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A Objective: The aim of the present study is to formulate a polyherbal formulation whose formula is given in Ayurvedic Formulary of India and evaluate its antidiabetic potential in animals. Method: The polyherbal formulation was prepared using the methanol extracts and aqueous extracts of the given parts of herbs in AFI. The quality of the finished product was evaluated as per the World Health Organization's guidelines for the quality control of herbal materials. Acute toxicity study was performed for dose selection as per OECD 423 guidelines. The quality testing parameters of the polyherbal formulation were within the limits. Results: The acute toxicity studies of the polyherbal formulation did not show any toxic symptoms in doses up to 2000 mg/kg over 14 days. The extracts of both the formulations were evaluated for In-vitro and In-vivo anti-diabetic study. The oral anti-diabetic activity of the polyherbal formulation (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) was screened against intraperitoneal (i.p.) STZ (35 mg/kg) 15 min after i.p. administration of nicotinamide (200 mg/kg) continuously for 2 days, to induced diabetes mellitus in Wistar rats. The investigational drug was administered for 28 consecutive days, and the effect of the polyherbal formulation on blood glucose levels, lipid profile, body weight and Oral Glucose tolerance was studied at regular intervals. At the end of the study, the blood samples were collected from all the animals for biochemical estimation, and the animals were sacrificed, and the kidney, liver and pancreatic tissues were collected for histopathologic analysis. Conclusion: Polyherbal formulations showed significant antidiabetic activity at 200 and 400 mg/kg, respectively, and this effect was comparable with that of Glibenclamide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The solid lipid nanoparticle of an anti-fungal drug is prepared in the present study and the drug luliconazole loaded nanoparticles have been poured into the matrix of aloe vera gel to improve drug penetration through the skin. Luliconazole solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN-LCZ) are formulated via the process of solvent emulsification to ensure improved trapping efficiency and continuous drug delivery. Aloe vera gel demonstrated with medicinal capabilities and excellent care as per WHO "Portal of health products & essential medicine". Compared to other standard anti-fungal creams, the in vitro evaluation of SLN-LCZ gel showed brilliant spreadability, adhesiveness & easy application, as well as a better in vitro drug release profile. Gel formulation stability was also found to be stable at low temperatures of up to 2°C as well as high temperatures of up to 40°C. Finally, the SLN-LCZ-containing aloe vera gel formulation for topical drug delivery proves to be a promising nano carrier for the delivery of drugs targeting infectious skin diseases. The formulations have been shown to be effective, consistent with increased drug penetration to the skin achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the protective activity of ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark (EECZB) against acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Wistar albino rats (150-200 g) were divided into six groups and toxicity was induced by acetaminophen (750 mg/kg) for 10 days. 100 and 200 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark and 100 mg/kg of silymarin as a reference standard was treated to rats 2 h before acetaminophen administration. Various biochemical parameters like serum urea, serum creatinine, uric acid and total protein levels and antioxidant activity were determined. Histopathological analyses of kidney injury were also determined. Result: Treatment with ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark (100, 200 mg/kg, bw) significantly (p<0.001, p<0.01) decreased serum urea and serum creatinine as compared with acetaminophen rats. Decreased levels of uric acid and total protein were also significantly restored with extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark treatment. Silymarin significantly (p<0.001) decreased serum urea and serum creatinine as compared with acetaminophen rats. It is also significantly restored the altered levels of SOD, CAT and GSH in kidney tissue. Apart from these, extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark treatment also reduced histopathological alteration induced by acetaminophen in kidney. Conclusion: It was observed that ethanolic extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark has a significant nephroprotective activity against acetaminophen induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic actions of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were examined by studying its in vitro inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation and in vivo effects on atherogenic diet (2% cholesterol, 1% Choline Chloride and 2% Lard) induced rats hyperlipidemia. In cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic model, groups of rats treated with extracts G.glabra showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), atherogenic index , SGOT, SGPT and ALP activities whereas increase in the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)compared to cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic control group at dose dependent manner but the effect was less than the standard drug Atorvastatin. It was also identified from the histopathological results that rats fed with G.glabra extracts exposed decrease in granular degeneration caused by cholesterol feedings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic actions of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots for aqueous and ethanolic extracts were examined by studying its in vitro inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation and in vivo effects on atherogenic diet (2% cholesterol, 1% Choline Chloride and 2% Lard) induced rats hyperlipidemia. In cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic model, groups of rats treated with extracts G.glabra showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), atherogenic index, SGOT, SGPT and ALP activities whereas increase in the level of high density lipoprotein (HDL)compared to cholesterol induced hyperlipidemic control group at dose dependent manner but the effect was less than the standard drug Atorvastatin. It was also identified from the histopathological results that rats fed with G.glabra extracts exposed decrease in granular degeneration caused by cholesterol feedings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has become the leading cause of death among different populations of the world. The treatment is limited to chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Selective targeting to the tumor cells is possible by nanoparticles-based drug delivery system. It maximizes the drug concentration at the desired target and protects the surrounding healthy tissues at the same time. To improve the targeting potential of the anticancer drugs, nanoparticles were optimized for the size and surface characteristics to enhance their circulation time and targeting efficiency. Passive targeting involves surface modification with polyethylene glycol to avoid its elimination by natural body defense mechanism. Active targeting involves chemical interaction with certain antigen, receptors, and genes which are over expressed during progression of disease. In addition, the article highlights recent developments in 'smart'-stimulus-responsive-drug carriers designed to enhance the localization and efficacy of therapeutic payloads as compared with free drug. Enhanced targeting potential, imaging, and controlled release of drugs or therapeutic molecules could be possible through multi-functional nanocarrier. Such multi-faceted, versatile nanocarriers and drug delivery systems promise a substantial increase in the efficacy of diagnostic and therapeutic applications in pharmaceutical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of chronic administration of adenosine and CGS 21680 hydrochloride (adenosine A2A receptor agonist) on motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), nerve blood flow (NBF) and histology of sciatic nerve in animal model of diabetic neuropathy. Adenosinergic agents were administered for 2 weeks after 6 weeks of streptozotocin-induced (50 mg/kg i.p.) diabetes in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Significant reduction in sciatic MNCV and NBF were observed after 8 weeks in diabetic animals in comparison with control (non diabetic) rats. Adenosine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly improved sciatic MNCV and NBF in diabetic rats. The protective effect of adenosine on MNCV and NBF was completely reversed by theophylline (50 mg/kg, i.p.), a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, suggesting that the adenosine effect was mediated via adenosinergic receptors. CGS 21680 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly improved NBF; however, MNCV was not significantly improved in diabetic rats. At a dose of 1 mg/kg, neither MNCV nor NBF was improved by CGS 21680 in diabetic rats. ZM 241385 (adenosine A2A receptor antagonist) prevented the effect of CGS 21680 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.). Histological changes observed in sciatic nerve were partially improved by the adenosinergic agents in diabetic rats. Results of the present study, suggest the potential of adenosinergic agents in the therapy of diabetic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic is an environmental toxicant and its toxicity is a global health problem affecting millions of people. Arsenic exposure occurs from natural geological sources leaching into aquifers, contaminating drinking water and may also occur from mining and other industrial processes. Both cancerous, noncancerous and immunological complications are possible after arsenic exposure. The many other target organs like lungs, thymus, spleen, liver, heart, kidney, and brain. Arsenic-mediated neuro, as well as immunotoxicity, is the main concern of this review. Long-term arsenic exposure can lead to various neurological dysfunctions, which may cause neurobehavioral defects and biochemical impairment in the brain, this might negatively affect one's quality of life in later stages. Arsenic also alters the levels of various neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which produces neurotoxic effects and immunological deficiency. So, it is crucial to understand the neurotoxic mechanism of arsenic trioxide-mediated cerebro neurodegenerative and immunerelated alterations. One of the major mechanisms by which it exerts its toxic effect is through an impairment of cellular respiration by inhibition of various mitochondrial enzymes, and the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. This review focuses on the various toxic mechanisms responsible for arsenic-mediated neurobehavioral and immune-related changes. Therefore, this review provides a critical analysis of mitochondrial dysfunctions, oxidative stress, glutamate excitatory, inflammatory and apoptosis-related mechanistic aspects in arsenic-mediated immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and neurodegenerative changes., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Zingiber officinale Roscoe, commonly known as ginger, is a traditional herb used to treat various disorders. In this study, we evaluated potential pharmacological effects of ethanolic extracts of Z. Officinale with respect to central nervous system (CNS) activity in mice. Role of ethanolic extract of ginger on CNS activity in mice was studied using models of elevated plus maze test, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, tail suspension test, hot-plate and tail-flick test. Ginger extract was administered to mice at single doses of 50 and 200 mg/kg, perorally while diazepam (1 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg) and imipramine (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally were used as standard drugs. The results showed that the ginger extract at all dose levels significantly exhibited anxiolytic activityincreased the sleeping latency but reduced the sleeping time. Tail suspension test showed that the extract at both the doses was able to induce a significant decrease in the immobility time, similar to imipramine, a recognized antidepressant drug. Tail-flick and hot-plate tests demonstrated antinociceptive property of ginger extract, similar to morphine, a recognized antinociceptive agent. Higher dose level (200 mg/kg) showed better protective effects. Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extract revealed the presence of various phytoconstituents such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, resins and volatile oils. The possible mechanism by which ginger exhibited the significant beneficial effects on various CNS models in mice could be attributed to its antioxidant potential.

Mangos are a source of bioactive compounds with potential health-promoting activity. The present work was undertaken to evaluate the ethanolic extract of Mangifera indica L. fruit on cognitive performances. The models used to study the effect on cognitive performances are step down passive avoidance task and elevated plus maze task in mice. Chronic treatment (7 days) of extract and vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the aging and scopolamine induced memory deficits in both paradigms. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of free sugars, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids. The results suggestthe extract contained pharmacologically active principles that are memory-enhancing in nature.

Role of ethanolic extract of P. granatum seeds on central nervous system (CNS) in animal models of elevated plus maze test, barbiturate-induced sleeping time, tail suspension test, hot-plate and tail-flick test was studied. P. granatum (PG) extract was administered to young and aged mice at single doses of 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg, perorally while diazepam (1 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg) and imipramine (30 mg/kg) were used intraperitoneally as standard drugs. The results showed that PG extract at all dose levels significantly exhibited the anxiolytic activity. In another study PG extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) significantly increased the sleeping latency and reduced the sleeping time. Tail suspension test showed that PG extract (250 and 500 mg/kg) was able to induce a significant decrease in the immobility time, similar to imipramine, a recognized antidepressant drug. Tail-flick and hot-plate tests exhibited antinociceptive property of PG extract, similar to morphine, a recognized antinociceptive agent. Phytochemical investigation of ethanol extract for the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, sugars and saponins was also carried out. Phytochemical screening and measurement of reducing power revealed the CNS activity of ethanol extract of PG seeds may be due to its antioxidative profile.

Dementia is one of the age related mental problems and characteristic symptom of various neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. This impairment probably is due to the vulnerability of the brain cells to increased oxidative stress during aging process. Many studies have shown that certain phenolic antioxidants attenuate neuronal cell death induced by oxidative stress. The present work was undertaken to assess the effect of ethanolic extract of Punica granatum seeds on cognitive performance of aged and scopolamine treated young mice using one trial step-down type passive avoidance and elevated plus maze task. Aged or scopolamine treated mice showed poor retention of memory in step-down type passive avoidance and in elevated plus maze task. Chronic administration (21 days) of Punica granatum extract and vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the age induced or scopolamine induced retention deficits in both the paradigms. Punica granatum extract also significantly lowered lipid peroxidation level and increased antioxidant glutathione level in brain tissues. Punica granatum preparations could be protective in the treatment of cognitive disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

This study examined the effects of chronic administration of adenosine and CGS 21680 hydrochloride (adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist) on motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV), nerve blood flow (NBF) and histology of sciatic nerve in animal model of diabetic neuropathy. Adenosinergic agents were administered for 2 weeks after 6 weeks of streptozotocin-induced (50 mg/kg i.p.) diabetes in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Significant reduction in sciatic MNCV and NBF were observed after 8 weeks in diabetic animals in comparison with control (non diabetic) rats. Adenosine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly improved sciatic MNCV and NBF in diabetic rats. The protective effect of adenosine on MNCV and NBF was completely reversed by theophylline (50 mg/kg, i.p.), a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, suggesting that the adenosine effect was mediated via adenosinergic receptors. CGS 21680 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly improved NBF; however, MNCV was not significantly improved in diabetic rats. At a dose of 1 mg/kg, neither MNCV nor NBF was improved by CGS 21680 in diabetic rats. ZM 241385 (adenosine A(2A) receptor antagonist) prevented the effect of CGS 21680 (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.). Histological changes observed in sciatic nerve were partially improved by the adenosinergic agents in diabetic rats. Results of the present study, suggest the potential of adenosinergic agents in the therapy of diabetic neuropathy.