrupole time of flight, HPTLC, HPLC, and NMR analytical platforms reveals functional metabolites with potent anti-inflammatory effects in human (THP-1) macrophages.

INTRODUCTION: Phyllanthus emblica L., renowned for its pharmacological benefits found in its fruits and leaves, has received considerable attention. However, there is a notable lack of research on its flowers, specifically on metabolite profiling and pharmacological activity. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to delineate the phytochemical constituents of hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QToF-MS), high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods and subsequent evaluation of its anti-inflammatory potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The identification and characterization of phytochemicals in P. emblica flowers was performed by UHPLC/MS-QToF in both positive and negative ionization modes. Additionally, marker compounds present in flower extract were analyzed using HPTLC, HPLC, FT-IR, and NMR methods. The anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated THP-1 macrophages by evaluating inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: UHPLC/MS-QToF analysis facilitated the identification of 51 compounds from P. emblica flowers including gallic acid derivatives, flavonoid glycosides, and tannins based on their fragmentation patterns and previous literature reports. Notably, the study also identified spermidine compounds for the first time in this species. Optimization of HPTLC and HPLC methods marked the presence of corilagin as major compound followed by FT-IR and NMR spectral methods. Moreover, treatment with hydromethanolic extract of P. emblica flowers resulted in decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6, alongside modulation of nuclear factor-κB activity in lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 macrophages. CONCLUSION: Chromatographic techniques in conjunction with spectral methods found robust prevalence in the identification of signature phytometabolites present in P. emblica flowers, which sets the basis for its anti-inflammatory potentials. The studies established a foundation for further exploration of potential applications of P. emblica flowers across various domains.

In-depth phytochemical profiling of Roscoea purpurea (Kakoli): Comparative UHPLC-MS/QToF and GC-MS/MS analysis of supercritical CO2 fluid - and conventional solvent - based extractive processes.

The remarkable biodiversity of medicinal plants worldwide highlights their significance in traditional and alternative medicine. Astavarga, a group of eight medicinal herbs from the Himalayan region of India, including Roscoea purpurea (commonly known as Kakoli), is esteemed in Ayurveda for its health-promoting and rejuvenating properties. In this comprehensive study, we aimed to develop and optimise robust UHPLC-MS/QToF (Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with quadrupole time of flight) and GC-MS/MS (Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) methods to identify the phytochemicals in R. purpurea root hydromethanolic extract and essential oil. We also conducted a comparative assessment of supercritical fluid extraction and conventional solvent extraction methods for the first time in R. purpurea root, highlighting their relevance to the medicinal field. Using the UHPLC/MS-QToF method, we identified a total of fifty-six phytometabolites, while sixteen volatile constituents were discerned within the essential oil of R. purpurea by GC-MS/MS method. Among the volatile constituents, ß-eudesmol (40.84 %), guaiac acetate (10.55 %), and γ-eudesmol (10.31 %) were emerged as the principal components. Our findings were further compared with the volatile constituents extracted via supercritical fluid extraction and conventional solvent extraction methods. Notably, our research unveiled the presence of a carotenoid metabolite, 15-methyl retinol, for the first time. Furthermore, our fatty acid analysis of the supercritical fluid extract revealed elevated levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic and linoleic acids. The methods were validated in terms of system specificity also. The discovery of these well-recognised therapeutically active components in R. purpurea significantly enhances its potential, highlighting its unique profile among medicinal plants in the Himalayan region and its suitability for traditional Ayurveda.

Advancements in Nano-Mandoor Bhasma: Unravelling the Particle Size-Ascorbic Acid Synergy for Enhanced Iron Bioavailability for Anemia Treatment.

Mandoor Bhasma (MB) medicine, based on classical Indian Ayurveda, was size- and surface-modified to improve its therapeutic efficiency for treating iron-deficient anemia. Physical grinding reduced the size of MB to the nanoparticle (nano-MB) range without changing its chemical composition, as measured by particle size distribution. The surface of nano-MB was modified with ascorbic acid (nano-AA-MB) and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. Enhanced iron dissolution from the surface-modified nano-AA-MB under neutral-to-alkaline pH conditions, and in the intestinal region of the simulated gastrointestinal tract (GIT) digestion model was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. GIT digestae of MB microparticles and nano-AA-MB were found to be biocompatible in human colon epithelial (Caco-2) cells, with the latter showing threefold higher iron uptake. Subsequently, a dose-dependent increase in cellular ferritin protein was observed in the nano-AA-MB digestae-treated Caco-2 cells, indicating the enhanced bioavailability and storage of dissolved iron. Overall, the study showed that reducing the size of centuries-old traditional Mandoor Bhasma medicine to nanoscale, and its surface-modification with ascorbic acid would help in enhancing its therapeutic abilities for treating iron-deficient anemia.

Fevogrit, a polyherbal medicine, mitigates endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced fever in Wistar rats by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

BACKGROUND: Fever is characterized by an upregulation of the thermoregulatory set-point after the body encounters any pathological challenge. It is accompanied by uncomfortable sickness behaviors and may be harmful in patients with other comorbidities. We have explored the impact of an Ayurvedic medicine, Fevogrit, in an endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide)-induced fever model in Wistar rats. METHODS: Active phytoconstituents of Fevogrit were identified and quantified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) platform. For the in-vivo study, fever was induced in male Wistar rats by the intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), obtained from Escherichia coli. The animals were allocated to normal control, disease control, Paracetamol treated and Fevogrit treated groups. The rectal temperature of animals was recorded at different time points using a digital thermometer. At the 6-h time point, levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 cytokines were analyzed in serum. Additionally, the mRNA expression of these cytokines was determined in hypothalamus, 24 h post-LPS administration. RESULTS: UHPLC analysis of Fevogrit revealed the presence of picroside I, picroside II, vanillic acid, cinnamic acid, magnoflorine and cordifolioside A, as bioactive constituents with known anti-inflammatory properties. Fevogrit treatment efficiently reduces the LPS-induced rise in the rectal temperature of animals. The levels and gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 in serum and hypothalamus, respectively, was also significantly reduced by Fevogrit treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study demonstrated that Fevogrit can suppress LPS-induced fever by inhibiting peripheral or central inflammatory signaling pathways and could well be a viable treatment for infection-induced increase in body temperatures.

Molecular Mechanism of Cynodon dactylon Phytosterols Targeting MAPK3 and PARP1 to Combat Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Multifaceted Computational Approach.

Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) presents a global health concern, necessitating the development of innovative therapeutic strategies to combat its impact. This study was employed to investigate the unexplored therapeutic efficacy of Cynodon dactylon phytochemicals against EOC using a multifaceted computational approach. A total of 19 out of 89 rigorously curated phytochemicals were assessed as potential drug targets via ADMET profiling, while protein-protein interaction analysis scrutinized the top 20 hub genes among 264 disease targets, revealing their involvement in cancer-related pathways and underscoring their significance in EOC pathogenesis. In molecular docking, Stigmasterol acetate showed the highest binding affinity (-10.9 kcal/mol) with Poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase-1 (PDB: 1UK1), while Arundoin and Beta-Sitosterol exhibited strong affinities (-10.4 kcal/mol and -10.1 kcal/mol, respectively); additionally, Beta-Sitosterol interacting with Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (PDB: 4QTB) showed a binding affinity of -10.1 kcal/mol, forming 2 hydrogen bonds and a total of 10 bonds with 10 residues. Molecular dynamics simulations exhibited the significant structural stability of the Beta-Sitosterol-4QTB complex with superior binding free energy (-36.61 kcal/mol) among the three complexes. This study identified C. dactylon phytosterols, particularly Beta-Sitosterol, as effective in targeting MAPK3 and PARP1 to combat EOC, laying the groundwork for further experimental validation and drug development efforts.

Volitionally Regulated Breathing with Prolonged Expiration Influences Food Craving and Impulsivity.

INTRODUCTION: Previously, an intervention involving volitional slow breathing reduced trait food craving with protective effects on cardiac vagal activity (CVA). Breathing with a low inspiration-to-expiration (i/e) ratio also increases CVA. High CVA was separately associated with low unregulated eating and lesser impulsivity. Hence, the present study assessed breathing with a low i/e for effects on state food craving, hunger and satiety, state impulsivity, and heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy obese persons. METHODS: Forty obese persons were randomized to two groups. The intervention group (mean age ± SD, 41.15 ± 12.63, M:F, 10:10) practiced metronome-regulated breathing with low i/e at 12 breaths per minute (expiration 72% of total breath duration) and attained expiration 55.8% of total breath duration, while the active control group (mean age ± SD, 44.45 ± 11.06, M:F, 13:07) sat motionless and directed their gaze and awareness to the stationary metronome without modifying their breath consciously. The HRV was recorded before, during, and after breathing intervention (or control) (standard limb lead I, acquisition at 2,000 Hz, with an LF filter = 0.5 Hz and HF filter = 50 Hz). Time-domain and frequency-domain HRV parameters were obtained with Kubios software. State food craving, and hunger and satiety were recorded before and after the intervention/control. RESULTS: The intervention group decreased total state food craving scores and the sub-domains (i.e., desire to eat, positive reinforcement, lack of control and hunger), increased current satisfaction with food, decreased total state impulsivity (repeated measures ANOVA, p < 0.05 in all cases), increased HF-HRV and RMSSD (linear mixed model analyses with age and gender as fixed factors; p < 0.05 in all cases) during the intervention compared to the preceding baseline. The intervention group also showed an increase in positive mood and a decrease in aroused and negative mood states. CONCLUSION: Changes in state food craving and impulsivity could be related to an increase in HRV or to changes in subjective relaxation and positive mood or to both.

Robust anti-tubercular profile of Solanum virginianum extract in enhancing isoniazid bioavailability and curtailing stress tolerance in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Introduction: The formidable survival mechanisms employed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), combined with the low bioavailability of anti-tubercular drugs and their associated hepatotoxicity, worsen tuberculosis management. Traditional medicinal plants offer potential solutions to these challenges. This study focuses on exploring the anti-tubercular potential of Solanum virginianum against Mycobacterium smegmatis, mc2155. Methods and results: HPTLC and UHPLC phytochemically characterized the hydro-methanolic extract of Solanum virginianum (SVE). SVE curtails the growth and viability of mc2155 under normal and in vitro stress conditions. The compromised cell wall integrity of mc2155 with SVE is depicted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while EtBr permeability assays and TLC-based comparative changes in lipids extraction addressed the integrity of the cell wall. Furthermore, SVE augmented the susceptibility of mc2155 towards Isoniazid (INH) through enhanced bioavailability. Adjunct treatment of SVE with INH demonstrated a markedly reduced survival of the intracellular bacilli. The study also uncovered the hepatoprotective potential of SVE in HepG2 cells. Conclusion: This research paves the way for deeper exploration into the potential of Solanum virginianum against virulent Mtb strains, emphasizing over the significance of traditional medicinal plants in tuberculosis treatment. Collectively, the findings suggest SVE as a potent candidate for independent or adjunct anti-tubercular therapy.

Comparative analysis of Doxycycline and Ayurvedic herbs to target metastatic breast cancer: An in-silico approach.

Background: Metastasis of breast cancer cells to distant sites including lungs, liver, lymph node, brain and many more have substantially affected the overall survival outcome and distant metastasis free survival rate amongst the diseased individuals. Several pre-clinical and clinical studies were carried out to determine the potency of vigorous inhibitors but they extensively deteriorated the patient's quality of life. Hence, there exists an urgent need to explore potent natural remedy to fight against metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Ayurvedic medicinal plants documented in literature for their ability to fight against breast cancer was screened and their respective active moieties were evaluated to exert inhibitory effect against MMP9. Drug like efficacy of phytochemicals were determined using Molecular docking, MD Simulation, ADMET and MM-PBSA and were further compared with synthetic analogs i.e. Doxycycline. Results: Out of 1000 phytochemicals, 12 exerted highest binding affinity (BA) even more than -9.0 kcal/mol that was significantly higher in comparison to Doxycycline which exhibited BA of -7.3 kcal/mol. In comparison to 37 × 30 × 37 Å, 53 × 45 × 66 Å offered best binding site and the highest BA was exhibited by Viscosalactone at LYS104, ASP185, MET338, LEU39, ASN38. During MD Simulation, Viscosalactone-MMP9 complex remained stable for 20 ns and the kinetic, electrostatic and potential energies were observed to be better than Doxycycline. Furthermore, Viscosalactone obtained from Withania somnifera justified the Lipinski's Rule of 5. Conclusion: Viscosalactone obtained from W. somnifera may act as promising drug candidate to fight against metastatic breast cancer.

Traditional Nostril Yoga Breathing Practices and Oxygen Consumption: A Randomized, Cross-over Study.

Background: Traditional yoga texts describe "cross nostril breathing," with inhalation and exhalation through different nostrils. Previous research reported no clear differences in oxygen consumption during uninostril breathing (i.e., inhalation and exhalation through the same nostril), hence not supporting right and left uninostril breathing as activating or relaxing, respectively, with no research on oxygen consumed in "cross nostril breathing." Methods: Oxygen consumed during "cross nostril breathing" was measured in healthy participants (n = 47, males, 26.3 ± 6.4 years). Five sessions (viz., right nostril inspiration yoga breathing [RNIYB], left nostril inspiration yoga breathing [LNIYB], alternate nostril yoga breathing [ANYB], breath awareness (BAW), and quiet rest (QR) were conducted on separate days in random order. Sessions were 33 min in duration with pre, during, and post states. Results: Volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) and carbon dioxide eliminated (VCO2) increased during RNIYB (9.60% in VO2 and 23.52% in VCO2), LNIYB (9.42% in VO2 and 21.20% in VCO2) and ANYB (10.25% in VO2 and 22.72% in VCO2) with no significant change in BAW and QR. Diastolic blood pressure decreased during BAW and QR and after all five sessions (P < 0.05; in all cases). All comparisons were with the respective preceding state. Conclusion: During the three yoga breathing practices, the volume of oxygen consumed increased irrespective of the nostril breathed through, possibly associated with (i) conscious regulation of the breath; (ii) attention directed to the breath, and (iii) "respiration-locked cortical activation." Restriction of the study to males reduces the generalizability of the findings.

Muscle strength and body composition in obese adults following nine months of yoga or nutrition advice: A comparative controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Muscle strength is impaired in obese persons due to low physical activity, obesity-related modifications in muscle morphology and as a consequence of calorie regulation (where applicable). Previously decreased BMI and increased hand grip strength was reported following a short duration yoga intervention in obese adults. METHODS: The present comparative controlled study was conducted on two hundred and ninety seven obese adults (BMI ≥25 Kg/M2) aged between 20 and 59 years, to determine the effects of nine months of yoga or nutrition advice on muscle strength and body composition. Participants were assessed for bilateral hand grip strength, leg and back strength, and body composition at baseline, after 3 months, 6 months and 9 months of yoga or nutrition advice. BMI-adjusted bilateral hand grip strength and leg and back strength were calculated. RESULTS: In the linear mixed model analyses, there was a significant interaction effect of Time X Groups for (i) right hand grip strength (F3,668.465 = 9.297, p < 0.001), (ii) left hand grip strength (F3,673.408 = 14.469, p < 0.001), (iii) BMI-adjusted right hand grip strength (F3,650.542 = 9.954, p < 0.001) and (iv) BMI-adjusted left hand grip strength (F3,655.518 = 13.853, p < 0.001). Bonferroni corrected post-hoc analyses (padj < 0.05; in all cases) showed a significant increase in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the yoga group while a decrease in (i) bilateral hand grip strength and (ii) BMI-adjusted right and left hand grip strength in the nutrition advice group. CONCLUSION: Yoga practice appears to protect and increase upper limb muscle strength in obese adults.

Twenty-eight days of repeated dose sub-acute toxicological evaluation of polyherbal Ayurvedic medicine BPGrit in Sprague-Dawley rats.

A pre-clinical toxicological evaluation of herbal medicines is necessary to identify any underlying health-associated side effects, if any. BPGrit is an Ayurveda-based medicine prescribed for treating hypertensive conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography-based analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, ellagic acid, coumarin, cinnamic acid, guggulsterone E, and guggulsterone Z in BPGrit. For sub-acute toxicity analysis of BPGrit, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were given repeated oral gavage at 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg body weight/day dosages for 28 days, followed by a 14-day recovery phase. No incidences of mortality, morbidity, or abnormal clinical signs were observed in BPGrit-treated rats throughout the study period. Also, the body weight and food consumption habits of the experimental animals did not change during the study duration. Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analysis did not indicate any abnormal changes occurring in the BPGrit-treated rats up to the highest tested dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight/day. Finally, the study established the "no-observed-adverse-effect level" for BPGrit at >1000 mg/kg body weight/day in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Bronchom assuages airway hyperresponsiveness in house dust mite-induced mouse model of allergic asthma and moderates goblet cell metaplasia, sub-epithelial fibrosis along with changes in Th2 cytokines and chemokines.

Background: Asthma is a common obstructive airway disease with an inflammatory etiology. The main unmet need in the management of asthma is inadequate adherence to pharmacotherapy, leading to a poorly-controlled disease state, necessitating the development of novel therapies. Bronchom is a calcio-herbal formulation, which is purported to treat chronic asthma. The objective of the current study was to examine the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom in mouse model of allergic asthma. Methods: Ultra high performance liquid chromatography was utilized to analyze the phytocompounds in Bronchom. Further, the in-vivo efficacy of Bronchom was evaluated in House dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic asthma in mice. Mice were challenged with aerosolized methacholine to assess airway hyperresponsiveness. Subsequently, inflammatory cell influx was evaluated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) followed by lung histology, wherein airway remodeling features were studied. Simultaneously, the levels of Th2 cytokines and chemokines in the BALF was also evaluated. Additionally, the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory and Th2 cytokines was also assessed in the lung along with the oxidative stress markers. Results: Phytocompounds present in Bronchom included, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, methyl gallate, rosmarinic acid, glycyrrhizin, eugenol, 6-gingerol and piperine. Bronchom effectively suppressed HDM-induced airway hyperresponsiveness along with the influx of leukocytes in the BALF. Additionally, Bronchom reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung and it also ameliorated goblet cell metaplasia, sub-epithelial fibrosis and increase in α-smooth muscle actin. Bronchom decreased Th2 cytokines (IL-4 and IL-5) and chemokines (Eotaxin and IP-10) in the BALF. Likewise, it could also suppress the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and IL-33), and IL-13. Moreover, Bronchom restored the HDM-induced diminution of endogenous anti-oxidants (GSH and SOD) and the increase in pro-oxidants (GSSG and MDA). Furthermore, Bronchom could also decrease the nitrosative stress by lowering the observed increase in nitrite levels. Conclusion: Taken together, the results of the present study data convincingly demonstrate that Bronchom exhibits pharmacological effects in an animal model of allergic asthma. Bronchom mitigated airway hyperresponsiveness, inflammation and airway remodeling evoked by a clinically relevant allergen and accordingly it possesses therapeutic potential for the treatment of asthma.

Impact assessment of integrated-pathy on cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Integrated-pathy aims to integrate modern medicine with traditional systems via applying the holistic approach of Ayurveda, Yoga, and natural medicine. This is important for addressing the challenges surrounding the delivery of long-term palliative care for chronic ailments including cancer. The prime intent of this study was to substantiate the underlying hypothesis behind the differential and integrative approach having a positive impact on Quality of Life of cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional Observational study. METHODS: A standardized questionnaire was developed and used, after obtaining written informed consent from patients to assess the impact of Integrated-pathy on patients (n = 103) diagnosed with cancer receiving care at Patanjali Yoggram. The research was carried out over 8 months. All participants received a uniform treatment protocol as prescribed by Patanjali. For the sample size determination and validation, α and 1-ß was calculated and for the significance of the pre- and post-treatment QoL ratings, Shapiro wilk test and other descriptive statistics techniques were explored. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients seeking cancer special-healthcare were interviewed, out of which 39 (37.86%) remained finally based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria with age (25-65 years), types of cancers (Carcinoma and Sarcoma), chemotherapy/radiotherapy received or not, before opting Integrated-pathy. Follow-ups revealed a significant increase in the QoL (17.91%) after receiving the integrated therapy over a course of at least 1 month. Further, a significant reduction in cancer-related pain followed by an increase in QoL index was reported in the patients. Shapiro-wilk test revealed significant pairing (p < 0.001) with validation of the model using test. CONCLUSIONS: To bolster evidence-based backing for Integrated-pathy, there is a need for clearly delineated clinical indicators that are measurable and trackable over time. Clinical investigators are encouraged to incorporate Integrated-pathy into their proposed interventions and conduct analogous studies to yield sustained advantages in the long run.

Herbo-Mineral Medicine, Lithom Exhibits Anti-Nephrolithiasis Activity in Rat Model of Hyperoxaluria by Attenuating Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation and Oxidative Stress.

BACKGROUND: Calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) forms the most common type of kidney stones observed in clinics, elevated levels of urinary oxalate being the principal risk factor for such an etiology. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anti-nephrolithiatic effect of herbo-mineral formulation, Lithom. METHODS: The in vitro biochemical synthesis of COM crystals in the presence of Lithom was performed and observations were made by microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) based analysis for the detection of crystal size and morphology. The phytochemical composition of Lithom was evaluated by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC). The in vivo model of Ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria in Sprague-Dawley rats was used for the evaluation of Lithom. The animals were randomly allocated to 5 different groups namely Normal control, Disease control (ethylene glycol (EG), 0.75%, 28 days), Allopurinol (50 mg/kg, q.d.), Lithom (43 mg/kg, b.i.d.), and Lithom (129 mg/kg, b.i.d.). Analysis of crystalluria, oxalate, and citrate levels, oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, myeloperoxidase (MPO)), and histopathology by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Von Kossa staining was performed for evaluation of Lithom. RESULTS: The presence of Lithom during COM crystals synthesis significantly reduced the average crystal area, feret's diameter, and area-perimeter ratio, in a dose-dependent manner. SEM analysis revealed that COM crystals synthesized in the presence of 100 and 300 µg/mL of Lithom exhibited a veritable morphological transition from irregular polygons with sharp edges to smoothened smaller cuboid polygons. UHPLC analysis of Lithom revealed the presence of Trigonelline, Bergenin, Xanthosine, Adenosine, Bohoervinone B, Vanillic acid, and Ellagic acid as key phytoconstituents. In EG-induced SD rats, the Lithom-treated group showed a decrease in elevated urinary oxalate levels, oxidative stress, and renal inflammation. Von Kossa staining of kidney tissue also exhibited a marked reduction in crystal depositions in Lithom-treated groups. CONCLUSION: Taken together, Lithom could be a potential clinical-therapeutic alternative for management of nephrolithiasis.

Livogrit prevents Amiodarone-induced toxicity in experimental model of human liver (HepG2) cells and Caenorhabditis elegans by regulating redox homeostasis.

Treatment with cationic amphiphilic drugs like Amiodarone leads to development of phospholipidosis, a type of lysosomal storage disorder characterized by excessive deposition of phospholipids. Such disorder in liver enhances accumulation of drugs and its metabolites, and dysregulates lipid profiles, which subsequently leads to hepatotoxicity. In the present study, we assessed pharmacological effects of herbal medicine, Livogrit, against hepatic phospholipidosis-induced toxicity. Human liver (HepG2) cells and in vivo model of Caenorhabditis elegans (N2 and CF1553 strains) were used to study effect of Livogrit on Amiodarone-induced phospholipidosis. In HepG2 cells, Livogrit treatment displayed enhanced uptake of acidic pH-based stains and reduced phospholipid accumulation, oxidative stress, AST, ALT, cholesterol levels, and gene expression of SCD-1 and LSS. Protein levels of LPLA2 were also normalized. Livogrit treatment restored Pgp functionality which led to decreased cellular accumulation of Amiodarone as observed by UHPLC analysis. In C. elegans, Livogrit prevented ROS generation, fat-6/7 gene overexpression, and lysosomal trapping of Amiodarone in N2 strain. SOD-3::GFP expression in CF1553 strain normalized by Livogrit treatment. Livogrit regulates phospholipidosis by regulation of redox homeostasis, phospholipid anabolism, and Pgp functionality hindered by lysosomal trapping of Amiodarone. Livogrit could be a potential therapeutic intervention for amelioration of drug-induced phospholipidosis and prevent hepatotoxicity.