Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metals (Cd, Co, Cr and Pb) Effects on In Vitro Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Vigna mungo

Vigna mungo generally called as black gram is a nutrient food crop which is widely used in Indian cuisine and also used in traditional ayurvedic medicine. By natural and anthropogenic activities, black gram growth is highly affecting by heavy metal pollution. Hence, it is necessary to conduct the experiments to know the effects of various heavy metals on growth of black gram in turn yield levels. In the current study, we aimed to study the in vitro effects of heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) on germination of seeds and seedling morphology of black gram. The concentrations include 1, 10, 20, 50 and 100 ppm of respective heavy metal (Cr, Cd, Co and Pb) along with the two positive controls i.e. tap water (T.W) and distilled water (D.W) were used without any heavy metal for the preparation of media. Upon treatment, percentage of germination and both root and shoot lengths of black gram were significantly affected by increasing concentrations of cadmium, cobalt and lead when compared to controls. Specifically, germination percentage was reduced from 1 ppm to 100 ppm i.e. 77% to 46% with Cd, 64% to 50 % with Co and 78% to 70 % with Pb treatments. This data indicates that each heavy metal has its own impact on black gram seed germination. Similarly, shoot and root lengths were also reduced upon these heavy metal treatments. Although the percentage of germination decreased drastically (36% at 100 ppm) along with the increasing concentration of chromium, the root and shoot lengths were suddenly increased (hugely root length) when compared to controls. In conclusion, each heavy metal has its own critical point for each seedling or plant growth.

Selection and validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR normalization in Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi) under various abiotic stress

Psoralea corylifolia L. is a popular herb and has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine owing to its extensive pharmacological activities, especially in the treatment of various shin diseases. To date, the systematic evaluation and selection of the optimum reference genes for gene expression analysis of P. corylifolia were not reported. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is a method for gene expression quantification. Selecting appropriate reference genes is the prerequisite for accurate normalization of RT-qPCR results. This study assessed the expression stability of 10 candidate reference genes under different abiotic stresses. First, amplification primers for RT-qPCR were designed and received testing and optimization. Then, expression data from each candidate gene were evaluated based on three statistical algorithms, and their results were further integrated into a comprehensive ranking based on the geometric mean. Additionally, one target gene, i.e., 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO), was used to validate the effectiveness of the selected reference. Our analysis suggested that thioredoxin-like protein YLS8 (YLS8), TIP41-like family protein (TIP41), and cyclophilin 2 (CYP2) genes provided superior expression normalization under different abiotic stresses. Overall, this work constitutes the first effort to select optimal endogenous controls for RT-qPCR studies of gene expression in P. corylifolia. It also provides a reasonable normalization standard and basis for further analysis of the gene expression of bioactive components in P. corylifolia.

Mucuna pruriens Seed Aqueous Extract Improved Neuroprotective and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effects Compared with Synthetic L-Dopa.

L-dopa, a dopaminergic agonist, is the gold standard for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. However, due to the long-term toxicity and adverse effects of using L-dopa as the first-line therapy for Parkinson’s disease, a search for alternative medications is an important current challenge. Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has suggested the use of Mucuna pruriens Linn. (Fabaceae) as an anti-Parkinson’s agent. The present study aimed to quantify the amount of L-dopa in M. pruriens seed extract by HPLC analysis. The cytotoxicity and neuroprotective properties of M. pruriens aqueous extract were investigated by two in vitro models including the serum deprivation method and co-administration of hydrogen peroxide assay. The results showed the significant neuroprotective activities of M. pruriens seed extracts at a concentration of 10 ng/mL. In addition, the effects of L-dopa and M. pruriens seed extract on in vitro acetylcholinesterase activities were studied. M. pruriens seed extract demonstrated acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, while synthetic L-dopa enhanced the activity of the enzyme. It can be concluded that the administration of M. pruriens seed might be effective in protecting the brain against neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. M. prurience seed extract containing L-dopa has shown less acetylcholinesterase activity stimulation compared with L-dopa, suggesting that the extract might have a superior benefit for use in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Lactic acid-based deep eutectic solvent: An efficient green media for the selective extraction of steroidal saponins from Trillium govanianum

Natural deep eutectic solvents have a high solvation and food-grade characteristics, which make them a preffered choice for extracting bioactives to develop nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations. This research aimed to investigate the systematic effects of several NADESs on the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of steroidal saponins from the rhizomes of Trillium govanianum Wall. ex D.Don, which is utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. After screening of fifteen different NADESs, choline chloride: lactic acid (1:1) (NADES 1) was found most effective eutectic solvent for the extraction of steroidal saponins performed by the three-round micro-extraction (1 mL). Compared with hydro-ethanolic solvent-based extraction, lactic acid-derived NADESs showed higher extractability of steroidal saponins. The extraction efficiency of bioactive steroidal saponins e.g. borassoside E and protodioscin was also enhanced with NADES 1. The effects of extraction variables such as S:L ratio, working duration, and temperature on the extraction of steroidal saponins by NADES 1 was also studied and optimized.Furthermore, optimized parameters were validated by performing 100 mL NADES 1-based extraction to recover phytomolecules and NADES 1 by using Diaion HP20 resin column chromatography. As a proof of concept, this study suggested that lactic acid-derived NADESs are effective media for the extraction of steroidal saponins from biomass. The cytocompatibility assay of NADESs with NRK-52E and IEC-6 cells revealed the safe nature of NADESs to normal animal cells. The steroidal saponins-enriched extract obtained with NADES 1 has shown promising antagonistic effects on acetylcholinesterase activity.

Management of Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) through Ayurveda –A Case Report

Chronic renal failure (CRF)is one of the clinical entities which occurs as a result hampering of renal function due to many medical or systemic illness developed due to current fast lifestyle. The contemporary science has quite expensive modalities having non confirming results in advanced stages of diseases. Ayurveda, an ancient science, prefers to prevent or treat the disease in initial condition to avoid such complications. The present case study was taken up to evaluate the cumulative effect of Shodhana & Shamana Chikitsa in CRF based on the collaborative application of two fundamental principles of Ayurveda i.e., root cause analysis and treatment according to underlying pathophysiology involved in specific clinical conditions. This is a case report of a male patient having age 69 years who was diagnosed as CRF before five years & on regular conservative treatment in modern science. However, due to persistent increase in values of renal profile, he approached to Panchakarma OPD MGACH& RC. He underwent Dashmooladi Sasneha Niruha Vasti in addition to some proprietary as well as traditional Ayurvedic medicines (Syp. Neeri KFT, Chandrapbha Vati, Punaranavdi Qwath, Gomutra Arka). After one month, there was significant reduction in values of serum creatinine & Serum Blood urea from 4.89 to 1.21 & 64 to 50 respectively with a substantial decrease in systolic & diastolic blood pressure along with improvement in patients' quality of life. This case study will become helpful in planning further research studies with a large sample size based on cost-effective standard regime in Ayurveda for the management of CRF.

Exopolysaccharide Produced by Probiotic Bacillus albus DM-15 Isolated From Ayurvedic Fermented Dasamoolarishta: Characterization, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities.

An exopolysaccharide (EPS) was purified from the probiotic bacterium Bacillus albus DM-15, isolated from the Indian Ayurvedic traditional medicine Dasamoolarishta. Gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analyses revealed the heteropolymeric nature of the purified EPS with monosaccharide units of glucose, galactose, xylose, and rhamnose. Size-exclusion chromatography had shown the molecular weight of the purified EPS as around 240 kDa. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the non-crystalline amorphous nature of the EPS. Furthermore, the purified EPS showed the maximum flocculation activity (72.80%) with kaolin clay and emulsification activity (67.04%) with xylene. In addition, the EPS exhibits significant antioxidant activities on DPPH (58.17 ± 0.054%), ABTS (70.47 ± 0.854%) and nitric oxide (58.92 ± 0.744%) radicals in a concentration-dependent way. Moreover, the EPS showed promising cytotoxic activity (20 ± 0.97 μg mL–1) against the lung carcinoma cells (A549), and subsequent cellular staining revealed apoptotic necrotic characters in damaged A549 cells. The EPS purified from the probiotic strain B. albus DM-15 can be further studied and exploited as a potential carbohydrate polymer in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications.

MULTIPLE VACUUM SYRINGE BLOOD ASPIRATION PROCEDURE (MVSBAP): A NEW HORIZON OF RAKTAMOKSHANA PROCEDURE IN PANCHAKARMA THERAPY OF AYURVEDA

Panchakarma is a specialized branch of Ayurveda that primarily deals with the body's purification (Shodhana) of doshas. As we know, the word Panchakarma refers to five special therapeutic procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, Nasya and Raktamokshana. Raktamokshana is an effective bloodletting therapy. Classically it is described as of six types, i.e. (1) Shringa, (2) Jalauka, (3) Alabu, (4) Shiravedha, (5) Prachchhana and (6) Ghatiyantra. In the present study, a clinical trial has been done, especially in the disease of Gridhrasi, with particular reference to Sciatica by combining Parchchhana and Ghatiyantra, a modified form of Raktamokshana therapy, called Multiple Vacuum Syringe Blood Aspiration Procedure (MVSBAP). Sciatica is painful neuralgia of the Sciatic Nerve in which pain starts from the gluteal region and buttock and comes down through the back of thigh, knee, calf and outer border of the foot. Sixty patients were selected for the clinical trial using a simple random sampling method from the OPD and IPD of Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Two groups are made like Group-A and Group-B, each consisting of 30 patients. Patients of Group-A are treated with only traditional Ayurvedic medicines, and patients of Group-B are treated with MVSBAP and traditional Ayurvedic medication. After one month of final treatment, assessment is done on statistical parameters, which show pretty better results in Group-B patients. The application of MVSBAP in the disease of Gridhrasi draws a new horizon to the ailing humanities.

Regeneration of Medicinal Plant Solanum virginianum L. Via Somatic Embryogenesis from Seed Explant

Solanum virginianum L., belonging to the family Solanaceae is an important medicinal plant, used in traditional ayurvedic medicines. The present study was aimed to develop an efficient procedure for inducing somatic embryogenesis followed by regeneration in S. virginianum. The seeds of S. virginianum were used as explant and inoculated on ½ MS (Murashige and Skoog) basal medium. Stem explant from in vitro germinated seeds was used for callus induction. MS medium supplemented with 1 mg L-1 BAP (6- Benzylaminopurine) was used for callus induction. Callus proliferation started when initiated callus was sub-cultured on various concentrations and combinations of BAP, IAA (Indole-3-Acetic Acid), IBA (Indole-3-Butyric Acid), 2,4-D (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid). The highest embryogenesis took place in BAP (@ 2 mg L-1) + IAA (@ 5 mg L-1) combination. The somatic embryos were transferred onto MS basal medium for maturation. These embryos matured and were converted into complete plantlets with well-developed shoot and root system. Highest survival percentage (98±1.24%) was observed on red soil : sand (1:1) potting mixture used for acclimatization.

Ayurvedic Approach to Female Pelvic Organ Prolapse w.s.r. to Prasramsini Yonivyapad: A Case Study

Background: One of the 20 Yonivyapad described by Acharya Sushruta as a condition in which any irritation to the Yoni causes it to prolapse is Prasamsini Yonivyapad. This syndrome is linked to both primary and secondary uterine prolapse. When dealing with the problem of genital prolapse, surgical procedures cannot always be used or, in some situations, avoided. In such circumstances, conservative approaches may be recommended. Ayurvedic Acharyas have recommended numerous therapeutic approaches that have been used since ancient times and have proven beneficial outcomes in many cases of prolapse. Main observations: In present case study, a young female aged 38 years consulted the Ayurvedic OPD of M.M.M. Govt. Ayurved College& Hospital, Udaipur with complaints of something coming out of vagina, lower abdominal pain, white discharge per vagina and burning micturition suggestive of second degree uterine prolapse confirmed by bimanual examination. It can be correlated to prasramsini yonivypada in Ayurveda. So, we planned an ayurvedic treatment regime with the goal of improving the symptoms of patient. Result- The patient was treated with local Application of Majuphal churn and Shubhra bhasm with some oral medications. Only traditional Ayurvedic medicines were used during the treatment. Patient’s condition was assessed through improvement in symptoms. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate one of the treatment regimens of pelvic organ prolapse. Conclusions: The study concluded that ayurvedic medication was significantly effective in treating Prasramsini yonivypada (female pelvic organ prolapse)

An Ayurvedic Approach to Manage PCOS- A Case Study

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. PCOS is also a leading cause of infertility. It occurs 20- 30% more frequently in young people of childbearing age. According to Ayurveda, PCOS is related to Nastartava or Anartava. Nashtartava or Anartava is the main characteristic of Bandhya Yonivapada and Pushpgni Jatharini. The word Aartava is used in the Samhita in connection with menstrual blood, ovum, and ovarian hormones. PCOS is mainly due to Avrana of Vata and Kapha so Vatanulomak, Kapha Shaman, and Pitta Vardhan, Aamapachana, Artava Janana Chikitsa, are effective. Main observations: A 31 Years Old Female Patient, Housewife by Occupation. With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Was Arrived to OPD of Prasuti Tantra and Stri Rog for Ayurvedic Treatment. Chief Complaint Was Irregular Menses, Scanty Menses, Backache, Hair falls and Constipation in the last 4 Years. Physical Examination Revealed Pulse, Blood Pressure, Temperature Within Normal Limits. No History of Any Chronic Disease or Any Other Medical or Surgical History. Result: This patient was treated with ayurvedic formulations like Punarnava Mandoor, Panchkol Churna, Chaturbeej Churna, Panchtikt Ghrit Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, Dashmool Kwath, Haridrakhand. Only traditional Ayurvedic medicines were used during the treatment. So, Patient’s condition was assessed through improvement in symptoms. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate one of the treatment regimens for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Conclusion: The study reached the conclusion that ayurvedic treatment was significantly effective in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Ayurvedic Treatment Regime of Hypomenorrhea w.s.r. to Alpartava : A Case Study

Background:Hypomenorrhea is a menstrual condition where menstrual cycle is disturbed due to various factors. Hormonal imbalance, stress, local cause, defect in H-P-O axis etc can lead to any menstrual deformity. At the beginning of hypomenorrhea, treatment should bestarted so that it can be resolved easily and in short period of time. Ayurvedic treatment can be done to treat the condition. For this condition also, treatment should be done with a aim to normalize the vitiated Dosha and Dhatu. Scanty Artava is seen inthis condition and treatment is done for increasing Artava. Main observations:In present study a 25-year-old women patient consulted the Ayurvedic OPD of M.M.M. Govt. Ayurved College& Hospital, Udaipur with the complaint ofscanty menses lasting for 1 or 2 days with normal interval of menstrual cycle. So, we planned an Ayurvedictreatment regime with the goal of improving the symptoms of patient. Result:This patient was treated with ayurvedic formulations like Chandranshu ras, shatavari ghrita, chaturbeej churna. Syrup Evecare forte.Only traditional Ayurvedicmedicines were used during the treatment. This case study demonstrates the efficacy of Ayurvedictreatment for Urticaria.So, Patient’s condition was assessed through improvement in symptoms. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate one of the treatment regimens for hypomenorrhea. Conclusions:The study reached the conclusion that ayurvedic treatment was significantly effective in the treatment ofAlpartava (Hypomenorrhea).

Synthesis and antihyperlipidaemic activity of a new piperine derivative

Long pepper (Piper longum Linn.) is widely used as a medicinal substance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its major alkaloid piperine is the main active constituent with various therapeutic activities and has low solubility in water. In this study, a soluble new derivative of a piperine alkaloid, named N-leucinylpiperamide was synthesized. The animal experiment showed that N-leucinylpiperamide has more hypolipidemic effects than commercially available simvastatin and piperine in modulating serum lipids in Wistar male rats. At the amount of 10 mg/kg bw, it significantly reduced TC (-52.4%), TG (-61.7%), and LDL-C (-27.8%), respectively, and increased HDL-C (+147.4%) in the serum of the high-lipid model group. Furthermore, the synthesized N-leucinylpiperamide had no noticeable cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line in vitro. Thus, our study shows that N-leucinylpiperamide has an ability to improve serum lipid profile in hyperlipidemic model rats and could be a valuable promising agent for the preventing hyperlipidemia.

First Report of Downy Mildew on Sweet Basil Caused By Peronospora belbahrii in India.

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.; Family Lamiaceae) is an annual aromatic and medicinal plant grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In India, it is cultivated as a commercial crop on ~8,000 ha. Aerial plant parts and essential oil of sweet basil are used in pharmaceutical, perfumery, food industries and in different formulations of traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicines (Shahrajabian et al. 2020). The leaves have the highest concentrations of secondary metabolites such as terpenes and phenylpropanoids which provide the distinctive aroma (Viuda-Martos et al. 2011). During October 2020, severe foliar disease was observed in experimental fields of sweet basil at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow, India. Initial symptoms included large, interveinal chlorotic lesions on the adaxial surface of the leaves and black sporulation on the abaxial surface. Within a few days, the abaxial side of leaves turned necrotic, and leaf senescence and defoliation occurred on plants with severe symptoms. Disease incidence was 20 to 30% of plants. The pathogen was characterized morphologically using a light microscope. Sporangiophores were hyaline, dichotomously branched, 186.9 to 423.07 × 6.85 to 9.06 µm and, branched 3 to 5 times with each branch, terminating in two slightly curved branchlets, the longer one 7.05 to 25.31 µm and the shorter one 4.98 to 15.92 µm. Each branchlet had a single sporangium at the tip. Conidia were ellipsoidal to sub-globose, olive-brown in color, and typically measured 25.21 to 33.86 × 17.92 to 26.24 µm, each, without a pedicel. Based on these morphological characteristics, the foliar disease was identified as downy mildew was caused by Peronospora belbahrii (Thines et al. 2009). Eight symptomatic and two asymptomatic plant samples were collected from different locations in the field, and genomic DNA was extracted from the conidia of the eight naturally infected tissues of sweet basil samples as well as leaf tissues from two asymptomatic plants, using the CTAB method. The internal transcribed spacer region was amplified using ITS1 and ITS4 primers. Only eight infected samples amplified products of expected size (~ 700 bp) and two asymptomatic samples showed no amplification. Only five amplified PCR products were sequenced (White et al. 1990). All five sequences were identical and were a 98.1% match with five P. belbahrii isolates (MN450330.1, MN308051.1, MH620351.1, KJ960193, and MF693898). The consensus sequence was deposited into the NCBI database (GenBank Accession No. MW689257). Downy mildew caused by P. belbahrii previously has been reported on sweet basil from several countries (Wyenandt et al. 2015). To confirm the pathogenicity of these isolates on sweet basil (cv. CIM-Saumya), 25 - day-old sweet basil plants were sprayed with a suspension (1 × 105 sporangia/ml) of P. belbahrii. All plants were kept in a growth chamber with a 23/18°C diurnal cycle with 65 to 85% relative humidity for 24 h. Non-inoculated plants treated with sterile water served as a control treatment. After 8 days, typical symptoms of downy mildew appeared on all the inoculated plants while non-inoculated plants remained asymptomatic. Inoculated leaves with symptoms consistent of downy mildew were collected and the causal agent again identified as P. belbahrii on the basis of microscopic examination and ITS rDNA sequence data. To our knowledge, this is the first report of downy mildew caused by P. belbahrii on sweet basil in India. The pathogen has a broad host range and may pose a serious threat to the cultivation of this valuable crop in India. Thus, it is pertinent to develop effective control measures to avoid further spread and mitigate economic loss.

Acacia catechu seed extract provokes cytotoxicity via apoptosis by intrinsic pathway in HepG2 cells.

Acacia catechu Willd (Fabaceae) is a thorny tree widely distributed in India and commonly used as traditional Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. The current study evaluates the cytotoxic potentials of A. catechu ethanolic seed extract (ACSE) in HepG2 cells, a human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. The HepG2 cells were treated with 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 300 and 1000 μg/ml of ACSE and the cytotoxic effect was evaluated by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assays. The IC50 of ACSE was found at 77.04 μg/ml and therefore, further studies were carried out with the concentrations of 35 and 70 μg/ml. The intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis-related morphological changes were evaluated. Gene expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome C (Cyt-c), caspases-9 and 3 were analyzed by qPCR. The ACSE treatments caused LDH leakage was associated with an increased ROS generation. The increased ROS generation was associated with the downregulation of intracellular antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione content. AO/EB and PI staining also confirmed chromatin condensation and apoptosis. The flow cytometric analysis showed an accumulation of HepG2 cells at sub G0/G1 (apoptotic) phase upon ACSE treatments. The ACSE induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were related to increased apoptotic marker gene expressions such as Bax, Cyt-c, caspase-9 and 3, and decreased anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. The current finding suggests that ACSE has apoptosis-inducing potential via the mitochondrial pathway in HepG2 cells.

The effects of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica, Phyllanthus emblica and Triphala on the growth performance and immune response in Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus )

The supplementation of functional feed in aquafeed can enhance immunity, growth performance and survival rate of fish. Triphala is one of the most popular herbal formulations in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is rich in gallic, chebulagic and chebulinic acids. Triphala is composed of equal ratios of Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Phyllanthus emblica. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of each of the three herbal compounds of triphala, as well as triphala itself, on the growth, immunity and plasma biochemistry of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We conducted a 60-day growth trial on Nile tilapia using five different dietary groups: control, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia bellirica, Phyllanthus emblica and triphala. The results showed a negative effect of Terminalia chebula on growth of tilapia, whereas Terminalia chebula and Terminalia bellirica caused signs of abnormal liver health (swollen hepatocytes and absent nuclei), so these two plants appear to have negative effects on fish health when used individually, whereas Phyllanthus emblica and triphala improved growth performance and health of Nile tilapia. Triphala had a positive impact on several plasma biochemical parameters: reduced tChol, triglycerides, LDL, ALT and AST. These results suggest that triphala can improve fish health and boost immunity, without any notable negative side effects, and as such has the potential to be used as a functional feed additive in fish diets. Our results do not support the use of the individual components. The exact mechanisms through which triphala compounds modulate the disease resistance, molecular effects and metabolic responses remain unknown and require further investigations.

Effects of an Oroxylum indicum Extract (Sabroxy®) on Cognitive Function in Adults With Self-reported Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background: Oroxylum indicum has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for the prevention and treatment of several diseases and may have neuroprotective effects.Purpose: Examine the effects of Oroxylum indicum on cognitive function in older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints.Study Design: Two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Methods: Eighty-two volunteers received either 500 mg, twice daily of a standardized Oroxylum indicum extract or placebo. Outcome measures included several computer-based cognitive tasks, the Control, Autonomy, Self-Realization, and Pleasure scale (CASP-19), Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Changes in the concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also examined.Results: Compared to the placebo, Oroxylum indicum was associated with greater improvements in episodic memory, and on several computer-based cognitive tasks such as immediate word recall and numeric working memory, and a faster rate of learning on the location learning task. However, there were no other significant differences in performance on the other assessed cognitive tests, the MoCA total score, or other self-report questionnaires. BDNF concentrations increased significantly in both groups, with no statistically-significant between-group differences. Oroxylum indicum was well tolerated except for an increased tendency for mild digestive complaints and headaches.Conclusion: The results of this first human trial on the cognitive-enhancing effects of Oroxylum indicum suggest that it is a promising herbal candidate for the improvement of cognitive function in older adults with self-reported cognitive complaints.

Curcumin as Prospective Anti-Aging Natural Compound: Focus on Brain.

The nutrients and their potential benefits are a new field of study in modern medicine for their positive impact on health. Curcumin, the yellow polyphenolic compound extracted from Curcuma longa species, is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to prevent and contrast many diseases, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, cardio-protective, nephron-protective, hepato-protective, anti-neoplastic, and anti-rheumatic proprieties. In recent years, the investigations of curcumin have been focused on its application to aging and age-associated diseases. Aging is a physiological process in which there is a decreasing of cellular function due to internal or external stimuli. Oxidative stress is one of the most important causes of aging and age-related diseases. Moreover, many age-related disorders such as cancer, neuroinflammation, and infections are due to a low-grade chronic systemic inflammation. Curcumin acting on different proteins is able to contrast both oxidative stress than inflammation. In the brain, curcumin is able to modulate inflammation induced by microglia. Finally in brain tumors curcumin is able to reduce tumor growth by inhibition of telomerase activity. This review emphasizes the anti-aging role of curcumin focusing on its mechanism to counteract aging in the brain. Moreover, new formulations to increase the bioavailability of curcumin are discussed.

In vitro shoot multiplication using meta-Topolin and leaf-based regeneration of a withaferin A rich accession of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal is a popular medicinal herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicines. The pharmacological properties of this plant are largely due to the presence of withanolides such as withanone, withanolide A, withanolide D and withaferin A. Among these, withaferin A has gained a lot of attention because of its anti-cancer activity against a number of cancer cell lines. The current study deals with the selection of an elite accession of W. somnifera with high withaferin A content and the establishment of aseptic cultures under in vitro conditions for clonal mass propagation. Here, a novel cytokinin meta-Topolin (mT) was used for the first time in W. somnifera for shoot proliferation. mT (2.5 μM) was recorded as an efficient cytokinin for successful shoot multiplication and their growth. Further, an effective and reproducible regeneration protocol using leaf explant of W. somnifera has been developed for in vitro mass propagation and genetic transformation studies. The best shoot regeneration frequency and the maximum number of shoot buds were recorded in MS medium amended with BAP (10.0 μM). Among various auxins such as IAA, IBA, and NAA, IAA (10.0 μM) was proved to be optimal for both shoot and root growth. The regenerated plants were transferred to the greenhouse for their hardening and a high rate of survival (80 %) was recorded. The genetic uniformity of in vitro regenerated shoots was verified with RAPD, ISSR, and SCoT markers.

Medicinal plants used to treat infectious diseases in the central part and a northern district of Bangladesh – An ethnopharmacological perception

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become more challenging to the treatment of infectious diseases. Easy access to antibiotics, self-medication and irrational uses of antibiotics have made this problem even worse in the developing countries like Bangladesh. However, the indigenous people of Bangladesh have been using traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for the treatment of infections. The aim of study was to document the medicinal plants that are being traditionally used for the treatment of various types of infections in the central part and a northern district of Bangladesh through an ethnopharmacological survey. Materials and methodsThis survey involved interviewing 127 respondents including Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners (55.9 %), patients (16.5 %) and local inhabitants (27.6 %) to generate data that were analysed in the context of quantitave indices including Use Value, Informant Consensus Factor, Fidelity Level and Rank Order Priority. ResultsThe respondents recommended 71 medicinal plants belonging to 44 families that were used in this region for the treatment of various infections. The most cited plant families were Lamiaceae (26 citations), Meliaceae (23 citations) and Leguminasae (22 citations) whilst the most cited plant species wereAzadirachta indica A. Juss. (23 citations) and Ocimum tenuflorum L. (18 citations). Leaf was the most frequently used plant part in preparation. Plant species were documented based on rarity score, where 8.3 % species were found to be very rare. Most common method of preparation was power form (39 reports) followed by decoction. Bacterial pneumonia was recorded as highest FIC value with 0.94 with 19 use plants reported for 2 plant species. ConclusionThe present findings are encouraging to look into traditionally used plants to explore compounds which are responsible for anti-intective properties.

Withanolide Derivative 2,3-Dihydro-3β-methoxy Withaferin-A Modulates the Circadian Clock via Interaction with RAR-Related Orphan Receptor α (RORa).

Withanolide derivatives have anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other functions and are components of Indian traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Here, we found that 2,3-dihydro-3β-methoxy withaferin-A (3βmWi-A), a derivative of withaferin-A (Wi-A) belonging to a class of withanolides that are abundant in Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), lengthened the period of the circadian clock. This compound dose-dependently elongated circadian rhythms in Sarcoma 180 cancer cells and in normal fibroblasts including NIH3T3 and spontaneously immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF). Furthermore, 3βmWi-A dose-dependently upregulated the mRNA expression and promoter activities of Bmal1 after dexamethasone stimulation and of the nuclear orphan receptors, Rora and Nr1d1, that comprise the stabilization loop for Bmal1 oscillatory expression. We showed that 3βmWi-A functions as an inverse agonist for RORa with an IC50 of 11.3 μM and that 3βmWi-A directly, but weakly, interacts with RORa (estimated dissociation constant [Kd], 5.9 μM). We propose that 3βmWi-A is a novel modulator of circadian rhythms.