Bacopa Monnieri Extract Research Articles

Optimization of calcium gluconate and Bacopa monniera extract levels in calcium enriched herbal ice cream by response surface methodology.

Calcium enriched herbal ice cream was developed using calcium gluconate (CG) as calcium source, Bacopa monniera whole plant extract (BME) is an herb containing saponins. Ice cream was prepared by incorporating CG and BME together. Preliminarily the range of CG and BME levels were fixed as 50-250mg/100mL and 10-50mg/100mL of ice cream mix respectively. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the levels of two ingredients (CG and BME). Central Composite Rotatable Design using two variables and five responses comprising of sensory attributes was used for computation of optimized solution. All the responses fitted well into quadratic equation with R2 > 0.60. The optimum levels of CG and BME are 217.34mg/100mL and 10mg/100mL for preparation of experimental ice cream. RSM recommended with 87% acceptability for the optimum levels of CG and BME. Product is prepared with optimized solution and subjected to sensory evaluation.

New perspective of drug discovery from herbal medicinal plants: Andrographis paniculata and Bacopa monnieri (terpenoids) and novel target identification against Staphylococcus aureus

Drug discovery process includes screening of potential compounds to propose as drug and identification of potential targets to be inhibited in order to combat disease prognosis. A combined approach of phytochemistry and bioinformatics is used to deal with drug discovery against antimicrobial resistance by identifying potential targets and candidate drugs. The work includes evaluation of antimicrobial activity of terpenoid-based plant extracts against antibiotic resistant microorganisms. The study was conducted to explain possible new perspective of drug discovery. Phytocompounds from herbal medicinal plants Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata were employed. Phytochemical tests were performed for both the plants to screen the presence of phytocompounds. Antimicrobial activities of the crude extracts of two medicinal plants (Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata) were screened. Best reported zone of inhibition observed with Andrographis paniculata was 1.5 cm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 1.0 cm in Bacillus subtilis. The least inhibition was shown by Bacopa monnieri, i.e. 0.7 cm in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 0.6 cm in Bacillus subtilis. In silico analysis of phytochemicals is studied against multidrug resistant (MDR) strains of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus using computer-aided drug discovery. Identification of target proteins was performed using database mining. Subsequently, molecular docking was done to depict the interaction of chosen terpenoid (Bacoside, Bacopa saponin, andrographin and β-sitosterol) against the identified target proteins (PDB entry 2X4K & 2IHY) of MRSA. Andrographin and bacoside has more specificity towards the target protein identified for Staphylococcus aureus. This justifies them as potential compound with antimicrobial property. This study concludes the antimicrobial property of medicinal extracts of Bacopa monnieri and Andrographis paniculata against methicillin resistance Staphylococcus aureus and establishes the interaction of current phytochemicals involved in antimicrobial activity through an in-silico approach to reduce the cost incurred in experimental efforts.

PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SYNTHETIC ANTIOXIDANTS AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF BACOPA MONNIERI AGAINST LEAD TOXICITY INDUCED METABOLIC DYSFUNCTIONS IN MICE BRAIN AND LIVER HOMOGENATES: AN IN VITRO APPROACH

Objective: The main objective of the present study was to investigate the ameliorative potential of synthetic antioxidants mixture comprising N-acetyl cysteine, ascorbic acid, tocopheryl acetate, and thiamine as micronutrient combinational therapy and ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri as herbal antioxidant therapy approach against lead toxicity-induced metabolic dysfunctions in vitro.
 Methods: Experimental study involved in vitro exposure of mice brain and liver homogenates to different doses (100 μM, 250 μM, and 500 μM) of lead acetate. The study also involved coadministration of high-dose lead acetate (500 μM) and specific dosage of synthetic antioxidants or ethanolic extract of B. monnieri separately to homogenate cultures. Alterations in metabolic parameters of protein levels and lipid peroxidation were analyzed for evaluating the protective effect of synthetic antioxidants and B. monnieri against lead intoxication.
 Results: Results revealed dose-dependent statistically significant (p<0.001) reduction in protein levels and elevation in lipid peroxidation in lead acetate exposed mice brain and liver homogenates as compared to their respective control groups. Coadministration of lead acetate and synthetic antioxidants mixture or B. monnieri in the brain and liver homogenates conferred protection and manifested maintenance of studied biochemical parameters nearest to control groups. Ameliorative efficacy of B. monnieri against lead-induced neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity was found to be more pronounced than that of a mixture of synthetic antioxidants.
 Conclusion: Synthetic antioxidants mixture (N-acetyl cysteine, ascorbic acid, tocopheryl acetate, and thiamine) and B. monnieri exhibited remarkable therapeutic efficacy against lead toxicity-induced metabolic dysfunctions in mice brain and liver homogenates by virtue of their antioxidant, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective abilities.

Bacopa monnieri abrogates alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior by regulating biochemical and Gabra1, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats

Evidence has revealed a high degree of comorbidity of excessive alcohol intake and abstinence anxiety-like behavior. The ethanolic extracts of Bacopa monnieri (BME) are used in Indian traditional medicines for the management of alcoholic disorders. However, the underlying mechanism(s) associated with the influence of BME on alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior have not been adequately addressed. Therefore, the present study was planned to examine the beneficial effects of BME in alcohol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior and the underlying mechanism of action subsequent to long-term voluntary drinking of alcohol. For the assessment of the effects of BME, Wistar rats were exposed to voluntary ingestion of 4.5%, 7.5% and 9% v/v alcohol for 15 days. The doses (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg) of BME and diazepam (2 mg/kg) were administered via gavage for three consecutive days in the alcohol abstinence period on the days 16, 17, and 18. The behavioral studies were conducted employing the elevated plus maze test (EPM), and light-dark test on day 18 to determine the effects of BME and diazepam in the ethanol abstinence-induced anxiety-like behavior. Alcohol biomarkers like ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, and MCV were estimated using commercially available kits. The expression of Gabra1, Gabra2, Gabra3, Gabra4, Gabra5 genes of the GABAA receptors subunits in the hippocampus as well as amygdala were also examined by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The HPLC analysis demonstrated that BME contained 9.9% bacoside-A as a major component. The results revealed that alcohol abstinence group depicted a reduction in the time spent on the open arms, numbers of entries in the open as well as closed arms in EPM test and similarly decrease in latency to the dark chamber, time spent in light chamber and numbers of transitions in LDT. Further, BME at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg alleviated anxiety-like behavior which was escalated during alcohol abstinence. However, BME (100 mg/kg) exhibited insignificant protection against alcohol abstinence-induced syndrome. The escalated levels of alcohol-intake biomarkers were also reversed by BME at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The down-regulation of Gabra1, Gabra4, and Gabra5 gene expression following alcohol abstinence were also reversed with a higher dose of BME (200 and 500 mg/kg) treatment. These results show that BME abrogates anxiety-like behavior by modulating alcohol markers and Gabra1, Gabra4, Gabra5 gene expression of GABAA receptor signaling pathway in rats.

Bacopa monnieri prevents colchicine-induced dementia by anti-inflammatory action.

Inflammation is considered as an early event in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that precedes the formation of Aβ plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Therefore, strategies aimed at attenuating inflammation by phytochemicals may be a potential therapeutic intervention against AD. The present study was designed to evaluate if colchicine-induced inflammation and Aβ production could be prevented by Bacopa monnieri (BM) supplementation. Dementia was induced by a single intracerebroventicular injection of colchicine (15μg/5μl), whereas, BM extract was administered orally (50mg/kg body weight, daily) for 15days. Assessment of cognitive functions using Morris water maze revealed deficits in colchicine administered animals. This was accompanied by significant increase in oxidative stress in terms of accentuated ROS and NO production. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and chemokine (MCP-1) increased in the brain regions. Furthermore, COX-2 and iNOS expression also increased significantly in the brain regions of colchicine-administered animals. In addition, BACE-1 activity increased in the colchicine treated animals, which was accompanied by enhanced Aβ production. On the other hand, BM supplementation was able to improve cognitive functions, suppress Aβ formation by reducing BACE-1 activity. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were attenuated in the brain regions of BM supplemented animals. Taken together, the findings reveal that BM reverses colchicine-induced dementia by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant action suggesting that it may be an effective therapeutic intervention to ameliorate progression of AD.

Mitochondrial nephrotoxicity induced by tacrolimus (FK-506) and modulatory effects of Bacopa monnieri (Farafakh) of Tabuk Region

Background: Tacrolimus is a known immunosuppressive drug used widely for organ transplantation, but its nephrotoxicity mechanism is still unclear. Objectives: The present study investigates the protective efficacy of Bacopa monnieri (BM), against tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods: Group 1 (control group); administered orally with normal saline for 30 days; Group 2 (BM extract treated group); Group 3 (tacrolimus-treated group); and Group 4; (tacrolimus plus BM extract treated group). Tacrolimus-treated rats received 1 mg/kg body weight of tacrolimus intraperitoneally for 30 days, and BM-pretreated rats were administered with the dose of 200 mg/kg orally by gavage once a day for 30 days. Results: Tacrolimus-induced nephrotoxicity was assessed biochemically and histopathologically. Pretreatment with BM has shown to possess a significant protective effect against tacrolimus-induced kidney functions regarding urea, creatinine, and albumin levels, respectively. The creatinine, mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), and protein carbonyl levels were significantly increased dramatically, and however, the total proteins, albumin, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were decreased when pretreated with tacrolimus. The nephroprotective efficacy of the BM extract was further evident by histopathological analysis and DNA fragmentation. Conclusion: The outcome of this study indicates that BM extracts exerted protection against tacrolimus-induced kidney toxicity. Abbreviations Used: ANOVA: Analysis of variance, BM: Bacopa monnieri, BUN: Blood urea nitrogen, DNPH: Dinitrophenylhydrazine, DPPH: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, DSR: Deanship of Scientific Research, EOBPV: Egyptian Organization for Biological Products and Vaccines, GPx: Glutathione peroxidase, GSH: Glutathione, H and E: Hematoxylin and eosin, H2O2: Hydrogenperoxide, IAEC: Institutional Animals Ethics Committee, IC: Inhibitory concentration, Ip: Intraperitoneal, mLPO: Mitochondrial lipid peroxidation, Mn-SOD: Mn-superoxide dismutase, PC: Protein carbonyl, ROS: Reactive oxygen species.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Bacopa monnieri Extract against Depressive like Behavior Induced by Ethanol Withdrawal in Rats

Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome lead to relapse to alcohol use and depression is the most common symptom of withdrawal. Bacopa monnieri is a traditional memory enhancer and has reported antidepressant properties as well. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Bacopa monnieri extract in alcohol withdrawal depressive-like behavior in alcohol-dependent rats. Methods: Plant drug was extracted with ethanol (70% v/v) using soxhlet extraction. Ethanol 7.2%, v/v was given to the rats in a liquid diet for 21 days and then was withdrawn from the diet and animals were observed at 6th and 24th h for withdrawal signs like depressive behavior and locomotor hyperactivity. Results: The phytochemical testing of extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, and tannins. Bacopa monnieri extract (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg, oral) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg i.p) treatment at the 6th and 24th h of ethanol withdrawal produced the significant (p<0.001) decrease in the immobility time as compared to the disease control rats when tested on forced swim test and tail suspension test. Bacopa monnieri extract and fluoxetine treatment produced significant (p<0.001) inhibitory effects on locomotor hyperactivity as well. Histopathological examination did not show any remarkable pathological and microscopic changes. Conclusion: Findings from the present study showed that Bacopa monnieri extract treatment has beneficial effects on ethanol withdrawal depressive-like behavior in rats.

Bacopa monnieri alleviates paraquat induced toxicity in Drosophila by inhibiting jnk mediated apoptosis through improved mitochondrial function and redox stabilization

Paraquat (PQ) is an organic chemical compound and a member of redox active family of heterocycles. In spite of its high toxicities, it is used as one of the potent herbicide throughout the world. Though its toxic manifestations are observed in different organs, its principal toxic effect is manifested in the brain leading to the development of Parkinsonian symptoms. PQ exposure adversely affects dopaminergic (DA-ergic) neuron-rich region in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPC) of brain in the animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD), thereby mimicking PD like symptoms. Currently, lack of a potential drug to counter the toxic effect of PQ makes the management difficult. Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) has been shown to have promising effect against neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, the present study evaluated the role of BME against PQ induced toxicity in Drosophila model of PD, the results of which are reproducible in higher animal models including human subjects. Here, we showed that BME treatment attenuates acute PQ induced toxicity in Drosophila by decreasing mortality and improving climbing ability. BME functions by optimizing redox equilibrium, mitochondrial function and depreciating apoptosis level. The underlying mechanisms were attributed to optimization of active JNK and cleaved Caspase-3 activity along with transcriptional stabilization of the genes regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis (jnk, caspase-3, damb and nrf-2). These results showed therapeutic efficacy of BME against PQ toxicity in the brain. Our results pave the way for further detailed analysis of BME to combat the development of Parkinson's like symptoms following exposure to PQ toxicity in the brain of higher animal models.

Preparation of herbal whey drink added with extracts of Bacopa monnieri

An herbal whey beverage was prepared with extracts of Bacopa monnieri which has the properties of rejuvenating the brain and prevents from Alzheimer’s. Thus the work aimed at improving and stimulating the activity of brain with addition of Bacopa monnieri extract at various levels (1.5%, 2.5% and 3%) to whey. Herb contains alkaloids of Brahmine and herpestine, which aids in brain development. Also, the wastage of whey and environmental issues can be reduced. The product was optimized with 3% Bacopa monnieri, 16% sucrose and 0.4% calcium gluconate of the whey based on the sensory evaluation with overall acceptability score of 7.10±0.06(3%), 8.65±0.02(16% Sucrose) and 0.95±0.02(0.4% Calcium gluconate). Calcium gluconate has been fortified as source of calcium. Bacopa monnieri extracts acts as brain stimulator and sucrose impart flavour, acts as preservative and thicker. Proximate analysis of final herbal beverage reported an increase in acidity and microbial content. The study summaries that whey based herbal beverage imparts therapeutic, prophylactic, antibacterial, organoleptic properties as well as excellent pharmaceutical properties.

Attenuation of cytotoxicity induced by tBHP in H9C2 cells by Bacopa monniera and Bacoside A

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the major global health issues leading to morbidity and mortality across the world. In the present study Bacopa monniera and its major bioactive component, Bacoside A (Bac-A) was used to evaluate its cytoprotective property in H9C2 cardiomyocytes against tBHP (150 μM) induced ROS-mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our results implicate that pre-treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of Bacopa monniera (BME) and Bac-A (125 μg/ml and 6 μg/ml respectively) significantly restored oxidative stress by scavenging the free radicals and also elevated phase II antioxidant defensive enzymes such as (SOD, CAT, GR, GPx and GSH). Membrane integrity was estimated by MMP and LDH assays and found 89 and 72% of the protective effect. Further immunoblotting studies confirmed anti-apoptotic effects by regulating protein expression like Bcl2 was up-regulated to 99 and 85% and Bax was down-regulated to 122 and 181%, iNOS by 154.38 and 183.45% compared to tBHP (277.48%) by BME and Bac-A. BME and Bac-A exerts cytoprotective efficacy by attenuation of ROS generated through oxidative stress by an increase in the concentration of antioxidant enzymes and sustain membrane integrity which leads to restoring the damage caused by tBHP.

Alterations in the Glutamate metabolism and Aminotransferases (AAT, ALAT) during PTZ – induced Epilepsy: Protective role of Bacopa monnieri

Epilepsy, a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by repeated, spontaneous seizures, also known as seizure disorder. Seizure related neuronal injury has been assumed to be mediated by glutamate, the excitatory amino acid, in the central nervous system that causes a sudden imbalance between the inhibitory and excitatory signals in the brain with glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. Since long term usage of antiepileptic drugs cause high incidence of pharmacoresistence and untoward side effects, attention has been paid in recent years to screen bioactive compounds from natural medicinal plants for treatment of several neurological disorders including Epilepsy. Keeping in view of relative importance of natural medicinal plants, the present study is mainly focused to characterize the anti-convulsant effect of Bacopa monnieri (BM), an Indian herb which is being extensively used in Ayurvedic treatments related to neurological complications. The present study is designed to assess the neurotoxicity of Pentylene tetrazole (PTZ), an epileptic compounds, on the Glutamate metabolism and Amino transferases in different brain regions (Cerebral cortex, Cerebellum, Pons medulla and Hippocampus) of rat and to explore the possible antiepileptic effect of different extracts (Ethanol, n-Hexane, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and Aqueous extracts) of BM in comparison with Diazepam (DZ) (Reference control). The activities of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamine content were decreased in different regions of brain during PTZ induced epilepsy which were increased in epileptic rats pretreated with different extracts of Bacopa monnieri except EAE and AE. Glutaminase activity was increased in PTZ induced epilepsy and decreased on pretreatment with all the extracts of BM except AE. In addition aspartate (AAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) activity levels were increased during PTZ induced epilepsy when compared with normal control and levels were reversed on pretreatment with different extracts of BM. Recoveries of these parameters during antiepileptic treatment suggest that the bioactive factors present in the extracts offer neuroprotection by interrupting the pathological cascade of glutamatergic hyperexcitation that occurs during epileptogenesis.

Anticonvulsant effect of Bacopa monnieri extracts on Catecholamine metabolism during PTZ-induced Epilepsy in different brain regions of Albino Rat

In the modern era, Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent serious neurological disorders, affecting 0.5 to 1.0% of the world’s population. Epileptic seizures are paroxysmal clinical events arising from neuronal hyper-excitability and hypersynchrony of the cerebral cortex, either locally (partial seizures) or diffusely in both hemispheres (generalized seizures). The agitated neuronal activity that occurs during a seizure is caused by a sudden imbalance between the inhibitory and excitatory signals in the brain with glutamate, ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA), noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine. Since long term usage of antiepileptic drugs cause high incidence of pharmacoresistence and untoward side effects, attention has been paid in recent years to screen bioactive compounds from natural medicinal plants for treatment of several neurological disorders including Epilepsy. Keeping in view of relative importance of natural medicinal plants, the present study is mainly focused to characterize the anti-convulsant effect of Bacopa monnieri (BM), an Indian herb which is being extensively used in Ayurvedic treatments related to neurological complications. The present study was designed to assess the neurotoxicity of PTZ on the metabolism of Biogenic amines (Nor-epinephrine, Epinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin) in different brain regions (Cerebral cortex, Cerebellum, Pons medulla and Hippocampus) of rat and explore the possible antiepileptic effect of different extracts (Ethanol, n-Hexane, Chloroform, Ethyl acetate, n-Butanol and Aqueous extracts) of BM in comparison with Diazepam (DZ) (Reference control). PTZ-Induced epilepsy caused significant decrease in all the catecholamine levels in all brain regions. On par with Diazepam pretreatment, different extracts of BM except aqueous extract (AE) significantly increased the monoamine contents in all the regions of brain. Mono amine oxidase (MAO) activity levels showed elevation in different brain regions of rat during PTZ-induced epilepsy which was reversed in epileptic animals pretreated with different extracts except AE and DZ. These findings suggest that BM causes perceptible changes in the biogenic amine metabolism as one of the major facets of its anticonvulsant activity. Hence, BM extract can be effectively used in the treatment of Epilepsy and other related neurological disorders.

Bacopa monnieri extract improves novel object recognition, cell proliferation, neuroblast differentiation, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein in the dentate gyrus

Bacopa monnieri is a medicinal plant with a long history of use in Ayurveda, especially in the treatment of poor memory and cognitive deficits. In the present study, we hypothesized that Bacopa monnieri extract (BME) can improve memory via increased cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus. BME was administered to 7-week-old mice once a day for 4 weeks and a novel object recognition memory test was performed. Thereafter, the mice were euthanized followed by immuno-histochemistry analysis for Ki67, doublecortin (DCX), and phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and western blot analysis of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BME-treated mice showed moderate increases in the exploration of new objects when compared with that of familiar objects, leading to a significant higher discrimination index compared with vehicle-treated mice. Ki67 and DCX immunohistochemistry showed a facilitation of cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation following the administration of BME in the dentate gyrus. In addition, administration of BME significantly elevated the BDNF protein expression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and increased CREB phosphorylation in the dentate gyrus. These data suggest that BME improves novel object recognition by increasing the cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the dentate gyrus, and this may be closely related to elevated levels of BDNF and CREB phosphorylation in the dentate gyrus.

Revalidation of the neuroprotective effects of a United States patented polyherbal formulation on scopolamine induced learning and memory impairment in rats

ObjectiveAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia yet treatment options are extremely limited. The disease is associated with cognitive impairment as well as structural irregularities, accumulation of plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, diminished levels of acetylcholine, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the brain. We have previously reported on the positive effects of a united states patented (US 7,273,626 B2) poly herbal test formulation, consisting of Bacopa monnieri, Hippophae rhamnoides and Dioscorea bulbifera extracts, on cognitive deficits in AD patients. The present study was conducted to investigate the mechanism(s) of action of the formulation using scopolamine treated rats as an AD model. MethodThe formulation was administered daily along with scopolamine for a period of 14days following which the elevated plus maze, passive avoidance, and Morris water maze tests were performed to assess learning and memory. Rats treated with scopolamine or vehicle only were also included in the experiment. Acetylcholine levels and activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and anti-oxidant enzymes in the brain were also measured at the end of the treatment period. ResultsThe study demonstrate that scopolamine treatment resulted in learning and memory deficits which were partially and significantly ameliorated by the formulation. The formulation also counteracted scopolamine-induced decreases in acetylcholine levels, increases in AChE activity, and decreases in activities of the antioxidant enzymes. ConclusionThe study demonstrates the ability of the test formulation to reverse scopolamine-induced learning and memory deficits in rats which may at least partially be explained by the reversal of scopolamine-induced reductions in brain acetylcholine levels and antioxidant activities by the test formulation.

Bacopa monnieri extracts prevent hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage in a cellular model of neuroblastoma IMR32 cells

Neurodegenerative diseases are the consequences of imbalance between the production of oxidative stress and its nullification by cellular defense mechanisms. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a precursor of deleterious reactive oxygen species, elicits oxidative stress, resulting in severe brain injuries. Bacopa monnieri is well known for its nerve relaxing and memory enhancing properties. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of extracts from Bacopa monnieri against H2O2 induced oxidative stress using a cellular model, neuroblastoma IMR32 cell line. The protective potential of methanolic, ethanolic, and water extracts of B. monnieri (BM-MEx, BM-EEx, and BM-WEx) was evaluated using MTT assay. Although, all the B. monnieri extracts were found to protect cells against H2O2-mediated stress but BM-MEx showed significantly greater protection. UPLC analysis of BM-MEx revealed various polyphenols, including quercetin, catechin, umbelliferone, and caffeic acid predominance. Further, BM-MEx was found to possess considerable greater neuroprotective potential in comparison to the standard polyphenols such as quercetin, catechin, umbelliferone, and caffeic acid. The levels of antioxidant enzymes were significantly elevated after the pretreatment of BM-MEx and quercetin. The expression levels of oxidative stress markers, such as NF200, HSP70, and mortalin, were significantly alleviated after the pretreatment of BM-MEx as shown by immunofluorescence and RT-PCR. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated the protective effects of BM-MEx, suggesting that it could be a candidate for the development of neuropathological therapeutics.

Standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri (CDRI-08): Effect on germ cell dynamics and possible mechanisms of its beneficial action on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in male mice

Bacopa monnieri (BM) is used in traditional medicine as nerve tonic. We have recently shown that CDRI-08, a standardized extract of BM, improves testicular functions and epididymal sperm quality in Parkes (P) mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of CDRI-08 on germ cell dynamics and mechanisms of its action on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in P mice, and to determine the chemical profile of the extract. CDRI-08 (40 and 80 mg/kg body weight) was orally administered to male mice for 28 days. Germ cell dynamics, oxidative stress parameters in testis and sperm, and expressions of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) and upstream kinases in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway namely MAP2K1, MAP2K2 and MKK4 in the testis were evaluated. The treatment potentiated germ cell dynamics and improved sperm quality by enhancing antioxidant enzymes activities. The beneficial effects of CDRI-08 in the testis involve p-Akt-mediated activation of Nrf2, thereby enhancing antioxidant enzymes activities; upregulation of MAP2K1 and MAP2K2 and suppression of MKK4 are also implicated in this action. A total of 26 phytocomponents were identified in CDRI-08 by GC-MS. The results suggest that CDRI-08 also may prove useful in improving reproductive health in males.

Role of ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) induced mice model via inhibition of apoptotic pathways of dopaminergic neurons.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease which causes rigidity, resting tremor and postural instability. The neuroprotective effects of an ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (BM) were evaluated in a Parkinsonian mice model induced by the MPTP. The present study investigates the mechanisms of neuroprotection elicited by BM, an herb traditionally recognized by the Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda. An ethanolic extract of BM was co-treated with the MPTP induced mouse model of PD and was shown to significantly rescue the motor behaviour (Rotarod, Grip Strength and Foot Printing test). Furthermore, on biochemical parameters too BM significantly showed protective effect as Catalase, LPO, Nitrite, SOD, GR, GPx parameters showed marked improvement and levels of Dopamine, DOPAC and HVA were enhanced significantly. There was a significant reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity in the substantia nigra (SN) in MPTP treated group, which was considerably restored by the use of BM extract. BM also facilitated neuroprotection by creating an anti-apoptotic environment indicated by reduced apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and increased levels of anti-apoptotic (Bcl2) protein expression, respectively. Altogether, the present study suggests that BM treatment provides nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuroprotection against MPTP induced Parkinsonism by the modulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic machinery possibly accounting for the behavioural effects.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of shoot and root tissue of Bacopa monnieri identifies potential genes related to triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis

BackgroundBacopa monnieri commonly known as Brahmi is utilized in Ayurveda to improve memory and many other human health benefits. Bacosides enriched standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri is being marketed as a memory enhancing agent. In spite of its well known pharmacological properties it is not much studied in terms of transcripts involved in biosynthetic pathway and its regulation that controls the secondary metabolic pathway in this plant. The aim of this study was to identify the potential transcripts and provide a framework of identified transcripts involved in bacosides production through transcriptome assembly.ResultsWe performed comparative transcriptome analysis of shoot and root tissue of Bacopa monnieri in two independent biological replicate and obtained 22.48 million and 22.0 million high quality processed reads in shoot and root respectively. After de novo assembly and quantitative assessment total 26,412 genes got annotated in root and 18,500 genes annotated in shoot sample. Quality of raw reads was determined by using SeqQC-V2.2. Assembled sequences were annotated using BLASTX against public database such as NR or UniProt. Searching against the KEGG pathway database indicated that 37,918 unigenes from root and 35,130 unigenes from shoot were mapped to 133 KEGG pathways. Based on the DGE data we found that most of the transcript related to CYP450s and UDP-glucosyltransferases were specifically upregulated in shoot tissue as compared to root tissue. Finally, we have selected 43 transcripts related to secondary metabolism including transcription factor families which are differentially expressed in shoot and root tissues were validated by qRT-PCR and their expression level were monitored after MeJA treatment and wounding for 1, 3 and 5 h.ConclusionsThis study not only represents the first de novo transcriptome analysis of Bacopa monnieri but also provides information about the identification, expression and differential tissues specific distribution of transcripts related to triterpenoid sapogenin which is one of the most important pharmacologically active secondary metabolite present in Bacopa monnieri. The identified transcripts in this study will establish a foundation for future studies related to carrying out the metabolic engineering for increasing the bacosides biosynthesis and its regulation for human health benefits.

A bacosides containing Bacopa monnieri extract alleviates allodynia and hyperalgesia in the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in rats

BackgroundThe current therapy of neuropathic pain is inadequate and is limited by the extent of pain relief and the occurrence of dose dependant side effects. Insufficient control of pain with conventional medications prompts the use of complementary and alternative medicine therapies by patients with neuropathic pain. This study therefore investigated a standardized methanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri, a widely reputed nootropic plant, for prospective antinociceptive effect in the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain.MethodsPlacement of four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve produced partial denervation of the hindpaw in rats. Bacopa monnieri (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o) and the positive control, gabapentin (75 mg/kg, i.p), were administered daily after CCI or sham surgery and the behavioral paradigms of static- and dynamic-allodynia (paw withdrawal threshold to von Frey filament stimulation [PWT] and paw withdrawal latency to light-brushing [PWL]), cold-allodynia (paw withdrawal duration [PWD] to acetone), heat- (PWL to heat-stimulus) and punctate-hyperalgesia (PWD to pin-prick) were assessed on days 3, 7, 14 and 21.ResultsCCI consistently generated static- (days 3–21), dynamic- (days 14–21) and cold-allodynia (days 3–21) plus heat- and mechano-hyperalgesia (days 3–21). The tested doses of Bacopa monnieri significantly attenuated the CCI-induced allodynia and hyperalgesia, exemplified by increased PWT (days 7–21), PWL to light brushing (days 14–21) and heat (days 7–21) as well as decreased PWD to pin prick and cold stimuli (days 3–21). The extract also counterbalanced the CCI-induced aberrations in the nociceptive behaviors by increasing the pain threshold to that of pre-surgery baseline. Gabapentin also afforded analogous beneficial behavioral profile but of higher magnitude.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Bacopa monnieri can be used as adjuvant therapy for neuropathic pain conditions afflicted with allodynia and hyperalgesia.

Bacopa monnieri extract increases rat coronary flow and protects against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury

BackgroundThis study explored Bacopa monnieri, a medicinal Ayurvedic herb, as a cardioprotectant against ischemia/reperfusion injury using cardiac function and coronary flow as end-points.MethodsIn normal isolated rat hearts, coronary flow, left ventricular developed pressure, heart rate, and functional recovery were measured using the Langendorff preparation. Hearts were perfused with either (i) Krebs-Henseleit (normal) solution, (control), or with 30, 100 μg/ml B. monnieri ethanolic extract (30 min), or (ii) with normal solution or extract for 10 min preceding no-perfusion ischemia (30 min) followed by reperfusion (30 min) with normal solution. Infarct volumes were measured by triphenyltetrazolium staining. L-type Ca2+-currents (ICa, L) were measured by whole-cell patching in HL-1 cells, a mouse atrial cardiomyocyte cell line. Cytotoxicity of B. monnieri was assessed in rat isolated ventricular myocytes by trypan blue exclusion.ResultsIn normally perfused hearts, B. monnieri increased coronary flow by 63 ± 13% (30 μg/ml) and 216 ± 21% (100 μg/ml), compared to control (5 ± 3%) (n = 8–10, p < 0.001). B. monnieri treatment preceding ischemia/reperfusion improved left ventricular developed pressure by 84 ± 10% (30 μg/ml), 82 ± 10% (100 μg/ml) and 52 ± 6% (control) compared to pre- ischemia/reperfusion. Similarly, functional recovery showed a sustained increase. Moreover, B. monnieri (100 μg/ml) reduced the percentage of infarct size from 51 ± 2% (control) to 25 ± 2% (n = 6-8, p < 0.0001). B. monnieri (100 μg/ml) reduced ICa, L by 63 ± 4% in HL-1 cells. Ventricular myocyte survival decreased at higher concentrations (50–1000 μg/ml) B. monnieri.ConclusionsB. monnieri improves myocardial function following ischemia/reperfusion injury through recovery of coronary blood flow, contractile force and decrease in infarct size. Thus this may lead to a novel cardioprotectant strategy.