Masum Shahriar

Preliminary study of the immunostimulating activity of an ayurvedic preparation, Kanakasava, on the splenic cells of BALB/c mice in vitro

Context: Immunostimulant plays an important role to prevent infections when defensive capacity of body is impaired, commonly occur with aging, cancer, diabetes, and sepsis. Kanakasava (KNK) is a polyherbal ayurvedic preparation used since ancient times for the treatment of respiratory diseases and to improve immunity. Objective: The present study evaluated the immunostimulating potential of KNK. Materials and methods: The immunostimulating activity of KNK was evaluated by measuring immunoglobulin M (IgM) production and splenocyte proliferation in vitro. BALB/c mice splenocytes were treated with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, and 4% (v/v) of KNK, and the cells were subcultured at 37°C, humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 for 120 h. The production of IgM in cultured supernatants were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the proliferations of cells were measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y)-2,5-diphenylterazolium bromide (MTT) method. Results and discussion: KNK at the doses of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.5% (v/v) significantly augmented polyclonal IgM production (1.211, 1.260, 1.274, 1.180, and 1.028 µg/mL, respectively) compared to control (0.246 µg/mL). Similarly, the same doses stimulated the proliferation of splenocytes as well (Abs. 0.270, 0.281, 0.368, 0.328, and 0.301, respectively, measured at 570 nm) compared to untreated cells (Abs. 0.137). The activity of KNK was not retarded by the treatment of cells with polymixin B. Thus, our results demonstrate that KNK possesses immunostimulating potential that acts through the induction of lymphocytes for proliferation and IgM production. Conclusion: KNK may be useful for strengthening immune responses in case of insufficient or impaired immunity.

Neuropharmacological study of some Ayurvedic medicinal plants

Water extract (kwath) of six different widely used Ayurvedic medicinal plants were tested in mice for possible neuropharmacological efficacy. In the present experiments it was observed that a number of plant tested causes a significant level of Central Nervous System (CNS) depression, in that it significantly decreased the spontaneous Motor activity, and also lowered the exploratory behavior of the treated animals. Terminalia chebula (HAA), Terminalia bellerica (BHA), Emblica officinalis (AA), Piper longum 1. (PP). exhibited depressant action of on the CNS. Apart from them a mild to moderate degree of depression was evident as a consequence of administration of Zingiber officinale Rosc (SUT), Piper nigrum L. (MRC). However, none of the plant tested did not exhibit significant effects on pentobarbital induced narcosis, and this indicated that the sedating effects of the drug was not associated with the risk of fatal consequences on overdose.

Hepatoprotective Activity of Hedyotis corymbosa (Linn.) Lam. Extract Against Anti-Tubercular Drug Induced Hepatic Damage in Sprague-Dawley Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective actions of hydroalcoholic extract of Hedyotis corymbosa against hepatotoxicity caused by different combinations of anti-tubercular drugs. Antitubercular drugs isoniazid and rifampicin were used to make the elevated level of ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin as well as decreased level of albumin and total protein. Hepatoprotective activity of the plant was indicated when it causes the decrease of these marker enzymes and elevated level of albumin and total protein. H. corymbosa prevented liver damage caused by anti-tubercular drugs and also from histopathological changes. It can be concluded from the above experiment that hydroalcoholic extract of H. corymbosa showed significant hepatoprotective activity against antitubercular drugs.

A psycho-pharmacological study of BRHAT VATACINTAMANI RASA classical ayurvedic drug

The psycho-pharmacological effect of BRHAT VATACHINTAMANI RASA (BVC) an Ayurvedic preparation was investigated, both in animal and clinical models. It was observed that BVC possess a sedative or quitening effect in that it significantly decreased the spontaneous motor activity, and also lowered the exploratory behavior of the amphetamine treated animals. This was further evident by increase in climbing out time and taming effect on animal in isolation induced aggression test. Apart from very high dose it seems have little effect on pentobarbital sleeping time and narcotic analgesic test. The drug BVC increases performance of the animal in forced locomotor test. The effect of VATACHINTAMANI RASA on clinical study was not significant.