Evaluation of the cytotoxic and antioxidant activities Buxus wallichiana Baill leaf extract against U 87 glioblastoma.

The scientific community has been drawn towards natural plant resources due to the rising success rates. This work aimed to explore the phytochemical, antioxidant and anti-cancer properties of an ethanolic extract derived from the leaves of Buxus wallichiana Baill. which is utilized in traditional medicine in the treatment of various disease such as respiratory disorders, GI disorders and inflammation. Chemical composition of the ethanolic extract of BW leaves was evaluated by using Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and phytochemical analysis. Moreover, anti-oxidant and anticancer activity was carried out through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl scavenging activity method and 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay against human glioblastoma cell line. ANOVA test was used to analyze the results followed by Bonferoni's post hoc. Results were significant at P <0.05 and demonstrated that, blocking the production of free radicals also caused tumor cell proliferation on the U 87 MG. Thus, the results show the same pattern of toxicity as indicated by the American National Cancer Institute. The minimum dose for cytotoxic activity of the crude extract was less than 30µg/mL. BW leave extract is considered to have promising anticancer potential as well as antioxidant due to the presence of potent compounds and could become a source of treatment with minimum side effects.

Memory and cognition enhancing effects of combination of Melissa officinalis and Panax ginseng.

Melissa officinalis and Panax ginseng extracts were investigated to determine combinatorial effects on cognitive behaviors' of albino-rats. The study was prospective-experimental; lasted from June-2022 to March-2023. Learning and memory measurements were done by animal-models. Data analyzed by 22nd version of SPSS. In Passive-avoidance-test both doses of Melissa officinalis and Panax ginseng (100/100mg/kg and 200/200mg/kg) showed significant differences in number of acquisition-trial between groups (p<0.001); drug treated groups showed longer latency-period compared to control and scopolamine (p<0.001). In time-spent-in-dark-chamber treated groups spent less-time in dark-chamber as compared to control and scopolamine (p<0.001). In Morris-water-maze-task treatment groups (100/100mg/kg and 200/200mg/kg) showed significant (p<0.001) decrease in escape-latency compared with control and scopolamine. Spatial-memory-probe showed significant interaction between drugs and days (p<0.001); time-spent in platform region is significantly increased (p<0.001) in both treatment groups compared with control and scopolamine. 8-arm-radial-maze-test showed the significant increase (p<0.05) in total number of correct responses in treatment groups (100/100mg/kg and 200/200mg/kg) compared to control and scopolamine. In-vitro studies revealed acetyl-choline-esterase inhibition by 36.40% from Melissa officinalis and Panax ginseng combination. Study concluded that combination of M. officinalis and P. ginseng extracts may significantly improve the effects on memory and cognition.

Determination of anxiolytic and antidepressant like activity of hydro alcoholic fruit extract of Pyrus communis (L.) and its impact on the memory after chronic dosing in animal models.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant activity of ethanolic fruit extract of Pyrus communis (pear), in comparison with escitalopram in rodents (rats and mice). Thirty Wistar rats of about 200-250gm and albino mice of 25-30gm, male gender were divided into three groups each comprising of (n=10) animal respectively. Control group received distilled water, positive control received 10mg escitalopram & treated group received 200mg/kg/day of Pyrus communis ethanolic fruit extract orally for 30 days. They were evaluated by using the open field test, forced swim test (FST), plus maze test, light and dark test, hole poking test, stationary rod test, water maze test & cage crossing activity. Results were expressed as mean ± SD. Data was analyzed by using SPSS software (VERSION 21) one way ANOVA followed by Tukey test was used for post hoc analysis. Our result showed that fruit extract had significant antidepressant-like behavior in FST (p<0.001), open field (p<0.05), cage crossing (p<0.001) , significant anxiolytic activity in light and dark box test, plus-maze activity and significantly enhanced learning in water maze and stationary rod test when compared with control. The Pyrus communis fruit extract showed the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like profile in rats and mice. However, further studies need to be carried out in clinical trials for its use in different neuropsychological disorders.

Effect of Methylphenidate and buspirone-methylphenidate co-administration on biochemical and hematological parameters in rats: Implications for safe and confrontational use.

Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant, beneficial in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Previously it has been shown that MPH-induced locomotor sensitization could be attenuate by buspirone co administration however the effect of chronic MPH and co-administration of MPH-buspirone on biochemical and hematological parameters are unknown. This study is designed to investigate these parameters after long term administration of MPH, Buspirone and their combination in rats. 40 male Wister rats were divided in to 4 groups, and treated with saline, MPH (2mg/kg/day), Buspirone (10mg/kg/day) and MPH-Buspirone co-administration (2mg/kg/day ±10mg/kg/day; respectively) up to six weeks. Administration of MPH significantly increase blood glucose level in saline treated control rats, however co-administration of MPH-buspirone exhibited less effect on blood glucose levels. Serum creatinine levels significantly decreased in all treated groups as compared to control but highly significant results were seen with combination treatment. Co-administration of MPH-buspirone and buspirone treated rats exhibited increased cholesterol and hemoglobin values. All treated groups showed increased values of hematocrit, MCV, MCH and MCHC compared to control group. RBCs and WBC's count were decreased in all treated groups. The platelet count rose significantly by Buspirone and MPH-buspirone administration, while MPH showed decreased platelet count. Thus, results suggested that prolong co-administration of MPH-buspirone is safe and effective for ADHD patients by preventing adverse effects not only on behavioral but also on biochemical and hematological parameter.

Evaluation of Acute and Chronic Antidiabetic Activity of Ivy (Hedera helix L.) Aqueous Leaf Extract in Rat Model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hedera helix L. (Ivy) has been utilized as an alternative medicine for cough however, through extensive literature search; we found no reported activity of ivy on α-glucosidase inhibition, HbA1c levels and its protective effect on vital organs. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic and protective effect of ivy in alloxan induced rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hypoglycemic activity of ivy was examined in normoglycemic, glucose overloaded and alloxan-induced rats. The antidiabetic potential was also confirmed by estimation of HbA1c and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. RESULTS: Results of acute and chronic study revealed that ivy produced highly significant decline (p<0.01) in fasting and post-prandial blood sugar levels as compared to diabetic control and standard group respectively. Furthermore, highly significant decline (p<0.01) in HbA1c levels were seen after chronic administration of ivy indicating its therapeutic effect in lowering HbA1c levels during long term use. It was found that ivy produced stronger and highly significant (p<0.05) inhibition of α-glucosidase activity than the standard agent acarbose at 500 µg mL-1. CONCLUSION: The histopathological studies of vital organs revealed protective effect of ivy via maintaining the normal architecture as compared to alloxan model. Hence, our findings support the potential use of ivy for diabetes management.

Comparison of the antidepressant like activity of homeopathic remedies (Argentum nitricum, Staphysagria and Ignatia amara) and their effect on the behavior of rodents.

The majority of the world population suffers from mental and behavioral disorder. It is the need of the time to find an alternate of presently available medicines in order to decrease the medical expense. Homeopathic remedies are available and prescribed by homeopaths for treatment of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, no data are available that proves its potential to relieve mental illness. The current study is designed to assess neuro behavioral and antidepressant like effects of homeopathic remedies Staphysagria, Argentum nitricum and Ignatia amara in comparison with standard drug (escitalopram). Different neuro behavioral activities were analyzed. The animals were administered the doses of all homeopathic remedied (60 µl to the rats) and escitalopram (0.042 mg to rats) through the oral route. The activities were observed on day 30th and day 60th. Our result suggests that the swimming time in Staphysagria treated group were significantly improved (p<0.001) after day 60th and significance rise was observed (p<0.01) in Ignatia amara treated animals, whereas significant decline (p<0.05) in struggling time was observed in Argentum nitricum administered animals after the 60th day as compared to 30th day. The central square crossings were improved highly significantly (p<0.001) after the 30th day dosing, by all three remedies and peripheral squares crossing were found highly significantly increased (p<0.001) after chronic dosing in Staphysagria and Ignatia amara treated groups. It is concluded from the results that all three homeopathic remedies produce comparable effects like standard drug while among all three remedies Staphysagria possess a potent antidepressant activity. To the best of our knowledge the current study reports first time the anti-depressant potential of homeopathic remedies in rodents.

Effect of M. chamomilla L. tea on chlorpromazine induced catalepsy: A neuroprotective study.

We determined anti-Parkinson's activity of M. chamomilla L. tea in chlorpromazine (CPZ) developed investigational animal model. In this research, effects of M. chamomilla L. tea 2.14ml/ kg P.O were studied on cataleptic behavior and its effect on brain histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in rats. The experimental design was developed by administering CPZ (3mg/kg, I/P) for twenty-one days to produce Parkinson's disease-like symptoms to 4 animal groups. We observed that chlorpromazine significantly produced motor dysfunctions (catalepsy) in a time period of twenty-one days. The M. chamomilla L. significantly (P<0.005) minimized/shorten/taper down catalepsy in rats just like standard group (Levodopa/carbidopa treated group). The maximum reduction was observed from both treated and standard groups on the 21st day. M. chamomilla L. treated rats mid brain sections showed presence of proliferative blood vessels, increase cellularity with reactive glial cells as compared to CPZ group. Furthermore, immunostaining CD68 & CD21 of M. chamomilla L. treated rats mid brain region showed few CD68 cells & no polymorphs neutrophils after CD21 staining. Thus, this research work disclosed the neuroprotective effect of M. chamomilla L. tea against Parkinson's disease-like symptoms or anti-Parkinson's activity induced by CPZ.

Investigation of anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of camel milk in animal models.

Opioids and non-opioids have long been used as analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic. Long-term use of these drugs may lead to severe toxicities. Therefore natural remedies are now being explored to avoid risk of adverse effects associated with the use of these conventional medicines. Bioactive components from milk of different species have been identified as nutraceuticals, but no experimental or clinical study is conducted so far to explore the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of camel milk. In this study we evaluated camel milk for its possible analgesic and antiinflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory effects of camel milk was studied in rats using paw edema method (induced by acetic acid) while tail-flick method was used to evaluate its analgesic effect in mice. Significantly increased tail-flick latency was shown after camel milk (33ml/kg) treatment when compared with acetylsalicylic acid at all time intervals. Anti-inflammatory activity of camel milk was significant (p<0.001) at 4th hour of treatment as shown by maximum percentage inhibition in edema volume (46.84%) in comparison to control. Results of our present study suggested possible use of camel milk as adjuvant therapy in treating various chronic pain and inflammatory ailments. Camel milk could further be investigated in future for recognition of biochemical constituents responsible for its antiinflammatory and pain relieving activities.

Community onset of CTX-M extended spectrum ß-lactamases among uropathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae from Karachi, Pakistan.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are major health issue in developing countries like Pakistan, become more complicated with extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) expression in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The ground of this present study was to evaluate the incidence of cefotaxime (CTX-M) gene in Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis. The clinical isolates from various specimens were collected for one-year duration from January till December 2015. After initial screening (n=352) isolates were examined for phenotypic expression of ESBLs by double disc synergy test. Furthermore, eight-four isolates were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for identification of Cefotaxime (CTX-M), Temoneira (TEM) and Sulfhdryl variable (SHV) genes. Among eighty-four clinical isolates CTX-M was dominant and found positive in 50 isolates (59.5%) followed by TEM in 35 (41.6%) and SHV in 11 (13%). In uropathogenic E. coli and K. pneumoniae, ESBLs gene was found in 50 and 6 isolates out of 57 and 7 respectively. Among uropathogens CTX-M was most prevalent 78% (39/50) in E. coli followed by K. pneumoniae. In uropathogenic E. coli, CTX-M was found dominant in females. The study concluded that ESBL related uropathogenic E. coli were CTX-M dominant, showed community onsets of UTIs that can be preventive and controlled with modified hygienic practices.

Comparison of neuropharmacological activities of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (Linn.) and Centratherum anthelminticum (Linn.) in mice.

The study is conducted to observe and investigate the effects of oral dosing of methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) on neuropharmacological activities of mice. Methanolic extracts of Cuminum nigrum (L) and Centratherum anthelminticum (L) were soluble in Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) i.e. an organic solvent, so it is used in this study. Screening for anxiolytic and antidepressant effects were performed using open field test, head dip test, stationary rod test, cage crossing test, light and dark box and swimming- induced depression test. Thirty animals were divided into three groups of 10 animals each and numbered as 1 (control, on DMSO), 2(on methanolic extract of Cuminum nigrum (L), 3 (on methanolic extract of Centratherum anthelminticum (L). The extracts and DMSO were administered orally for 60 days. Any possible change in animal behavior was evaluated on day 15, 30 and 60 of dosing. The groups 2 and 3 showed significant increase (p<0.001, p<0.01) in open field activity and light and dark box test respectively, while significantly decreased activity was observed in head dip and cage crossing activity (p<0.01) after 60 days of dosing. Based on above findings, it is suggested that the extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum (L) and Cuminum nigrum (L) have antidepressant and anxiolytic potential with sedative effects.