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Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the antidepressant activity of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Moringa oleifera L. (EEMO) on albino mice. Methods: The anti-depressant activity was evaluated using forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). Healthy albino mice were individually forced to swim inside a vertical glass cylinder. Climbing, swimming, and immobility were tested and recorded. In TST, mice were suspended on a string held by a metal stand, and immobility time was recorded. Results: In both FST and TST, it was seen that immobility time decreased with increase in the dose of EEMO. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of M. oleifera possess anti-depressant activity in a dose dependent manner.

Objective: Anxiety is classified as a form of sub-acute or chronic fear. Root of Acorus calamus has been traditionally used as an anxiolytic. The aim of the study is to assess the anxiolytic activity of ethanolic extract of A. calamus (EEAC) by elevated plus-maze test on Albino mice. Methods: Albino mice of either sex were taken and divided into five groups, each consisting of 5 mice. One group was used as control, one as standard (diazepam), and three as test groups treated with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of EEAC. The drugs, that is, 10 ml/kg of normal saline for control, diazepam 2 mg/kg (standard), and 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg EEAC (test groups) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.), 30 min before placing them in the center of the maze. The preferences of the animal to open/enclosed arm, average time spent in open arm, and numbers of entries in open arm were compared in each group. Data were statistically analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by multiple Dunnett’s test. Results: The number of entries in open arm and the average time spent in the open arm by the mice is increased by EEAC in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: EEAC has anxiolytic activity.

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the ulceroprotective effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera (EEMO) on experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) on Albino (Wistar strain) rats. Methods: The rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group A and Group B received gum acacia per orally (P.O.), Group C received EEMO in dose of 500 mg/kg/day P.O., and Group D received 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in the dose of 100 mg/kg/day P.O. All the animals were pre-treated with respective drugs (volume of drugs was kept constant at 10 ml/kg) for 5 days, along with the normal diet. On 5th day, animals were kept fasting for 12 h (overnight), and IBD was induced next morning in Groups B, C, and D by the administration of 1 ml of 4% acetic acid solution transrectally (TR). Group A (normal control) received 0.9% normal saline TR instead. Results: The results have been shown that EEMO has significant activity against experimentally induced IBD when compared to the experimental control, with near normalization of colon architecture both macroscopically as well as microscopically. Tissue oxidative stress was reduced with significant improvement in tissue levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Furthermore, significant improvement in levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was observed. Conclusion: It is concluded that EEMO has got potent activity against experimentally induced IBD due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) are collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Pathophysiology of IBD is not known with certainty. Immunological processes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been proposed to contribute considerably to development of tissue injury. Some of the intestinal and/or colonic injury and dysfunction observed in IBD is due to elaboration of these reactive species. Commonly used drugs, in particular sulfasalazine and its active moiety 5-aminosalicylic acid, are potent ROS scavengers. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Vitex negundo (EEVN) leaves on experimentally induced inflammatory bowel disease in albino rats.Methods: The rats were divided into four groups of six animals each. Group A and group B received gum acacia per orally, group C received EEVN in dose of 500 mg/kg/day per orally, and group D received 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) in the dose of 100 mg/kg/day per orally. All the animals were pre-treated with respective drugs (volume of drugs was kept constant at 10 ml/kg) for five days, along with the normal diet. On fifth day animals were kept fasting for 12 hours (overnight) and IBD was induced next morning in Groups B, C and D by administration of one ml of 4% acetic acid solution transrectally (TR). Group A (normal control) received 0.9% normal saline transrectally (TR) instead.Results: The results have been shown that EEVN has significant activity against experimentally induced IBD when compared to the experimental control, with near normalization of colon architecture both macroscopically as well as microscopically. Tissue oxidative stress was reduced with significant improvement in tissue levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Also, significant improvement in levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) was observed.Conclusions: It is concluded that ethanolic extract of leaves of Vitex negundo has got potent activity against experimentally induced IBD due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

The South Asian power sector is mired with a number of issues of common concern that have led to accentuating and acute power shortages that threaten to hamper the economic development of the region. This article discusses the regional problems that are prevalent in the generation and the distribution sectors. The article further explores some of the key policy issues related to regional cooperation in the South Asian Energy Sector. The article concludes that evolution of a regional power market holds tremendous potential for ensuring improved energy availability, reliability and quality; and creation of a viable power market would require firm political commitment and an evaluation of security concerns and related risks.