Suppression of mTOR Expression by siRNA Leads to Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis Induction in MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells.

Background: Mammary carcinogenesis, being ranked second in cancer-related mortality and the inadequacy of existing chemotherapy advocates the development of a novel treatment approach targeting its molecular signalling. Hyperactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has a critical role in developing invasive mammary cancer and it can be a potential target.

Objective: This experiment was to explore the efficacy of mTOR-specific siRNA on therapeutic targeting of the mTOR gene, assess its proficiency in suppressing in vitro breast cancer and determine underlying molecular mechanisms.

Therapeutic silencing of mTOR by systemically administered siRNA-loaded neutral liposomal nanoparticles inhibits DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis.

Background: Mammary carcinogenesis possesses great challenges due to the lack of effectiveness of the multiple therapeutic options available. Gene therapy-based cancer treatment strategy provides more targeting accuracy, fewer side effects, and higher therapeutic efficiency. Downregulation of the oncogene mTOR by mTOR-siRNA is an encouraging approach to reduce cancer progression.

7,8-Dihydroxycoumarin exerts antitumor potential on DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis by inhibiting ERα, PR, EGFR, and IGF1R: involvement of MAPK1/2-JNK1/2-Akt pathway.

Breast cancer (BC) is a persistent and impulsive metabolic disorder with the highest prevalence in women, worldwide. 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) is a potent polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-based carcinogen producing mammary carcinomas in rats resembling the human hormone-dependent BC. 7,8-Dihydroxycoumarin (78DC) is a coumarin derivative that possesses diversified and favorable pharmacology profile to be considered in anticancer research against various malignancies.

Effect of traditional medicine brahmi vati and bacoside A-rich fraction of Bacopa monnieri on acute pentylenetetrzole-induced seizures, amphetamine-induced model of schizophrenia, and scopolamine-induced memory loss in laboratory animals.

Objective: Brahmi vati (BV) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation used since ancient times and has been prescribed in seizures associated with schizophrenia and related memory loss by Ayurvedic practitioners in India. The aim of the study was to investigate these claims by evaluation of anticonvulsant, antischizophreniac, and memory-enhancing activities. Antioxidant condition of brain was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels estimations.

Daphnetin inhibits TNF-α and VEGF-induced angiogenesis through inhibition of the IKKs/IκBα/NF-κB, Src/FAK/ERK1/2 and Akt signalling pathways.

Coumarins, identified as plant secondary metabolites possess diverse biological activities including anti-angiogenic properties. Daphnetin (DAP), a plant derived dihydroxylated derivative of coumarin has shown significant pharmacological properties such as anticancer, anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory. The present study was performed to investigate the anti-angiogenic potential of DAP, focusing on the mechanism of action.

Studies on metals and pesticide content in some Ayurvedic formulations containing Bacopa monnieri L.

Objective: Ayurvedic formulations are preferred over other formulations as well as commercialized on broad level to treat various ailments. The World Health Organization has established certain guidelines for quality control of heavy metals and pesticide residues. Bacopa monnieri, a popular herb with immunomodulator and memory-enhancing properties is the chief constituent of several Ayurvedic formulations, which include Brahmi Vati (BV), Brahmi Ghrita (BG) and Saraswat Churna (SC), etc.

In-house preparation and characterization of an Ayurvedic bhasma: Praval bhasma.

Objective: To prepare the Praval bhasma (PB) and to perform its characterization.

Methods: The preparation was performed strictly as per method prescribed in Ayurvedic formulary of India followed by preliminary tests including Nischandratva, Rekhapurnatvam, Varitaramtavm, Nisvadutvam and Amla pariksha. The physicochemical characterization was done with the use of instrumental techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX).

HPLC analysis and standardization of Brahmi vati - An Ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to standardize Brahmi vati (BV) by simultaneous quantitative estimation of Bacoside A3 and Piperine adopting HPLC-UV method. BV very important Ayurvedic polyherbo formulation used to treat epilepsy and mental disorders containing thirty eight ingredients including Bacopa monnieri L. and Piper longum L.

Validated modified Lycopodium spore method development for standardisation of ingredients of an ayurvedic powdered formulation Shatavaryadi churna.

Validated modified lycopodium spore method has been developed for simple and rapid quantification of herbal powdered drugs. Lycopodium spore method was performed on ingredients of Shatavaryadi churna, an ayurvedic formulation used as immunomodulator, galactagogue, aphrodisiac and rejuvenator. Estimation of diagnostic characters of each ingredient of Shatavaryadi churna individually was carried out.

Anticonvulsant potential of ethanol extracts and their solvent partitioned fractions from Flemingia strobilifera root.

Background: Flemingia strobilifera (FS) R.Br. (Fabaceae) is an important medicinal plant.

Standardization of a traditional polyherbo-mineral formulation - Brahmi vati.

The present study deals with standardization of an in-house standard preparation and three marketed samples of Brahmi vati, which is a traditional medicine known to be effective in mental disorders, convulsions, weak memory, high fever and hysteria. Preparation and standardization have been done by following modern scientific quality control procedures for raw material and the finished products. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed the reduction of metals and minerals (particle size range 2-5 µm) which indicates the proper preparation of bhasmas, the important ingredient of Brahmi vati.

Microscopic characterization of Scoparia dulcis Linn.(Scrophulariaceae).

This manuscript covers a detailed pharmacognostic evaluation of Scoparia dulcis Linn. whole plant (Scrophulariaceae), including morphology, microscopy, physicochemical, and phytochemical screening. Microscopy of different plant part was done by performing transverse sections and longitudinal sections, which were identified by the different staining reagents and dyes.

Protective effects of Terminalia arjuna against Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Terminalia arjuna has been marked as a potential cardioprotective agent since vedic period. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of butanolic fraction of Terminalia arjuna bark (TA-05) on Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity. Male wistar rats were used as in vivo model for the study.