Neuropharmacological Activities Research Articles

Crotalaria quinquefolia L. Revealed as a Potential Source of Neuropharmacophore in Both Experimental and Computational Studies.

Herbal remedies have shown great promise for improving human health. The plant Crotalaria quinquefolia is used in folk medicine to cure different diseases, including scabies, fever, discomfort, and lung infections. The present research was designed to explore bioactive compounds and evaluate the neuropharmacological effects of C. quinquefolia through in vivo and in silico approaches. Different secondary metabolites as well as the antioxidant activity were measured. Furthermore, chemical compounds were identified by HPLC and GCMS analysis. The neuropharmacological activity was examined by hole cross, hole board, open field, Y-maze, elevated plus maze, and thiopental sodium induced sleeping time tests in mice at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight. Besides, an in-silico study was performed on proteins related to Alzheimer disease. The extract showed a significant content of secondary metabolites and antioxidant potential. The in-silico analysis showed that myricetin, quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol have good binding affinity with studied proteins, and QSAR studies revealed potential benefits for treating dementia, age-related macular degeneration, and more. The findings of the present neurological activity collectively imply that the extract has strong CNS depressant and anxiolytic activity. Therefore, C. quinquefolia can be a potential source of secondary metabolites to treat Alzheimer disease.

Novel neuropharmacological activity of citrus lime (Citrus aurantifolia): A standardized lime peel supplement enhances non-rapid eye movement sleep by activating the GABA type A receptor

Polyphenols have been well-established to exert sedative-hypnotic effects in psychopharmacology. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) peel is rich in biologically active polyphenols; however, the effects of lime peel extract on sleep have not yet been demonstrated. A comparison was conducted in mice, between the sleep-promoting effects of a standardized lime peel supplement (SLPS) and a well-known hypnotic drug, zolpidem, and its hypnotic mechanism was investigated using in vivo and in vitro assays. The effects of SLPS on sleep were assessed using a pentobarbital-induced sleep test and sleep architecture analysis based on recording electroencephalograms and electromyograms. Additionally, a GABAA receptor binding assay, electrophysiological measurements, and in vivo animal models were used to elucidate the hypnotic mechanism. SLPS (200 and 400 mg/kg) was found to significantly decrease sleep latency and increase the amount of non-rapid eye movement sleep without altering delta activity. The hypnotic effects of SLPS were attributed to its flavonoid-rich ethyl acetate fraction. SLPS had a binding affinity to the GABA-binding site of the GABAA receptor and directly activated the GABAA receptors. The hypnotic effects and GABAA receptor activity of SLPS were completely blocked by bicuculline, a competitive antagonist of the GABAA receptor, in both in vitro and in vivo assays. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the hypnotic effects of SLPS, which acts via the GABA-binding site of the GABAA receptor. Our results suggest that lime peel, a by-product abundantly generated during juice processing, can potentially be used as a novel sedative-hypnotic.

Evaluation of Anthelmintic and Neuropharmacological Activities of the leaves of Chassalia

Chassalia curviflora belongs to the family Rubiaceae has been documented for its anticancer, anthelmintic & neuropharmacological effects. This study was performed to gauge the anticancer, anthelmintic and neuropharmacological activities of the methanolic extract from the leaves of Chassalia curviflora (MECC). Anthelmintic activity was investigated using earthworms (Pheretima posthuma) and fresh leaf juice of the plant. Anticancer test was done using cell viability assay. During anticancer test in the concentration of 1000µg/mL the percent of inhibition was 29.16%. In anthelmintic activity, the time of paralysis for fresh leaf juice was begin from 8 min 19 s and end to 38 min 21 s while the time for tested drug Albendazole was started from 9 min 19 s and end to 46 min 52 s. Besides, the time of death start from 10 min 35 s and end to 63 min 19 s for leaf juice and for Albendazole the time of death start from 22 min 36 s and end to 75 min 3 s respectively at several doses which suggest considerable anthelmintic activity of the plant. Neuropharmacological activity was performed by hole cross and light/dark box tests at the doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg in Swiss albino mice contrast to the test drug Diazepam (2mg/kg). The extract significantly decreases the locomotor activity as shown by the results of hole cross test which indicate significant antidepressant property. The results also matching the activity in light/dark box test. Thus, the obtained results in the research work provide a support for the utilization of this plant for medicinal purposes and encourage further investigations for more fruitful results.

Silymarin ameliorates motor function and averts neuroinflammation-induced cell death in the rat model of Huntington’s disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a scarce neurodegenerative disorder defined by chorea (unusual involuntary movements), behavioral presentations, psychiatric features, and cognitive deterioration. Although the precise pathogenic mechanism behind HD has not yet been identified, the most widely acknowledged pathways include excitotoxicity, mitochondrial malfunction, neuroinflammation, neurochemical imbalance, oxidative stress, and apoptosis HD has no efficient therapy. Current medications have drawbacks. Silymarin, a compound made up of standardized extracts obtained from the seeds of the Silybum marianum and polyphenolic flavonolignan, is utilized in therapeutic settings to treat a variety of experimental disorders in animals. Silymarin's key pharmacological activities include anti-cancer, hepatoprotection, antioxidant, cardioprotection, and anti-inflammatory. It also has no adverse side effects on people or animals. The current study aims to provide Silymarin's neuro-pharmacological activities or therapeutic qualities in HD. In this study, Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats (200–220 g, 8 weeks) at the initial of the study were used. Silymarin solution (100 mg/Kg) was administered by oral gavage for 21 days to ameliorate neural damage in rats injected with 3-nitropropionicacid (3-NP) in a preliminary rat model of HD. The results showed that administration of silymarin to HD rats reduced gliosis, improved motor coordination and muscle activity, and increased striatal volume and the number of neurons and glial cells. Our results suggest that silymarin provides a protective environment for nerve cells and can have beneficial effects against the harmful effects of HD.

Exploration of Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Neuropharmacological and Antidiabetic Activities of Clerodendrum viscosum Root Extract

In the traditional systems of medicine, Clerodendrum viscosum (CV) has important medicinal uses for the treatment of asthma, ulcer, inflammation, pyrexia, diabetes etc. In this study, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuropharmacological and antidiabetic effect of root extract of C. viscosum (CV) was investigated. Mice (Swiss albino) of either sex of 25-30 g were distributed into 4 groups as control (normal water), standard (STD), CV 250 mg/kg and CV 500 mg/kg (n=6). Analgesic effect was investigated by acetic acid initiated writhing test, formalin initiated paw licking test and hot plate test. Anti-inflammatory effect was investigated by xylene and croton oil initiated ear edema test and cotton pellet pleurisy test. Pentobarbital mediated sleeping time and hole cross tests were applied to assess neuro-pharmacological activity. Antidiabetic effect was evaluated by in-vitro alpha amylase inhibitory assay. In the acetic acid initiated writhing test, formalin test and hot plate test, the alcoholic extract of root showed significant antinociceptive activity (p<0.01) at 500 mg/kg dose. The test extract lowered inflammation in xylene, croton oil and cotton pellet test which was significant (p<0.001). The 500 mg/kg dose significantly (p<0.001) increased onset time of sleeping and significantly reduced sleeping duration (p<0.01) in sleeping time test. It also showed insignificant effect in hole-cross test. The extract exhibited a good alpha amylase inhibitory potential (IC50=1.24 mg/ml). C. viscosum root exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic as well as CNS stimulant effect in model mice used for experimental purpose. More investigations are needed for the evaluation of such activities as well as the potential of this plant. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 164-174, 2024 (July)

The impact of seasonal variation on the composition of the volatile oil of Polyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites leaves and evaluation of its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity

BackgroundPolyalthia suberosa (Roxb.) Thwaites (Annonaceae) is a medicinal plant that has been reported for its various pharmacological potentials, such as its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and neuropharmacological activities. This study aimed to analyze the leaf essential oils of P. suberosa (PSLO) collected in different seasons, to evaluate the acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, and to corroborate the obtained results via in-silico molecular docking studies.MethodsThe leaf essential oils of P. suberosa collected in different seasons were analyzed separately by GC/MS. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the leaves oil was assessed via colorimetric assay. In-silico molecular docking studies were elucidated by virtual docking of the main compounds identified in P. suberosa leaf essential oil to the active sites in human acetylcholinesterase crystal structure.ResultsA total of 125 compounds were identified where D-limonene (0.07 − 24.7%), α-copaene (2.25 − 15.49%), E-β-caryophyllene (5.17 − 14.42%), 24-noroleana-3,12-diene (12.92%), β-pinene (0.14 − 8.59%), and α-humulene (2.49–6.9%) were the most abundant components. Results showed a noteworthy influence of the collection season on the chemical composition and yield of the volatile oils. The tested oil adequately inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme with an IC50 value of 91.94 µg/mL. Additionally, in-silico molecular docking unveiled that palmitic acid, phytol, p-cymene, and caryophyllene oxide demonstrated the highest fitting scores within the active sites of human acetylcholinesterase enzyme.ConclusionsFrom these findings, it is concluded that P. suberosa leaf oil should be evaluated as a food supplement for enhancing memory.

Plants with Potential Neuropharmacological Activity: Plant-based Medicine for the Brain

Plants with Potential Neuropharmacological Activity: Plant-based Medicine for the Brain

Neuropharmacological assessment and identification of possible lead compound (apomorphine) from Hygrophila spinosa through in-vivo and in-silico approaches

The aim of this research is to examine possible neurological activity of methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of Hygrophila spinosa and identify possible lead compounds through in silico analysis. In vivo, neuropharmacological activity was evaluated by using four distinct neuropharmacological assessment assays. Previously reported GC-MS data and earlier literature were utilized to identify the phytochemicals present in Hygrophila spinosa. Computational studies notably molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations were conducted with responsible receptors to assess the stability of the best interacting compound. Pharmacokinetics properties like absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity were considered to evaluate the drug likeliness properties of the identified compounds. All the in vivo results support the notion that different extracts (methanol, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) of Hygrophila spinosa have significant (*p = 0.05) sedative-hypnotic, anxiolytic, and anti-depressant activity. Among all the extracts, specifically methanol extracts of Hygrophila spinosa (MHS 400 mg/kg.b.w.) showed better sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant activity than aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts. In silico molecular docking analysis revealed that among 53 compounds 7 compounds showed good binding affinities and one compound, namely apomorphine (CID: 6005), surprisingly showed promising binding affinity to all the receptors . An analysis of molecular dynamics simulations confirmed that apomorphine (CID: 6005) had a high level of stability at the protein binding site. Evidence suggests that Hygrophila spinosa has significant sedative, anxiolytic, and antidepressant activity. In silico analysis revealed that a particular compound (apomorphine) is responsible for this action. Further research is required in order to establish apomorphine as a drug for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Biological Activities of Aurones: A Brief Summary

Abstract: Aurones are structural isomers of flavones and flavonols with the basic C6–C3–C6 skeleton arranged as (Z)-2-benzylidenebenzofuran-3(2H)-one, which contain an exocyclic carbon-carbon double bond bridging the benzofuranone and phenyl rings. In aurone, a chalcone-like group is closed into a 5-membered ring instead of the 6-membered ring more typical of flavonoids, which forms the core for a family of derivatives that are known collectively as aurones. As a kind of flavonoids, aurones are widely distributed in many plants which provide yellow color to some popular ornamental flowers. For a long time aurones had not got enough attention, while in recent years, finally this chemical is coming into researchers' view. As the secondary metabolite in the family of flavonoids, aurones displayed various biological activities, including antioxidant, antiparasitic, antitumor, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-SARS-CoV-2 and neuropharmacological activities. Therefore, aurones have attracted the attention of more and more chemists and pharmaceutical chemists, who realized that it is possible to get lead compounds with better activities via structural modifications of aurones. In some research works, aurone and its derivatives have exhibited good activity, e.g., Xie discovered the heterocyclic variant of the (Z)-2-benzylidene-6-hydroxybenzofuran-3(2H)- one scaffold that possessed low nanomolar in vitro potency in cell proliferation assays using various cancer cell lines, in vivo potency in prostate cancer PC-3 xenograft and zebrafish models, and absence of appreciable toxicity, which proved that aurones are valuable compounds worthy of further study. Herein, the biological activities of aurone derivatives are reviewed, which covers the literature since 2000, in which the strategies to develop bioactive aurone derivatives and the structureactivity relationship are highlighted.

A review of medicinal, chemical, and pharmacological properties of Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch. (Vitaceae family)

Cissus cornifolia (Baker) Planch. is a scandent shrub used as food and traditional medicine in tropical Africa. The present review compiles existing information on the medicinal uses, chemical, and pharmacological properties of C. cornifolia. Literature searches on the traditional, medicinal, phytochemistry, and biological activities of C. cornifolia were conducted using online databases which included Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus®, SpringerLink®, ScienceDirect®, SciELO, and PubMed®, as well as using pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library. The current study showed that fruits, bark, leaf sap, leaves, root bark, roots, rootstock, stem bark, and twigs of C. cornifolia are used against 33 human and animal ailments and diseases. The chemical evaluation of the plant revealed that it contains alkaloids, alkanes, methyl esters, steroids, triterpenoids, organo heterosilane, prenylated benzo-lactone, cardiac glycosides, catechol, coumarins, flavonoids, fatty acids, phenolics, dicarboxylic acid, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. Ethnopharmacological evaluations showed that the crude extracts and chemical compounds isolated from the species have antifungal, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, anti-diabetic, antidiarrhoeal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiproliferative, central nervous system depressant, nematicidal and neuropharmacological activities. Detailed studies focusing on toxicological evaluations, in vivo studies, and clinical assessments aimed at corroborating the documented traditional medical uses of C. cornifolia are recommended.

Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Neuropharmacological Activity of Methanolic Extract of Solanum capsicoides Leaves

Background: Solanum capsicoides has medicinal importance due to having numerous therapeutically active ingredients. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and interpret the cytotoxic and neuropharmacological activity of the methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves. Methods: The lethality bioassay test on brine shrimp was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity effect of the methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves. To evaluate the neuropharmacological activities of this plant extract, hole board test, hole cross test, open field test and elevated plus-maze test were used in mice model. All assessments were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s t-test. All of the data were analysed with the help of the SPSS software. Results: The test for brine shrimp lethality demonstrated that the LC50 of methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves was 55.883 μg/ml, containing potent cytotoxic components. The statistically significant (*P<0.05, **P<0.05 vs. control) result in hole board test, hole cross test, open field test, and elevated plus-maze test reveals the CNS depressant and anxiolytic properties in methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides leaves. Conclusion: Results from our study support that the methanolic extract of Solanum capsicoides might possess significant cytotoxic characteristics, CNS depressant and anxiolytic effect. However, additional research is required to pinpoint the precise bioactive chemicals that are responsible for these activities.

Neuropharmacological Activity of the Acetonic Extract of Malpighia mexicana A. Juss. and Its Phytochemical Profile

Mental and neurological disorders are conditions that affect thoughts, emotions, behavior, and relationships. Malpighia mexicana A. Juss. is a plant used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of such disorders. This work aimed to investigate the antidepressant, anxiolytic, sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant effects of the acetonic extract (MmAE) of M. mexicana and its fractions (F3, F4-10, F14) using the forced swimming test (FST), elevated plus maze (EPM), open field test (OFT), pentobarbital-induced sleep test (PBTt), and pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure test (PTZt). MmAE, F3, F4-10, F14, and vehicle were administrated orally 24, 18, and 1 h prior to the evaluations. Imipramine (15 mg/kg, p.o.) was administrated 1 h prior to the evaluations as a positive control for the FST, while diazepam (1 mg/kg, p.o.) was administrated 1 h prior to the evaluations as a positive control for the EPM, OFT, PBTt, and PTZt. MmAE had an anxiolytic effect; MmAE and F3, F4-10, and F14 showed an antidepressant effect, sedative effect, hypnotic effect, and anticonvulsant effect. Using HPLC, we identified the compounds quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-glucoside (2), luteolin 7-O-glucoside (3), quercetin (4), and kaempferol (5) in MmAE and compounds (1), (2), and (3) in F14. Using GC-MS, we identified α-tocopherol, phytol, and β-amyrin in F3; β-tocopherol, phytol, β-sitosterol, and β-amyrin in F4-10; and α- tocopherol, phytol, β-sitosterol, and β-amyrin in F4-10. The neuropharmacological effects found in this work may be due to the presence of vitamins, phytosterols, terpenes, and flavonoids. This research requires further study to clarify the mechanisms of action of the identified compounds.

Evaluation of In-vitro Antimicrobial, Anti-arthritis and In-vivo Analgesic and Neuropharmacological Investigation of the Bark Extract of Solanum americanum Milli

Purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of methanol-prepared bark extract of Solanum americanum Milli. Bark on several in vitro activities, including antimicrobial and anti-arthritis effects. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the analgesic and neuropharmacological properties of the extracts in an animal model.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research study was carried out from March 2023 to July 2023 at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR) and the Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, as well as the Laboratory of Microbiology at Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka.
 Methodology: The methodology involved various doses of methanolic bark extract of Solanum americanum Milli (MESAB), and employed techniques such as the Disk Diffusion Method for antimicrobial test and the Inhibition of Protein Denaturation Assay for anti-arthritic test. The analgesic efficacy was assessed by the hot plate test and administration of acetic acid induced writhing responses in Swiss albino mice. The mechanism test is conducted through the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) test. The neuropharmacological inquiry included the measurement of locomotor activity through the utilization of open field and hole cross tests.
 Results: The Disk Diffusion Test of MESAB yielded findings indicating its antimicrobial properties against all strains used in this research. The findings from the study examining the anti-arthritis properties indicate that MESAB exhibits a significant efficacy of 94.59% in inhibiting arthritis at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. This level of efficacy is comparable to that of diclofenac sodium, which also has a similar efficacy of 98.19% at the same concentration. The findings of the present study demonstrated that MESAB displayed analgesic properties in both analgesic models, suggesting the involvement of both central and peripheral pathways. Based on the results of the study, it was observed that the administration of MESAB at a dosage of 400 mg/kg had a significant analgesic effect. The application of MB before to treatment resulted in a further enhancement of this effect, leading to an increase in the percentage of inhibition from 66.75% to 79.70%, respectively. The consideration of the involvement of the GABA-benzodiazepine receptor in neuropharmacological activity holds significant importance. In the Open Field and Hole Cross Tests, it was shown that the extract exhibited significant result compared to Diazepam in terms of increasing motor coordination.
 Conclusion: In the future, plant-derived pharmacological compounds may offer potential benefits for various clinical disorders, such as neurodegenerative illnesses. These substances possess neuropharmacological properties, antibacterial effects, and anti-arthritic activity, which could potentially serve as alternatives to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Memory, Nootropics and Ayurveda- A Critical Appraisal

Memory is an essential function of our cognition that helps us to remember events, learn lessons and preserve emotions; to live each day with new learning and optimum behavior. There have been talks on using safe nootropic drugs to enhance Memory in healthy patients with memory disorders. The ancient sages of Ayurveda and Vedic civilizations advocate learning and memorizing many hymns and verses by their pupils. It leads to the discovery of the cognition and memory enhancing drugs known as Medhya Rasayana. Ayurveda possesses a treasure of Medhya Rasayana, known as nootropics. This review aims to elaborate on and explain the Ayurvedic concept of memory and nootropics about the contemporary concept. Online research databases like DHARA, Ayush Research Portal, Pubmed, Google Scholar, etc., were searched for relevant research articles by applying adequate keywords. Ayurvedic concepts of Buddhi, acquisition of knowledge, Medha, and Medhya Rasayana were reviewed from Ayurvedic classics. This paper discusses the contemporary concept of memory along with its classification, mechanisms of production, and probable mode of its enhancement. The well-described Ayurvedic concept of the cognitive process and Medha and Pragya (intellect) have been analyzed, elaborated, and explained as per contemporary knowledge. A few Medhya drugs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandookaparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), and Vacha (Acorus calamus) are analyzed for their properties explained in Ayurveda and their neuropharmacological activities in the light of recent experimental and clinical studies. The probable two groups based upon the mode of action of Medhya drugs- one which promotes Dhriti and the other which promotes Medha (mainly Dhi & Smriti) are also discussed. In conclusion, memory enhancement in healthy and pathological states is requisite in today's competitive world. With its vast treasure of Medhya drugs, Ayurveda can greatly help in this field

Screening of Neuropharmacological Activities of Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson Leaves

Purpose: Although the global prevalence of psychological disorders is increasing continually, the efficacies of therapeutic strategies are still very limited. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and substances possessing antioxidant activity can alleviate the mentioned conditions. Therefore, we hypothesized that Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson leaves, a medicinal plant claimed for nerve tonic, also possess neuropharmacological activities which provide an advantage for psychiatric disorders.
 Methods: The present study was carried out to perform neuropharmacological screenings methods on sedatives and hypnotics (Phenobarbitone sodium-induced sleep latency and sleep time and Motor coordination activity), anxiolytics (elevated plus maze and open field test), anti-depressants (forced swim test and L-dopa induced hyperactive aggressive behaviour in mice) and anticonvulsants activities (PTZ and MES induced convulsions) in Swiss Albino mice and Sprague Dawley rats.
 Results: The methanolic extract of a higher dose of Phenobarbitone sodium in Naringi crenulata induced sleep latency and sleep time significant results. The extracts of Naringi crenulate showed a significant dose-dependent increase in muscle relaxation in motor coordination activity. In the experiment of PTZ-induced convulsions, the latency of seizures was prolonged by the extracts in a dose-dependent manner. Even in MES-induced convulsion, the results were extremely significant for the 400mg/kg of MENC. The depressant effect was observed to be significant to the extracts of the herb in the Open Field test and also for the Elevated Plus Maze apparatus. In the Forced Swim Test, MENC (400 mg/kg) significantly lengthened the time spent immobile (p <0.01), indicating a CNS depressive impact. Lastly in L-dopa-induced hyperactive aggressive behaviour in mice, results suggest that NC has antidepressant efficacy due to its influence on the serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic systems.
 Conclusion: The methanolic extract of Naringi crenulata (Roxb.) Nicolson leaves showed significant neuroprotective activity. So, the extracts of Naringi crenulata can be used for the treatment of a wide variety of neurological ailments in humans.

Antihyperglycemic, Neuropharmacological, Cytotoxic, Anticoagulant, and Anti-inflammatory Pharmacological Evaluations of Vernonia elaeagnifolia DC Leaves Secondary Bioactive Metabolites

The current investigation was carried out to confirm the antihyperglycemic, cytotoxic, neuropharmacological, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract of Vernonia elaeagnifolia leaves in different experimental models. In the oral glucose tolerance test, the plant extract demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) antihyperglycemic activity by reducing the elevated blood glucose level in mice at both doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) when compared to the control groups. The crude ethanolic leaf extract, however, didn’t afford to block the α-glucosidase enzyme up to 0.5 mg/mL. The experimental mice showed a noticeable (p <0.001) decrease in locomotor and exploratory activities in the hole cross and open field tests, as well as head dipping in the hole-board test model in the neuropharmacological activity assay at both doses (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg). The extracts also showed cytotoxic activity in a brine shrimp lethality bioassay with an LC50 of 91.929 μg/mL and showed significant concentration-dependent anticoagulant activity (p<0.001). Moreover, the extract (10–500 mg/kg) caused a significant (P<0.01 – 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammation induced in rats by using two different models: formalin-induced paw edema and egg-albumin-induced paw edema. From the above results, the crude extract of V. elaeagnifolia DC leaves have significant pharmacological potential in different in vitro and in vivo study model. So, it could be a source of a substance for isolating lead that could be used to treat several diseases.

Neuropharmacological study of Moringa olifera

Objective: Moringa olifera is a medicinal plant widely used in many parts of the world for hypertension, pain and epilepsy. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of M. olifera aqueous leaf, root and steam extract on neurobehavioral activities of healthy mice. Method: Male mice were randomly divided into a control group (given 0.9% NaCl orally) and three groups treated with the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days. Neuropharmacological activity were evaluated by neuro-muscular coordination (rota rod treadmill), pain (hot plate and acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction). Administration of M. olifera extract had a significant and dose dependent antinociceptive action in both thermal and chemical tests (p < 0.05). The extract (400 mg/kg) caused a reduction in exploration activity and neuromuscular coordination, and decreased the mobility time in the FST, suggesting an antidepressant-like action. Motor activity was not significantly affected by any of the doses used. Conclusion: The results suggest that the plant aqueous extract may have a dose-dependent central nervous system (CNS) depressant action.

Neuropharmacological assessment of the methanolic stem back extract of Anopyxis klaineana (Pierre) Engl. (Rhizophoraceae) in mice

BackgroundMedicinal plants have recently attracted attention on a global scale for therapeutic interventions in the field of neuroscience. Anopyxis klaineana, a medicinal plant widely used in West Africa, has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory effects. However, studies on its neuropharmacological effects are quite limited. This study therefore assessed the neuropharmacological potential of the methanolic stem bark extract of Anopyxis klaineana (EAK) in murine models. Materials and methodsMice were treated orally with a methanolic stem back extract of Anopyxis klaineana (EAK) at 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg followed by testing in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and open field (OF) tests for anxiolytic-like effects. EAK's antidepressant-like potential was also evaluated in the tail suspension test (TST), while anticonvulsant and central analgesic effects were evaluated with the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsion threshold and tail withdrawal tests respectively at 30, 100 or 300 mg/kg. The extract was additionally subjected to chromatographic analyses using high resolution HPLC-MS. ResultsTotal ion current chromatogram of EAK revealed several peaks suggestive of secondary metabolites of the plant extract. EAK significantly (p<0.05) reduced depression-like behaviours in the TST although not as potent as fluoxetine (ED50: EAK=43.39±2.5; fluoxetine=1.16±1.6) (F3,20=9.663, p = 0.0004). It also showed significant anticonvulsive effect by reducing the frequency and duration of PTZ-induced convulsions (ED50=48.53±2.5 mg/kg) (F3,19=5.136, p = 0.0091). This anticonvulsant effect was seen in both clonic and tonic convulsions at 30 and 300 mg/kg. Additionally, EAK-treated mice showed higher latency to tail withdrawal in the analgesia test. We also observed significant (p<0.05) dose-dependent increase in anxiolytic-like effects in EAK-treated animals in the EPM (F3,20=10.77, p = 0.0002) and OF tests (F3,22=5.079, p = 0.008). ConclusionsThe methanolic Anopyxis klaineana stem back extract exhibits anxiolytic-like, antidepressant-like, analgesic and anticonvulsant effects in murine models for assessing neuropharmacological activity and is a good source for novel neuroactive compounds.

Bryostatin-1: a promising compound for neurological disorders.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the most complex system in human body, and there is often a lack of effective treatment strategies for the disorders related with CNS. Natural compounds with multiple pharmacological activities may offer better options because they have broad cellular targets and potentially produce synergic and integrative effects. Bryostatin-1 is one of such promising compounds, a macrolide separated from marine invertebrates. Bryostatin-1 has been shown to produce various biological activities through binding with protein kinase C (PKC). In this review, we mainly summarize the pharmacological effects of bryostatin-1 in the treatment of multiple neurological diseases in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Bryostatin-1 is shown to have great therapeutic potential for Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, fragile X syndrome, stroke, traumatic brain injury, and depression. It exhibits significant rescuing effects on the deficits of spatial learning, cognitive function, memory and other neurological functions caused by diseases, producing good neuroprotective effects. The promising neuropharmacological activities of bryostatin-1 suggest that it is a potential candidate for the treatment of related neurological disorders although there are still some issues needed to be addressed before its application in clinic.

A Review on Pharmacological activities of Colocasia esculenta

Mother Nature has always given us essential medicinal plants for long decades. Today modern world has started its dependability on medicinal agents obtained from traditionally used plants. Colocasia esculenta is a magnificent source of fiber and starch, which is responsible for number of health benefits, such as for improved blood sugar levels, for better skin care, helps to reduce obesity. Colocasia esculenta also contains a variety of antioxidants and polyphenols. Leaves are caloriedeficient, rich in proteins, micronutrients, dietary fiber and good carbohydrates which enhance the metabolism of our digestive system and it helps to provide healthy weight loss, even they have abundant presence of anti-nutrients such as tannins, oxalates. It consists of high levels of Vit.E, Vit.C, and Vit. B6 also contributes to maintain a better immune system and may eradicate free radicals. All parts of Colocasia esculenta have essential properties including some levels of toxicity which are overcome by cooking and steamed boiling. It has several health benefits like anti-hepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, neuropharmacological activity, anti-fungal activity and anti-metastatic activity. In India major Colocasia esculenta production occurs in states like Uttar-Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal-Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. The present review includes detail study of pharmacological activity of plant- Colocasia esculenta [Taro].