Test Drug Groups Research Articles

Impact of Mucuna pruriens seed on lipid profiles in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Background: Mucuna pruriens (MP) is a tropical legume, widely used in the treatment of parkinsonism, erectile dysfunction, anti-venomous, and anti-diabetic properties. It contains multiple phytonutrients and is rich in soluble fibers and proteins and is used as a drug of choice in traditional medicine for different ailments. Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to study the hypolipidemic activity of alcoholic extract MP seeds in Type 2 diabetic rats with hyperlipidemia, by assessing lipid profile of rats in comparison with rats treated with a standard anti-diabetic drug. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four Wistar rat pups were made diabetic by injecting intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg). After 12 weeks, animals with diabetic and dyslipidemia were selected and divided into three groups diabetic control, test drug group (fed with MP alcoholic extract 200 mg/kg), and standard drug group (fed with glibenclamide 0.1 mg/kg), and 18 rats of same age were kept for normal control group. Results: MP seeds exhibited a gradual and progressive change in the low-density lipoprotein levels in diabetic rats (4th week [−34.3%], 8th week [−42.24%], and 12th week [−45.30%]), serum triglycerides levels (4th week [−39.3%], 8th week [−44.49%], and 12th week [−46.65%]). Whereas serum high-density lipoprotein levels were significantly increased (39.3% increase by 4 weeks, 54.95% increase by 8 weeks, and 61.03% increase by 12 weeks). This suggests that active phytochemical compounds in the MP seeds exert hypolipidemic properties by its antioxidant and high fiber content. Conclusion: MP seeds contain phytonutrients and soluble fiber compounds, which helps in reduction of lipid levels in rats with diabetes induced hyperlipidemia.

Kadukkai maathirai (Siddha herbal formulation) reverses liver pathology associated with metabolic dysfunction in high fat diet-induced fatty liver disease – a preclinical study

The study explores the hepatoprotective effect of Kadukkai maathirai (KM) in high fat diet (HFD) induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. Total 54 Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study, 9 groups: Group I – IV kept as normal and test drug control and group V - NAFLD disease model- received HFD for 40 weeks. Group VI – IX received HFD for 40 weeks and then test drugs: Group VI – VIII received KM in three different doses for 45 days. Metformin (standard) was administered to Group IX for 45 days. On day 46, the blood and liver tissue were collected for analysis. KM at 36, 144mg/kg and metformin showed a significant decrease in ALP level, all three doses of KM and metformin showed a significant reduction in direct bilirubin levels. A significant improvement in HDL was observed in all doses of KM and metformin-treated groups. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) findings in KM treated test groups showed significantly reduced plasma glucose levels. The KM treated groups and metformin-treated groups showed a reduction in body weight at 47th week, and significantly reduced relative liver weight when compared with the HFD group. Histopathological evaluation of KM treated groups showed normal architecture of central vein and hepatic cords. Portal triads were also generally normal in their location and pattern. No indication of fatty liver. This study confirms the ability of phytoconstituents present in KM in reversing the metabolic dysfunction and liver pathology seen in NAFLD. Further studies are required to evaluate KM as a therapeutic agent.

A Double-Blind Trial Platform Based on Distributed Ledger Technology

In the pharmaceutical research and development process, the third phase of clinical trials involves double-blind trials to mitigate the influence of human subjective awareness on the experimental results and ensure the efficacy and safety of drugs or vaccines. However, conventional double-blind trials are often overseen by a single institution responsible for the entire trial process. Researchers centrally manage data, introducing risks of data loss and tampering. Furthermore, since researchers have full access to all experimental data, there is a potential for premature unblinding and leakage of results to specific individuals, giving rise to bias and conflicts of interest. To address these problems, this paper proposes a distributed-ledger-based double-blind trial platform called “BlindBox”. This platform leverages the immutability and decentralization of distributed ledgers to enhance the security of experimental data. On the other hand, the platform employs smart contracts to restrict personnel’s access to experimental data, coupled with RFID technology to encode and shuffle the experimental drugs discreetly. This ensures that no one can ascertain the pairing between test subjects and drug groups, preventing collusion and result manipulation. When the trial period concludes, smart contracts automatically unblind the results and publish them on the IOTA platform. By utilizing IOTA’s zero-value transactions, the platform reduces the cost of repeated data access and ensures information openness and transparency. This approach prevents deliberate premature unblinding or insider trading stemming from monopolized information. The platform proposed in this study is expected to enhance the credibility and accuracy of double-blind trials while promoting the willingness and convenience of public participation in experiments.

An Experimental Study on the Analgesic Action of Padmak Agad

Padmak Agad is indicated in all types of Luta and Keet Visha. According to Acharya Vagbhatta, heaviness in head and eyes, coma, dizziness, dyspnoea, pain, swelling, fever, itching and anorexia are common symptoms of all Keeta Damsha. Several synthetic and plant origin analgesic are being tested for their efficacy and potency on different animal model including hot plate, tail flick, tail clip, cold pain, filament pain, tail immersion technique, acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced writhing test etc. Material and Methods: Tail clip model and Hot plate model were selected for the present study. Eighteen Swiss albino mice had been divided in to three groups each group contain six mice. First group was negative control group; second group was test drug group while third group was standard group. Test drug was given to the group 2 for 7 days O.D. Result: When we performed the tail clip test, response time of group 1, 2, 3 were 4.40±1.853, 14.07±9.309, 40.68±11.759 seconds respectively. In Hot Plate model, calculated response time of group 1, 2, 3 were 2.93±0.667, 5.46±0.911, 6.04±0.857 seconds respectively. When we used Dunnett's multiple comparisons test to compare the group 1 to group 2 and group 1 to group 3, there was statistically no significant role of test drug in tail clip model and hot plate model. Discussion and Conclusion: No effect of Padmak Agad is found in tail clip model. Padmak Agad is effective in hot plate model but not up to significant level.

An In-Vivo Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Padmaka (Prunus Cerasoides) as a Vedanasthapak in Supti (Numbness) Caused by Neuropathy in Wistar Rats

This research article attempts to address the main symptom of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, which is ‘numbness’. Neuropathic pain is a common side effect of anticancer drugs that significantly reduces a patient's quality of life. This work redefines the term "Vedanasthapan" by explaining the act of regaining sensation along with its analgesic properties. This study was carried out by using an animal model of rats prepared by using an anti-cancer agent cisplatin. Before inducing cisplatin, normal latency periods of all rats were noted by ‘Hot plate’ method. Cisplatin was given to the rats to induce numbness with the interval of a week for two weeks. Four groups of rats having six rats in each group were labelled as – ‘control group’ treated with daily diet only, ‘vehicle group’ treated with carboxymethyl cellulose, ‘positive control’ treated with pregabalin, and ‘test drug group’ treated with ‘Padmaka’. After the treatment period, all groups were tested on a hot plate to record the latency time of rats. All obtained data were processed by ANOVA test and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison test. It showed that the means of all groups differed significantly from each other. The mean time of the positive control group was 9.06 seconds and that of the experimental drug group was 12.9 seconds, which is close to the mean time in the normal state (7.36 seconds). While the control group and the vehicle group were far apart. This means that the experimental drug Padmaka is also useful in reversing cisplatin-induced numbness. Further clinical studies are needed to fully understand its range of action.

Evaluating the drug repurposing benefits of clopidogrel against adenine induced chronic renal failure in experimental animals

Introduction: Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a life-threatening condition which can be defined as a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function associated with inflammation and oxidative stress having limited treatment options. The anti-platelet drug, clopidogrel showed nephroprotective action in 5/6 nephrectomy model, lithium induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and diabetes-induced renal fibrosis. Objectives: In this study we evaluated the effect of clopidogrel on various serum, urine parameters linked with CRF, vascular calcification, electrolyte abnormalities, inflammatory markers and renal histology. Materials and Methods: Seven groups of male Wistar rats were treated with saline normal control), adenine (50 mg/kg, disease control), clopidogrel (15, 30, 60 mg/kg) concomitantly with adenine (preventive regimen), clopidogrel 60 mg/kg from day 15th curative regimen) and acetylcysteine (50 mg/kg) in combination with taurine as standard drug (50 mg/kg) from day 15th in a 4-week model. Following the completion of the treatments, urine, blood, and kidneys were collected from all rats, and then various biochemical, oxidative, and histological parameters were estimated. Results: Adenine administration decreased body weight and kidney function due to injury as indicated by increased markers like serum urea, uric acid, creatinine and potassium in all animals except normal control group. There was a significant difference between disease and test drug groups especially for 60 mg/kg of preventive and curative regimen for all the estimated parameters. Adenine administration caused histopathological alterations, significant reduction in antioxidant indices and initiated a fibrotic response in kidney by increasing the profibrotic protein like transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1). Conclusion: The results suggest that clopidogrel treatment improves majority of the parameters in a dose-dependent manner and the renoprotective effect might be associated with its antioxidant and anti- fibrosis activity.

EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PURIFIED CURCUMA LONGA ON MOTOR PERFORMANCE IN MICE

Objective: This study was performed to see the effects of aqueous extract of purified Curcuma longa (CL) on motor performance of albino mice using rota test. Methods: CL at 50mg/kg body weight (b.w.) (CL50), CL at 100 mg/kg b.w. (CL100), and CL at 200 mg/kg b.w. (CL200) with negative and positive controls were used. The experimental results were represented as mean±2 standard deviation, p was set at < 0.05. Statistical differences between the test drug and control groups as well as within the test drug groups were calculated using Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: As compared to CL200, DW (distilled water 10 ml/kg p.o.) group fall off time was significantly less (p=0.004). Diazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) group stayed for lesser time on the rotating rod than CL50, CL100, and CL200 groups (p=0.004). Fall off time in CL100 group was significantly lesser than CL 200 group (p=0.019). Conclusion: This study showed that CL possesses motor performance increasing effects at 200 mg.

A SINGLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED CLINICAL TRIAL OF LOCAL APPLICATION OF KOHL-CHIKNI DAWA-A UNANI COMPOUND FORMULATION IN THE PATIENTS WITH CORNEAL OPACITY

Objective: The present clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate the safety, preventive/curative efficacy of the local application of Kohl-Chikni Dawa (KCD) in patients with corneal opacity (CO), to provide an economic, safe, and effective alternative treatment for it. Methods: The present prospective single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was undertaken at Majeedia Hospital, Hamdard University, New Delhi. Ninety-two diagnosed patients of CO were randomly allocated to three groups for local application of KCD/placebo two sticks BID. Results: Forty patients completed the 6-month duration of the study. KCD was found effective in the general amelioration of the signs and symptoms of CO. There was a statistically significant reduction in the CO score and improvement in vision on the reading of the Snellen chart in the test drug group in comparison to the placebo group in Grade-I (Nebular type) CO (p>0.05). Conclusion: KCD was found very much effective to reduce the CO score, with clinical improvement of vision in the nebular type of CO. The dose of KCD in two sticks BID was found safe and tolerable with no side effects. A multicentric trial of the test drug on larger sample size for a longer duration is required to establish the efficacy of the formulation on CO.

EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING POTENTIAL OF YASHADAMRITA MALHARA IN DIABETIC WOUND MODELS

Due to unclear aetiology, the healing impairment of diabetic patients is still a severe clinical problem for physicians worldwide. Hence impaired wound healing in diabetes has caught the attention of the world to help promote the healing process and prevent rising complications. The present study was designed to investigate the comparative wound healing efficacy of Yashadamrita Malhara with standard formulation, i.e., Framycetin Sulphate, using excision wound models in Diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, IP) induced diabetic rat model was used to evaluate the wound healing effect of Yashadamrita Malhara in comparison to Framycetin sulphate. Yashadamrita Malhara was applied for 12 days. Wound contraction % and estimation of hydroxyproline, collagen and hexosamine were studied. Obtained data were analyzed statistically. On the 12th day, there were no positive changes in the wound area contraction of the Yashadamrita Malhara treated group compared to the Framycetin sulphate treated group. The histopathology reports also showed no healing in the test drug group. Yashadamrita Malhara did not show any statistically significant Vrana Ropana (wound healing) activity in Diabetic Rats.

Experimental study of Karaviradya taila for its Loma Shatana action

Introduction: Beauty enhances the self-confidence of an individual. Un-wanted hair which are present on the body causes cosmetic problems, especially in women. Objectives: is to carryout experimental study of karaviradya taila on wistar albino rats and evaluation of histopathological changes. Materials and Methods: Experimental study was carried out on Wistar albino rats and prepared karaviradya taila was applied on the dorsum of individual rats of test drug group. Observations and Results: The observation showed there is reduction in the growth of hair on albino rats, histopathology section of experimental study showed loss of hair shaft in majority of the hair follicle, decrease in hair follicle noted in test drug group when compared to control group. Discussion and Conclusion: Reduction in the density of hair seen it may be due to the drug karavira having the properties like laghu ruksha and tikshna guna, ushna veerya, pitta vardhaka. Danti also possess ushna veerya and pitta vardhaka property. Drugs having pitta vardhaka property, when used may affect the loma kupa to cause lomashatana.

EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF PURIFIED CURCUMA LONGA ON ANXIETY LEVELS IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Objectives: This study was performed to see the effects of aqueous extract of purified Curcuma longa (CL) on anxiety levels of Swiss albino mice using open-field test. Methods: CL at 50 mg/kg body weight (b.w) (CL50), CL at 100 mg/kg b.w. (CL100), and CL at 200 mg/kg b.w. (CL200) with negative and positive controls were used. The experimental results were represented as mean±standard deviation, p<0.05 was considered. Statistical differences between the test drug and control groups as well as within the test drug groups were calculated using Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: The number of squares crossed in 5 min was least in distilled water (DW) as compared to all other groups (CL50, CL100, and CL200 [p=0.002], diazepam [p=0.002]).Time spent in the central square was lesser in the DW group than CL50 (p=0.045), CL200 (p=0.005), and DP (p=0.004). More time was spent by DP in the central square than CL50 (p=0.045) and CL100 (p=0.037) groups. The number of rearing was lesser in DW group as compared to CL50 (p=0.030), CL100 (p=0.006), and CL 200 (p=0.006) as well as DP. The number of rearing was less in CL50 than CL200 (p=0.045) group. Conclusion: This study showed that CL possesses anxiolytic effect.

INFLUENCES OF CENTELLA ASIATICA AND CURCUMA LONGA ON ARTERIAL STIFFNESS IN A HYPERTENSIVE ANIMAL MODEL

There is a strong relationship between arterial stiffness and high blood pressure. Arterial stiffness increases the risk of a cardiovascular event and sudden death, especially in hypertensive patients. This study aimed to determine the effective combination of Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa on arterial stiffness in hypertensive animal models. Twenty-five male rats aged 2-3 months were randomly into five groups. The groups comprising the negative control and positive control group (receiving drug carriers), the test drug group receiving captopril 2.5 mg/kg, the combination of Centella asiatica (CA) and Curcuma longa (CL) doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. Except for the control group, all groups received a high-fat diet and 25% fructose drinking water for 28 days. On day 15, they received test medicines. On days 0, 14, and 28, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, as well as the PWV (pulse wave velocity), were assessed. Nitric oxide levels in serum were measured using Griess reagents on day 28. The results showed that a combination of CA and CL doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure accompanied by a decrease in PWV and a statistically significant increase in serum NO levels (p <0.05). It concluded that a combination of CA and CL has the potential as antihypertensive, improving arterial elasticity.

An Experimental Study to Evaluate the Anti-Diarrheal Activity of Bhuvaneshwara Rasa in Wistar Albino Rats

Atisara (Diarrhea) is most commonly encountered disease of the present era, due to unhealthy and irregular habits. Atisara (Diarrhea) finds a place as important disease in individual’s life as everyone suffers from it at least once in life time. Bhuvaneshwara rasa is a unique herbo-mineral formulation explained in Bhaishajya ratnavali indicated for all kinds of diarrhea cases. Bhuvaneshwara rasa is a potent formulation having Saindhava, Triphala, Yamani, Bilva peshika and Gruhadhooma.
 Materials and methods: Raw materials were screened and collected and the formulation selected for the present study Bhuvaneshwara rasa was prepared accordingly. Anti-diarrheal activity of Bhuvaneshwara rasa was evaluated experimentally in albino rats. Experimental study was conducted in 3 groups of animals for anti-diarrheal study each. Anti-diarrheal study was done by castor oil induced diarrhoea and castor oil induced enter-pooling method. Bhuvaneshwara rasa (test drug) and Loperamide are effective in controlling diarrheal episodes. Bhuvaneshwara rasa has shown significant Anti-diarrheal activity in both Castor oil -induced diarrhea and castor oil induced enteropooling, test drug effective than control.
 Result: Bhuvaneshwara rasa was prepared according to SOP. Test drug group have shown effect experimentally. Conclusion: Bhuvaneshwara rasa is a good anti-diarrheal drug. It can be administered in all types of Atisara.

Experimental evaluation of preventive action of baladimandura in gastric ulcer based on histopathological reports

Background: Peptic ulcer diseases constitute a major disease that affects the Gastro Intestinal tract. Gastric ulcers are one among the types of Peptic ulcers in which the ulcers are manifested in the lining of gastric mucosa. Annadrava shoola can be correlated with gastric ulcer due to its similarity in symptomatology. Baladimandura is a drug of choice in the management of Amlapitta and Parinamashoola mentioned in Rasakamadhenu. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the gastric ulcer preventive action of Baladimandura in pyloric ligated albino rats through the histopathology examination of stomach tissue. Methodology: 24 wistar strain albino rats were grouped into 4; all the rats were free access to food and water ad libitum along with standard and test drug to the respective groups for 8 days. On 9th day all the rats were kept for fasting and 10th day pyloric ligation performed followed by sacrificing the rats for taking the stomach tissue for histopathology examination. Results: By comparing the histopathology report of all the rats the test group showed no ulcer formation. However slight inflammation was observed in the test drug group. Discussion & Conclusion: Gastric ulcers are manifested when the gastric mucosal barrier fails to prevent the entry of excess HCL into the cells. Baladimandura acts as Amlapitta hara, Parinama shoola hara and as a powerful ulcer preventive drug due to its gastro protective action.

EVALUATION OF IMMUNOMODULATORY EFFECT OF T-AYU-HM PREMIUM IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS

To evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of T-AYU-HM Premium in experimental animal models. Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups in each model and acclimatized under standard conditions. The control group received vehicle (0.5% CMC), the standard group received Levamisole (50 mg/kg), Test-1 group received T-AYU-HM Premium (600 mg/kg), and Test-2 group received T-AYU-HM Premium (1200 mg/kg). The effect of T-AYU-HM Premium as an immunomodulator was studied by evaluating the neutrophil adhesion model, carbon clearance model, cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia model, and haemagglutinating antibody titer model. The neutrophil adhesion in standard, Test-1, and Test-2 are 55.39%, 23.32%, and 38.06%, respectively. The %reduction of TLC and DLC in standard and both test groups were significant compared to the control group after nylon fiber treatment. The phagocytic index of standard, test-1 and test-2 was found to be 0.01735, 0.01416, and 0.00923, respectively, this indicates that the test drug affects the reticuloendothelial system. A significant decrease in cyclophosphamide-induced neutropenia implies that the cyclophosphamides’ influence on the hemopoietic system is lessened. The percentage reduction in TLC of standard and both test drug groups are 11.12%, 20.66%, and 13.43%, respectively. The %reduction in DLC of standard and both test drug groups were significant compared to a control group. Haemagglutinating antibody (HA) titer test determines the effect of the drug on humoral immunity. Primary HA titer values of standard, test-1 and test-2 were 5.33, 2.66, and 4.50, respectively. Secondary HA titer values of standard, test-1, and test-2 were 13, 7.16, and 11.16, respectively. HA titer value significantly increases in standard and test groups compared to control in both primary and secondary evaluation. In the current study, results show that the T-AYU-HM Premium tablets exhibit Immunomodulatory activity.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Smilax zeylanica Linn. in Wistar Rats

Background: Smilax zeylanica Linn (Smilaceae) is a woody climbing shrub native to Asia's tropical and subtropical highlands. Traditionally, this plant has been widely used to cure a variety of ailments. Smilax zeylanica stem bark was extracted with ethanol to test its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.
 Objective: To study the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic stem bark extract of Smilax zeylanica Linn. in Wistar rats.
 Methods: The antinociceptive activity has been assessed in mice by formalin-induced paw licking, Eddy’s hot-plate, and acetic-acid induced abdominal stretching models. Carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats has been conducted to explore the anti-inflammatory activity. Tween 80 (10ml/kg, p.o) was given to the control group, test drug group received ethanol extract of Smilax zeylanica (EESZ) orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, and standard drugs morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c), diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, i.p) were injected to the standard drug group.
 Results: Oral administration of ethanolic extract of Smilax zeylanica (EESZ) at test doses (200 and 400 mg/kg), produced a significant decrease of the paw licking time for 2 phases (neurogenic and inflammatory) in the formalin test, upsurge of the reaction time in Eddy’s hot plate test, and significantly decreased the abdominal stretching in the acetic acid-induced writhes test. Ethanol extract of Smilax zeylanica significantly decreased the carrageenan-induced paw oedema.
 Conclusion: The ethanol extract of Smilax zeylanica possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory activity, probably involving central and peripheral pathways

An experimental study to evaluate the antidotal activity of Neeli Moola (Indigofera tinctoria) Kalka w.s.r to haematological parameters in Vatsanabha (Aconitum ferox ) induced toxicity

Background: Vatsanabha is a potent cardiac poison comes under the category of Mahavisha with its main active principles aconitine, picraconine and pseudaconine. In the literatures there are descriptions about toxicants and in some traditional Malayalam textbooks antidotes has been explained under the concept “Prathyoushadha”. Neeli Moola has been mentioned as a Prathyoushadha for Vatsanabha poisoning in a renowned textbook „Visha Vaidya Jyotsnika‟. Hence to evaluate the antidotal activity in Vatsanabha poisoning, Neeli Moola Kalka has been used and the haematological parameters were analyzed to screen the results. Methods: Wistar strain albino rats were used in this study which were divided into 3 groups, normal control, toxic control and the test drug group. The duration of the study was 28 days .The data generated was mentioned as Mean±SEM. Difference among the groups was assessed by employing one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet‟s mul tiple „t‟ test. Results: Reversible action has been observed after the administration of Neeli Moola Kalka in the hematological parameters which has shown toxicity changes due to administration of Vatsanabha. Conclusion: Neeli Moola Kalka is having mild to moderate antidote effect in Vatsanbha induced toxicity.

Anti-angiogenic activity of chloride and potassium channel modulators: repurposing ion channel modulators

BackgroundExcessive angiogenesis can be the root cause of many pathological conditions. Various types of ion channels are found on the endothelial cells. These ion channels play a vital role in the multi-stepped process of angiogenesis. The study aims to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of specific ion channel modulators mefloquine (volume-regulated chloride channel blocker), lubiprostone (ClC-2 channel agonist), and 4-aminopyridine (voltage-gated potassium channel blocker).ResultsThe anti-angiogenic activity of ion channel modulators was screened by measuring its effects on the area of neovascularization and histopathological studies by in vivo (corneal neovascularization) method and by in vitro assays, endothelial cell proliferation assay, cell migration assay, and matrigel cord-like morphogenesis assay. The test and standard drug (bevacizumab) groups were compared with the control group using one-way ANOVA, followed by post hoc test, and Dunnett’s test to compare the mean of all the groups with the control mean. The results revealed that mefloquine at the dose of 0.6% w/v and 1.0% w/v, lubiprostone at the dose of 0.5% w/v and 1.0% w/v, and 4-aminopyridine at the dose of 2% w/v and 4% w/v showed significant anti-angiogenic property. In the studies on human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the test drugs (100 nM) showed significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and decrease in network length of cord-like tubes.ConclusionThe scientific findings indicate that the test drugs have potent anti-angiogenic activity by inhibiting the cell proliferation, inhibiting the cell volume increase, arresting the cell cycle progression and by causing membrane hyperpolarization. The potent anti-angiogenic drugs obtained by repurposing these ion channel modulators, in the further studies, will be able to treat the diseases due to excess angiogenesis from the root cause.Graphical abstract

Efficacy of Herbmed Plus in urolithic rats: An experimental study

BackgroundIn Ayurveda, several herbs and formulations are available for the treatment of Urolithiasis. However, they are not systematically evaluated for their safety, efficacy, indication and limitations. Herbmed Plus is one such herbal formulation that has been known for the management of urinary tract disorders. An attempt has been made to evaluate its efficacy on Urolithiasis. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of Herbmed Plus in urolithic rats. Materials and methodsA total of 60 Wistar albino rats were used for this study. The male and female rats were divided into five groups: disease control, test (dose 90 mg/kg), standard I (Cystone), standard II (Alkaston insta) and normal control (six in each group). Urolithiasis was induced using ethylene glycol 0.75% in drinking water for 28 days. The rats with urinary oxalate crystals were dosed with oral test or standard treatments for 28 days. ResultsAll the animals appeared normal and showed no clinical signs of toxicity. None of the groups reported mortality or adverse effect on body weight and food consumption. The treatment with test drug showed improvement in the SGPT level and urine output (5.4 vs 3.47 mL/24 h). A drastic reduction in number of crystals were observed in male 0.5 vs 22 and female rats 0 vs 22.7 in test and disease group. The kidney lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, urinary phosphorus and calcium oxalate level decreased in the test and standard drug groups as compared to disease groups. Microscopy of the urine samples showed reduction in the number of crystals after treatment compared to the urolithic group. Increase in citrate levels in urine in all the treatment groups indicated anti-urolithiatic activity. The test group showed a 69.70% recovery in males and 47.57% recovery in female rats compared to the disease control group. ConclusionHerbmed Plus showed a significant reduction in oxalate synthesizing enzymes suggesting anti-urolithiatic activity and anti-inflammatory and regenerative property in cellular injury caused by crystal deposits.

Efficacy and safety of freeze-dried form of Tragia involucrata L. decoction in treating diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background and objectives: Tragia involucrata L. (Family: Euphorbiaceae, S. Wel Kahambiliya) is a highly used medicinal plant in both systems of Sri Lankan traditional medicine and Ayurveda medicine. This plant is used for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes, wounds, dysuria, and epilepsy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the freeze-dried form of Tragia involucrata L. decoction in the treatment of diabetes. Subjects and methods: This randomized, two-arm, open-label, controlled clinical trial was conducted in type 2 diabetes patients at National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka during the year 2016–2017. Thirty-six type 2 diabetes patients aged 18–70 years were included in each group. Patients received treatment with 120 mL of Tragia involucrata L. decoction and 500 mg of metformin, twice a day, for 14 days used as the test drug and positive control drug groups. Fasting blood glucose level was measured on days 0, 8, and 15. Lipid profile and liver and kidney functions were measured on days 0 and 15. This study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee, Institute of Indigenous Medicine (ERCIIM), University of Colombo, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka (approval No. ERC 16/61) on October 27, 2016.Results: Fasting blood glucose levels in the test group were significantly decreased on days 8 and 15 compared to day 0 (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in the lipid profile values before and after treatment (P > 0.05). Also the decoction did not cause changes in the function of the liver and kidneys. Further no other adverse reactions were recorded in the patients. Conclusion: Tragia involucrata L. can reduce fasting blood glucose level and has antidiabetic effects in diabetes.