Stability Properties Of Membrane Research Articles

Benzydamine hydrochloride: an overview on a well-established drug with news in mechanisms of action

Pain and inflammation are the consequences of sore throat, dental and oral procedures, infections, ulcers and head and neck chemotherapy/radiotherapy, and their management is of fundamental importance to avoid distress in patients. Benzydamine hydrochloride (HCl) is a topical indolic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, endowed with analgesic and anesthetic activity, and with antimicrobial (including both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria) and antifungal properties (targeting Candida albicans and non-albicans strains), used in odontostomatology, otorhinolaryngology, and gynecology for its properties. This molecule has a lipophilic nature, showing high affinity with cell membranes and exhibiting membrane stabilization properties, resulting in local anesthesia, an effect related also to the interaction of the drug with cationic channels. In addition, benzydamine HCl is able to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with consequent analgesia. Moreover, benzydamine HCl is able to inhibit leukocyte-endothelial interactions and platelet aggregation. Unlike other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, benzydamine HCl does not inhibit cyclooxygenase or lipoxygenase. Here we review the most updated clinical data available on benzydamine HCl local application as spray, mouthwash or gargling and evidence of its effectiveness in inflammatory and/or septic conditions in the otorhinolaryngology and odontostomatology settings, with particular reference to sore throat, oral inflammation, dental plaque, tonsillitis/tonsillectomy and chemo- or radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis. Novel formulations for oral administration of benzydamine HCl are also reviewed, including in situ gelling formulations to be sprayed onto the damaged oral mucosa. Finally, novel data on the potential role of benzydamine HCl in nociceptor excitability are introduced.

Wound healing potential of an Indian under-utilized fruit Garcinia gummi-gutta: Evidences from in vitro and in vivo experiments

Garcinia gummi-gutta is a native plant of Southeast Asia, commonly known as Malabar tamarind in English and Kudam puli in Tamil. In addition to utilization of dried pulp of this G. gummi-gutta fruit, traditional healers using it for wound healing, but there is no scientific piece of evidence. The main objective of the work is to investigate the wound-healing potential of G. gummi-gutta fruit using in vitro methods and in vivo excision model. Sequential extraction was done in the dried fruit pulp of G. gummi-gutta using different solvents (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). Phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis results revealed the presence of high level of alkaloids (0.16 mg/mL), flavonoids (2.15 mg/mL), terpenoids (0.09 mg/mL), phytosterols (0.46 mg/mL), phenols (9.42 mg/mL) and tannins (1.27 mg/mL) in the methanol extract. Among various solvent extracts, methanol extract exhibited higher level of antioxidant (87.64% 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging, 82.86% superoxide scavenging, 19.03% hydrogen peroxide scavenging and 78.36% hydroxyl radical scavenging) and anti-inflammatory (41.67% inhibition of protein denaturation, 27.17% protease inhibition and 66.22% red blood cells membrane stabilization) properties. Liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy analysis of methanolic extract revealed the presence of phytochemicals like Daphnoretin, Flindersine, Taxuspine-D, 3-Butenyl isothiocyanate, Cyclopentanone dimethyl hydrazone and 2-Acetyl indole. It was observed that the wound healing potential of ointment prepared from the methanolic extract of G. gummi-gutta was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (0.5 mm) than betadine treatment (0.9 mm) in Wistar rats on 11th day. Histopathalogical analysis G. gummi-gutta-treated animals exhibited a high amount of granulation tissue, microvascular density, epidermal closure and differentiation, which indicates the good wound healing capacity of the G. gummi-gutta. Thus, the present work recorded the wound healing potential of G. gummi-gutta-ointment through in vivo excision wound model in addition to proven various in vitro wound healing mechanisms.

Engineered bacterial outer membrane vesicles: a versatile bacteria-based weapon against gastrointestinal tumors.

Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are nanoscale lipid bilayer structures released by gram-negative bacteria. They share membrane composition and properties with their originating cells, making them adept at traversing cellular barriers. These OMVs have demonstrated exceptional membrane stability, immunogenicity, safety, penetration, and tumor-targeting properties, which have been leveraged in developing vaccines and drug delivery systems. Recent research efforts have focused on engineering OMVs to increase production yield, reduce cytotoxicity, and improve the safety and efficacy of treatment. Notably, gastrointestinal (GI) tumors have proven resistant to several traditional oncological treatment strategies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in some patients, their usage as monotherapy remains limited by tumor heterogeneity and individual variability. The immunogenic and modifiable nature of OMVs makes them an ideal design platform for the individualized treatment of GI tumors. OMV-based therapy enables combination therapy and optimization of anti-tumor effects. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in OMV engineering for GI tumor therapy and discusses the challenges in the clinical translation of emerging OMV-based anti-tumor therapies.

Preparation and characterization of biogenic silver nanoparticles using Strobilanthes cordifolia (Vahl) J.R.I. Wood leaves and its biological applications.

In the present study, aqueous leaf extract of Strobilanthes cordifolia J.R.I.Wood was combined with silver nitrate to synthesis silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were characterized using visible spectroscopy (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDaX), particle size analysis, and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The UV spectrum absorption peak occurred at 438nm. The FTIR analysis of the AgNPs indicated the presence of functional groups such as aldehyde, alkenes, and carboxylic acids. The crystalline structure of AgNPs was confirmed by XRD. The AgNPs have a spherical shape according to SEM. The AgNPs components composition was confirmed by EDaX. The particle size distribution of AgNPs is monodispersion in the range at 42.54nm. TEM demonstrated the AgNPs size to be between 11.35 and 34.90nm. The AgNPs exhibited good antibacterial property against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The antioxidant activity of the AgNPs was represented by increased DPPH, ABTS, and H2 O2 activities.The antidiabetic activity of the AgNPs was indicated by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glycosidase and anti-inflammatory highest albumin denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilization properties. Further, the AgNPs also significantly inhibited the MCF-7 cell lines. These results clearly suggest that the synthesized AgNPs using S. cordifolia leaves could have several potential biomedical applications.

Poly(arylene ether nitrile) porous membranes with adjustable pore size for high temperature resistance and high-performance lithium-ion batteries

In this study, flame-retardant poly(arylene ether nitriles) (PEN) porous membranes are prepared by nonsolvent induced phase separation method. Porous PEN membranes with adjustable morphology are obtained by controlling the Hildebrand solubility parameters between non-solvent and PEN. The obtained PEN porous membranes exhibit much higher porosity and electrolyte uptake compare with commercial separators owing to abundant interconnected pore structure in membranes. High thermal stability and flame retardant properties of PEN membrane ensure the high temperature security of lithium batteries. Especially, PEN-IPA membrane with three-dimensional interconnected dendritic network structure shows the best electrolyte affinity and the highest ionic conductivity (1.47 mS/cm). The LFP||Li half cells assembled with the PEN-IPA separator shows outstanding cycle and C rate performance at 85 °C, the discharge capacity retention of the cell was 86% after 100 cycles at 1 C. Our research reveals the role of the cyano groups in the lithium-ion batteries separator and the relationship between morphology and performance of PEN porous membranes for lithium-ion batteries, which provides a facile and effective approach for preparing the promising separators with adjustable pore size, high temperature resistance and high performance for lithium-ion batteries.

Antimalarial and Erythrocyte Membrane Stability Properties of Globimetula braunii (Engle Van Tiegh) Growing on Cocoa in Plasmodium berghei-Infected Mice

IntroductionResistant malaria is a fatal disease. Globimetula braunii (African Mistletoe) is traditionally used for malarial treatment but this fact has not been scientifically reported.MethodsPlasmodium berghei (NK65)-infected male Swiss mice (20±2 g) were treated orally and once daily with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW of methanol extract and its respective hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions for 9 days. P-alaxin was used as control drug P. berghei (ANKA)-infected mice were then treated with the most potent fraction for 5 days. Parasitemia and parasite clearance were determined by microscopy, while hematological parameters, heme, hemozoin, and mouse erythrocyte membrane stabilisation were assayed. The phytochemicals in the most potent fraction were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.ResultsHexane fraction (HF)-treated mice (400 mg/kg BW) had the least mean parasite load (0.00 ± 0.00; 0.14 ± 0.05%) and highest clearance (100 ± 0.00; 75.50 ± 4.95%) compared with infected control (9.81 ± 0.09; 6.84 ± 0.09%) in susceptible and resistant models, respectively. Hexane fraction modulated hematological indices, minimised erythrocyte membrane damage in heat-induced (2.18 ± 0.94%) and hypotonic solution-induced (7.93 ± 0.93%) compared to artequin (5.05 ± 2.18; 6.38 ± 0.33%) and P-alaxin (67.45 ± 5.15; 56.78 ± 1.10%) in both models of membrane stabilisation, respectively. Hexane fraction (P<0.01) increased heme and decreased hemozoin contents. Friedelan-3-one was identified as the most abundant triterpene.ConclusionThe results indicated that G. braunii has anti-plasmodial properties and minimally dis-stabilised erythrocyte membrane. The major findings in this study are that n-hexane fraction of G. braunii possess excellent and moderate antiplasmodial activity against susceptible and resistant P. berghei, respectively. This was reflected via decreased parasite load, improved hematological parameters, increased heme and decreased hemozoin contents. Friedelan-3-one, a major constituent of the n-hexane fraction, may be responsible for this activity.

Computational study of elastic, structural stability and dynamics properties of penta-graphene membrane

Abstract Recently, a new two-dimensional carbon allotrope called Penta-graphene membrane was proposed. The Penta-graphene membrane exhibits interesting mechanical and electronic properties, including typical band gap values of semiconducting materials. Penta-graphene has a Cairo-tiling-like 2D lattice of non coplanar pentagons and its mechanical properties still have not been fully investigated. In this work, we combined reactive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to investigate the mechanical properties and fracture patterns of Penta-graphene membranes under tensile stress. We show that Penta-graphene membranes can hold up to 20% of strain and that fracture occurs only after substantial dynamical bond breaking and the formation of 7, 8 and 11 carbon rings, as well as carbon chains. The stress-strain behavior was observed to follow two regimes, one exhibiting linear elasticity followed by a plastic one, involving carbon atom re-hybridization with the formation of carbon rings and chains.

Antimicrobial, Antifungal and HRBC Membrane Hemolysis and Membrane Stabilization Properties of Various Extracts of Justicia gendarussa

Antimicrobial, Antifungal and HRBC Membrane Hemolysis and Membrane Stabilization Properties of Various Extracts of Justicia gendarussa

Chemical Composition of Ethanolic Extracts from some Seaweed Species of the South Indian Coastal Zone, their Antibacterial and Membrane-Stabilizing Activity

The present study was intended to investigate the presence of major chemical components in seaweed extracts by using of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and to explore the antibacterial and in vitro anti-inflammatory (membrane stability) properties of ethanolic extracts of nine different seaweeds collected from the Ramewaram coastal region. Total flavonoid content (TFC) and total tannin content (TTC) of ethanolic extracts were determined using spectrometric method. Antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts was tested against six bacterial strains using the disc diffusion method. Study of the preliminary anti-inflammatory activity of seaweed extracts was performed by the HRBC membrane stabilization method. Turbinaria ornata shows the highest TFC and TTC among all the studied seaweed species. Significant differences were observed in anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts from various seaweeds investigated using the human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization method. HRBC membrane stabilization activity of ethanolic extracts of seaweeds exhibited dose dependency and increased with increasing concentration of the extract. Ethanolic extract of T. ornata had the strongest growth inhibition against Proteus mirabilis. FTIR spectroscopy analysis of three seaweeds provided a detailed report of major functional constituents and chemical components. It can be concluded that seaweeds are rich in polyphenols to which acquire potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. Seaweed extracts are a major breakthrough for pharmaceutical application.

Novel cellulose acetate propionate‐halloysite composite membranes with improved permeation flux, salt rejection, and antifouling properties

The fabrication of new membranes with improved performance for water desalination and other treatment is still an important strategy to overcome worldwide water scarcity and quality problems. In this study, cellulose acetate propionate/halloysite nanotube (HNT) composite membranes were prepared using the phase‐inversion process, applying different concentrations of HNTs ranging from 0 to 0.11 wt%. The composite membranes' physicochemical properties were examined using thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. A dead‐end filtration system was applied when examining the membranes' performance. The results showed clear improvements in the membrane hydrophilicity, permeability, salt rejection, antifouling, and stability properties with the addition of HNTs. The contact angle decreased from 69° to 38°, while the water uptake increased from 18% to 33%. Moreover, the permeation flux increased from 8 to 23 L m−2 h−1 at 1 bar, corresponding to an improvement of about 188%. The membrane containing 0.08 wt% of HNTs showed the optimal results, exhibiting salt rejection of 85% for sodium chloride and 95% for magnesium sulfate, corresponding to improvements of 109% and 154%, respectively, in addition to an improved flux recovery of 80% determined after 120 minutes.

Discovery, synthesis and molecular corroborations of medicinally important novel pyrazoles; drug efficacy determinations through in silico, in vitro and cytotoxicity validations

As the global need for drugs getting increases, the necessity of novel and effective drugs are the need of the day. Pyrazoles are one of the active molecules in novel drug discovery. The present study deals about the synthesis of precursors 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-(methylsulfonyl) pyrimidine-5-carbohydrazides (3a-m) from methyl-4-(4-fluorophenyl)-6-isopropyl-2-(methyl sulfonyl) pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (2) by treating with substituted acetophenone. Further, Vilsmeier-Haack reaction of compounds 3a-m at 70 °C for 8–10 hrs gave novel pyrazole carbaldehyde derivatives (4a-m) in good yield. Biological properties like antioxidant, anti-breast cancer and anti-inflammatory of newly synthesized compounds (4a-m) were determined. The enzymes Cyclooxygenase-2 and Phosphoinositide-3-Kinase are most responsible for the corresponding diseases such as inflammation and breast cancer respectively. In order to examine the interaction between these two enzymes and our synthesized compounds 4a-m, molecular docking study was carried out. From the results, few compounds of 4a-m were found to have anti-inflammatory properties by showing excellent COX-2 inhibition and HRBC membrane stabilization properties. ADMET prediction results were also valuable to screen the most effective pyrazole derivatives to establish them as future COX-2 inhibitors or anti-inflammatory drugs.

HPLC profiling, in vitro antisickling and antioxidant activities of phenolic compound extracts from black bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgarus L.) used in the management of sickle cell disease in the West Region of Cameroon

Natural molecules from food have been used to manage sickle cell crises. As a genetic blood disorder, treatment is complex and expensive. This study was carried out to establish the phenolic compounds profile of black bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgarus. L) commonly used by some families in the Western Region of Cameroon to manage sickle cell disease and to evaluate their in vitro antisickling, membrane stability and antioxidant properties. Free, bound and total phenolic contents were estimated to be 0.1±0; 0.108±0 and 0.212±0 mg EAG/g of sample respectively. Free phenolic compounds contain ferulic acid (0.013 μg/g), while bound phenolic compounds contain gallic acid (2.13 μg/g) and ferulic acid (0.037 μg/g). Free phenolic compounds had the higher rates of inhibition (82.26±2%), reversibility (69.86±3%) of sickling and the best effect on membrane stability of erythrocytes. Phenolic extracts from black bean seeds also showed a high global antioxidant activity with free phenolic compounds (28.42± 0 mgFeII/100g). Total phenolic compounds showed a better activity on DPPH radical with a IC50 of 2.42±1µg/µL while free phenolic compounds showed a better activity on scavenging hydroxyl radical with a IC50 of 1.5±0.5µg/µL. These results may justify the use of black bean seeds by sickle cell patients from Cameroon.

In-vitro anti-sickling and membrane stability potentials of Mishenland polyherbal extract on sickle red blood cells

Background Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder that causes stiff, rod-like sickle-shaped hemoglobin in red blood cells (RBCs) and consequently poses serious health complications. Aim We investigated an in-vitro anti-sickling potential of a novel Mishenland polyherbal formula (MPF) for possible ameliorative effects. Materials and methods Sickling of RBCs induced with 2% sodium metabisulfite was followed by treatment with MPF mixtures in different saline concentrations (7, 9, 14, and 28 mg/ml). The red cell morphology was examined microscopically. Percentage sickling was assessed at 30 min intervals at 37°C for 2 h. The effect of the MPF on membrane stability of RBCs was analyzed using osmotic fragility testing. Results Qualitative phytochemical screening demonstrated the presence of some secondary metabolites namely alkaloids, glycosides, phenols, saponin, tannin, and terpenoids. Sickling of RBCs induced with metabisulfite was inhibited by MPF. This anti-sickling effect was directly proportional to the concentration of the MPF, dose dependently. There was a significant difference (P Conclusion MPF demonstrated significant anti-sickling and erythrocyte membrane stability properties. These effects under hypoxia signified a promising effect of the bioactive components as probable drug candidates against sickling of red cells.

Phase 1 trial of vamorolone, a first-in-class steroid, shows improvements in side effects via biomarkers bridged to clinical outcomes

BackgroundGlucocorticoid drugs are highly effective anti-inflammatory agents, but chronic use is associated with extensive pharmacodynamic safety concerns that have a considerable negative impact on patient quality of life. PurposeVamorolone (VBP15) is a first-in-class steroidal multi-functional drug that shows potent inhibition of pro-inflammatory NFkB pathways via high-affinity binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, high affinity antagonism for the mineralocorticoid receptor, and membrane stabilization properties. Pre-clinical data in multiple mouse models of inflammation showed retention of anti-inflammatory efficacy, but loss of most or all side effects. Experimental approachWe report first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trials (86 healthy adult males), with single ascending doses (0.1–20.0 mg/kg), and multiple ascending doses (1.0–20 mg/kg/day; 14 days treatment). Key resultsVamorolone was well-tolerated at all dose levels. Vamorolone showed pharmacokinetic and metabolism profiles similar to prednisone. Biomarker studies showed loss of side effects of traditional glucocorticoid drugs (bone fragility, metabolic disturbance, immune suppression). Suppression of the adrenal axis was 10-fold less than prednisone. The crystallographic structure of vamorolone was solved, and compared to prednisone and dexamethasone. There was overlap in structure, but differences in conformation at the C-ring where glucocorticoids interact with Asn564 of the glucocorticoid receptor. The predicted loss of Asn564 binding to vamorolone may underlie the loss of gene transcriptional activity. Conclusions and interpretationsVamorolone is a dissociative steroid that retains high affinity binding and nuclear translocation of both glucocorticoid (agonist) and mineralocorticoid (antagonist) receptors, but does not show pharmacodynamic safety concerns of existing glucocorticoid drugs at up to 20 mg/kg/day.

Effect of Cumin Essential Oil (Cuminum cyminum L.) on Milk Fat Globule Membrane Stability and Micro Structure Properties After Heat Treatment

Effect of Cumin Essential Oil (Cuminum cyminum L.) on Milk Fat Globule Membrane Stability and Micro Structure Properties After Heat Treatment

Effect of the La/W ratio in lanthanum tungstate on the structure, stability and hydrogen permeation properties

Lanthanum tungstates are the kind of attractive mixed proton-electron conductive (MPEC) oxides, which can be used as the hydrogen permeable membrane with almost infinite hydrogen selectivity in dry hydrogen-containing atmosphere theoretically. A series of lanthanum tungstates with different La/W ratios, La5.3WO11.25-δ (LWO53), La5.4WO11.25-δ (LWO54), La5.5WO11.25-δ (LWO55) and La5.6WO11.25-δ (LWO56), were prepared through a solid-state reaction method and the effect of La/W ratio on the membrane structure, stability and hydrogen permeation properties have been investigated. A pure cubic phase can be formed gradually with the increase in calcination temperature for lanthanum tungstates. The phase formation temperature increases with the increase in the La/W ratio, and a higher oxygen absorption capacity can be achieved in lanthanum tungstate with a higher La/W ratio. The hydrogen permeation flux through the lanthanum tungstate membranes increases slightly with an increase in La/W ratio, while the stability decreases. The lanthanum tungstate membrane with a La/W ratio of 5.5 may be a good candidate for hydrogen separation applications because of its favorable balance between stability and hydrogen permeability.

Flupirtine: A Narrative Review of Its Role in Acute and Chronic Pain Management

Flupirtine is a non-opioid, centrally acting analgesic which is marketed for oral and per rectal use. It has been used in managing acute post-operative pain, musculoskeletal pain and muscle spasm. NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) antagonism leading to opening of potassium channel opening at the neuronal membrane appears to be the mechanism of pain relief of this unique drug. It has membrane stabilization properties and ability to modulate GABA-A receptor at the neuronal level. The pain relief offered by flupirtine is comparable to NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors. Flupirtine doesn’t lead to drowsiness, constipation, nausea ,vomiting and tolerance which is seen with opioids. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not lead to gastric acidity, renal dysfunction, thrombotic events and bleeding due to anti-platelet action. The rise in serum creatinine and liver enzymes are transient and negligible. In few studies, the drug has been found to have cyprotective and anti-oxidant properties. It has been used in chronic headaches, migraine and parkinsonism in a small group of patients. The drug has been approved for use in European countries but the US-FDA approval is still pending.

Evaluation of anti-arthritic, HRBC membrane stabilization and antioxidant properties of the ediblePhlogacanthus thyrsiformis(Hardow) Mabb flower extracts and their correlation studies

ABSTRACTThe present experiments were designed to scientifically prove the anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties of traditionally used P. thyrsiformis flowers. The flower extracts were subjected to qualitative and quantitative screening. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry technique was employed and eight molecules were identified from the ethyl acetate extract using the NIST library. The extracts were also evaluated for in vitro antioxidant, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities. Potent antioxidant activity was observed for the ethyl acetate extract in both antioxidant assay methods with an IC50 value of 63.36 μg/mL and 64.60 μg/mL, respectively. The ethyl acetate extract also exhibited significant activity in both anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activities. Correlation studies revealed that the presence of phenol, flavonoid, terpenoid and s-sitosterol in the ethyl acetate extract played a crucial role in its impressive activity. This study provided experimental evidence towards ...

Essential Tremor: What We Can Learn from Current Pharmacotherapy.

BackgroundThe pathophysiology of essential tremor, especially at the cellular level, is poorly understood. Although no drug has been specifically designed to treat essential tremor, several medications improve tremor, and others worsen it. Studying the mechanism of actions of these medications can help our understanding of tremor pathophysiology and contribute to future rational drug design.MethodsWe reviewed literature, concentrating on mechanisms of action, of various medications that mitigate tremor.ResultsMany medications have multiple mechanisms of actions, making simple correlations difficult. Medications that increase the duration of opening of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptors are most consistently associated with tremor improvement. Interestingly, drugs that increase GABA availability have not been associated with improved tremor. Other mechanisms possibly associated with tremor improvement include antagonism of alpha-2 delta subunits associated with calcium channels, inhibition of carbonic anhydrase, and inhibition of the synaptic vesicle protein 2A. Drugs that block voltage-gaited sodium channels do not affect tremor. The ideal beta-adrenergic blocker requires B2 affinity (non-cardiac selective), has no sympathomimetic properties, does not require membrane stabilization properties, and may benefit from good central nervous system penetration.DiscussionTo date, serendipitous observations have provided most of our understanding of tremor cellular physiology. Based on similarities to currently effective drugs or rational approximations and inferences, several currently available agents should be considered for tremor trials.

Evaluation of Hepatoprotective activity of Eriocaulon quinquangulare in vitro using porcine liver slices against ethanol induced liver toxicity and free radical scavenging capacity.

BackgroundProduction of reactive oxygen species is a common cause in alcohol induced liver diseases. Decoction prepared from the whole plant of Eriocaulon quinquingulare is prescribed to treat liver disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective activity and antioxidant capacity of the water extract of E. quinquangulare in vitro.MethodThe aqueous extract of the whole plant of E. quinquangulare (AEQ) was investigated for its phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and membrane stabilization properties in-vitro. The antioxidant activities of AEQ were investigated using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Membrane stabilizing effect of the extract was determined by hypotonic solution induced human erythrocyte hemolytic assay (HEHA). Further, hepatoprotective activity against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity was carried out using porcine liver slices.ResultsThe total phenolics and flavonoids were 10.3 ± 1.6 w/w % gallic acid equivalents and 45.6 ± 3.8 w/w % (−)-epigallocatechin gallate equivalents respectively. The values of EC50 for DPPH, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide scavenging assays were 37.2 ± 1.7 μg/ml, 170.5 ± 6.6 μg/ml and 31.8 ± 2.2 μg/ml respectively. The reducing capability of AEQ was 6.9 ± 0.2 w/w % L-ascorbic acid equivalents in the FRAP assay. For hypotonic solution induced HEHA, the IC50 was 1.79 ± 0.04 mg/ml. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) was observed in ALT, AST and LDH release from the liver slices treated with AEQ compared to the ethanol treated liver slices. A significant reduction in lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05) was also observed in liver slices treated with the plant extract compared to that of the ethanol treated liver slices.ConclusionsThe results suggest AEQ possess hepatoprotective activity against ethanol induced liver toxicity of porcine liver slices which can be attributed to antioxidant properties and membrane stabilizing effects caused by the plant material.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12906-016-1044-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.