RESUMEN
Background & Objectives: Wound healing is the complex physiological process of replacing damaged cells or tissue layers. The neem (Azadirachta Indica) has a variety of biological activities, which may hasten the rate at which the wound healing mechanism occurs. Silk fibroin is a biomaterial that is reported for its tissue regeneration activity. So, the present study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a hydrogel comprising neem and silk fibroin biomaterials for the treatment of wounds. Methods: Topical neem hydrogels (N-HG) with and without silk fibroin (N-SFB-HG) were prepared using neem extract, silk fibroin, and guar gum, which act by entrapping the components by forming a gel. Evaluation tests such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), visual emergence, pH, rheological behavior, spreading capacity, drug content, skin irritation, anti-microbial action, in vivo wound healing activity, and stability were carried out. Results: The FT-IR results showed no chemical interaction between the constituents. The formed hydrogels had pH values of 5.87 ± 0.3 for N-HG and 5.76 ± 0.2 for N-SFB-HG. The preferred topical gel viscosity was observed in the N-HG (54.2 ± 3.2cPs) and N-SFB-HG (59.9 ± 4.8cPs) formulations. The formulated hydrogels were sterile and did not irritate the skin. The in vivo wound healing investigation results reveal that the N-SF-HG treatment speeds up the regeneration of the injured area faster when compared to control and N-HG treated groups. Interpretation & Conclusion: These results support the efficacy of the topical hydrogel formulation, including neem and silk fibroin. Therefore, the neem-silk fibroin hydrogel formulation is a therapeutically viable choice that, following necessary clinical research, might be utilized in novel formulations for managing chronic wounds.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic recommended during pregnancy. Bacopa monneri is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for improvement of cognition. Data on effects of LEV and Bacopa on cognition is inadequate. The study evaluated the cognitive effects of LEV on rat offspring of dams exposed to LEV and whether pretreatment with Bacopa monnieri, inhibits the potential cognitive decline by LEV. METHODS: Pregnant rats were allocated into four groups of three rats each. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received 2% gum acacia, LEV 270 mg/kg, LEV 270 mg/kg + Bacopa 100 mg/kg and LEV 270 mg/kg + Bacopa 200 mg/kg respectively during pregnancy and lactation. Three pups from all dams were chosen at random and exposed to passive avoidance, Hebb-Williams and Morris water maze tests to check for their cognition and relevant histopathology was done. RESULTS: In the passive avoidance model groups 3 and 4, showed an increase in escape latency compared with group 2, demonstrating an improved learning (p=0.05). In Hebb-Williams maze, the time taken to reach reward chamber by group 2 increased compared to group 1, p=0.006, showing cognitive decline. Neuronal count in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex decreased significantly in group 2, which improved in group 3 & 4 however there was distortion of architecture in group 4. CONCLUSIONS: LEV exposure in intrauterine and neonatal period induced cognitive decline in rat offsprings and Bacopa 100 mg/kg prevented LEV induced cognitive decline. However safety of exposure to Bacopa during the gestation period has to be evaluated.
