Shailesh K. Bhavsar

An evaluation of the protective role of Ficus racemosa Linn. in streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy with neurodegeneration

Objective: Ficus racemosa (FR) is one of the herbs mentioned in the scriptures of the Ayurveda as Udumbara with high medicinal value. The objective of this study was to estimate the protective effect of FR against streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic neuropathy with neurodegeneration (DNN). Materials and Methods: Diabetes was induced in Wistar rats with STZ and were divided into six groups namely diabetic vehicle control, FR (four) and glibenclamide (one) treated rats; while one group was of normal control rats. After the 4th week of diabetes, induction treatment was started for further 28 days (5th to 8th week) with FR aqueous extract (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). Investigation of DNN was carried out through biochemical and behavioral parameter assessment in rats. Results: Study showed a significant fall in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and blood glucose level by the treatment of FR in diabetic rats. Antioxidant potential of FR showed a great rise in superoxide dismutase, catalase content and reduction observed in serum nitrite level; while significant fall in lipid peroxidation level and of C-reactive protein was observed in FR treated diabetic rats. Further FR treated diabetic rats also showed marked improvement in tail flick latency, pain threshold, the rise in locomotion and fall latency period. Conclusion: Treatment with FR shows protection in the multiple pathways of DNN by improving blood glucose, HbA1c, biochemical, and behavioral parameters, which suggest the protective role of FR in the reversal of DNN.

Effect of moxifloxacin administration on pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid in rats

Pharmacokinetics of tolfenamic acid as a single drug (4 mg/kg, intramuscularly) and its co-administration with moxifloxacin (5 mg/kg, intramuscularly) in wistar rats were studied. The plasma drug concentration of tolfenamic acid was assayed by LC-MS/MS. Following intramuscular administration of tolfenamic acid as single drug and in combination with moxifloxacin in male rats, the mean values of observed peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax), area under plasma drug concentration-time curve (AUC(0-¥) ), volume of distribution (Vz), half-life (t½) and clearance (Cl) were 4111.44 ± 493.15 and 3837.69 ± 351.83 ng/ml, 20280.77 ± 3501.67 and 15229.18 ± 678.80 ng.h/ml, 822.17 ± 115.38 and 1249.64 ± 139.52 ml, 2.59 ± 0.16 and 3.27 ± 0.32 hr, and 218.39 ± 25.47 and 265.18 ± 11.36 ml/hr, respectively. The peak plasma drug concentration (Cmax) was significantly higher in female rats compared to male rats. The volume of distribution (Vz) of the drug was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in moxifloxacin-treated male rats compared to female rats. Concomitant administration of moxifloxacin may alter the disposition of tolfenamic acid in male rats.

Hematological and Immunological Changes Due to Short-term Oral Administration of Acephate.

To evaluate immunotoxicological effects of environmental chemical, subacute toxicity of repeated (28 day) oral administration of acephate (Ace) in BALB/c mice was assessed. Thirty two (sixteen male and sixteen female) mice were divided into four different groups with each group containing eight (four male and four female) mice. Mice of Group C1 were administered normal saline only and served as control. Group T1 was given 1/40 th of apparent LD 50 (ALD 50 ) (8.78 mg/kg), and group T2 was put on 1/30 th of ALD 50 [11.7 mg/kg], while group T3 received 1/20 th of ALD 50 [17.55 mg/kg] of Ace suspended in normal saline. The blood samples were collected from mice after 28 days of oral administration and analyzed for hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters. The study showed that hematological parameters (monocytes and granulocytes) remained unaffected except total leukocyte count and lymphocyte which were decreased highly significantly [ P≤0.01] in mice of group T3 on the 28 th day of experiment. Serum total protein (TP) and serum globulin decreased significantly in mice of treatment groups dose dependently; however, no significant change was seen in serum albumin. Progressive increase in live body weight of mice decreased significantly in extremely toxic group only while spleen:body weight ratio decreased significantly in dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, Ace produced suppressed humoral immune response and the delayed-type hypersensitivity response to Sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) was altered nonsignificantly. The results of this study describe the suppression of immune responses following exposure to Ace at low concentrations in experimental mice.

Pharmacokinetic Activity of Quercetin in Rats Following Single Dose Intramuscular Administration

Among various flavonoids, Quercetin (3, 3’, 4’, 5, 7-pentahydroxyflavone) has a unique biological elements having health benefits. It is a plant pigment, commonly found in vegetables and fruits in the form of a glycoside. It is categorized as a flavonol, one of the six subclasses of flavonoid compounds. It is known to have antioxidant (Ozgen et al., 2016), anti-inflammatory (Abbey and Rankin, 2011), anti-carcinogenic (Fresco et al., 2010), neuroprotective (Sasaki et al., 2003), antibacterial (Cushnie and Lamb, 2005) and antiviral (Gatto et al., 2002) properties. Most of pharmacokinetic studies of Quercetin have been conducted following oral and intravenous route but in veterinary clinical medicine intramuscular route is most preferred route of administration in domestic animals. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 10 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com

Chapter 51 – Shilajit

Shilajit is a widely used natural herbo-mineral in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine. It is a sticky brown to blackish physiologically active organic matter exuded from steep rocks in many mountain ranges of the world, especially the Himalayas of the Indian subcontinent. Shilajit is composed of humus and organic plant material, and its active constituents include dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, dibenzo-alpha-pyrone-chromoproteins, and fulvic acids. It exhibits antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and antidyslipidemic activities. It has cholinergic and parasympathomimetic effects. Studies conducted in animal models tend to support its use as a “revitalizer,” enhancing physical performance and relief from fatigue with enhanced ATP production. Further systematic research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism of action of shilajit as a rejuvenator. Studies involving animals and humans indicate that the use of shilajit may be safe and free from adverse effects. Additional well-controlled studies on standardized products are needed in humans and animals.