Bibhuti Bhusan Kakoti

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methanolic Stem Bark Extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn.

Stem bark of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. was extracted in methanol to evaluate their analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. The analgesic activity was determined on Wistar albino rats by hot plate method, tail flick assay, and tail immersion method using Morphine sulphate as standard drug at a dose of 5 mg/kg of body weight and the results were expressed as mean increase in latency after drug administration ± SEM. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by Carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema using diclofenac sodium as standard drug at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight and expressed in terms of mean increase in paw volume ± SEM. Stem bark extract was given at a dose of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of body weight. Both standard drugs and extract were administered orally to the animals. Control received distilled water orally. Results showed that Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. had potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Resveratrol and Omega-3 Fatty Acid: Its Implications in Cardiovascular Diseases

The present review aims at summarizing the major therapeutic roles of resveratrol and omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) along with their related pathways. This article reviews some of the key studies involving the health benefits of resveratrol and O3FAs. Oxidative stress has been considered as one of the most important pathophysiological factors associated with various cardiovascular disease conditions. Resveratrol, with the potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, has been proven to be a significantly protective compound in restoring the normal cardiac health. A plethora of research also demonstrated the reduction of the risk of coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, and their complications by O3FAs derived from fish and fish oils. This review describes the potential cardioprotective role of resveratrol and O3FAs in ameliorating the endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Garden rue inhibits the arachidonic acid pathway, scavenges free radicals, and elevates FRAP: role in inflammation.

AIM In the present study, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the methanol extract of Ruta graveolens leaves (RG-M) were evaluated using various in vivo and in vitro models. METHOD For anti-inflammatory activity, RG-M was administered by the oral route (p.o.) in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model, and by the intraperitoneal route (i.p.) in an exudative inflammation model. In vitro inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase enzymes was evaluated. In vitro antioxidant activity was also examined. Endogenous antioxidant status was further evaluated by ferric reducing ability of plasma model. RESULTS RG-M showed maximum inhibition of carrageenan-induced edema (100 mg·kg⁻¹ - 33.36%; 200 mg·kg⁻¹ - 45.32% and 400 mg·kg⁻¹ - 56.28%). In the exudative inflammation model, a significant reduction in leukocyte migration (200 mg·kg⁻¹ - 54.75% and 400 mg·kg⁻¹ - 77.97%) and protein exudation (200 mg·kg⁻¹ - 31.14% and 400 mg·kg⁻¹ - 49.91%) were observed. RG-M also exhibited inhibition of COX-1 (IC50 182.27 μg·mL⁻¹) and COX-2 (IC50 190.16 μg·mL⁻¹) as well as 5-LOX (IC50 215.71 μg·mL⁻¹). Antioxidant activity was significant with improved endogenous antioxidant status. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of RG-M with potent inhibitory effects on the arachidonic acid pathways.

Isolation and characterization of the new indigenous Staphylococcus sp. DBOCP06 as a probiotic bacterium from traditionally fermented fish and meat products of Assam state

Abstract Traditionally fermented fish and meat products are known for their probiotic values. An approach was made for the very first time to isolate and characterize novel indigenous probiotic bacterial strains from traditionally fermented fish and meat products of Assam, India, which is known as the biodiversity hotspot of the country with largely unexplored economically important microorganisms. The most potent probiotic isolate was identified as Staphylococcus sp. DBOCP6 (GenBank accession no. KR706310) on the basis of 16S rDNA sequencing technique. The new isolate was found to be non-hemolytic and nonpathogenic on the basis of its susceptibility against broad and narrow spectrum antibiotics. It shows antagonistic effect against E. coli MTCC 40. Its viability in presence of lysozyme, bile salt (4%), and a pH range of 1–10 signifies its ability to survive throughout the gastrointestinal tract. It also shows significant value of hydrophobicity (33.1%) along with a higher value of auto-aggregation (71.43%) indicates its ability to adhere to the intestinal wall on the basis of its cell surface traits. The high thermal death point of the isolate (100 °C) indicates its suitability for further commercial exploitation. Based on the above observations, it could be concluded that the novel Staphylococcus sp. strain DBOCP6 can serve as a potential probiotic candidate for industrial exploitation.

Evaluation of in-vitro anthelmintic activity of Heliotropium indicum Linn. leaves in Indian adult earthworm

Abstract Objective To carry out an exhaustive study with a view to substantiate the therapeutic potential of the plant in terms of its anthelmintic activity against Pheretima posthuma using mebendazole as a reference standard. Methods Forty five worms were collected and were divided into nine groups and were washed in normal saline before they were released into 10 mL of respective drug solutions using distilled water as vehicle. Different concentrations (25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL) of the test (MEHI and AEHI) and standard solution were prepared before the commencement of the experiment. Time for paralysis and time for death were recorded for each group. Results Crude methanolic extract with concentrations of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL produced dose-dependent paralysis. Time of paralysis and death increased with concentration of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL as compared with that of standard drug mebendazole. Methanolic extract of Heliotropium indicum Linn. ( H. indicum ) gave shorter paralysis and death time at 100 mg/mL as compared to aqueous extract H. indicum Linn. Results are expressed as mean±SEM ( P Conclusions From the investigation, conclusion can be drawn that the methanolic extract of H. indicum (Boraginaceae) showed better activity than aqueous extract of the same to treat intestinal worm infections. In comparison with the standard drug mebendazole, methanolic extract of H. indicum showed significant anthelmintic efficacy.

In vitro antihelmintic activity of bark extract of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) in Indian adult earthworm (Pheretima posthuma)

Abstract Objective To carry out an exhaustive study with a view to substantiate the therapeutic potential of methanolic and aqueous extract of bark of Cinnamomum bejolghota ( C. bejolghota ) against Pheretima posthuma which is used as experimental model for helmintic. Methods Thirty-six adult earthworms of 3.5–5.0 cm length were collected from university campus of Dibrugarh. Nine groups containing four worms in each group were divided for the experiment. About 0.9% (w/v) of normal saline solution, 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL, 100 mg/mL each of standard drug albendazole and methanolic, aqueous extract of bark of C. bejolghota were freshly prepared before commencement of the study. Earthworms were observed for paralysis and death time which is recorded in minute. Results Crude methanolic extract with concentrations of 25 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL produced dose-dependent paralysis. All results were expressed as the mean±SEM using One-way ANOVA. The difference in values at P Conclusions From the investigation, conclusion can be drawn that the methanolic bark extract of C. bejolghota showed better activity than aqueous extract of the same to treat intestinal worm infections. In comparison with the standard drug albendazole, methanolic bark extract of the plant showed significant antihelminthic activity.

Study on Antibacterial Activity of the Bark of Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb.

Garcinia lanceifolia Roxb. is an important and endemic medicinal plant of Assam which has been used by various ethnic communities of Northeast India to treat various disorders like dysentery, dyspepsia, and biliousness. The plant is considered to be containing much medicinal value and is also eaten raw or made into pickles by the local people. Our present study has been focused on the evaluation of the antibacterial activity of the methanolic extract of the bark of Garcinia lanceifolia which may lead us to a scientific evidence of the use of this plant in cases of dysentery and diarrhoea.

In-vitro antioxidative potential of methanolic aerial extracts from three ethnomedicinal plants of Assam: A Comparative Study

Antioxidants are the substances that neutralize free radicals or their actions. The traditional antioxidant phytochemicals from plants have been reported to inhibit the propagation of free radical reactions and to protect the human body from disease. The use of synthetic antioxidants has always been questioned because of their toxicity therefore researches are being carried out on plants nowadays to bring out the potent natural antioxidants. With this intent three ethnomedicinal plants of Assam viz., Calamus leptospadix Griff., Heliotropium indicum Linn., Lasia Spinosa Lour. were explored with a view to evaluate their in-vitro antioxidative potentials. The methanolic aerial extracts were studied for phytochemical analysis and antioxidative properties by different in-vitro assays: DPPH radical scavenging method, Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, Hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity, Total phenolic content and Total flavonoid content. The percentage of inhibition was calculated by comparing the absorbance values of the control and test samples. The study conducted revealed that methanolic extract of Calamus leptospadix (CL) exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 29 ± 3.24 μg/ml), Nitric oxide radical scavenging activity (233.33 ± 3.54 μg/ml), Total phenolic content (8.02 ± 0.32 μg/ml expressed as gallic acid equivalents) and Total flavonoid contents (61.71 ± 1.16 μg/ml expressed as quercetin equivalents). Methanolic extract of Lasia spinosa (LS) showed highest hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activity (IC50 value of 221.89 ± 2.14 μg/ml). The results obtained in the present study indicate that aerial parts of Calamus leptospadix have potent, Lasia spinosa have moderate and Heliotropium indicum (HI) have mild antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity.

Nanoplatforms for Delivery of siRNA to the Eye.

Drug delivery to the eye is challenging for formulation scientists due to physiological barriers that separate the eye from the rest of the body. A variety of ocular disorders demand the development of optimal drug delivery systems for the administration of drugs and therapeutic agents that can overcome barriers that restrict drug bioavailability. SiRNA inhibits the expression of target genes and has immense potential as a biological tool for the therapeutic inhibition of disease causing genes; however, delivery of siRNA to ocular tissue is a challenge. Recent literature suggests that nanoplatforms show great promise in enhancing ophthalmic drug delivery. A drug delivery system involving nanoparticles and siRNA could surpass problems faced in ocular delivery with improved biodistribution and lower toxicity. This review covers recent research in the area of nanocarrier siRNA drug delivery for various ocular disorders.

Antihyperglycemic and in vivo antioxidative activity evaluation of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats: an ethnomedicinal plant in Assam

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the antihyperglycemic property of Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) on streptozotocin induced type-2 diabetic rats. METHODS Oral glucose tolerance test level was measured at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min after the administration of extract. The extract was orally administered once daily at two dose levels of 250 and 500 mg/kg for 15 d. The effect of methanolic extract of Cinnamomum bejolghota (MECB) on the divergence of body weights, blood glucose levels and the biochemical parameters viz., total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase were measured in an autoanalyzer. Histopathology of pancreas and in vivo antioxidative status was studied. RESULTS A significant increase in bodyweights and rapid decrease in hyperglycemic peak was experiential in animals treated with MECB. After 15 d treatment the total cholesterol, TG, low density lipoprotein level decreased and high density cholesterol level increased significantly. MECB reduced the levels of the elevated marker enzymes aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. MECB reduced the lipid peroxidation and improved the level of catalase and glutathione in liver. Histopathological studies of pancreas in diabetic and treated groups substantiate the cytoprotective action of extract. CONCLUSIONS It can be evident from the research work that Cinnamomum bejolghota (Buch.-Ham.) has potent antihyperglycemic activity and supports the in vivo antioxidative status.