Anti-insomnia Effect of a Polyherbal Formulation on P-chlorophenyalanine Induced Experimental Animal Model.

Sleep is a dynamic and controlled set of physiological and behavioural practices during which the stabilisation and restoration processes of the body take place properly. Therefore, sleep disorders, especially chronic insomnia, can harm an individual's physical and mental health. However, the therapeutic alternatives are limited and possess severe side effects. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-insomnia effect of a polyherbal formulation (Sleep) (SLP) on p-chlorophenyalanine (PCPA) induced insomnia in rats. Intraperitoneal injection of PCPA induced the experimental condition, and the therapeutic effect of SLP was evaluated by studying the sleep pattern and expression of various neurotransmitters and receptors, along with neurotrophins. Moreover, insomnia-associated oxidative stress and inflammation were also studied. From the findings, we found that the SLP-supplemented animals improved their sleeping behaviour and that the major neurotransmitters, hormones, and receptors were maintained at an equilibrium level. Furthermore, the neurotrophin level was increased and pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced. The evaluation of oxidative stress markers shows that the antioxidants were significantly boosted, and as a result, lipid peroxidation was prevented. The overall findings suggest that SLP can be used as an effective medication for the treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia as it triggers the major neurotransmitter system.

Protective effect of a mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts on UV-induced photoaging in mice.

UV irradiation exposure may induce photoaging of the skin tissue. Various plant extracts have been recognized as effective protectants against UV-induced damage. Here, a mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts was evaluated for its anti-photoaging effects as a potential nutraceutical product for skin health. Hexane extract of marigold and ethanolic extract of rosemary were prepared, and the formulated mixture was investigated. A UV-induced photoaged mouse model was prepared, and the protective effects of the extract mixture were compared with those of hyaluronic acid (positive control). Expression of various photoaging-related biomarkers such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, procollagen type I, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase were determined. UV irradiation significantly enhanced the expression of these biomarkers through an inflammatory response, however, the mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts exerted inhibitory effects and protected from UV-induced damage. Suppression of inflammatory response were the mechanisms underlying this protective function of the mixture of marigold and rosemary extracts. Histological evaluation also supported these protective effects against photoaging.

Pre-Clinical Evaluation of Proprietary Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Rosemary Formulation for Its Dermal Protective Activity in Male Swiss Albino Mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the proprietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and rosemary formulation for its dermal protection against ultraviolet (UV) irradiated skin dehydration. A total of 48 male Swiss albino mice of 8∼12 weeks of age were divided into eight groups of 6 mice: mice in group 1 (G1) were considered the normal control, without treatment and without skin shaving; mice in G2 had their skins were shaved, but did not receive treatment; mice in G3 were the pathological control; mice in G4 were treated as standard (hyaluronic acid); mice in G5∼G8 were treated with low and high doses of 2 different test substances, respectively. Mice were anaesthetized and then depilatory was applied on the dorsal skin area (2 cm×2 cm) on alternate days, then UV/blue light irradiation was carried out for 15 min for 6 weeks. Collagen type 1 gene expression was determined via densitometric analysis, skin elasticity was assessed, and stratum corneum water contents were measured using a cutometer and corneometer. Skin hydration was assessed through transepidermal water loss, and several serum biochemical parameters (collagenase, hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid, and ceramide levels) were determined to assess the skin moisturizing activity of the product. Images for assessing photoaging were considered between different groups on day 42. All these subjective parameters reached statistical significance (P<0.05) in groups treated with the proprietary lutein and rosemary formulation compared with the placebo-treated group. In conclusion, the proprietary lutein, zeaxanthin, and rosemary formulation showed better protection of skin subjected to UV irradiated skin dehydration.

Modulatory Effect of Carotenoid Supplement Constituting Lutein and Zeaxanthin (10:1) on Anti-oxidant Enzymes and Macular Pigments Level in Rats.

BACKGROUND: Human eye is constantly exposed to different wavelengths and intensities of light. Oxidative stress results in distinct changes to retinal organs and tissues. Macular pigments (lutein and zeaxanthin), present in the central macular region, provide protection from photodamages by absorption of high energy blue light and also by virtue of their anti-oxidant activity. Ocular phototoxicity is thus prevented by our efficient anti-oxidant system, in both young and old. One of the best commercial sources of pure lutein and zeaxanthin is Marigold flowers. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, oil-soluble dietary carotenoid supplement constituting lutein and zeaxanthin in the ratio of 10:1 was evaluated for its modulatory effect on anti-oxidant enzymes and macular pigments in the serum and macula of the Swiss albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Swiss albino rats were treated with carotenoid supplement constituting lutein and trans-Zeaxanthin (10:1) at two different doses daily, under standard experimental conditions for 42 days. End of the treatment, serum and macula were collected and used for measurement of lutein and zeaxanthin levels along with anti-oxidant parameters. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical differences were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Dunnet's test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. All the results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: The supplement exhibited significant elevation of anti-oxidant enzyme levels in treated animals in dose-dependent manner. Concomitantly, the total anti-oxidant capacity has also been found to show similar increment at the end of the study period. This study revealed significant expression of the two macular pigments investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, therefore, provides a strong claim for the anti-oxidant effect of the oil-soluble dietary carotenoid supplement, and thus substantiates its use in the prevention of phototoxic damage to the eye on long-term supplementation. SUMMARY: Apart from its ornamental value, Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.) flowers are well known as an herbal remedy due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant activities. Epidemiological studies have implicated prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiations & blue light and in turn oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of the majority of the eye diseases, since childhood. Studies have shown that with age a number of changes occur predisposing the retinal various organs and tissues to oxidative stress. These changes manifest in decreased levels in plasma of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), Catalase (CAT), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substance (TBARS), and total anti-oxidant capacity (TAC). Age- and diet-related loss of Lutein and Zeaxanthin enhance phototoxic damage to the eye, and thus supplementation of these carotenoids becomes vital for maintaining optimal eye healthIn the present study, XanMax® 2002 oil, a supplement constituting lutein and trans-Zeaxanthin, extracted from the flowers of T. erecta, was evaluated for its modulatory effect on anti-oxidant enzymes and macular pigments in the serum and macula of the Swiss albino rats. XanMax® 2002 oil exhibited significant elevation of anti-oxidant enzyme levels in treated animals in dose-dependent manner. Concomitantly, the TAC has also been found to show similar increment at the end of the study period. This study revealed significant expression of the two macular pigments investigated. Abbreviations used: AMD: Age related Macular Diseases; RPE: Retinal Pigment Epithelium; CAT: Catalase; SOD: Super Oxide Dismutase; TAC: Total Antioxidant Capacity; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; LC-MS: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry; p.o.: Per Orally; CMC Carboxymethyl cellulose.