Archana Juvekar

Characterisation and anti-inflammatory evaluation of the inclusion complex of ellagic acid with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

The aim of the present work was to examine ellagic acid hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin complex (EA-HP-β-CD) obtained through the freeze-drying method via FTIR, XRD, SEM, NMR and molecular modeling, as well as to investigate it’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. Phase-solubility study showed that ellagic acid (EA) formed 1:2 stoichiometric inclusion complex with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD). The XRD and SEM analysis were confirmed true inclusion complex formation of EA with HP-β-CD by freeze-drying method when compared with a physical mixture. The FTIR, NMR and molecular modeling studies suggested that the carbonyl groups and hydroxyl groups of EA were involved in the inclusion complexation with HP-β-CD. EA-HP-β-CD exhibited better protection from protein denaturation and lysis of erythrocyte membrane as compared to positive controls. In vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation of EA-HP-β-CD in rats showed significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity on carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The present findings suggest that EA-HP-β-CD inclusion complex enhances the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of EA in experimental animal models.

Therapeutic Effect of Saponin Rich Fraction of Achyranthes aspera Linn. on Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Objective. Achyranthes aspera Linn. (AA) is used in folklore for the treatment of various inflammatory ailments and arthritis like conditions. Anti-inflammatory activity of saponin rich (SR) fraction of AA has been previously reported. The objective of this study was to assess the antiarthritic effect of SR fraction of Achyranthes aspera in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. Methods. Arthritis was assessed by arthritis score, paw volume, changes in tibiotarsal joint thickness, hyperalgesic parameters, and spleen and thymus index. Haematological, serum, biochemical, and inflammatory cytokine and in vivo antioxidant parameters were measured on the last day of the study. Results. SR fraction significantly suppressed paw swelling and arthritic score and improved the pain threshold in motility and stair climbing tests. There was a reversal in the levels of altered parameters, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and antioxidant parameters like superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. SR fraction significantly decreased plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6. Moreover, histopathology revealed a significant reduction in synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and bone destruction in the joints. Conclusion. These observations explain the therapeutic benefit of SR fraction of AA in suppressing the progression of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

Arzanol, a Potent mPGES-1 Inhibitor: Novel Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Arzanol is a novel phloroglucinol α-pyrone, isolated from a Mediterranean plant Helichrysum italicum (Roth) Don ssp. microphyllum which belongs to the family Asteraceae. Arzanol has been reported to possess a variety of pharmacological activities. However, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, and antioxidant activities have been studied in some detail. Arzanol has been reported to inhibit inflammatory transcription factor NFκB activation, HIV replication in T cells, releases of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, and biosynthesis of PGE2 by potentially inhibiting mPGES-1 enzyme. Diversity of mechanisms of actions of arzanol may be useful in treatment of disease involving these inflammatory mediators such as autoimmune diseases and cancer. This review presents comprehensive information on the chemistry, structure-activity relationship, and pharmacological activities of arzanol. In addition this review discusses recent developments and the scope for future research in these aspects.

Abrogation of locomotor impairment in a rotenone-induced Drosophila melanogaster and zebrafish model of Parkinson's disease by ellagic acid and curcumin

Background: In this study, we investigated the potential protective effects of ellagic acid and curcumin against the toxicity induced by rotenone (ROT) in zebrafish and Drosophila melanogaster. Materials and Methods: Adult zebrafish were concomitantly exposed to ROT 5 μl/L and ellagic acid (20, 40 mg/kg) and curcumin (20, 40 mg/kg) intramuscularly for 14 days whereas adult wild-type flies were concomitantly exposed to ROT (500 μM), respectively and ellagic acid (0.05% and 0.1%) and curcumin (0.05% and 0.1%) in the food during 7 days. Results: ROT produced marked decreased in the zebrafish swimming behavior and flies had a poorer performance (21-31%) in the negative geotaxis assay (i.e., climbing capability) when compared to control group. Ellagic acid and curcumin treatment offered protection (54-80%) against the ROT-induced locomotor impairment and performed better in zebrafish and in the negative geotaxis assay suggesting attenuation of ROT-induced locomotor deficits. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that ellagic acid and curcumin was effective in reducing the toxicity induced by ROT in zebrafish and D. melanogaster as well as confirm the significance of this model to explore possible therapeutic approaches on movement disorders, including Parkinson disease.