Effect of some phytoconstituents on Fe2+/ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation.

Transition metals like iron and copper, present inside the body system play a key role in the production of reactive oxygen radicals. These free radicals, causative agents of lipid peroxidation, not only damage proteins and DNA but also gradually changes the cellular membrane structure and ultimately leads to the loss of function and integrity. Uncontrolled lipid peroxidation results in various age related diseases, malignancy, infective diseases and injuries.

Breaking the resistance of Escherichia coli: Antimicrobial activity of Berberis lycium Royle.

The antimicrobial activity of root bark of Berberis lycium and its principal component berberine was tested against a panel of microbial strains using agar well diffusion test and further analyzed using micro-broth dilution method. Preliminary analysis, on the basis of zone of Inhibition (ZOI) showed that the methanolic extract of B. lycium was highly effective against Escherichia coli (ZOI 41 ± 1 mm).

Synergistic approach for treatment of chicken coccidiosis using berberine--A plant natural product.

Despite the advent of anticoccidial drugs and vaccines, coccidiosis continues to result in substantial economic losses to the poultry industry. Berberine, a natural alkaloid is well known in studies involving synergistic approaches, thereby reducing the dosage of principal drugs. Therefore, a study was designed to see whether a synergistic anticoccidial effect could be obtained between amprolium and berberine, in vivo using broiler chicken.

Pharmaceutical and pharmacological approaches for bioavailability enhancement of etoposide.

Etoposide, a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, is one of the most active and useful antineoplastic agent used routinely in firstline combination chemotherapy of testicular cancer, small-cell lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Etoposide displays narrow therapeutic index, erratic pharmacokinetics and dose individualization that needs to be achieved for overcoming inter- and intra-patient variability (25-80 percent), so as to maintain proper drug exposure within a therapeutic range. Etoposide possess high plasma protein binding (97 percent) and is degraded via complex metabolic pathways.

In vivo anticoccidial activity of berberine [18, 5,6-dihydro-9,10-dimethoxybenzo(g)-1,3-benzodioxolo(5,6-a) quinolizinium]--an isoquinoline alkaloid present in the root bark of Berberis lycium.

Coccidiosis, caused by various Eimeria species, is a major parasitic disease in chicken. However the increasing resistance of these parasites to currently used anticoccidial drugs has stimulated the search for new methods of control. As part of this effort we investigated the root bark of Berberis lycium (barberry) as a potential source of compounds with anticoccidial activity.

Ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis (AS-1) inhibits IgE-mediated allergic response in RBL-2H3 cells.

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-allergic effects of ethanolic extract of Alternanthera sessilis (AS-1) in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells. It significantly reduced the β-hexosaminidase release from anti-DNP-IgE sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. AS-1also inhibited the IgE antibody-induced increase in Interleukin-6 (IL-6), TNF-α, IL-13 and IL-4 production in these cells.

Development of a validated UPLC-qTOF-MS Method for the determination of curcuminoids and their pharmacokinetic study in mice.

Background: A specific and sensitive UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of curcuminoids. These Curcuminoids comprises of curcumin, a principal curcuminoid and other two namely, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin obtained from rhizomes of Curcuma longa an ancient Indian curry spice turmeric, family (Zingiberaceae).

Methods: These analytes were separated on a reverse phase C18 column by using a mobile phase of acetonitrile: 5% acetonitrile in water with 0.

Acute, sub-acute and general pharmacological evaluation of 5-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-4-ethyl-2E,4E-pentadienoic acid piperidide (SK-20): a novel drug bioavailability enhancer.

An efflux pump inhibitor, SK-20 (5-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyle)-4 ethyl-2E,4E-pentadienoic acid piperidide), was assessed for its toxicity at three different pharmacological profiles: acute, sub-acute and general pharmacology with pharmacokinetics. In acute study, the SK-20 was found safe up to a dose of 2000 mg/kg (b.wt.

Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi: An update.

Cuminum cyminum and Carum carvi are the sources of cumin and caraway seeds respectively, which have been used since antiquity for the treatment of various indications in traditional healing systems in wide geographical areas. Cumin and caraway seeds are rich sources of essential oils and have been actively researched for their chemical composition and biological activities. In recent times (especially during the last 3 years) considerable progress has been made regarding validation of their acclaimed medicinal attributes by extensive experimental studies.

Involvement of P-glycoprotein and CYP 3A4 in the enhancement of etoposide bioavailability by a piperine analogue.

Etoposide, a semi-synthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin, is widely used anticancer agent. Etoposide presents low bioavailability with wide inter-, and intra-patient variability after oral dosing. In an earlier study a piperine analogue, namely, 4-ethyl 5-(3, 4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2E,4E-pentadienoic acid piperidide (PA-1), was shown to cause 2.

Possible role of macrophages induced by an irridoid glycoside (RLJ-NE-299A) in host defense mechanism.

In order to explore the possible role of macrophages and other necessary immune competent (T and B) cells in the modulation of immune responses, an attempt was made to study the immunomodulatory effect of an irridoid glycoside (RLJ-NE-299A) isolated from the roots of Picrorhiza kurroa. Both in vitro and in vivo studies were used to evaluate the effect of RLJ-NE-299A on humoral, cellular, and phagocytic activity of macrophages. The data obtained in the present study showed that RLJ-NE-299A significantly increased sheep red blood cell (SRBC) and induced antibody (IgM and IgG) titer and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction in mice.

A novel sarsasapogenin glycoside from Asparagus racemosus elicits protective immune responses against HBsAg.

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the adjuvant potential of a novel sarsasapogenin glycoside (immunoside) isolated from Asparagus racemosus in combination with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Various in vitro and animal derived protocols were used to determine the response of immunoside adjuvanted with HBsAg and the results were compared with alum adjuvanted with HBsAg. Several biomarkers such as antibody titre (IgG, IgG1/IgG2a) were measured in mice sera.

Simultaneous determination of etoposide and a piperine analogue (PA-1) by UPLC-qTOF-MS: evidence that PA-1 enhances the oral bioavailability of etoposide in mice.

In the present investigation, a UPLC-qTOF-MS/MS method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of etoposide and a piperine analogue, namely, 4-ethyl 5-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2E,4E-pentadienoic acid piperidide (PA-1). The analytes were separated on a reverse phase C18 column using methanol-water (72:28, v/v) mobile phase with a flow rate of 250 microL/min. The qTOF-MS was operated under multiple reaction monitoring mode using electro-spray ionization (ESI) technique with positive ion polarity.

Anti-histaminic potential of fractions from Hedranthera barteri [(Hook F.) Pichon] root in laboratory rodents.

Hedranthera barteri, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-nociceptive activity, anti-histaminic activityL. (HB) is used in the treatment of painful conditions and oedema amongst its folkloric use. The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of the root of H.

Pharmacokinetic interaction of some antitubercular drugs with caraway: implications in the enhancement of drug bioavailability.

This study deals with the pharmacokinetic interaction of selected anti-TB drugs with a natural product (CC-1a) derived from caraway (Carum carvi, L.) seed. CC-1a, chemically standardized butanolic fraction, enhanced the plasma levels of rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and isoniazid in Wistar rat, resulting in increased bioavailability indices (C(max) and AUC) of the drugs.

In vivo genotoxicity evaluation of a plant based antiarthritic and anticancer therapeutic agent Boswelic acids in rodents.

The genotoxic potential of anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic and anticancer plant based drug molecule Boswelic acids (BA) was studied by in vivo system. Systematic literature survey revealed that studies on the genotoxicity of BA are not available. Although reports on genotoxicity of Boswellia serrata dry extract and modified 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswelic acid are available and these studies were conducted in in vitro systems.

Sub-acute toxicity evaluation of an aqueous extract of Labisia pumila, a Malaysian herb.

Labisia pumila (Myrsinaceae), is a popular herb among the women in Malaysia known locally as "Kacip Fatimah". Recently many nutraceutical products containing the powdered or extracted parts of the plant have become available for women's health care. However no evaluation of the effect of the repeated dosing of any herbal product of this plant had been undertaken prior to a 28-day sub-acute study presented in this report.

Modulation of P-glycoprotein ATPase activity by some phytoconstituents.

In the present investigation 16 phytoconstituents, which are active moieties found in several medicinal herbs, have been evaluated for their P-glycoprotein (P-gp) stimulation/inhibition profiles using a P-gp-dependent ATPase assay in rat jejunal membrane (in vitro). Acteoside, agnuside, catechin, chlorogenic acid, picroside -II and santonin showed an inhibitory effect. Negundoside, picroside -I and oleanolic acid caused a stimulatory effect.

Anti-allergic effects of herbal product from Allium cepa (bulb).

Allium cepa (Family Liliaceae) is a reputed Indian medicinal herb that is prescribed as an effective remedy for several ailments in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate its efficacy against various events responsible for Type I allergic reactions. A herbal fraction (ALC-02) from A.

Negundoside, an irridiod glycoside from leaves of Vitex negundo, protects human liver cells against calcium-mediated toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride.

Aim: To evaluate the protective effect of 2'-p-hydroxybenzoylmussaenosidic acid [negundoside (NG), against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced toxicity in HuH-7 cells.

Methods: CCl(4) is a well characterized hepatotoxin, and inducer of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1)-mediated oxidative stress. In addition, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of intracellular calcium are important steps in the pathway involved in CCl(4) toxicity.

Evaluation of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of hydroxychavicol for its potential use as an oral care agent.

Hydroxychavicol isolated from the chloroform extraction of aqueous extract of Piper betle leaves showed inhibitory activity against oral cavity pathogens. It exhibited an inhibitory effect on all of the oral cavity pathogens tested (MICs of 62.5 to 500 microg/ml) with a minimal bactericidal concentration that was twofold greater than the inhibitory concentration.

Anti-histaminic, anti-inflammatory and bronchorelaxant activities of 2, 7-dimethyl-3-nitro-4H pyrido [1,2-a] pyrimidine-4-one.

An immunopharmacological profile of 2, 7-dimethyl-3-nitro-4H pyrido [1,2-a] pyrimidine-4-one (P-I) has been investigated using in vitro and in vivo models representing various features of Type I allergy. P-I prevented compound 48/80-mediated histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. A promising anti-inflammatory activity of P-I was evident in active paw anaphylaxis (mice) and carragenan-induced paw edema (rat).

The gastric ulcer protective effect of boswellic acids, a leukotriene inhibitor from Boswellia serrata, in rats.

Aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-ulcer efficacy of the boswellic acids (BA), a triterpenoid known as anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic agent, which is in clinical use. The reason for the study is that, the known non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are full of side effects especially ulceration which is at the top. BA, although, used as an anti-arthritic agent yet it is not only devoid of ulcer production but protective also.

Boswellic acids: A leukotriene inhibitor also effective through topical application in inflammatory disorders.

Boswellic acids (BA), a natural mixture isolated from oleo gum resin of Boswellia serrata comprised of four major pentacyclic triterpene acids: beta-boswellic acid (the most abundant), 3-acteyl-beta-boswellic acid, 11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, and 3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid, is reported to be effective as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, anti-asthmatic and in Chron's disease. It inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, specifically leukotrienes via inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase, the key enzyme of leukotriene synthesis, is the scientifically proved mechanism for its anti-inflammatory/anti-arthritic activity. All previous work on BA for its biological activity has been done through the systemic application but no pre-clinical data reported for its anti-inflammatory activity by topical application.

Simultaneous high-performance liquid chromatographic determination of Cedrus deodara active constituents and their pharmacokinetic profile in mice.

A specific and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with photodiode-array (PDA) ultraviolet detection was developed for the simultaneous determination of three bioactive constituents of Cedrus deodara namely wikstromol, matairesinol and dibenzylbutyrolactol in mouse plasma. In solid-phase extraction (SPE) these constituents were successfully separated using a C18 column by isocratic elution using acetonitrile:water containing hexanesulphonic acid, 32:68 (v/v). The flow rate was set at 1ml/min and detector wavelength at 225nm.