Ramakrishna Avadhani

Beneficial effect of aqueous root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra on learning and memory using different behavioral models: An experimental study

Background: In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) (family: Leguminosae) have been studied for their ability to improve a variety of health ailments. Aims: The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effects of Gg root extract on learning and memory in 1-month-old male Wistar albino rats. Four doses (75, 150, 225, and 300 mg/kg) of aqueous extract of root of Gg was administered orally for six successive weeks. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extracts were evaluated for their effect on spatial learning and memory in rats using the elevated plus maze, Hebb–William maze, and Morris water maze tests which served as the exteroceptive behavioral model. Diazepam-induced amnesia served as the interoceptive behavioral model. Results: Results showed that all the doses of aqueous root extract of Gg significantly enhanced the memory; however, in the doses of 150 and 225 mg/kg, it showed a significant (P < 0.01) enhancement in learning and memory. Furthermore, Diazepam-induced amnesia was reversed by the aqueous root extract of Gg (150 and 225 mg/kg, p.o.). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the memory enhancement effects of Gg may be mediated by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Thus, Gg appears to be a promising drug for improving memory in the management of impaired learning, dementia, Alzheimers disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.

Binary Logistic Regression Analysis of Foramen Magnum Dimensions for Sex Determination

Purpose. The structural integrity of foramen magnum is usually preserved in fire accidents and explosions due to its resistant nature and secluded anatomical position and this study attempts to determine its sexing potential. Methods. The sagittal and transverse diameters and area of foramen magnum of seventy-two skulls (41 male and 31 female) from south Indian population were measured. The analysis was done using Students t-test, linear correlation, histogram, Q-Q plot, and Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) to obtain a model for sex determination. The predicted probabilities of BLR were analysed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve. Result. BLR analysis and ROC curve revealed that the predictability of the dimensions in sexing the crania was 69.6% for sagittal diameter, 66.4% for transverse diameter, and 70.3% for area of foramen. Conclusion. The sexual dimorphism of foramen magnum dimensions is established. However, due to considerable overlapping of male and female values, it is unwise to singularly rely on the foramen measurements. However, considering the high sex predictability percentage of its dimensions in the present study and the studies preceding it, the foramen measurements can be used to supplement other sexing evidence available so as to precisely ascertain the sex of the skeleton.

Enhancement of Hippocampal CA3 Neuronal Dendritic Arborization by Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract Treatment in Wistar Albino Rats

Background: In the traditional system of medicine, the roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gg) (family: Leguminosae) have been in clinical use for centuries. Aim: In the present study, we investigated the role of aqueous extract of root of Gg treatment on the dendritic morphology of hippocampal Cornu Ammonis area three (CA3) neurons, one of the regions concerned with learning and memory, in 1- month- old male Wistar albino rats. Materials and Methods: The aqueous extract of root of Gg was administered orally in four doses (75, 150, 225 and 300 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. After the treatment period, all experimental animals were subjected to spatial learning (Morris water maze, Hebb-Williams maze and elevated plus maze) tests. At the end of the spatial memory tests, the rats were deeply anesthetized with Pentobarbitone and killed their brains were removed rapidly and fixed in rapid Golgi fixative. Hippocampal CA3 neurons were traced using camera lucida, and dendritic arborization and intersections were quantified. These data were compared to those of age-matched control rats. Results: The aqueous root extract of Gg in the dose of 150 and 225 mg/kg/p.o showed a significant (P < 0.01) enhancement of dendritic arborization (dendritic branching points) and dendritic intersections along the length of both apical and basal dendrites in hippocampal (CA3) pyramidal neurons is comparable to control. Conclusion: Based on our results obtained, we conclude that constituents present in aqueous root extract of Gg have neuronal dendritic growth stimulating properties.

Study of surgical landmarks of mandibular foramen for inferior alveolar nerve block: An Osteological study

Background: Local Anaesthesia to inferior alveolar nerve is one of the most common procedures done by surgeons for various treatments and to make it more effective the anaesthetic agent has to be infiltrated closer to mandibular foramen. Unluckily the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block is very less due to inaccurate localization of the mandibular foramen leading to improper placement of the needle. Objective: The present study has been carried out on dry mandibles to determine the accurate position of mandibular foramen from various landmarks of mandible to provide with the suitable data to help the surgeons to locate the Mandibular foramen with more precision for successful Inferior Alveolar Nerve block. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in department of anatomy, Yenepoya medical college. A total of 100 dry mandibles were studied on its both sides to locate the mandibular foramen using digital Vernier calipers. Results: The Mean and standard deviation values on right and left sides of the mandibles to locate the mandibular foramen from its anterior border are 17.69(±2.70), 17.94(±2.73), posterior border 11.39(±1.93), 11.40(±2.01), Mandibular notch 22.90(±3.57), 22.39(±3.18), angle of Mandible 23.87(±4.52), 23.66(±4.36) and 3M-third molar to mandibular foramen 17.9(±3.57), 17.6(±3.77) respectively. Conclusion: The comprehension of the Mandibular foramen is of a considerable importance for inferior alveolar nerve anesthesia, dento alveolar surgeries, endodontic treatments and lesions diagnosis. Its precise location enables a more effective anesthesia. Incorrect estimations of its location might be the reason for the unsuccessful anesthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve and damage of neurovascular structures passing through it.

Binary logistic regression analysis of hard palate dimensions for sexing human crania

Sex determination is the preliminary step in every forensic investigation and the hard palate assumes significance in cranial sexing in cases involving burns and explosions due to its resistant nature and secluded location. This study analyzes the sexing potential of incisive foramen to posterior nasal spine length, palatine process of maxilla length, horizontal plate of palatine bone length and transverse length between the greater palatine foramina. The study deviates from the conventional method of measuring the maxillo-alveolar length and breadth as the dimensions considered in this study are more heat resistant and useful in situations with damaged alveolar margins. The study involves 50 male and 50 female adult dry skulls of Indian ethnic group. The dimensions measured were statistically analyzed using Students t test, binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve. It was observed that the incisive foramen to posterior nasal spine length is a definite sex marker with sex predictability of 87.2%. The palatine process of maxilla length with 66.8% sex predictability and the horizontal plate of palatine bone length with 71.9% sex predictability cannot be relied upon as definite sex markers. The transverse length between the greater palatine foramina is statistically insignificant in sexing crania (P=0.318). Considering a significant overlap of values in both the sexes the palatal dimensions singularly cannot be relied upon for sexing. Nevertheless, considering the high sex predictability of incisive foramen to posterior nasal spine length this dimension can definitely be used to supplement other sexing evidence available to precisely conclude the cranial sex.

GC-MS characterization of n-hexane soluble compounds of Cyperus rotundus L. rhizomes.

Cyperus rotundus L., popularly known as nutgrass or nagarmotha, is commonly used in the traditional medicine for inflammatory disorders. In the present study, n-hexane extract from rhizomes of C. rotundus (HCR) was analyzed for its constituents using GC-MS technique. The rhizomes were collected, washed, shade dried and powdered. N-hexane extract was prepared by cold percolation method and preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out. It was subjected to Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) for the identification of components thereon. Preliminary phytochemical screening of HCR revealed the presence of phenolics, sterols and terpenoids. GC-MS data indicates the presence of twenty seven low polar components in HCR. The major identified molecules include hentriacontane (7.15%), triacontane (6.12%), nonacosane (5%), octacosane (4.38%), octadecane (2.35%), hexadecane (2.32%), eicosane (1.56%), pentatriacontane (1.43%), 9 -ditert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione (1.37%), Heneicosane, 3-methyl- (1.27%), α-cyperone (1.25%), heptadecane (1.15%) and gamma-Sitosterol (1%). As some of these constituents are known to possess anticancer activity, HCR could be used as an active therapeutic ingredient.

MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY OF PROFUNDA FEMORIS ARTERY: A CADAVERIC STUDY

Introduction: The anatomical knowledge of variations of femoral artery and its branches is important as it is frequently accessed by surgeons and radiologists for number of procedures. Profunda femoris artery is the largest branch of femoral artery, it is chief supply of the thigh. It is frequently incorporated in vascular reconstructive procedures in the proximal leg. Femoral artery is frequently accessed by radiologists for number of procedures, and surgeons. Accurate knowledge of anatomical variations of femoral artery and its branches including profunda femoris, medial and lateral femoral circumflex arteries is required to minimize complications and hence it is suggested for the clinicians planning surgery and intervention. Materials and Methods: In the present study, dissection was performed on 70 lower extremities of 35 embalmed cadavers in the department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College Mangalore. The distance of the site of origin of profunda femoris artery from the midpoint of the inguinal ligament was measured in mm with a scale and recorded. The site of origin of medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries were studied. Results: In present study of profunda femoris artery, we found posterolateral and lateral aspect of origin was common (72.85%) than posterior and posteromedial aspect of origin (19.83%). In three limbs (3.03%) profunda femoris artery was originating from medial side of femoral artery and it coursed superficial to femoral vein. As per various literatures this is rare. The site of origin of profunda femoris artery was between 21-40 mm on 48 limbs. In 12 limbs we found high origin of profunda femoris artery (distance < 10mm). In 10% cases profunda femoris artery took origin as a common stem of femoral artery, that is origin of profunda femoris and two circumflex arteries from single site. Conclusion: Anatomical knowledge of branching pattern of femoral and profunda femoral artery and their distance of origin is very important to surgeons to avoid inadvertent damage to these vessels and to avoid complications during surgeries. the complications in vascular reconstructive surgeries.

INCIDENCE OF WORMIAN BONES IN DRY HUMAN SKULLS IN SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Address for Correspondence: Dr. Meera Jacob, Assistant Professor, Department Of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. E-Mail: nakulalekshmy@gmail.com Background: The Wormian bones are small bones located in or near the sutures of the skull which are irregular in size, shape and number. The present study is to look into the morphological details of such supernumerary bones of skull with regards to their incidence, number and topography in skulls from the South Indian population. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College. A total of 200 dry human skulls for wormian sutures in 7 bilateral sites and 4 unilateral sites. The parameters such as; percentage of skulls with wormian bones, Incidence of wormian bones with respect to sutures and topographic distribution of wormian bones in the skull were noted. Results and Discussion: In the present study the incidence of wormian bones was seen in 123 (61.5%), with a maximum incidence at the lambdoid suture (112 skulls, 91.05%), followed by the asterion (98 skulls, 79.67%) and coronal suture (66 skulls, 53.65%). We also found that 70 (14.17%) wormian bones were present along the midline of the skull. Conclusion: The radiologist and neurosurgeons should keep in mind about such occurrence of accessory bones before doing craniotomy surgeries. The topographical distribution of wormian bones could be useful to radiologists and forensic experts in successfully differentiating a skull fracture/injury and a normal suture, and thereby exclude possibilities of physical abuse and brittle bones. It also helps neurosurgeons, neuroanatomists, orthopedicians, radiologists, anthropologists and morphologists to arrive at an early diagnosis and timely management of disorders associated with it.

In vitro cytotoxic activity of rhizome extracts of Cyperus rotundus (L.) against colon carcinoma and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Cyperus rotundus (L.) is a perennial herb belonging to family Cyperaceae having tremendous medicinal properties and it has been used in various formulations of Indian system of medicine. This study was designed to investigate the in vitro anticancer potential of aqueous and ethanol extracts of Cyperus rotundus (L.).The cytotoxicity was assessed using SRB Assay and Trypan blue assay against human colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) and Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell lines. Results of SRB assay on HCT-116 cells indicated an IC50 value of 517.828 µg/ml for aqueous extract and that 72.06 µg/ml for ethanol extract. In trypan blue assay, IC50 values of 2158.63 µg/ml and 160.19 µg/ml were obtained for aqueous and ethanol extracts respectively on EAC cells. Positive control Doxorubicin exhibited IC50 of 11.221 µg/ml and 23.325 µg/ml against HCT-116 and EAC cells respectively. Findings from this study prospect the possible use of C. rotundus as a potential anticancer agent.

Sex determination from hard palate measurements using palatine index with reference to its clinical implications

Objective: To determine the sexual dimorphism of hard palate and to classify hard palate using palatine index. Method: Present study was conducted in 90 dry skulls of South Indian region. Sex of the skull was determined and various measurements were taken and compared to determine sexual dimorphism. The parameters measured were maximum length of hard palate, maximum width of hard palate and palatine index was calculated. Results: The average values of maximum length of palate for male and female cases were 3.98±0.44 and 3.72±0.54 cms respectively. The aevarage value of maximum palatal width was 3.53±0.40 cms in males and 3.23±0.45 cms in females. The maximum palatal length and width were higher in males when compared to females (p value<0.001). The average value of palatal index was 90.3±18.46 in males and 89.7±21.15 in females respectively. P value >0.05 and it was statistically insignificant. Majority of male skulls had brachystaphyline type of palate (54.17%) whereas in females 40.48% belonged to leptostaphyline and 40.48% to brachystaphyline type. Conclusion: The study shows that the maximum palatal length and width is higher in males than females in the south Indian population. According to palatine index, Majority of the hard palates belonged to the category of brachystaphyline type in the south Indian region which correlated with other studies conducted in the same population.