Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract Research Articles

Expression of concern: "Terminalia arjuna bark extract improves diuresis and attenuates acute hypobaric hypoxia induced cerebral vascular leakage"[Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 180, 19 January 2016, Pages 43-53]

Expression of concern: "Terminalia arjuna bark extract improves diuresis and attenuates acute hypobaric hypoxia induced cerebral vascular leakage"[Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 180, 19 January 2016, Pages 43-53]

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles from Terminalia arjuna (L.) bark extract: Characterization and potential for mercury degradation

The focus of this study is on synthesizing copper nanoparticles through a green approach, utilizing Terminalia arjuna bark extract. The ultra violet (UV) spectral analysis of copper nanoparticles synthesized through environmentally friendly methods revealed distinct absorption peaks at 287 nm, 575 nm, and 898 nm, indicative of significant light absorption. These peaks elucidate the nanoparticles' optical characteristics, shedding light on electronic transitions and surface plasmon resonance phenomena. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis displayed various peaks, suggesting vibrations associated with copper nanoparticles and functional groups in T. arjuna bark extract. The X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) data exhibited characteristic peaks corresponding to metallic copper's crystallographic planes, confirming the formation of highly crystalline copper nanoparticles. Atomic force microscopy results depicted surface morphology and particle size distribution. Copper nanoparticles show promise in mercury degradation due to their high surface area and catalytic activity. They interact effectively with mercury ions through adsorption, reduction, and oxidation processes, leading to sequestration or transformation into less toxic forms. Functionalization enhances their affinity towards mercury, while synergies with other nanomaterials boost efficiency. Green synthesized copper nanoparticles offer an eco-friendly solution for effective mercury remediation, promising advancements in sustainable nanotechnological approaches for global environmental sustainability. KEY WORDS: Mercury, Copper, Terminalia arjuna, Remediation Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(6), 1703-1713. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i6.16

Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Terminalia arjuna bark extract: structural, optical and photocatalytic study

Abstract Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by using Terminalia arjuna bark extract via a green route. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction confirmed the prepared samples are crystalline having hexagonal wurtzite structure with space group P63 mc and average crystallite size is found to be 8.93 nm. Rietveld refinement of the data was carried out using Material Analysis Using Diffraction (MAUD) software and reliability parameters of the refinement have been obtained. Optical properties of the sample investigated by ultraviolet – visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy reveal an absorption peak to lie at 348 nm and the direct optical band gap energy using Kubelka–Munk function is found to be 3.20 eV. Morphological investigation using scanning electron microscopy revealed that ZnO nanoparticles are nearly spherical and agglomerated. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis showed the presence of Zn and O only. Transmission electron microscopy imaging confirmed the predominant hexagonal structure of the prepared nanoparticles having average particles size of 9.66 nm, which is in agreement with the X-ray diffraction result. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups and different vibrational modes present in the sample. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared ZnO nanoparticles was studied using methylene blue (MB) dye under a single wavelength UV light source (λ = 254 nm). The degree of degradation of MB solution was about 56 % within 120 min of illumination to UV light and the degradation reaction follows first order kinetics with rate constant 0.00434 min−1.

Dietary supplementation of Terminalia arjuna bark extract improved growth, biochemical parameters and innate immunity in Heteropneustes fossilis larvae

Achieving healthy aquatic environment has been elusive with the process of intensification due to irrational use of chemicals. Plant extracts are hence candidate of choice as an alternative in aquaculture. Moreover, the poor larval survival of Heteropneustes fossilis (singhi) needs urgent research attention, which can be effectively addressed by boosting immunity, particularly by enhancing nonspecific immunity in the larvae. Hence, the study investigates the effects of dietary supplementation of Terminalia arjuna (TA) methanolic bark extract on growth, immune biomarkers and biochemical status in the stinging catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis larvae. 180 numbers of fish larvae (15 days post hatch; 22 ± 2.6 mm mean length and 43 ± 3.5 mg mean weight) were equally distributed in to four groups and fed with 0 % (control), 0.1 %, 0.25 % and 0.5 % of TA supplemented feed. Growth attributes, non-specific immune and biochemical parameters were analysed after 40 days of feeding. Results demonstrated that, larval group fed with 0.25 % TA extract had significantly (P < 0.05) improved final body weight, weight gain percent, daily weight gain and SGR compared to other treatment groups. Supplementation with 0.25 % TA extract significantly (P < 0.05) elevated respiratory burst activity (RBA), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), lysozyme and biochemical parameters including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, total protein, albumin as well as SOD level. However, 0.5 % TA dietary group revealed reduced growth and compromised immunity in the larva. Moreover, 0.25 % level significantly (P < 0.05) reduced hepato-cellular enzymes like ALT and AST activities and glucose as compared to control. However, the increase in extract level up to 0.5 % in the diet exhibited stress, which is evident from undermined growth and immunity. The present study suggests that the dietary TA bark extract inclusion level up to 0.25 % is safe limit and can modulate immunity, antioxidant and growth performance in stinging catfish, H. fossilis larvae.

Toxicity and teratogenicity investigation of methanolic bark extract of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) wight and arn in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo model

The present research work aims to establish the teratogenic effect of the Terminalia arjuna (T.arjuna) bark extract using fish embryos through zebrafish embryo model. In the present study, selected zebrafish embryos were exposed to a range of methanolic extract of T.arjuna bark and the changes the embryos undergo were identified by comparing them with a control group. The embryo toxicity was assessed by observing morphological abnormalities after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h exposure and end teratogenicity points were assessed after 48 h exposure. All the embryos were imaged and analyzed for various developmental anomalies such as coagulated embryos, lack of somite formation, non-detachment of the tail, and lack of heartbeat, using imageJ software. From the results obtained, it was found that the embryos exposed with 10 mg/L of T.arjuna showed regular developmental patterns similar to control up to 72 h 5 % mortality was observed post 72 h period. 50 and 100 mg/L showed 100 % mortality after 96 h and 72 h respectively. At 48 h, Embryos treated with 50 mg/L of T.arjuna showed 5.58 % decreased heart beat rate, 7.89 % of decrease in eye diameter decreased head trunk angle of 3.56 % and increased yolk sac width of 0.79 %. After 48 h exposure to 50 and 100 mg/L of T.arjuna extract, 45 % and 85 % of the embryos showed the teratogenic endpoint of coagulation respectively with bent tail. Increased yolk sac width was observed in 100 mg/L treated embryos with 1.01 % after 24 h, also at 48 h decreased heart beat rate of 4.02 %,16.8 % of increased eye diameter, with decreased head trunk angle of 2.35 %, decreased yolk sac width of 5.13 % were observed. After 48 h exposure of T.arjuna bark extract, the morphological, physiological changes and teratogenic end points were eminent in 50 and 100 mg/L treated embryos, thus the results signify that methanolic bark extract of T. arjuna possess teratogenic effects at this concentration in zebrafish embryos.

Terminalia arjuna Bark Extract Reduces High Fat Diet Induced Cardiac Damage in Wistar Rats by Altering Biochemical and Histological Parameters

Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the present study was to examinethe protective effect of bark extract of TA (Terminalia arjuna) on HFD (high fat diet) induced biochemical and histopathological changes in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Group 1 – control rats received water ad libitum, Group 2 – HFD group received corn oil orally at a dose of 10 mL/ kg, Group 3 (HFD+ Atorvastatin (ATV) 10mg/kg), Group 4 (HFD+TA125 mg/kg), and Group 5 (HFD+TA250 mg/kg) were treated as indicated 6 days a week for 5 consecutive weeks. Serum lipid profile and LCAT enzyme activity were evaluated followed by antioxidant parameters and histopathological assessment of heart tissue. Results: HFD group showed elevated levels of lipid profile and alterations in antioxidant parameters, LCAT enzyme activity and histology of heart as compared with control group. Administration of standard drug Atorvastatin (10mg/kg), aqueous bark extract of T. arjuna (125 and 250 mg/kg) to HFD group protected the biochemical alterations, LCAT enzyme activity and pathological damage caused to heart tissue. Conclusion: The study findings reveal the protective role of T. arjuna on HFD induced biochemical and cardiovascular changes implicating antioxidant and therapeutic potential. Keywords: Terminalia arjuna, Histopathology, Atorvastatin, Lipid profile, LCAT enzyme, Rats.

Effect of Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Effect of Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Effect of Terminalia Arjuna Bark Extract on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was carried out to evaluate the antihyperglycemic property of Terminalia arjuna in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic model rats. To evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant role of ethanol extract of Terminalia arjuna leaf in rats. Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 120mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with a dilution of bark extract of T. arjuna orally at the dose of 1 ml and 2 ml daily for 15 days. The level of blood glucose before meals were measured on every fifth day during the 15-day treatment. Ethanol extract of T. arjuna dose-dependently reduced and normalized blood glucose levels. T.arjuna treatment also significantly increases protein levels. The present study shows that T. arjuna leaf shows remarkable reduction in blood glucose level in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The T. arjuna has an effect in physiological and biochemical processes in rats.

Assessment of the impact of green synthesized copper nanoparticles on freshwater snails (Indoplanorbis exustus) in comparison with field-control and lab-control snails

BackgroundNanomaterials are used extensively because of their optical, electrical, catalytic, and mechanical properties. To understand the biological processes in an experimental organism, we aimed to highlight the comparative results obtained in the field-control, lab-control, and experimental freshwater snails (Indoplanorbis exustus). Terminalia arjuna bark extract was used for the synthesis of CuNPs and for characterization SEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques were used.ResultsThe estimated LC50 concentration for 96 h was to be 9.97 mg/L, thereafter animals were exposed further for 14 days to sub-lethal concentrations: 1/7th (1.42 mg/L), 1/5th (1.99 mg/L), 1/3rd (3.32 mg/L), and 1/2nd (4.98 mg/L). The data collected after conducting experiments on snails in the laboratory varied from the field-control snails. For comparison, the protein profile of field-control, lab-control, and experimental animals were displayed using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and then compared based on molecular masses. The bacterial isolates obtained were all belonging to streptococcus family. All isolates were Gram-positive and catalase-negative. A significant increase in bioaccumulation of CuNPs and dose-dependent necrosis was observed after 14 days.ConclusionsThe results obtained from the field control animals were different from those obtained in the lab control and experimental groups upon exposure to increasing concentration of CuNPs for 14 days.

Green synthesis of a CuO/rGO nanocomposite using a Terminalia arjuna bark extract and its catalytic activity for the purification of water

In the present study, biogenic synthesis of a CuO/rGO nanocomposite was carried out successfully using Terminalia arjuna bark extract.

Histological Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit And Terminalia Arjuna Bark on Body Weight, Hepatic and Renal Structures In High Fat Diet Induced Albino Wistar Rats

High fat diet is one of the leading causative factors for high cholesterol levels. Hyperlipidemia plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis and oxidative stress. Aim &amp; Objective: The current study was taken to assess the high fat diet changes in the body weight, hepatic and renal tissue treated with the various doses of aqueous extracts of Phyllanthus emblica fruit and Terminalia arjuna bark. Materials and Methods: Group I served as normal control. Group II was fed with high fat diet. Group III was fed with high fat diet and aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica fruit -200 mg/kg body wt. Group IV was fed with high fat diet and aqueous extract of Phyllanthus emblica fruit -400 mg/kg body wt. Group V was fed with high fat diet and aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna bark -400mg/kg body wt. Group VI was fed with hyperlipidemic diet + Atorvastatin standard drug. Results: Histopathological analysis using hematoxylin and eosin stain for liver, renal glomerulus and tubules showed therapeutic effect with treatment of Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 400mg/kg b.w and Terminalia arjuna bark extract 400mg/kg b.w. Conclusion: we observed the high fat diet induced structural and histological changes in the liver and renal tissue which was improved with Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract 400mg/kg compared with Terminalia arjuna bark.

Bio-modified magnetic nanoparticles with Terminalia arjuna bark extract for the removal of methylene blue and lead (II) from simulated wastewater

This study reports a greener, cheaper and convenient approach to synthesize Terminalia arjuna bark extract coated magnetite nanoparticles (TA@MNPs) using the co-precipitation method and efficient removal of methylene blue (MB) and lead ions [Pb(II)] from simulated wastewater. The synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized by various techniques such as DLS, XRD, FTIR, HRTEM, AGM, and TGA. From TGA analysis, TA@MNPs was found to be stable even after 500 °C. Using the batch method, maximum removal was achieved at pH 9.0 for MB and pH 3.0 for Pb(II) solutions, respectively. Adsorption study showed that TA@MNPs followed pseudo-second-order kinetics by both adsorbates while isotherm modeling towards adsorption of Pb(II) and MB exhibited Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity for Pb(II) on TA@MNPs was 210.5 mg g−1. The thermodynamic study proved the spontaneity of the physisorption process. Regeneration studies were also performed using five different eluents for the two adsorbents. Overall, TA@MNPs effectively removed pollutants from wastewater and thus could be potentially useful in providing clean water in a cheaper way.

A combinatorial approach to screen structurally diverse acetylcholinesterase inhibitory plant secondary metabolites targeting Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a form of Dementia known to diminish the brain's function by perturbating its structural and functional components. Though cholinesterase inhibitors are widely used to treat AD, they are limited by numbers and side effects. Hence, present study aims to identify structurally diverse Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory plant secondary metabolites (PSM) by employing high throughput screening and computational studies. AChE inhibitory activity was performed using 390 crude extracts from 63 plant parts belongs to 58 plants. The lowest IC50 value was recorded by acetone extract of Cyperus rotundus rhizome at 0.5 mg/ml, followed by methanol extract of Terminalia arjuna bark (0.95 mg/ml) and water extract Acacia catechu stem (0.95 mg/ml). A virtual library containing 487 PSM belongs to 18 plants found positive for AChE inhibition (IC50≤5 mg/ml) was prepared. Through ADMET analysis, 78 PSM fulfilling selected drug-likeness parameters were selected for further analysis. Molecular docking studies of selected PSM against AChE recorded a wide range of binding energy from −3.40 to −10.90 Kcal/mol. Further molecular dynamics simulation studies also recorded stabilized interactions of AChE-ligand complexes in the term of RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, and hydrogen bond interaction. MMPBSA analysis revealed the binding energy of selected PSM ranging from −123.757 to −261.697 kJ/mol. Our study demonstrated the potential of 12 PSM (Sugiol, Margolone, 7-Hydroxy-3',4’-(Methylenedioxy) flavan, Beta-cyprone, Ethenone, Isomargolonone, Serpentine, Cryptolepine, Rotundone, Strictamin, Rotundenol and Nootkatone) as AChE inhibitors. Further in vitro and in vivo experimental evaluations with pure PSM could be beneficial for therapeutic uses.

Photocatalytic degradation of hexavalent chromium and different staining dyes by ZnO in aqueous medium under UV light

In this study, ZnO catalyst were synthesized using zinc nitrate and Terminalia arjuna bark extract under microwave irradiation. This ZnO catalyst prepared through phytochemical route was characterized by UV–Vis spectra, FTIR, XRD, XPS, TG/DSC, FE-SEM, and BET specific surface area. The photocatalytic degradation of Cr(VI) and dyes viz., toluidine blue o (TBO), safranin o (SFO) and calcon carboxylic acid (CCA) in aqueous solution was carried out using ZnO catalyst under UV light irradiation (250 W). The XPS of ZnO used for Cr(VI) degradation confirmed the adsorbed Cr(III) on its surface. When 5 ppm (1 L) of Cr(VI) or dyes were treated with 0.1 g of photocatalyst (ZnO), the degradation was found to be 68% Cr(VI), 94% TBO, 87% SFO and 92% CCA in about 300, 190, 310 and 260 min, respectively, based on the estimation of their concentration using UV–Vis spectra. The dye degradation followed pseudo first-order kinetics. The degradation of TBO, SFO and CCA were also confirmed from LC-MS analysis.

Terminalia arjuna induced testicular assault through Leydig cell derangement: an in vitro approach.

Terminalia arjuna (TA) has been widely used as folk medicine since ancient times. Apart from its therapeutic properties it also has anti-spermatogenic activity, but its effectiveness and mode of action on male gonadal activity remains to be revealed. TA bark extract was dissolved in 1% dimethyl sulfoxide and applied in primary Leydig cell culture from rat testis in dose dependent manner. After 24h of treatment cellular toxicity marker, cytokines, steroid 5-alpha-reductase 1 (SRD5A1) and androgen receptor (AR) were measured. Present study first proposed the cytotoxic impacts of TA on Leydig cells via leakage of lactate dehydrogenase and inflammatory responses by altering the pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in dose-dependent-manner. Furthermore, down regulation of SRD5A1 and AR indicated inhibition of normal steroidogenesis which well corroborated with cytotoxity and inflammation related parameters to promote damage of Leydig cell function. Nevertheless, it can be speculated that the inhibition of normal steroidogenesis and thereby spermatogenesis induced by TA is possibly due to the presence of β-sitosterol. Therefore, the dose and duration of treatment should be carefully monitored in cases of its medicinal uses and longer duration should be avoided to protect reproductive health and fertility.

Antioxidant effect of Terminalia arjuna extract against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity via the regulation of cytochrome P450 2E1, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B

Aim: The present study explored the therapeutic in detail antioxidants and effect of aqueous Terminalia arjuna (TA) bark extract against acetaminophen (APAP) induced hepatotoxicity through studies on serum marker enzymes, phosphatidylinositol3kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway, CYP2E1 evaluations. Biochemical, antioxidant, cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) enzyme, and PI3K/AKT cell signal enzymes were observed with the appropriate methods of study. Materials and Methods: The animals were divided into five groups (each having six animals): control group, Acetaminophen (APAP) toxic group, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group, TA 250 mg/kg group, and TA 500 mg/kg group. APAP toxic dose of 750 mg/kg body weight was administered along with 0.5% of hydroxypropyl cellulose (vehicle) 24 h before sacrificing the animal. Results: The biochemical, antioxidant, Histopathological, CYP2E1 enzyme, PI3K, AKT protein expression analysis were shown increased antioxidant level, increased PI3K/AKT level, decreased liver function marker level and decreased CYP2E1 level in TA500 mg group compared with APAP toxic group (P < 0.01). The findings suggest that TA (500mg/kg) drug reduced Acetaminophen toxicity via antioxidant and molecular mechanisms. Conclusion: The present study concluded that TA 500 mg/kg high dose is more effective to restore the liver tissue through APAPinduced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.

Terminalia arjuna – A possible alternative to commercial mouthwashes, against periodontopathic bacteria: An in vitro study

Background and Aims: Periodontitis is irreversible plaque-mediated damage to gums and its supporting structures. Plaque is a niche of complex organisms forming biological associations for their attachment and sustenance, forming the basis for periodontal diseases. There is a vast diversity in oral microbiota, depending on the site. Dentition creates natural surfaces and barriers for the diversification of bacteria. For instance, periodontal bacteria differ between supra and subgingival tissues. The plaque mounted on the subgingival area chiefly houses gram-negative anaerobes such as Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis. The current study aims to compare and contrast the antimicrobial potential of Terminalia arjuna with commercially available mouth rinses against clinical isolates of periodontal bacteria based on the well-diffusion method. Materials and Methods: Preparation of Terminalia arjuna bark extract was done. For the detection of periodontal bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Treponema denticola, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used. The well-diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial activity. Results: The aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna showed minimum zone of inhibition of 23.33 ± 0.577 for Porphyromonas gingivalis and 24.33 ± 0.577 for Treponema denticola while the commercially available mouthwashes M1, M2, M3showed 29.33 ± 0.577, 29.33 ± 0.577, 24.33 ± 0.577, respectively towards Porphyromonas gingivalis and 29.66 ± 0.577, 27.33 ± 0.577, 25.66 ± 0.577, respectively towards Treponema denticola The results depicted nearly equal efficacy of Terminalia arjuna aqueous extract similar to those of commercial mouthwashes against the test bacteria. Conclusion: Antibacterial tests of Terminalia arjuna bark extracts showed promising results even at low concentrations. Hence, it can be an alternative to commercially available mouthwashes, which suffer from having numerous drawbacks ranging from burning sensation while in use to yellowing of teeth surfaces. Herbal medicines are considered to be much safer than other synthetic formulations and possess wide acceptance by people. Hence, this study forms a basis for future studies in this area.

Transcriptomic Validation of the Protective Effects of Aqueous Bark Extract of Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.) on Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats.

Aqueous extract of the bark of Terminalia arjuna (TA) is used by a large population in the Indian subcontinent for treating various cardiovascular conditions. Animal experiments have shown its anti-atherogenic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-inflammatory effects. It has several bioactive ingredients with hemodynamic, ROS scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Earlier we have done limited proteomic and transcriptomic analysis to show its efficacy in ameliorating cardiac hypertrophy induced by isoproterenol (ISO) in rats. In the present study we have used high-throughput sequencing of the mRNA from control and treated rat heart to further establish its efficacy. ISO (5 mg/kg/day s.c.) was administered in male adult rats for 14 days to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Standardized aqueous extract TA bark extract was administered orally. Total RNA were isolated from control, ISO, ISO + TA, and TA treated rat hearts and subjected to high throughput sequence analysis. The modulations of the transcript levels were then subjected to bio-informatics analyses using established software. Treatment with ISO downregulated 1,129 genes and upregulated 204 others. Pre-treatment with the TA bark extracts markedly restored that expression pattern with only 97 genes upregulated and 85 genes downregulated. The TA alone group had only 88 upregulated and 26 downregulated genes. The overall profile of expression in ISO + TA and TA alone groups closely matched with the control group. The genes that were modulated included those involved in metabolism, activation of receptors and cell signaling, and cardiovascular and other diseases. Networks associated with those genes included those involved in angiogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, integrin binding, inflammation, drug metabolism, redox metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and organization of myofibril. Overlaying of the networks in ISO and ISO_TA group showed that those activated in ISO group were mostly absent in ISO_TA and TA group, suggesting a global effect of the TA extracts. This study for the first time reveals that TA partially or completely restores the gene regulatory network perturbed by ISO treatment in rat heart; signifying its efficacy in checking ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Terminalia Arjuna bark extract impedes foam cell formation and promotes apoptosis in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages by enhancing UPR-CHOP pathway

BackgroundIncreased macrophage and foam cell apoptosis during early atherogenesis retards plaque progression by impeding foam cell formation, suppressing inflammation and limiting lesion cellularity. Our previous in vitro study in THP1 macrophages demonstrated that Terminalia Arjuna (TA) attenuates dual-specificity phosphatase1 (DUSP1), a key negative regulator of JNK/P38MAPK signaling cascade, the branch also implicated in the UPR (unfolded protein response)-CHOP-mediated apoptotic pathway; however this pathway has not been explored so far in the presence of TA. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the pro-apoptotic effect of aqueous bark extract of TA (aqTAE) on macrophage and foam cells and the underlying mechanism associated with it.MethodsTHP1 cells were initially differentiated into macrophages with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) (100 ng/ml) for 24 h, followed by ox-LDL (100 μg/ml) treatment for another 24 h to induce foam cell formation. Thereafter, macrophages and ox-LDL- treated cells were incubated with aqTAE (100 μg/ml) for the next 24 h. Further, Oil Red O (ORO) staining, CD36 expression profiling, apoptotic assay and transcriptional and translational expression of ER-stress markers i.e., X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) were performed for elucidating the potential mechanism underlying TA-induced macrophage and foam cell apoptosis.ResultsWe demonstrated that ox-LDL treatment significantly increased lipid accumulation and upregulated CD36 expression, indicating foam cell formation; while the addition of aqTAE resulted in a significant decline in ORO positive cells, and suppression of CD36 expression in ox-LDL-stimulated macrophages, suggestive of reduced formation of lipid-laden foam cells. Further, aqTAE treatment alone and in combination with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) stimulus, significantly attenuated CD36 expression; increased apoptosis; and augmented the expression of UPR regulatory proteins including XBP1 and CHOP, and similar observations were noted when cells were treated with ox-LDL alone. These findings indicate that TA promotes macrophage and foam cell apoptosis via enhancing UPR-mediated activation of JNK/p38MAPK-CHOP pathway in a DUSP1-dependent manner, implying a possible interplay between ox-LDL-induced ER stress- and TA-mediated MAPK signaling.ConclusionOur data shows that aqTAE inhibits foam cell formation, as well as promotes macrophage and foam cell apoptosis by augmenting UPR- JNK/p38MAPK-CHOP signaling cascade via inhibiting DUSP1. These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-atherogenic potential of TA, which may prove beneficial against early-stage atherosclerotic lesions.

TERMINALIA ARJUNA TRANSDERMAL MATRIX FORMULATION CONTAINING DIFFERENT POLYMER COMPONENTS

Objective: The objective of this research work was to prepare a transdermal matrix formulation containing different polymer components for topical delivery.&#x0D; Methods: Terminalia arjuna bark extract loaded transdermal patches were prepared using solvent casting technique with different amount of chitosan and Eudragit RL 100 batches were prepared according to 32 factorial designs.&#x0D; Results: The transdermal patches prepared were evaluated for different physicochemical properties, determination of drug content, in vitro diffusion study, ex vivo study, skin irritation study, and stability study. Infrared studies indicate the absence of chemical interaction or any changes in the chemical composition of extract during the preparation of transdermal patch. In vitro diffusion study and ex vivo diffusion study of optimized batch S3 showed drug releases to 74.56–69.12%, respectively, up to 12 h. Skin irritation study indicates that the extract and excipients used in the patch do not show any irritating effect on the skin. All the prepared transdermal matrix formulations were found to be stable on storage.&#x0D; Conclusion: It can be concluded that prepared matrix formulation containing different polymer components can be used for transdermal delivery for the treatment of chronic ailments such as cardiovascular disorder.