Firoz Anwar

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa: A miracle herb

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) (Family Ranunculaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world. It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda and Siddha. Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food. The seeds of N. sativa have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine. It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine). It has been widely used as antihypertensive, liver tonics, diuretics, digestive, anti-diarrheal, appetite stimulant, analgesics, anti-bacterial and in skin disorders. Extensive studies on N. sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic, anticancer, immunomodulator, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, bronchodilator, hepato-protective, renal protective, gastro-protective, antioxidant properties, etc. Due to its miraculous power of healing, N. sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines. This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil. The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics, chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.

Classical to Current Approach for Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review

Psoriasis is a genetic predisposition with T-cell mediated autoimmune inflammatory skin disorder, characterized by cutaneous inflammation, increased epidermal proliferation, hyperkeratosis, angiogenesis, and abnormal keratinization that affects up to 2 - 3% of the population worldwide. Common therapies that are used for the treatment of psoriasis include topical, systemic, phototherapy, combination, herbal therapy and novel molecules. Topically used agents include Vit D, calcipotriol, corticosteroids, dithranol and retinoids etc. Systemically used agents include methotrexate and cyclosporine etc. Phototherapy includes UV-B, Psoralen plus ultraviolet therapy and excimer laser etc. These therapies have a number of potential problems, such as limited in efficacy, inconvenience, organ toxicity, carcinogenic and broadband immunosuppression. In natural treatment a variety of natural agents such as methanolic extracts of duzhong (Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.), yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis,) linseed oil, fish oil, and Indigo naturalis etc., that modulates T cell and cytokine action at various steps along with the pathogenic sequence have been developed. But till now there is no more in vivo, dose and its efficacy data has been established. Current therapy includes biologicals, small molecules inhibitor and enzyme inhibitors etc, which serve as novel therapeutic options for psoriasis treatment. All these avoid the side effects of the prebiologically developed systemic agents including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression. Currently, Denilukin diftitox, Efalizumab, Alefacept, Ustekinumab and Etanercept are approved by the FDA, and others molecules are at clinical stage. Patents issued by the US office are also included in current psoriasis treatment scenario. In the United States, biologicals are widely used for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. But because of the high cost of medication and their availability in injection form, it remains to be seen how widely these agents will be utilized worldwide. Still, developing countries prefer conventional drugs.

Sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic effects of Viscum album L. (Loranthaceae) in mice and rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Viscum album L. is claimed in traditional medical practice, to be useful in the treatment of epilepsy and insomnia in Himachal Pradesh, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS The effect of Viscum album L. on epilepsy, psychosis and sedative activity was evaluated in mice and rats using standard procedure. RESULTS The aqueous leaf extract of Viscum album L. prolonged the pentobarbital induced sleeping time and reduced the locomotor activity in actophotometer. This suggests that reduced locomotor activity facilitate GABAergic transmission. In addition the extract reduced MES, INH and PTZ-induced convulsions which suggest that there may be possibility of blocking Na(+) channels, opening of Cl(-) channels or enhancing the GABAergic system. The extract decreased the apomorphine-induced stereotyped behavior and potentiates the HAL-induced cataleptic score which suggests the extract possess antidopaminergic activity. CONCLUSION The results obtained in present study suggested that title plant exhibited sedative, antiepileptic and antipsychotic activity in mice and rats.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of a novel steroidal derivative from Bryophyllum pinnatum

A new steroidal derivative, urs Stigmast-4, 20 (21), 23-trien-3-one and other four compounds were isolated from the leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum. The structure of this new steroid was elucidated and established by standard spectroscopic methods. Carrageenan induced paw edema model was used for anti-inflammatory and acetic acid induced model used for analgesic activity. This new steroidal compound was found to be active in reducing inflammation (% inhibition 87.29 and 84.45 respectively) when compared with diclofenac. Further, it showed 75.72% protection in analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing test in mice. In conclusion the % inhibition against carrageenan induced rat paw edema and % protection against acetic acid induced writhings showed by new compound revealed that the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of aqueous extract B. pinnatum are mainly due to the presence of this steroidal compound.

Advancement in multifunctional nanoparticles for the effective treatment of cancer

Introduction: Nanotechnology has gained wider importance for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Multifunctional or theranostic agents are emerging as promising therapeutic paradigms, which provide attractive vehicles for both image and therapeutic agents. Nanosystems are capable of diagnosis, specific targeted drug therapy and monitoring therapeutic response. Due to their well-developed surface nature, nanomolecules are easy to anchor with multifunctional groups. Areas covered: The present review aims to give an extensive account on the progress of multifunctional nanoparticles throughout the blooming research with regards to their clinical application in cancer. This paper discusses graphene, a newly developed multifunctional vehicle in nanotechnology. Furthermore, it focuses on the development of tumor cells, the advantages of novel multifunctional nanoparticles over traditional methods and the use of nanoparticles in cancer therapy. In addition, patents issued by the US office are also included. Expert opinion: Despite numerous advantages, multifunctional nanoparticles are still at an infancy stage. Many great achievements have been attained in this field to date, but many challenges still remain. A problem that limits the use of multifunctional nanoparticles is toxicity. If this toxicity can be overcome then the advancement in nanocomposite material science will be well on the way to a prospective treatment of cancer.

Enhanced glycemic control, pancreas protective, antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects by umbelliferon-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(2I → 1II)-α-D-glucopyranoside in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of umbelliferon-α-D-glucopyranosyl-(2I → 1II)-α-D-glucopyranoside (UFD) from Aegle marmelos Corr. on serum glucose, lipid profile and free radical scavenging activity in normal and STZ (streptozotocin) induced diabetic rats.Materials and methodsDiabetes was induced by single interperitoneal injecting of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg, i.p.) in the rats. All the rats were divided into following groups; I - nondiabeteic, II - nondiabetic + UFD (40 mg/kg, p.o.), III - diabetic control, IV - UFD (10 mg/kg, p.o.), V - UFD (20 mg/kg, p.o.), VI - UFD (40 mg/kg) and VII - glibenclamide (10 mg/kg, p.o.). Serum glucose level and body weight were determined periodically. Biochemical parameter, antioxidant enzyme and histopathology study were performed on the day 28. Oral glucose tolerance test study was performed to identify the glucose utilization capacity.ResultsAll the doses of UFD and glibenclamide decrease the level of serum glucose, glycated hemoglobin, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1-6-biphosphate and increased the level of plasma insulin, hexokinase. The UFD doses also showed effects on antioxidant enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase which were significantly increased and the level of malonaldehyde was markedly decreased. Histologically study, focal necrosis, deposition of fats, increased the size of the intercalated disc were observed in the diabetic rat liver, kidney, heart and pancreas but was less obvious in treated groups. The mechanism of action of the UFD emerges to be due to increase the activity of antioxidant enzyme and secretion of pancreatic insulin.ConclusionReduction in the FBG (fasting blood glucose), glycated hemoglobin, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1-6-biphosphate, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxides, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, VLDL levels and improvement in the level of the plasma insulin, hexokinase, HDL was observed by the UFD treated rats. The result indicates that UFD has anti-diabetic activity along with anti hyperlipidemic and antioxidant efficacy and provides a scientific rationale to be used as an Anti-diabetic agent.

Antiulcer and antioxidant activities of a new steroid from Morus alba.

AIMS Morus alba is a plant that is well known for its medicinal properties. In Asian countries, it is traditionally used for anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiulcer and antioxidant activity of a new steroid from M. alba. MAIN METHODS Column chromatography was employed to isolate different compounds from M. alba. The molecular structures of the compounds were characterized via IR, UV, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and mass spectroscopic methods. A newly isolated compound was tested for antiulcer activity in pylorus-ligation- and ethanol-induced ulcer models and biochemically estimated for SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, GSH and LPO levels. KEY FINDINGS Five new compounds were isolated; one of these was a new steroid named albosteroid. This new compound exhibits significant (P<0.05, P<0.01 and P<0.001) antiulcer activity in pylorus-ligation- and ethanol-induced ulcer models. Furthermore, this compound showed significant dose-dependent reversal of ethanol-diminished activity in antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH, and reduced the ethanol-elevated levels of GR and LPO. SIGNIFICANCE The present study clearly demonstrates the anti-ulcer and antioxidant potential of compound 1, which was supported by macroscopic and histopathological studies of stomach wall tissues of differently treated groups of rats.

Umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by attenuating COX-1 and COX-2

Umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside (UFG) (benzopyrone) is a member of the coumarin family, found in many plants exhibiting numerous pharmacological actions. The current experiments were carried out to exemplify the anti-inflammatory potential of UFG on chronic inflammation induced by Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) (heat killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis) in experimental rats. Arthritis in rats was induced by intradermal administration of CFA (0.05 ml) in the right hind paw, and confirmed by development of paw edema and arthritic index in comparison with normal controls. The anti-arthritic activity of UFG was determined by its ability to inhibit various biochemical markers, viz., pro-inflammatory, antioxidant enzymes, and hematological parameters elevated upon administration of CFA. UFG was also tested for its inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 via enzyme inhibition assay and the results were monitored spectrophotometrically with a 96-well plate reader. The results of the study showed that UFG in a dose of 10, 20 or 40 mg kg−1 per day, p.o., helps to prevent paw edema and arthritic score development for arthritis in rats. It markedly alters hematological and oxidative stress induced by the adjuvant. Moreover, the changes brought about in inflammation/arthritis serum markers were reverted back to a near normal level upon UFG treatment in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological analysis of the joints of subjects showed UFG significantly decreases mononuclear infiltration and synovial hyperplasia, which confirms the utility of UFG as an anti-arthritic agent. In a COX inhibition assay UFG was found to act prominently to inhibit COX-2 then COX-1, which suggests its plausible mechanism of action. The current study clearly indicates that UFG possesses anti-inflammatory effects against CFA induced arthritis via suppressing COX-2 inhibition.

Antiobesity potential of ursolic acid stearoyl glucoside by inhibiting pancreatic lipase

The present study was designed to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of ursolic acid stearoyl glucoside (UASG) in high-fat diet-induced obesity. Two in vivo experiments such as high-fat diet-induced obesity mice model and lipid emulsion tolerance test in normal rats were performed. In vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase activity was further measured to substantiate the results. In high-fat diet-induced obesity mice model, female Swiss mice were fed a high fat diet (HFD; 40% fat) with or without 1 or 2% of UASG or 0.012% orlistat for nine weeks. In lipid emulsion tolerance test male Wister rats were orally administered, lipid emulsion with or without 500 or 1000 mg/kg of UASG and the plasma triglycerides were measured from 0.5 to 5 h. Consumption of HFD containing UASG to mice for nine weeks exhibited significant reduction in lipid parameters, body weight, parametrial adipose tissue weight, liver triglyceride (TG) and different organ weight compared to HFD fed control. Further it was noted the improvement in insulin resistance induced by the HFD alone group. Furthermore, consumption of an HFD containing 1 or 2% of UASG significantly increased the fecal content and fecal triglyceride compared with the HFD group. Pre-treatment with UASG inhibited the elevated plasma triglyceride level after the oral administration of the lipid emulsion to rats. Further, UASG significantly inhibits activity of pancreatic lipase at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml. Data obtained from the results indicated that UASG prevent high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice possibly by inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity.

Umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside inhibits chemically induced renal carcinogenesis via alteration of oxidative stress, hyperproliferation and inflammation: possible role of NF-κB

Umbelliferone (7-hydroxycoumarin) possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and free radical scavenging activity. The intent of the current study was to examine the renal protective efficacy of Umbelliferone β-D-galactopyranoside (UFG) against oxidative stress, inflammation and renal injury in Wistar rats, initiated by diethylinitrosamine (DEN) and promoted by ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA). The capacity of UFG to scavenge the reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated and was also scrutinized for its effectiveness in scavenging the hydroxyl (OH), superoxide (O2), nitric acid (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radicals. Renal carcinoma was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of DEN (200 mg kg−1 bodyweight) and promoted by twice weekly treatment of Fe-NTA (9 mg kg−1) for 22 weeks. To estimate the molecular mechanism involved in the antitumor potential of UFG, its effect on renal tumor inflammation was evaluated; the proinflammatory cytokines included interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interlukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α); the inflammatory mediator included prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) and nuclear factor kappa B cell (NFκB). Serum abnormalities, including creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and [3H] thymidine incorporation were also induced. Furthermore, renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), endogenous antioxidant enzymes, phase II metabolizing enzymes and concomitant reduction in glutathione (GSH) were augmented. UFG showed the 95% and 99% antioxidant activity in the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) models. UFG significantly inhibited the RNS and ROS radical and indicated the antioxidant activity (in vitro). The results showed momentous renal markers and oxidative stress protection impaired by UFG. UFG also restored the altered inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines, which further strengthens the renal protection of UFG in DEN + Fe-NTA induced renal carcinogenesis. These results indicate that UFG is an efficient chemoprotective agent, having the ability to thwart DEN induced and Fe-NTA promoted renal carcinoma in experimental rats.