Manjir Sarma Kataki

Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, and Anthelmintic Activities of MethanolExtract of Urtica dioica L. Leaves

The antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anthelmintic activities of methanol extract of leaves of Urtica dioica L. (MEUD) were investigated in the present study. Hepatoprotective potential of the extract was evaluated against CCl4- induced hepatic injury in Wister rats. In addition, reducing power assay, determination of total antioxidant activity, DPPH radical scavenging activity and nitric oxide scavenging activity were investigated to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activ- ity of the extract. The results indicated significant antioxidant activity of the extract comparable to standard antioxidant compounds like � -tocopherol, ascorbic acid and BHA (Butylated hydroxyanisole). Significant hepatoprotective profile was also observed with maximum hepatoprotection at the dose of 400 mg/kg as suggested by decreased level of serum ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin levels towards normalization. Pretreatment of animals with the extract at all the dose level (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) resulted a significant decrease in malonyldehyde (MDA) level as well as a significant in- crease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) level clearly indicating inhibition of lipid peroxidation and improvement of anti- oxidant defense enzyme system. Anthelmintic activity of the methanol extract was also investigated using adult Indian earth worms (Pheretima posthuma) and the results revealed a dose dependent increase in anthelmintic activity of the ex- tract at 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL concentrations.

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.

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.

Nanotoxicity of Nanobiomaterials in Ocular System and Its Evaluation

Nanotoxicology is an emerging science under the tremendously growing field of nanotechnology. The unique advantageous properties of nanoparticles or nanobiomaterials have become a challenging issue of primary concern in terms of possible unpredictable toxic interactions of these nanoparticles with the biomolecules in the physiological system. The scanty in vivo studies are insufficient to advocate the therapeutic success stories of nanobiomaterials. A plethora of reports demonstrated only in vitro studies of nanotoxicity assessment. This chapter discusses toxicity issues related to nanobiomaterials targeted for ocular delivery and current methodologies used to assess nanomaterial toxicity along with the challenges and limitations.