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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Investigating Ayurvedic Strategies: An In-Depth Examination of Managing Diabetes across Different Types.

In light of the escalating global concern surrounding diabetes mellitus, contemporary medical practices predominantly hinge on pharmaceutical interventions, accompanied by inherent side effects and enduring limitations. This investigation accentuates a discernible research void regarding the amalgamation of Ayurvedic principles an age-old traditional medical system with prevalent approaches to diabetes management. Despite Ayurveda's promising potential in furnishing a comprehensive and personalized strategy for diabetes treatment, the imperative for further research and collaboration between Ayurvedic practitioners and contemporary healthcare professionals becomes evident. Existing scholarly works underscore the potential advantages of Ayurveda in delivering holistic diabetes care, encompassing not only glycemic control but also fostering overall well-being. Nevertheless, a closer examination reveals specific limitations, challenges, and gaps in current research, necessitating targeted efforts to enable a more exhaustive exploration of Ayurvedic interventions within diabetes management. This comprehensive review scrutinizes Ayurvedic recommendations pertaining to dietary practices, lifestyle adjustments, and herbal therapeutics, shedding light on their plausible efficacy. It serves as a clarion call for heightened research endeavors, aiming to bridge existing gaps and carve a pathway toward an integrated, patientcentric paradigm in diabetes care. In summary, as diabetes prevalence continues to rise globally, the study underscores the limitations of current pharmaceutical-centric approaches and highlights the need for extensive research and collaboration to unlock the full potential of Ayurvedic principles in providing a more holistic and personalized framework for diabetes management. The review navigates through Ayurvedic recommendations, emphasizing the urgency for intensified research efforts to fill existing gaps and pave the way for a seamlessly integrated, patient-focused approach to diabetes care.

Exploring the potential of Mustard (Brassica spp.) seeds through 'Kolhu' traditional method of extraction and novel identification of an anti-cancer dipeptide, Aurantiamide acetate (Asperglaucide) on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight (UPLC/MS-QToF) analytical platform.

Mustard (Brassica spp.) is one of the world's oldest condiments in the food basket, which holds a significant place in the global culinary landscape due to historical prominence and perceived health benefits. This study explores the extraction of oils from Mustard seeds by employing traditional 'Kolhu' method, modern supercritical fluid, and solvent extraction techniques. This study, for the first-time, identified Aurantiamide acetate, a potent anti-cancer dipeptide in Mustard seeds using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight (UPLC/MS-QToF) analytical platform. The analytical methodology was meticulously validated encompassing optimal parameters such as limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, accuracy, linearity and robustness, within the range. Interestingly, 'Kolhu' method of oil extraction exhibited better yield of Aurantiamide acetate, suggesting superior efficiency of traditional methods. This study accentuates the importance of classical extraction methods, used traditionally, and emphasizes that naturally occurring substances indeed could be harnessed for better health.

Enhancement of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Growth and Yield Attributes in a Subtropical Humid Climate through Treated Ganga Sludge-based Organic Fertilizers.

BACKGROUND: Sewage sludge is a by-product of urbanization that poses environmental and health challenges. However, it can also be a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for agriculture. METHOD: This study aimed to assess the potential of five types of organic fertilizers derived from treated Ganga sludge on the growth of wheat plants. The Patanjali Organic Research Institute has developed five types of granulated organic fertilizer from the stabilized Ganga sludge. RESULTS: The results showed that the organic fertilizers significantly improved the wheat performance in terms of plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, leaf area and other yield parameters. Furthermore, the fertilizers ameliorated soil physicochemical attributes and augmented the availability of macro- and micronutrients. Importantly, levels of heavy metals in soil and wheat grains remained within permissible limits, affirming the safety and appropriateness of these fertilizers for wheat cultivation. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the efficient utilization of treated Ganga sludge as a valuable organic fertilizer source, proposing a sustainable and ecologically sound approach for sewage sludge management and enhancement of agricultural productivity.

Traditional uses, hepatoprotective potential, and phytopharmacology of Tinospora cordifolia: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES: Despite significant advancements in modern medicine, effective hepatoprotective medication with minimal side effects is still lacking. In this context. Tinospora cordifolia, an Indian Ayurvedic liana, has attracted much attention. KEY FINDINGS: Traditionally, T. cordifolia has been found to be effective in the treatment of jaundice; according to the literature, T. cordifolia is a hepatoprotective agent, and the CCl4 model is the most frequently used to evaluate its potential. Its hepatoprotective effects might be attributed to alkaloids (berberine, palmatine, and jatrorrhizine) and sinapic acid. Berberine decreases inflammation by inhibiting the proinflammatory cascade triggered by TNF-α and reduces nitrosative stress by inhibiting iNOS. T. cordifolia also exhibits anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other activities; it is safe at concentrations up to 2000 mg/kg. Its biological action can be attributed to polyphenols, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides. T. cordifolia has also been found to be an active ingredient in several polyherbal formulations used to treat chemical-mediated hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION: T. cordifolia's hepatoprotective effects are mediated by the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the management of oxidative stress, and other factors. T. cordifolia can be used to manage liver disorders and as a hepatoprotective supplement in the food industry. The bioprospecting of its alkaloids can lead to the development of novel formulations against hepatic ailments.

Neuroprotection by Polyherbal Medicine Divya-Medha-Vati Against Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Impairment Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Acetylcholine Activity, and Cell Signaling.

Alzheimer disease is associated with cognitive impairments and neuronal damages. In this study, Scopolamine, a model drug used for the generation of Alzheimer-like symptoms induced cognitive dysfunction in C57BL/6 mice. It also elevated acetylcholine esterase (AcHE) activity, and reduced antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) activity in cortex tissue. Scop reduced neuronal density and increased pyknotic neurons in hippocampus tissue. In mouse neuroblastoma (Neuro2a) cells, Scop triggered a dose-dependent loss of cell viability and neurite outgrowth reduction. Scop-treated Neuro2a cells showed oxidative stress and reduction in mRNA expression for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor-1 (NGF-1), and Synapsin-1 (SYN-1) genes. Mice treated with Divya-Medha-Vati (DMV), an Ayurvedic polyherbal medicine showed protection against Scop-induced cognitive impairment (Morris Water Maze Escape Latency, and Elevated Plus Maze Transfer Latency). DMV protected against Scop-induced AcHE activity, and loss of antioxidant activities in the mice brain cortex while sustaining neuronal density in the hippocampus region. In the Neuro2a cells, DMV reduced Scop-induced loss of cell viability and neurite outgrowth loss. DMV protected the cells against induction of oxidative stress and promoted mRNA expression of BDNF, NGF-1, and SYN-1 genes. Phytochemical profiling of DMV showed the presence of Withanolide A, Withanolide B, Bacopaside II, Jujubogenin, Apigenin, Gallic acid, Caffeic acid, and Quercetin that are associated with antioxidant and neurostimulatory activities. In conclusion, the study showed that Divya-Medha-Vati was capable of promoting neuronal health and inhibiting Alzheimer-like cognitive dysfunction through enhanced antioxidant activities and modulation of neuronal activities.

Melanogrit potentiates melanogenesis by escalating cellular tyrosinase activity and MITF levels via pERK inhibition.

Vitiligo is characterized by the development of white patches on the skin either due to the loss of functional melanocytes or perturbations in the melanogenesis pathway. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of herbo-mineral formulation, Melanogrit in neutralizing the white patches in the skin. The study utilized UPLC/MS-QToF technique to determine the diversified phytochemical profile in Melanogrit. The murine B16F10 cells when treated with Melanogrit underwent morphological changes, including increased angularity, enlarged cell size, and greater dendritic protrusions. To establish an equivalent model to study melanogenesis, we carefully optimized the dosage of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) in B16F10 cells as an alternative to using melanocyte-keratinocyte cocultures. The study determined a sub-optimal dose of αMSH (0.2 nM) in B16F10 cells that does not manifest any measurable effects on melanogenesis. In contrast, Melanogrit when used in conjunction with 0.2 nM αMSH, induced a dose-dependent increase in extracellular and intracellular melanin levels. Melanogrit transcriptionally up-regulated the decisive genes of the melanogenesis pathway, MITF, TYR, and TRP1, which was evident from the increased cellular tyrosine activity. Our findings also demonstrated that Melanogrit ameliorated the MITF protein levels by inhibiting pERK; notably without involving GSK3ß in the process. Taken together, our findings strongly suggest that Melanogrit has the potential to stimulate melanogenesis, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications in the treatment of white skin patches that develop in vitiligo patients.

Unraveling the therapeutic potential of Senna singueana phytochemicals to attenuate pancreatic cancer using protein-protein interactions, molecular docking, and MD simulation.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) presents challenges due to limited treatment options and patients seek complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments to improve well-being. This study uses computational drug discovery approaches to find potential phytochemicals from S. singueana for PC treatment. Among the 38 phytochemicals screened from S. singueana, specific inhibitors against PC were selected. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis highlighted key targets with high degrees, including PTEN (8) and PTK2 (7) genes, along with their respective proteins 5BZX and 3BZ3, which were employed for molecular docking studies. 1-methylchrysene and 3-methyl-1,8,9-anthracenetriol showed strong binding affinities of - 9.2 and - 8.1 Kcal/mol, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations lasting 300 ns assessed structural stability and interaction energy of compound-target dockings: 1-methylchrysene-PTEN and 3-methyl-1,8,9-anthracenetriol-PTK2. In molecular dynamics simulations, the 3-methyl-1,8,9-anthracenetriol-PTK2 complex showed lower RMSD, RMSF, radius of gyration, solvent-accessible surface area, and more hydrogen bonds than the 1-methylchrysene-PTEN complex. The 3-methyl-1,8,9-anthracenetriol-PTK2 complex exhibited significantly stronger binding with a binding free energy (ΔG) of - 21.92 kcal/mol compared to the less favourable ΔG of - 10.65 kcal/mol for the 1-methylchrysene-PTEN complex. The consistent and stable binding interaction observed in the 3-methyl-1,8,9-anthracenetriol-PTK2 complex highlights its potential as a potent inhibitor of Focal Adhesion Kinase 1. Consequently, it emerges as a promising lead compound for the development of pancreatic cancer therapeutics. Conversely, the fluctuations observed in the 1-methylchrysene-PTEN complex indicate a less stable binding interaction. This indicates the potential of 3-methyl-1,8,9-anthracenetriol as a primary candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment. These findings improve our grasp of S. singueana's multi-target effects and its promise in addressing pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, additional in-vivo and in-vitro studies are required to validate their effectiveness and therapeutic potential. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-023-00179-9.

Tumor Suppressive Role of MicroRNAs in Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancers are highly aggressive, a heterogeneous form of breast cancer with a high re-occurrence rate that further lacks an efficient treatment strategy and prognostic marker. The tumor microenvironment of the disease comprises cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer stem cells, immunological molecules, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and a metastatic microenvironment that contributes to disease progression and metastasis to distant sites. Emerging evidence indicated that miRNA clusters would be of clinical utility as they exert an oncogenic or tumor suppressor role in TNBC. The present review article aims to highlight the therapeutic significance of miRNA in targeting the above-mentioned signaling cascades and modulating the intracellular crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment of TNBC. Prognostic implications of miRNAs to depict disease-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, relapse-free survival, and overall survival outcome were also unveiled.

Patients' Choices for Yoga Therapy: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional, Convenience-Sampling Survey from India.

In conventional healthcare, patients' preferences for their treatment are determined, though this practice has not been reported for yoga therapy. The present convenience sampling exploratory survey attempted to determine whether those seeking yoga therapy would report preferences for the way yoga therapy is implemented, the therapist's knowledge, and related aspects of yoga therapy. Responses from 426 people attending a yoga therapy institution in India were analyzed. Based on the chi-square test (p < 0.05) and Cramer's V (> 0.10), most people wished to receive yoga therapy in a group of others with a similar disease (42.25%), in a yoga institution (83.57%), and as in-person sessions (48.83%). Patients preferred yoga therapists to know about the principles of yoga (40.38%), to be well-informed generally (61.97%), and to be able to give suggestions for emotional well-being. For the majority of participants (59.4%), the reason for selecting yoga therapy was "a belief in yoga as therapy" (rather than as an add-on therapy or as a last resort). Patients' expectations of yoga therapy were positive, namely a cure of disease (79.34%) and improvement after 1 year (95.8%). Most patients (91.6%) wanted their conventional medicine practitioner to know that they were receiving yoga therapy. Although limited by the study design, survey design, and participant details available, overall results suggest that patients (1) reported specific preferences (for the implementation of yoga therapy and for yoga therapists' knowledge), (2) had expectations of yoga therapy, and (3) most often were interested in their conventional care physicians being informed about the yoga therapy they received.

Traditional Formulations for Managing COVID-19: A Systematic Review.

Background: The advancing etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have prompted the medical community to consider Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani as add-on preventive and therapeutic options. Objective: To explore the effect of standalone or integrative Traditional Formulations (TFs) on selected clinical symptoms and biomarkers of COVID-19. Search strategy: Out of 465 articles identified from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, 17 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 1646 COVID-19 patients published from January 2020 to February 2022 were included in the study. Inclusion criteria: RCTs that compared the effect of standalone/integrative TFs in decoction, tablet, and powder forms with placebo plus standard care (SC)/placebo/SC as controls involving mild to severe symptomatic COVID-19 patients were included. Data extraction and analysis: Three reviewers independently assessed the titles and abstracts of each article based on the inclusion after deleting duplicates. The relevant full texts were retrieved and examined, and then their data were extracted and double-checked by three independent reviewers using prepared data extraction forms. The primary outcome variables were reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, fever, cough, dyspnea, myalgia, headache, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and D-dimer. Results: The effect of different TFs or integrative TFs was more to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) than the controls. There was an increase in fever and cough, a decrease in dyspnea, myalgia, headache, and ESR, no change in CRP, and a slight increase in D-dimer as an effect of TFs. Conclusions: Integrative or standalone TF may be the inexpensive preventive and therapeutic option to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and its clinical symptoms.

Renogrit attenuates Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in human renal spheroids and in Sprague-Dawley rats by regulating kidney injury biomarkers and creatinine/urea clearance.

Vancomycin, is widely used against methicillin-resistant bacterial infections. However, Vancomycin accumulation causes nephrotoxicity which leads to an impairment in the filtration mechanisms of kidney. Traditional herbal medicines hold potential for treatment of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Herein, we investigated protective properties of plant-based medicine Renogrit against Vancomycin-induced kidney injury. Phytometabolite analysis of Renogrit was performed by UHPLC. Spheroids formed from human proximal tubular cell (HK-2) were used for in vitro evaluation of Vancomycin-induced alterations in cell viability, P-gp functionality, NAG, KIM-1 levels, and mRNA expression of NGAL and MMP-7. The in vivo efficacy of Renogrit against Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity was further evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by measurement of BUN, serum creatinine, and their respective clearances. Moreover, eGFR, kidney-to-body weight ratio, GSH/GSSG ratio, KIM-1, NAG levels and mRNA expression of KIM-1 and osteopontin were also analyzed. Changes in histopathology of kidney and hematological parameters were also observed. Renogrit treatment led to an increase in cell viability, normalization of P-gp functionality, decrease in levels of NAG, KIM-1, and reduction in mRNA expression of NGAL and MMP-7. In Vancomycin-challenged SD rats, Renogrit treatment normalized altered kidney functions, histological, and hematological parameters. Our findings revealed that Renogrit holds a clinico-therapeutic potential for alleviating Vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity.

Unravelling the gut-lung axis: insights into microbiome interactions and Traditional Indian Medicine's perspective on optimal health.

The microbiome of the human gut is a complex assemblage of microorganisms that are in a symbiotic relationship with one another and profoundly influence every aspect of human health. According to converging evidence, the human gut is a nodal point for the physiological performance matrixes of the vital organs on several axes (i.e. gut-brain, gut-lung, etc). As a result of COVID-19, the importance of gut-lung dysbiosis (balance or imbalance) has been realised. In view of this, it is of utmost importance to develop a comprehensive understanding of the microbiome, as well as its dysbiosis. In this review, we provide an overview of the gut-lung axial microbiome and its importance in maintaining optimal health. Human populations have successfully adapted to geophysical conditions through traditional dietary practices from around the world. In this context, a section has been devoted to the traditional Indian system of medicine and its theories and practices regarding the maintenance of optimally customized gut health.

Yoga Practice and Choices of Foods, Physical Activity, and Leisure: A Convenience Sampling Survey from India.

Background: Previous surveys from countries other than India reported positive health behaviors in yoga practitioners. The present study aimed to determine with respect to yoga practitioners in India: (i) percentages of yoga practitioners who consumed specific foods, had additional physical activity and leisure activity, (ii) the association between these choices and their yoga practice, and (iii) the association of yoga with adding or avoiding specific foods and with meal timings in a day. Materials and Methods: This convenience hybrid-mode sampling survey was conducted on 551 yoga-experienced persons. Results: (1) Yoga practitioner respondents ate fruits and vegetables regularly (62.1%), did not consume animal source products (69.2%), alcohol (98.0%), or tobacco (98.4%), had a regular physical activity other than yoga (77.5%) and leisure activities (92.2%). (2) More than 150 min/week of yoga practice and experience of yoga exceeding 60 months was (a) significantly associated with (i) regular consumption of fruits and vegetables, (ii) lower consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, animal source foods, tobacco, and alcohol (P < 0.05, Chi-square test) and (b) not associated with physical activity or leisure activities (P > 0.05, Chi-square test). (3) Yoga practitioners excluded sugar-sweetened beverages, animal-source foods and fast foods from their diet, whereas they added fruits, vegetables, and plant-based juices to their diet, with earlier first and last meals for the day. Conclusion: In India, yoga practitioner respondents' choices for foods, physical activity, and leisure conform to accepted positive health behaviors. The exclusion of animal-source foods emphasizes the need for well-planned and fortified diets among vegan yoga practitioners.

Sepsis-mediated renal dysfunction: Pathophysiology, biomarkers and role of phytoconstituents in its management.

Sepsis has evolved as an enormous health issue amongst critically ill patients. It is a major risk factor that results in multiple organ failure and shock. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most frequent complications underlying sepsis, which portends a heavy burden of mortality and morbidity. Thus, the present review is aimed to provide an insight into the recent progression in the molecular mechanisms targeting dysregulated immune response and cellular dysfunction involved in the development of sepsis-associated AKI, accentuating the phytoconstituents as eligible candidates for attenuating the onset and progression of sepsis-associated AKI. The pathogenesis of sepsis-mediated AKI entails a complicated mechanism and is likely to involve a distinct constellation of hemodynamic, inflammatory, and immune mechanisms. Novel biomarkers like neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1, procalcitonin, alpha-1-microglobulin, and presepsin can help in a more sensitive diagnosis of sepsis-associated AKI. Many bioactive compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, baicalin, quercetin, and polydatin are reported to play an important role in the prevention and management of sepsis-associated AKI by decreasing serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cystatin C, lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, IL-1ß, TNF-α, NF-κB, and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and level of PPARγ. The plant bioactive compounds could be developed into a drug-developing candidate in managing sepsis-mediated acute kidney injury after detailed follow-up studies. Lastly, the gut-kidney axis may be a more promising therapeutic target against the onset of septic AKI, but a deeper understanding of the molecular pathways is still required.